"The one hope" of the mystery finds no exposition in these early epistles of Paul. It

was essential that "the mystery" itself should be revealed before its hope could be

In this chart the subject of the three spheres of blessing is approached by way of the

term "adoption". Sir William Ramsay, in his "Historical Commentary on Galatians", has

made it clear that the word "adoption" indicates the appointing of the heir, and is

tantamount to the privileges and prerogatives of the scriptural firstborn. If "adoption" is

predicated of three distinct companies, then, the Scriptures being true and trustworthy,

this threefold adoption demands three spheres just as surely as three firstborn sons are

impossible to one father apart from three different wives.

Adoption is the exclusive possession of Israel according to Rom. 9: 4, yet adoption

belongs to the seed of Abraham, whether Jew or Greek, according to Gal. 4: 5, and yet

again, adoption is the predestined blessing of the church of the mystery according to

Eph. 1: 3-5.

This threefold adoption demands a threefold sphere. It will be found that there are

parallels in the three spheres. First of all as to the spheres themselves.

The earth.--Psa. 2: 8 is all that could be included on the chart, but the reader can find

scores of references to prove that there shall be a kingdom on earth.

The heavenly calling is referred to by name in Heb. 3: 1, and by referring to

Heb. 11: 9, 10, 14-16 and 12: 22, together with Gal. 4: 26, we discover that this

second sphere is the heavenly Jerusalem.

The superheavenlies is the English equivalent for that position where Christ sitteth at

the right hand of God, defined as "far above all principality and power", and "far above

all heavens" (Eph. 1: 3, 20, 21; 2: 6 and 4: 10).

Three features are repeated in each sphere:--