Blessings from God
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3
In Ephesians chapter one, Paul encourages the church at Ephesus. He teaches them about the eternal blessings in Christ Jesus that we all have as Christians. These are referred to as “spiritual blessings” that we have in the Heavenly realms. But these are not “pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by, when-we-die” blessings that we hope to enjoy when we meet Christ. No, these are blessings which begin on the very day you accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
Paul lists perhaps the key spiritual blessings in the rest of chapter one. The scope of this devotion does not allow us here to delve into all of the blessings listed. But let’s look at just a few of them.
First, we are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. This is not an argument for the doctrine of predestination, but rather a blessing to be cherished by all Christians. We have the assurance that God’s love for us reaches back to the very beginning of time. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.
The Lord extends His invitation to all, but it is up to us, individually, to accept that invitation. It is not for who we are nor what we have done, but rather through the saving grace of Jesus, who took all of our sins upon Himself on the cross. God looks through the red filter of the precious blood of the Messiah, so that though our sins be as scarlet red, they will appear white as snow in His eyes.
Next, we are adopted into the family of God. How great is that? Romans 8:15 says that we have received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Abba is a term of special endearment of a child toward his Father. It’s like the word “Papa.” That is not irreverence, but rather an intimate expression, depicting each of us as being in the very arms of God.
When we accept Jesus, we experience spiritual birth into the royal family of Heaven. We are truly God’s child. His Word tells us we become joint heirs in the kingdom along with Jesus. We will rule and reign with Him and enjoy all of the blessings of our inherited “sonship.”
Read the rest of the chapter to see the wonderful blessings bestowed upon us. Look up a commentary which will enhance your understanding of these blessings. All are due to us by the wonderful grace of Jesus.”
This week, thank God and praise Him for His wonderful, matchless grace, which is greater than all our sin. He has taken away all our burdens. He has set our spirit free. His grace has reached everyone. Share that wonderful grace of God with others.