In the first blog of our “Heaven” series, we find the Scriptural heavens are not references to the eternal realm but speak of elevations in this natural realm and of ruling authorities. The heavens are positions of authority that rulers maintain while insisting everyone submit and be subservient to their superiority.
While overlords tend to influence our perceptions of truth and reality by the positions they hold, there are more elevations to be aware of. Scripture provides an interesting clarity about the other positions of authority that we revere as superior. So we ask, what are our heavenly high places?
Our Beginnings
We are all created to begin life in this earth with a physical body and a deposit of God’s Spirit, known as the breath of life. (a) [See endnotes for NASB Scriptures] This equips everyone with the built-in ability to partake of and interact with both the natural and spiritual realms.
As we have noted many times, our life involves more than a natural existence. The ‘spirit of life’ in every person enables us to sense God is real, to interact with His eternal presence, to partake of spiritual insight, and even dwell in “heavenly places.” (b)
Scripture gives a few details about our first parent’s decision to ignore spiritual insight and focus on being “like God, knowing (by experience, the productive and destructive effects of) good and evil.” (c) Ever since then, our human perspective tends to focus on being in control and submitting to authorities.
A verse often quoted, ‘indicates’ our real struggle is with demonic powers that we have little or no control over; “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual wickedness in high places.” (d)
When we realize that the Greek word “arche” (translated principalities), means “beginnings,” we see more clearly what is being said. This Greek word appears in Scripture 56 times and the KJV translates it 40 times as “beginning.” The verse really says “we struggle with our beginnings that become as powerful forces of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the high places of our consciousness.”
You might ask– “what beginnings?” Our “beginnings” are the perceptions we receive and accept from Adam and Eve, family, teachers, and religious leaders. The good, bad, and not so good perceptions we adapt early in life become personal beliefs. As new light comes our way, our struggling is with what we already believe. Our “beginnings” are conscious strongholds, rulers of darkness holding us captive.
Our “beginnings” are the perceptions we receive and accept from Adam and Eve, family, teachers, and religious leaders.
Heavenly Places in Christ
Despite what has shaped our perceptions and formed our attitudes, Scripture encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind (our ability to reason), so that you may prove (establish) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (mature).” (e)
God offers us the fellowship of His presence so we can become more heavenly minded. His eternal insight improves and surpasses the wisdom we gain from this natural world. God’s inspiration and insightful direction lifts us into more of an eternal perspective and the quality of life it brings.
As we experience inspired transformations, 
we can say “blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (f)
When we interact with God’s presence we are able to eat from the Tree of Life. (g) This allows us to partake of eternal insight and eternal perspectives. (h) The Flaming Sword guarding the Tree of Life (i) is a visual that represents the actions that come when we repent of our ill perspectives and actions.
Our repentance and efforts to change, allows the sword of God’s Spirit to cut us free from our entanglements while its fire burns up the dross of our harmful and wasteful action. The angel is God’s agent to help free us from our faulty actions and remove their enticing and captivating sway over us.
Our “heavenly places in Christ” bring transforming improvement to our thoughts, desires, and actions. Some of these life changing experiences are noted in Scripture as a “rebirth from above,” as “baptizing immersions in God’s presence,” and as “anointing and inspirational moments.”
Our conscious interactions with God elevate our perceptions, improve what we think and believe, and enrich our quality of life. These transforming times also tend to have a positive and productive effect on our families, friends, and workplaces. Following God’s guidance can also affect our nations.
When we interact with God’s presence we are able to eat from the Tree of Life.
God Dwelling With Us
Jesus said “In my Father’s house (Greek: family, household) are many dwellings…I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am you may be also.” (j) Where was Jesus when he proclaimed this? He was following his Father’s guidance during this life. His prayer was not about a place in eternity, but where Jesus was in this life, experiencing daily interactions with our Eternal Father. (k)
God announced in the Old Testament that He would introduce a fresh love and devotion to Him and His ways during the days of “one like a son of man” (l) He said: “I will put my Law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (m)
Scripture encourages us to “arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (n) The Apostle Paul confirms God’s presence is with us: “we are the temple of the living God, just as God said, ‘I will dwell in their midst and walk among them.’” (o) The light of God-in-Christ is shining in our world!
The Temple of God is not a building, as majestic as some are: “The Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands.” (p) “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.” (q) David sang of “The city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her.” (r) As collective people of faith, God’s presence is with us, among us, and in our midst.
Today, we can seek the eternal influence God offers and join with David saying: “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart.” (s)
What beginning perceptions are occupying high places in our mind, complicating the transformation of our developing mind and expressive heart? Too often our personal perceptions of truth and reality keep us struggling with transforming new light. When we approach God as our insightful Eternal Father, we can transform more accurately and no longer be ruled over and restricted by our beginnings.
“God…when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ…and raised us up…and seated us with Him in the heavenly places.” (t) Yes, God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,” (u) “in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.” (v)
What a delight to know that God’s presence is among us! As we experience God’s light and love, we become better reflections of God’s expressive heart, for the presence of God-in-Christ abides with us.
The light of God-in-Christ is shining in our world!
a) Genesis 2:4-7; b) Ephesians 1:3; 2:6; c) Genesis 3:5; d) Ephesians 6:12, KJV; e) Romans 12:2; f) Ephesians 1:3; 2:6; g) Genesis 2:9; Revelations 22:14; h) John 17:3; Jeremiah 9:24; i) Genesis 3:24; j) John 14:2-3; k) John 14:6; l) Daniel 7:13-14; m) Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 10:16; n) Isaiah 60:1-3; Ephesians 5:13-14; o) 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; p) Acts 7: 46-49; q) Revelations 21:3; r) Psalm 46:4-5; s) Psalm 40:8; t) Ephesians 2:4-6; u) Ephesians 1:3; v) Ephesians 3:10
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder
Created To Relate author