En Tois Epouranios #3

By Michael S. Mecikalski

We continue in our endeavor into the crucially important term EN TOIS EPOURANIOS, "In the heaven far above all heavens." (Eph. 1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12); with the realization of the tremendous gifts of unfolding spiritual wisdom gained from the acknowledgment of such wonderful truths!

Eph.1:5 "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons" (A placing of son's, Gr. Huiothesia, not children). There is a particular predestination (Gr. Prohorizo) and a particular sonship adoption (Gr. Huiothesia) united with the calling of the church which is Christ's body "In the heaven far above all heavens." Predestination (Gr. Prohorizo; Pro= "Before" and Horizo= "to set bounds". When Porhorizo is used in scripture it points more to what we are predestinated to more so than who we are; therefore, predestination" in Eph. 1:5 points to our "sonship adoption" in Christ Jesus our Lord; a "choosing out" "In the heaven far aboveall heavens." Before the creation of anything or any being! (Almost unthinkable realities aren't they?!!)

Of course God's Predestination is never without his "Foreknowledge" (Gr. Proginosko); He knows every choice we make and will ever make! There is also an extremely personal element to Predestination. (Look into the love and favor found in Eph. Chap. 1!) He knew beforethe foundation of the world that we would choose to believe the truth, of the mystery, the church which is Christ's body; He therefore, ordained before hand for us to be adopted sons "In the heaven far aboveall heavens!" Predestination does not eliminate choice. Some say that it doesn't matter what we know (Gr. Epignosis) or what we believe (Gr. Pistuo) ...ideas that have no foundation in Scriptural truth whatsoever!!

Satan's number one goal in this "Evil day" is the destruction of the truth of the dispensation of the mystery; he will try to totally discredit it, "water it down," "mix" or have it confused with other callings in scripture; he will try to nullify the awesome impact
of its truth; he uses ones devoid of true spiritual understanding causing havoc and disorder; The apostle Paul dealt with ones such as these day in and day out (Phil. 2:12-21; Phil. 3:17-19; II Tim. 4) The scriptures cannot be read like a newspaper; it's truth is revealed to those who have "Eyes that see," "Ears that hear," and "Hearts that understand;" Yes, even in the year 2001 A.D. (Eph. 1:17-19; Col. 1:25-2:3, I Cor. 2 - An ACTS period book but look at this Chap. slowly; The principle of godly wisdom)...We are dealing with the greatest truth ever revealed to mankind...it is as serious as serious gets.