> In the opening chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds believers of the incredible spiritual blessings they have in Christ. These blessings are not just ordinary; they are profound and transformative, deeply enriching the life of every believer. As we delve into and explore these divine blessings, it is important for us to reflect thoughtfully and intentionally on the boundless goodness of God.
Our Spiritual Blessings from God:
1. Chosen in Christ
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4)
God chose believers in Christ before the foundation of the world. This election is not based on our merits but on God’s sovereign grace.
As God’s chosen people, we have a grand purpose in His royal family: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
2. Adopted as God’s Children
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, becoming His children and heirs.
As God’s adopted children, we are assured of God’s enduring love as our Father: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” (Romans 8:15)
3. Redeemed and Forgiven
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has purchased our redemption and provided forgiveness for our sins.
As believers in Christ, we attribute our eternal salvation solely to the sovereign grace of God: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.” (Colossians 2:13)
4. Given Wisdom and Understanding
“With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:8-9)
God has granted believers spiritual insight to comprehend His will and purposes. This blessing goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge; it involves a deep, spiritual understanding of God’s plan for humanity and creation.
The “mystery of his will” refers to God’s eternal plan of salvation and reconciliation through Christ, which was previously hidden but now revealed. This mystery encompasses several key aspects:
- Universal Scope: God’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles in one body, the Church (Ephesians 3:6).
- Christ as the Centerpiece: The mystery revolves around Christ and His role in reconciling all things to God (Colossians 1:26-27).
- Cosmic Reconciliation: God’s will involves bringing all things in heaven and on earth under Christ’s headship (Ephesians 1:10).
- Revelation in Due Time: This mystery was kept hidden for ages but has now been revealed through the gospel (Romans 16:25-26).
- Transformation of Believers: The mystery includes Christ living in believers, transforming them from within (Colossians 1:27).
Understanding this mystery empowers believers to align their lives with God’s grand purpose and to participate in His redemptive work. It provides a framework for interpreting life events and making decisions in light of God’s overarching plan.
The apostle Paul wrote, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17)
This expanded understanding of God’s will should inspire awe and gratitude in believers, motivating them to seek God’s wisdom continually and to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
5. United in Christ
“To bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:10)
God’s plan is to unite all things in Christ, bringing harmony to creation.
Paul further revealed God’s purpose, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20)
6. Given an Inheritance
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11)
As God’s children, we have a spiritual inheritance in Christ.
We identify with Christ by sharing in His suffering: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)
7. Sealed with the Holy Spirit
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13)
The Holy Spirit is given to believers as a seal, guaranteeing our salvation.
Paul further reminds us that the Holy Spirit permanently resides within believers, urging us not to grieve Him: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
8. Empowered by God’s Strength
“And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:19-20)
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in believers.
Paul continues with a prayer for his fellow Christians: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (Ephesians 3:16)
Conclusion: Rejoice and Give Thanks!
As we reflect on these incredible blessings, let us be filled with joy, hope, and gratitude. Our position in Christ is secure, and our future is bright. Let us respond to God’s goodness with heartfelt praise and thanksgiving.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
May we live each day in the light of these truths, allowing them to transform our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Let us share this good news with others, that they too might experience the richness of God’s blessings in Christ.
Visit our companion site
Discover the Truth About Jesus Christ
Are you new to the Christian faith or seeking answers about Jesus? Visit JesusIsLordBlog.com for insightful articles, compelling reasons to believe, and a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Start your journey today!
