Ephesians 1:3 (WEL) Blessed be the God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.
V3 Blessed be the God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.
When Paul states “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he does not refer to two persons but one. It is a Hebrew idiom and is used as such in the Old Testament, for example, Genesis 43:23, Exodus 3:6, and in the non-canonical book of 2 Maccabees in 2 Maccabees 1:24. In the New Testament, this is similar to Romans 15:6, 2 Corinthians 1:3, and Colossians 1:3.
These spiritual blessings are the plan according to His blueprint for those who believe and, in particular, those who are Christian believers (Pentecost to Rapture timeframe).
Paul praises God for all the spiritual blessings that He has given.
There are blessings in our physical life as health, peace, financial, family, etc., all of which are important. They, however, are temporary.
The blessings in our spiritual life are much more important and last forever and ever.
Some blessings from believing in Jesus and His Gospel:
Regeneration (born again)—1 Peter 1:23 and 1 John 5:1
Justification—Romans 5:1 and Galatians 2:16
Adoption—Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6
Redemption—Colossians 1:14 and Galatians 3:13
Indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the Comforting Advocate—Romans 8:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:16
Fellowship with God—1 John 1:3 and 1 Corinthians 1:9
Enter the body of Jesus Christ, that is, part of the family of God—Colossians 1:18.
Spiritual gifts—Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:7-12, 1 Corinthians 12:1-22, and 1 Peter 4:7-11.
Eternal life—John 3:16 and 1 John 2:25.
Promise of a new body—1 Corinthians 15:15-49.
Promise of never being abandoned by God—Hebrews 13:5.
Promise of heaven upon death—2 Corinthians 5:8.
Understanding Scripture more accurately—1 Corinthians 2:13-14 and Hebrews 4:12.
Assurance of salvation—Hebrews 10:22 and 2 Timothy 1:12.
A heavenly inheritance—Colossians 1:12 and 1 Peter 1:4.
Citizenship in heaven—Philippians 3:20 and Hebrews 12:22-26.
and many more.
We learn:
- The source of our spiritual blessings.
- A sampling of our spiritual blessings.
Questions:
- Have you thanked God for these blessings?
- Are you rejoicing and finding comfort that you have all these blessings?