En Tois Epouranios #11
/By Michael S. Mecikalski
Remembering what was discussed in article #10, we continue in our study of Eph. 1:10, “In the dispensation of the fullness of times,” as to when this dispensation occurs or occurred.
After the 1,000 years of the millennial kingdom are fulfilled, Satan is let loose out of prison for a little season to lead astray the nations once more, to make war with God and His saints (Rev. 20:3-9; interesting!). The Devil himself (Satan), the third member of the satanic trinity, is cast into the lake of fire, and along with the beast and the false prophet, are tormented day and night, (important to note that day and night still exist at this time), to the “agesof the ages” (Rev. 20:10). How long are these ages? They can refer to a short or long period of time; I do know that it does not mean eternal. The great white throne judgment takes place and those not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire, along with death and the grave. This is the second death. (Rev. 20:11-15).
It is very interesting to note that a new heaven (Gr. ouranon) and a new earth are stated by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John to be “created”, “for thefirst heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea” (Rev. 21:1). Does this mean the entire universe will be different or just the earth and its’ atmosphere? Does this mean there will be no more reason for water (H2O) to exist anymore? The Greek word for heaven used here is “ouranon”. In every Greek Interlinear books that I own, including the Septuagint (LXX = Greek translation of Hebrew Old Testament), this word can and does refer to the earth and its atmosphere, but it also does refer to all the “expanse” between the earth and the dwelling place of God Himself. For example: in Gen. 1:1, was “Inthe beginning God created the heaven and the earth;” again “ouranon” is translated heaven here. When God created “heaven” in Gen. 1:1, was this speaking only of the earth and its atmosphere? For example: read II Peter 3:1-13; this portion of Scripture should really get our brain cells clicking; in every instance of the word heaven or heavens used here, it is the Greek word “ouranio” or “ouranous,” (the plural forms of “ouranos”). For my last example: look at Matt. 3:1-17 and John 9:31-51; in John 6, every time the word heaven is used it is the translation of the Greek word “ouranos”. As stated in Article #1, the subject of “Inheaven far above all heavens”, is as far reaching in depth and revealed truth as any contained in all of Scripture since it involves a serious understanding of the Father’s complete redemptive plan.
¼continued.
Michael Mecikalski
