How does Ephesians 1:3 connect to God's promises in the Old Testament? Ephesians 1:3—The Blessing Stated “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.” How This Verse Reaches Back into the Old Testament • The phrase “blessed be” mirrors the Hebrew berakhah formula that opens many psalms (e.g., Psalm 103:1). • “Every spiritual blessing” signals the total fulfillment of promises God began unveiling in Genesis. • “In Christ” identifies Jesus as the promised Seed through whom those blessings arrive (Genesis 3:15; 22:18). • “Heavenly realms” points to blessings rooted in God’s throne yet already shared with believers on earth, echoing the covenantal hope of dwelling with God (Exodus 29:45-46). Tracing the Blessing Back to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:17-18) • God promised: “I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” • Ephesians 1:3 announces that the universal blessing promised to Abraham is now active “in Christ.” • Galatians 3:8 confirms the connection: “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’” • Therefore, believers—Jew and Gentile—stand inside Abraham’s covenant blessing today. Priestly Language Echoing Exodus (Exodus 19:5-6) • God told Israel at Sinai: “You will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” • “Every spiritual blessing” includes priestly access: believers now draw near to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). • The corporate praise that begins Ephesians parallels Israel’s call to proclaim God’s excellencies (1 Peter 2:5, 9). Kingdom Promises Foreseen by David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 72:17) • God covenanted with David: a Son will reign forever. • Psalm 72:17 anticipates: “May all nations be blessed through Him.” • Paul identifies Jesus, David’s greater Son, as the channel of worldwide blessing in Ephesians 1:3. • The “heavenly realms” underline Christ’s exalted kingship (Ephesians 1:20-23), fulfilling the eternal throne promised to David. The New Covenant Anticipated by the Prophets (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27) • Jeremiah foretold a covenant bringing forgiveness and internal transformation. • Ezekiel added the promise of a new heart and Spirit. • “Every spiritual blessing” bundles these gifts: – Complete forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) – The indwelling Spirit as seal (Ephesians 1:13-14) – A new community created in righteousness (Ephesians 2:10-22) Every Spiritual Blessing—A Comprehensive Fulfillment • Adoption (Ephesians 1:5) answers Hosea 1:10—“Children of the living God.” • Redemption (1:7) fulfills Exodus imagery of deliverance. • Inheritance (1:11) echoes the land promise, now expanded to the new creation (Isaiah 65:17). • Sealing with the Spirit (1:13-14) matches Joel 2:28-29. Living in the Fulfilled Promises Today • Praise: Like the psalmists, respond with thankful worship—Ephesians opens with doxology because promise-fulfillment stirs adoration. • Identity: Embrace your place in the Abrahamic family, the royal-priestly nation, and the new-covenant community. • Mission: Extend the blessing; God promised all nations would be blessed—and we carry that blessing to others (Matthew 28:18-20). |
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