Ephesians 1:3

in heavenly places

Literally, the heavenlies. The same Greek word is used in (John 3:12) where "things" is added. In both places, the word signifies that which is heavenly in contradistinction to that which is earthy. In Ephesians, "places" is especially misleading. "The heavenlies" may be defined as the sphere of the believer's spiritual experience as identified with Christ in...

nature; (2 Peter 1:4);

life; (Colossians 3:4); (1 John 5:12);

relationships; (John 20:17); (Hebrews 2:11);

service; (John 17:18); (Matthew 28:20);

suffering; (Philippians 1:29); (Philippians 3:10); (Colossians 1:24);

inheritance; (Romans 8:16); (Romans 8:17); and

future glory in the kingdom; (Romans 8:18); (1 Peter 2:9); (Revelation 1:6); (Revelation 5:10).

The believer is a heavenly man, and a stranger and pilgrim on the earth. (Hebrews 3:1); (1 Peter 2:11).