THE GLORIES OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

The glorious blessings of the Gospel of God, was brilliantly fleshed out in the first chapter of the book of Ephesians. This blessing is unique to God’s people and it’s a reality that should cause contentment, worship and joy.

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. Ephesians 1:3 ESV

Paul made a grand declaration of God’s blessings that He has bestowed on His people. He praised God for what He has given us in Christ. Hence, in the subsequent verses of chapter one, Paul went on to reveal the Triune God great salvation (Ephesians 1:4-14).

THE PROVISION OF THE FATHER 

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. Ephesians 1:4 ESV

The divine counsel of God agreed to save a people for His Son. As a consequence, the Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world, which results in God choosing us (Revelation 13:8, 5:9). Hence, God’s electing love is a privilege towards undeserving sinners. 

Evidently, holiness is the confirmation of election as it foresees believers future perfection. In His infinite knowledge, God fore knew from eternity past those who will be His children. Amazingly, believers are brought into an adoring perfect relationship with the triune God (Ephesians 1:5-6).

In effect, the Father sovereign initiative of electing and adopting His children was accomplished by the work of redemption through His Son.

THE REDEMPTION OF THE SON 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 ESV

Those whom the Father has chosen are the ones Christ died for to secure their salvation. Therefore, the redemption of God’s people occurred through the infinite blood of the Lamb which releases from the bondage from sin. It rescues from the judgment of God and ransoms from the curse but also away from the future presence of sin. 

The shedding of the eternal blood of Christ provides forgiveness of sins for the chosen of God. Therefore, this favour is God’s immeasurable riches given to poor undeserved sinners.

So also, the sovereign will of the Father was accomplished by the Son and applied by the Holy Spirit.

THE SEALING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 ESV

The Spirit seals those whom the Father has chosen and the Son has redeemed through His blood. As a consequence the Holy Spirit indwell the believer. He secures and preserves them to future glorification (Romans 8:30). Believers are given a guarantee of their future inheritance (Ephesians 1:14).

In addition, the child of God is assured by the inward witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). 

Ultimately, God sovereignly saves the elect to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6,12,14).

What’s the point of outlining these truths? 

Paul’s heart desires is for those who have been elected and adopted by the Father to know Him deeply. He prayed that the Spirit of God will open believers spiritual eyes to increase in wisdom and understanding. That is to grasp the hope of a glorious future and the depth of God riches and power (Ephesians 1:17-19).

This knowledge is not mystical or instant but progressive. It can be achieved through the Word, prayer and obedience. The mystery of God is Christ.

Finally, God’s great salvation began in eternity, for His children to be in eternity. However, salvation consists of events and processes. The Father elected, the Son redeemed and the Spirit sealed. Ultimately, salvation is the work of God therefore no human can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Finally, we can be sure that He who began a good work in us will complete it on the day of salvation.