Before we leave this great theme, we must point out that we must learn to distinguish between what is heavenly

in character and what is not only heavenly in character, but heavenly in sphere of blessing. The Hebrew believers

to whom the epistle to the Hebrews was addressed were described as having `tasted of the heavenly gift' (6:4). This

gift was heavenly in character, but they certainly did not taste it in heaven, but on earth. The phrase `in the

heavenlies', expressing location is unique to the epistle to the Ephesians, where it occurs five times (1:3,20; 2:6;

3:10; 6:12).

As far as our studies have taken us we find that there are at least three spheres of blessing prepared by God in

His redemptive purpose for the new heavens and earth:

The millennial earth and the new earth to follow `The meek shall inherit the earth' (Matt. 5:5).

The heavenly Jerusalem which finally descends from heaven and forms part of the new earth (Heb. 12:22;

Rev. 21:2, 10, 23,24).

The right hand of God - the heavenly places `far above all' (Eph. 1:19-21;2:6).

In each of these spheres God has a company whom He likens to the firstborn son, the position of privilege

(1) Israel (Exod. 4:22)

(2) the `church of the firstborn' linked with the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:23).

(3) The Body linked to the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Firstborn of all creation because He created

all things (Col. 1:15-18).

There can be no doubt whatever that in the Prison Epistles of Paul we reach the high water mark of divine

revelation. As before stated no one can reach a more exalted position than that which the Lord Jesus now occupies

in ascension. Is it any wonder that, in these epistles, Paul deals with the `exceeding' things of God? One cannot

help feeling that the Apostle found no human word to describe adequately the greatness or fulness of this supreme

calling of God. Consequently `exceeding' becomes one of his characteristic words in these letters from his prison.

Here we have spiritual riches beyond dreams which await reception by faith. The word `riches' occurs eight times in

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and 2 Timothy as follows:

`In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the

riches of His grace which He lavished upon us ...' (Eph. 1:7 R.S.V.).

`... That you may know ... the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints' (Eph. 1:18 N.I.V.).

`... in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His

kindness to us in Christ Jesus' (Eph. 2:7 N.I.V.).

`To me (Paul), though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the

unsearchable riches of Christ ...' (Eph. 3:8 R.S.V.).

`... that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with might through His Spirit

in the inner man ... (Eph. 3:16 R.S.V.).

`And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus' (Phil. 4:19

`To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this Mystery

(Secret)' (Col. 1:27 R.S.V.).

`So that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the Mystery

(Secret) of God, namely, Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Col. 2:2,3

This colossal spiritual wealth awaits appropriation by faith, as the Holy Spirit gives the enlightening that we all need

*

so much.

*

For a verse by verse exposition of the Prison Epistles of Paul, see Letters from Prison by the author, Berean

Publishing Trust, 52a Wilson St., London EC2A 2ER.