Spiritual Blessings in Christ
“Blessed (praise) 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
Paul eloquently describes the beauty of God’s blessings to all who will possess them. A godly gift for those who have embraced grace, God’s blessings are sourced in the heavenly realms, not yet stained by sin’s influence on earth. Jesus Christ died on earth so we can have access to heaven’s spiritual blessings. Encouragingly, the blessings of God are unlimited and all sufficient. They precede from the Holy Spirit and are ever accessible to those who are mindful of their availability. “In Christ” we have all we need for life and death. We go to the source of blessings, our Lord Jesus. Gratefully and gladly, we praise Him!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3).
In silence and solitude we have access to the source of our blessings in the presence of our Savior Jesus. Our generous God has already given us what we need, it awaits our discovery and declaration of reality. Like an individual who is born into a God-fearing family has won the “genetic lottery”, so those of us born into God’s family have won the “spiritual lottery”. Only when we come forth in faith with our winning ticket of trust in Jesus, are we able to enjoy the abundance of our spiritual blessings: humility, forgiveness, peace, rest, hope and love, all represent the wealth of the Lord’s riches. Be mindful of your present inheritance and you will not feel poor.
What keeps us from receiving and enjoying the unlimited riches of God’s grace and blessings? When we fail to live by faith “in Christ”, we drift into other realms of security. To live “in cash” means I am content with stuff, but without more things I live in discontent. To live “in health” means I love God as long as I am medically sound, but sickness causes me to dismiss faith. To live “in control” means I am secure and unafraid, as long as I feel like I am in charge. But when uncertainty comes along, it robs me of my peace. But “in Christ” we are hopeful in our pain, forgiving in our injustice, humble in our success, restful in our routine and loving toward all.
“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:3-5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I gladly praise You for Your generous, unceasing blessings, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Application
What competes with my ability to abide in Christ? Is it stuff, sorrow or being out of control? If so, how can I replace these competitors with Christ alone?
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