Do you think, as a Christian, you have been blessed? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think or hear the word “blessed”? Is it money or material blessing? There are so many blessings we as believers have in Christ that have nothing to do with money. Money isn’t a bad blessing at all but the love of it can be the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Some people do not feel “blessed” if material objects aren’t involved. I want you to know the vast riches of blessings you have in Christ. Ephesians 1:1-14 tell us the many blessings all believers have in Christ Jesus. God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (v. 3). These blessings come from the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:1-6 remind us of the blessings that come from the Father. These include being chosen (vv. 3-4) and adopted (v. 5). What confidence it is knowing God the Father has graced us by personally setting us apart with special purposes and making us part of His family! We are now Sons and Daughters (John 3:1; 1 John 1:12). The Father has also accepted us (v. 6) through a relationship with Jesus. In Christ we are made acceptable (righteous/in right standing) to God. Even if the world rejects you, the Father accepts you!

Ephesians 1:7-12 show Christians their blessings in Christ. Verse 7 says Jesus redeemed us by giving His life on the cross by purchasing us from the power, penalty, and presence of sin. Jesus has also forgiven us (7b). What a blessing forgiveness is! Jesus carried our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus also shows us God’s will (vv. 8-10). I hear the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” all the time. God’s will, described as a “mystery”, is only revealed to those in Christ. Jesus also gives us a great inheritance (vv. 11-12). Think about this: we gain an inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4) but we also ARE an inheritance FOR Christ! We are His bride! I am my beloved’s and He is mine (Song of Solomon 6:3)!

Ephesians 1:13-14 displays how the Holy Spirit brings us great blessings as well. We are saved by God’s only Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit seals us in our salvation. We can know we are saved. God keeps us saved by the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own works and no person, thing, or devil can ever break that seal (Romans 8:31-39). The Holy Spirit also gives us a pledge or an earnest. You’ve probably given “earnest money” as a down payment to show desire or earnestness towards a purchase. Jesus purchased our future on earth and in heaven but we haven’t stepped into it as it is future tense. How can we be sure of our future in Heaven or in future blessings and promises? God gave us the Holy Spirit as a deposit for our assurance. Now that’s a check you can take to the bank! 

Why do we get all of these blessings? Are they only to spend on ourselves and for our own pleasure? The blessings from the Father (vv. 1-6) are for the “praise and glory of His grace” (v. 6), the blessings from the Son (vv. 7-12) are “to the praise of His glory” (v. 12), and the blessings from the Holy Spirit (vv. 13-14) are “to the praise of His glory” (v. 14). Praise and glory be to God!  

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.