Paul states “heavenly places” five times and “heavenly places” is only found in the book of Ephesians. (1) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:1). (2) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph.1:3). (3) “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:20). (4) “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together (retreat) in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). (5) “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church (us) the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10).
The Bible gives us glimpses of glory in heavenly places at the burning bush, OT: “Take off your shoes on Holy ground.” NT: Paul got glimpses of glory on his unspeakable heavenly trip. Afterward, he was speechless, but wrote, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). But the greatest glimpse of glory is at the Mount of Transfiguration. Only James, Peter and John were given a heavenly glimpse of Glory. The unveiling glory of Jesus Christ was slowly revealed unto them. His glorified body shone brightly as the heavenly cloud above the Tabernacle, as the brightness within the Holy of Holies. The brilliant cloud filled the mount as the Voice of God again said, “This is my beloved Son.” On this earth, they were given a glimpse of Glory. It was a preview of what was to come. Peter was so deeply touched that he wanted to remain and build three memorials for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. As they got a glimpse of glory all could say, “It is good to be here.” Peter wrote about his unforgettable glimpse of glory (2 Peter 1:17-18). John wrote about his unique glimpse of glory (John 1:14).
There are “places” on this earth called “Heavenly Places” which give us a glimpse of heavenly Glory with a taste of things to come. In the midst of this stressful world, thank God, we still have access to a restful place of spiritual blessings in heavenly places. These glimpses of glory in heavenly places give us needed rest, refreshment, renewal, and restoration. Today we get a glancing glimpse of glory but one day the curtain will be drawn, the window will be open and it will no longer be a glimpse but glory shared with Moses, Elijah, James, Peter, and John. As they were once on the mount with Jesus, we will be in glory with Jesus. Glimpses ended! Glory eternal! We can also say, “It is good to be here.” Home at last! Glimpses of Glory!
