Ephesians 1:3 Context
Ephesians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus, which was a city in modern-day Turkey. The primary purpose of the letter is to teach and reinforce the major themes of the gospel.
Ephesians 1:3 Meaning
After a brief greeting of grace and peace to the believers at Ephesus, Paul jumps right into a message of encouragement, praising God for his blessings on those who trust in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 Meaning: “Every Spiritual Blessing In Heavenly Places”
So what, exactly, does that blessing entail? First, he chose us to become his children before the world was even created. Second, he redeemed us, paying for our sins through the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ.
And finally, he revealed this plan to us, making us part of his unified kingdom and giving us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our adoption as his children.
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Verse 3 says that we are blessed with “every spiritual blessing in Christ,” but when Paul goes on to explain what that means, he focuses on our adoption into God’s family.
Why is that? Because there is no greater blessing than being a child of God. Whatever you’re longing for— health, healing of relationships, financial security, etc.—will all come to an end when you die.
Every Spiritual Blessing In Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
Without the eternal life that can only be found in Christ, everything is temporary and therefore is not as valuable as it seems in this world. But in Christ, we live forever in his grace and peace.
And as it says in Matthew, “All these things will be given to you as well” (6:33). In other words, as God’s sons and daughters, we have access to everything God has—which is everything.
Ephesians 1:3 Explained: Spiritual Blessings From God
As verse 4 of Ephesians 1 reminds us, he is the creator of the world. What could we possibly want that he doesn’t have? And as his adopted children, all of creation is our inheritance as well.
Ephesians 1:3 Application
Biblical Definition Of “Spiritual Blessings” (Ephesians 1:3)
Are you a child of God? If not, you are invited into his family by trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And if you are his child, remind yourself of that when you pray.
In fact, that is why Jesus began the Lord’s Prayer with “Our Father . . .” We are to come to him as his children.
Understanding Ephesians 1:3 – In Christ, Every Blessing Is Ours
That means in humility (we’re not the parent in this relationship), but also in boldness (we aren’t a stranger asking a favor).
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”