Heavenly Realms

Heavenly Realms

What is the significance of the term “Heavenly Realms” in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?

The phrase “heavenly realms” occurs five times in the book of Ephesians. It emphasizes Paul’s perception that—right at this moment—issues of ultimate importance for the Christian happen not just on earth, but in heaven as well. That is because Christians are united with Christ’s exaltation. Christ’s exaltation refers to his resurrection and enthronement at God’s right hand in heaven.

At stake are God’s eternal purpose and the titanic conflict between God and the powerful spiritual forces arrayed against him—a purpose and a conflict that come to focus in the history of redemption. Paul asserts that through their union with the exalted Christ, Christians already benefit in of every spiritual blessing that belongs to and comes from the heavenly realm. Christ’s exaltation to that realm and his elevation over all other powers and titles means that he rules over all for the sake of his church. Those who have been made alive with Christ share in Christ’s exaltation and enthronement in heaven. Thus, by the gathering of Gentiles and Jews into one body of Christ (the church), God triumphantly displays his “manifold wisdom” to the “rulers and authorities” in the heavenly realms.

As a result, the spiritual struggle of believers here and now is not so much against “flesh and blood” as against the great spiritual forces that wage war against God in heaven.

###########################

Content adapted from the NIV Study Bible, Fully Updated Edition

With its decades-long legacy of helping readers grasp the Bible’s meaning, the NIV Study Bible embodies the mission of the NIV translation to be an accurate, readable, and clear guide into Scripture. Specifically designed to expand upon the NIV, the NIV Study Bible’s editorial team crafts that same accuracy and clarity into every study note.

Bible Study

More
  • Your Identity in Christ

    If you can recognize the tension of the already/not... Read more
  • What if I’m Too Busy for God?

    Do you find yourself struggling to find the time in... Read more
  • God is our sustainer

    Who is God?

    Use this Bible study from the first chapter of Hebrews... Read more

Comfort

More
  • Your Identity in Christ

    If you can recognize the tension of the already/not... Read more
  • Burning Bush

    Burning Bush Moments

    God may choose to speak to you in ways that you never... Read more
  • How to Bring Light Into Darkness

    How to Bring Light Into Darkness

    How can we bring in the illuminating light of Jesus... Read more

Devotional Reading Plans

More
  • If I'm a Good Christian, Nothing Bad Will Happen

    If I’m a Good Christian, Nothing Bad Will Happen

    If you are good enough, can you stop bad things from... Read more
  • Why does a loving God allow bad things to happen

    Why does a loving God allow bad things to happen?

    Why would a God who is all loving and all powerful... Read more
  • How to Lead Small Group Discussions

    Leading a small group comes with its own obstacles and... Read more

Prayer

More
  • What the Church Fathers Had to Say About Christmas

    Read these passages of advent alongside timeless... Read more
  • A Top 100 Most-Asked Question About the Bible for the New Year

    Many people who read the Bible don't understand what... Read more
  • teach your children to pray for others

    Teach Your Children to Pray for Others

    This study from the NIV Adventure Bible can help you... Read more

SpeakLight

More
  • Romans 8:28 SpeakLight Danny Gokey

    Romans 8:28 / #SpeakLight / Danny Gokey

    And we know that all things work together for good to... Read more
  • James 5:16 - Steven Malcolm

    James 5:16 / #SpeakLight / Steven Malcolm

    Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for... Read more
  • 2 corinthians 5:17 phil joel

    2 Corinthians 5:17 with Phil Joel

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new... Read more

Spiritual Growth

More
  • What if I’m Too Busy for God?

    Do you find yourself struggling to find the time in... Read more
  • Burning Bush

    Burning Bush Moments

    God may choose to speak to you in ways that you never... Read more
  • How to Bring Light Into Darkness

    How to Bring Light Into Darkness

    How can we bring in the illuminating light of Jesus... Read more

Topical Reading Plans

More
  • He is Not Here

    He Is Not Here

    The death of Jesus, the death of God, was the most... Read more
  • What is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

    What is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible?

    Many people have found the Thompson Chain-Reference... Read more
  • who really was jesus

    Who really was Jesus?

    The author of the book of Hebrews explained, using... Read more