The Scriptures tell us that blessings for the Church are not earthly; all blessings for the Church are associated with the heavenlies. The blessings are in Christ and are continuous through the ages to come. The promises to Israel were earthly; to the Church, they are heavenly. Here are some characteristics of the blessings to the Church:
- Our new body is eternal in the heavens
- Our living hope and inheritance are reserved in heaven for us
- Our calling is upwards, it is above
- Our citizenship is heavenly
- Our home is in the heavens
When we understand that our blessings are heavenly, we note that there are different Jerusalems in the Scriptures. People confuse the references to Jerusalem. Some believe that the New Jerusalem is for the Church. The heavenly Jerusalem is called Zion; it is above, referred to as the mother of us all (the saints), once again highlighting that our blessings are heavenly. This is the heavenly Jerusalem, not the “New” Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem is for Israel; the Church has been given something greater. The New Jerusalem will be made with the new heavens and earth and is the city that Israel was looking for (e.g., Abraham). This is the city spoken about in Revelation. The New Jerusalem is not the same as the heavenly Jerusalem. The home of the Church is heaven because God has provided much better things for the Church. Our blessings are heavenly and should not be confused with the blessings given to Israel.