Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love Ephesians 1:3-4 WEB
Paul begins his letter to the Epheshians with a short greeting wishing grace and peace to the church members. In verse three, he proclaims God as blessed. Additionally, Paul writes of the fullness of the faithful’s spiritual blessing in Jesus Christ. In verse four, the great apostle begins to explain God’s choice to build his holy family from the faithful in Christ. Paul teaches that God planned this before creating the world. He continues teaching of God’s pleasure in predestining our salvation by his grace in Christ through the forgiveness of sin.
God is blessed by the faithful Israelites who accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Further, our heavenly Father is blessed with the multitudes of Gentiles who believe in Christ as they become adopted members of the Lord’s spiritual family. Paul teaches that our spiritual blessing and salvation comes by the grace of God. Knowing that corrupting forces oppose him, God planned our redemption before the foundation of the world. In order to cleanse us from sin, God sent his Son in his perfect likeness to pay the penalty for our transgressions.
The Gift of God
Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. KJV” Also, he taught in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid our sin debt in full. As Christ said with his final words on the cross in John 19:30, “It is finished. WEB” With these words, Jesus revealed God’s plan for the salvation of mankind as complete.
In his infinite love, God came to earth in his Holy Spirit filled Son to pay the penalty for our sins. As we read in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. WEB” Because of what Christ did on the cross, God considers each faithful repentant sinner as holy and without defect.
Righteousness by Faith
Every spiritual blessing we receive comes from the transfer of Christ’s righteousness to each believer. Because of his holiness, God allows us to be in his presence as his children and joint heirs with Christ in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord was determined to do this from before the foundation of the world. As we read of Abraham from Old Testament scripture in Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. KJV”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for making a way for me to be in your presence. Thank you for your saving grace and for every spiritual blessing you give. Lead me away from temptation. By the power of your Holy Spirit, guide me to do your will. Give me strength and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: God Our Savior
