You've been talking about "The Greeks will rule and reign with Christ in heavenly places." Isn't the word "places" properly interpreted "things" not planets, etc., in the heavens?
No, I did not say (and the Word does not say) that "The Greeks will rule and reign with Christ in heavenly places." What the verse says, is,...
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus
This issue of us sitting with Christ up there has to do with His rulership (as we'll see from Colossians), and our sharing in that rulership up there!
It is part of the blessing package that God the Father gave us, the church, the body of Christ!
Ephesians 1:3, 20
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
God will use us to rule with Christ up there. But also to show those up there now His manifold wisdom.
Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
So the "us" in these verses are all members of the church, the body of Christ, (including individual Jews like our Apostle Paul, Timothy, etc.), and not just the Greeks. The body is made up of both Jews and Gentiles and we all will "sit" together with Him in the heavenly Places!
+++
Now as far as "places" meaning "things," that is a good observation because the word "things" is actually used by Paul in another, parallel, passage in Colossians, teaching us of the things and places that make up the heavenlies.
Paul says that both heaven and earth have things...
Colossians 1:16-20
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
So we see that these "things" are both positions of authority as well as places to rule over.
Notice in verse 16 Paul says that the things are "thrones" (to sit and rule on), dominions (domains to rule over), principalities (more positions and territory for princes to rule), powers (even more authority).
Paul gives more light in Ephesians...
Ephesians 1:21-23
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
So while Paul uses the term "places" in Ephesians and Colossians to describe our ruling and reigning in heaven, God also has him use the word "places" to show that there is real territory (including the planetary system; which He created to eventually be inhabited, when the population of the earth is too great, possibly?)
Isaiah 45:18
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
When Christ sets up His earthly kingdom, it's population will increase forever, which will eventually over populate the earth, therefore it is my understanding from scripture that the other planets were created to handle the load, and we, the body will rule over this entire heavenly realm or places!
Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Hopefully this helps...Maranatha!
†††
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sonship Edification
No comments:
Post a Comment