Every spiritual blessing

March 11, 2021 (Thursday)

 

One of Paul’s main theological points is “in Christ.” It is “in Christ” that we have the theological lens to understand our relationship to God the Father.

 

Paul begins an extended praise session in Ephesians 1:3 with, “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.” [ESV] Notice, praise is an extension of our theology. Every spiritual blessing is “in Christ.” Notice the type of blessing: spiritual. Notice the place: heaven.

 

Here’s the question. Do you want JUST external blessing now? Do you want the kind of blessings that will be completed in heaven? Our psychological make up tends to demand immediate gratification. Waiting is hard. Waiting takes discipline. Waiting risks misunderstanding. Waiting sounds like a bait and switch. Yet Paul continues by explaining these spiritual blessings, hinting they start now.

 

“God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world.” [Ephesians 1:4 CEB] Some people get confused at the idea that chose us before the creation of the world. God planned, before the world was created, for us to be holy and blameless in His presence.

 

Paul continues, “God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan” [Ephesians 1:5 CEB] The word “destined” is generally worded “predestined.” What Paul is saying is those who believe are destined to enjoy being children of God. This was done because God wants to do it and God planned to do it. We are people of destiny.

 

God’s “unalterable purpose” (John Wesley) is to issue this blessing to those who are “in Christ.” There is a strange theological idea in American culture that suggest everyone is a “child of God.” This is misleading. The Bible is clear that ONLY those “in Christ” enjoy this blessing.

 

We are chosen (“elected”) for the purpose of being “holy and blameless in God’s presence.” Then we are destined (“predestined”) to secure the blessing of being “adopted” as God’s children. God’s motivation is love. God loves the world, at least that’s what Jesus stated in John 3:16.

 

How did God do this? I am so glad you asked!!! Paul continued in Ephesians 1:7, “We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.” [CEB] The word “ransomed” has also been translated “redeemed.” Both are strong images. Literally the Greek word means “a release effected by payment of ransom.” (Thayer)

 

The parallel idea to “ransomed” is “forgiveness.” The Greek word here means, “release from bondage or imprisonment.” (Thayer) A payment has been made “through his Son’s blood” to secure our release. This gives us release from our “failures.” This is one of the many Greek words for “sin.” Literally it means to slip, trip, or slide into a deviation or error. (Strong, Thayer)

 

In other words, God’s overflowing grace covers our sins. This grace is obscenely excessive in abundance (see Ephesians 2:7). God’s grace is greater than any and all our sin. I think the force of the text AND the context means that we are freed from the penalty of our sins and the current power it holds over us. We can enjoy the blessing of being God’s child today and then forever into eternity.