Blessings in Christ

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3)

One of the things that I love about the Word of God is that there is no expiration date in it, it is for all men of all ages and applies as much today as it did when it was first given by the Holy Spirit. This is seen in the book of Ephesians, as the city of Ephesus was one that was troubled by sinful activities (idol worship, drunkenness, fornication, etc.) but in the midst of this city was a congregation of the Lord’s body; so is the case today as we are increasingly surrounded by the evils of this world we strive to live in this world and continue being faithful unto death. As the city of Ephesus was a hotspot for all kinds of worship, so are those that claim to be religious today, but just as Ephesus was reminded that the only true blessings are found in Christ, we need to reminded and warn those outside the body of Christ that the only way to access the spiritual blessings of God is to be IN CHRIST . Ephesians 1:3-14 will give us all that we need in order to know for sure that we must be IN CHRIST.

Ephesians 1:3 identifies the designation of all spiritual blessings that God provides. If one desires to receive any spiritual blessings from God, they must be in the designated place in order to receive those blessings, and according to the Word, all blessings are found in Christ. If all spiritual blessings are found in Christ, then there are no spiritual blessings outside of Christ. As a matter of fact, Ephesians 2:12 explicitly states that those that are outside of Christ have “no hope, and without God in the world.” If God has designated that all spiritual blessings are made available in Christ, the question must be asked “how is one in Christ?”. Galatians 3:27-29 states that those that have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ and are now heirs according to the promise. The church at Ephesus heard the preaching of Paul who explained their need to be baptized into Christ and after hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:3-5), and as Paul is writing the letter to the Ephesians he is able to greet them reminding them of the spiritual blessings they enjoy as they are in Christ. Not only is being in Christ the designated place to receive these blessings but it has been such from the “foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). God has designated from the beginning of time that He would shed His blessings upon all that are in Christ. This is done to fulfill the “eternal purpose” of God; the sending of His Son to die for our sins, and that Jesus may establish His church and through Him (being in His church) we may have boldness and access with confidence by faith of Him (Eph. 3:10-12).

What are some of the blessings that are found in Christ? When we are in Christ we are “a chosen people” (Eph. 1:4). Just as God has an eternal purpose to establish the church, He has chosen that those inside the church will receive these blessings. This is not to say that God has only elected to save a chosen amount of people, as some falsely teach, but rather that He has chosen to save those that will obey His commands (“whosoever will” Rev. 22:17). Not only are those that are in Christ a chosen people, but they are also blessed to be adopted as children of God (Eph. 1:5-6). Being that we are adopted in Christ we now have a new relationship with the Father, no longer having His face hidden from us because of sin (Isa. 59:2), but being able to enjoy the rights and privileges of belonging to Him, being joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17), and being able to cry out to Him (Gal. 4:6). In Christ we also receive the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7). Forgiveness of sins is only available in Christ, and only when one repents of sins, confesses that Jesus is Christ, and is immersed in water for the remission of sin, then and only then can one receive forgiveness. The “redemption” of our souls is only available in Christ (the word “redemption” is defined as “setting one free by the payment of a ransom). Not only is redemption possible through the blood of Christ, but also mentioned in Ephesians 1:7 is the forgiveness that is available. Forgiveness is a debtor’s term that is used to illustrate the taking away of a debt that is owed. Just as Jesus pronounced (Matt. 26:28), His blood was shed for the remission/forgiveness of sin. In Christ we are blessed with an inheritance (Eph. 1:11). The inheritance that is received in Christ is not an earthly treasure but is a heavenly reward that awaits those that remain faithful even unto death (Rev. 2:10). This inheritance is reserved in heaven for all that fight the good fight of faith (2 Tim. 4:7-8) and will be received on the Day of Judgment (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

God has sent His Son in order that whosoever will obey His commands may receive all spiritual blessings. Knowing the love of God, and redemption that He makes available, why would anyone not take advantage of what God offers? Are you in Christ? Do you have access to these blessings?