We have been concerned in this study to establish

two related truths:

That `in heavenly places' refers to a sphere, a place, a condition

that answers the question where!

That `in heavenly places' is unique, and is found only in the

Epistle to the Ephesians.

The Mystery, concerning which Ephesians was written, is the only calling

of believers that goes back so far, even to `before the foundation of the world'

(an expression that awaits examination); it is the only calling of believers

that goes up to where Christ ascended when He passed through the heavens, when

He ascended up `far above all heavens'.  If these two features alone do not make

the calling of the Church of the One Body unique, language is emptied of its

meaning, and all our attempts to let the Scriptures speak for themselves is so

much waste of time.  If `unique' means, `having no like or equal; unparalleled,

unmatched, unequalled; alone in its kind in excellence', these references to the

phrase en tois epouraniois do most certainly indicate a sphere of blessing

`unparalleled, unmatched, unequalled' in all the annals of grace or glory.

It may be felt that nothing so exclusive, so unique, can be said of any

company of believers as that which we

have already considered.  The unique character of their blessings `every

blessing that is spiritual' is so wonderful, that however many times it be

repeated, it still `passeth knowledge', like the love of Christ.  Added to this

we have learned that this company of believers is the only one that can

entertain a hope whose sphere of realization is beyond the present limited

`firmament', and is indeed `where Christ sits at the right hand of God, far

above all'.  There is, however, more to be said before our examination of these

treasures of grace and glory is in any sense complete.  Let us repeat some of

the questions that arise as we read Ephesians 1:3,4.

What are these blessings?  `Every blessing that is spiritual'.

Where enjoyed?  `In heavenly places, far above all'.

At what period was the inception of this purpose?

It is to answer this third question that we now seek all-sufficient grace.

Before, however, we attempt this, we desire to assure every reader that we have

by no means forgotten the most important item of all -- that is, that these

spiritual blessings in heavenly places are ours, and ours only in Christ, but

this truth is stated so many times and in so many connections, that we believe

it will be more useful to concentrate upon the unique character of the calling

of Ephesians, before we consider that every blessing of every calling in any and

every sphere, must and only can be `in Christ'.

`According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world'

(Eph. 1:4).

It will be observed that `in Him' carries the thought `in Christ' on to

this new theme.  These unique blessings, this unique sphere are `according' to

something done in a unique period.