ascension and one or two passages give further meaning and point to the phrase

we are examining.  When the apostle speaks of the ascension in the epistle to

the Hebrews (4:14), he says of Christ that He `is passed into the heavens',

which the Revised Version corrects to read `passed through the heavens'.  The

word here is dierchomai `passed through' as Israel passed through the Red Sea (1

Cor. 10:1), or as the proverbial camel is spoken of as going through the eye of

a needle (Matt. 19:24).  Again, in Hebrews 7:26 Christ is said to have been made

`higher than the heavens'.  We can therefore understand that the epi in the

compound epouranios does really indicate position and place -- every reference

so far considered points to that one fact, this is `where' Christ sits, this is

`where' all spiritual blessings will be enjoyed.

However, we have not yet concluded our examination.  Christ is said to be

in `heaven' (Heb. 9:24) in the selfsame epistle that says He `passed through the

heavens'.  How can this be?  The Hebrew reader acquainted with the first chapter

of Genesis would need no explanation.  The heaven, which is `at the right hand

of God' is the heaven of Genesis 1:1.  The heavens through which Christ `passed'

and above which He ascended is called the `firmament'

or `expansion' in Genesis 1:6.  This `heaven' spread out during the ages `as a

curtain' and `as a tent to dwell in' is to pass away.  The Lord is far above

this limited `heaven' and so is the sphere of blessing allotted to the church of

this dispensation.

While there are references in the Old Testament Scriptures, as well as in

the New, which show that saints of old knew that there were `heavens' beyond the

limited firmament of Genesis 1:6, no believer ever entertained a hope that the

sphere of his blessing was there where the exalted Christ now sits `far above

all heavens', yet this is what we are now to learn.

The expression en tois epouraniois occurs five times in Ephesians as

A 1:3.

`In heavenly places'

Dispensation of fulness of times.

Mystery of His will.

The purpose in Himself.

B

1:20. `In heavenly

Principality and power.

Power, strength, might.

Power inwrought.

C

2:6. `In heavenly places'

A 3:10. `In heavenly places'

Dispensation of the grace of God

The Mystery.

The purpose of the ages.

B

6:12. `In high places'

Principality and power.

(A.V.) (heavenly

Strong, power, might.

places R.V.).

Power worked out.

We will not attempt to examine these references here, but each one will

come before us in its turn, and will be given the attention that such a