What is the meaning of Ephesians 1:3? Blessed be the God and Father To bless God is to speak well of Him, praising His character and deeds. Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Paul begins with worship, reminding us that every good thing originates from the Father (James 1:17). of our Lord Jesus Christ God is identified in relation to His Son. “Our” stresses personal relationship, not mere theology. John 20:17 records Jesus saying, “I ascend to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God,” tying believers directly to the same Father-Son fellowship. The lordship of Jesus means the blessings Paul is about to list come with the authority of the risen Christ (Matthew 28:18). who has blessed us The verb is past tense—already accomplished. We don’t strive for these blessings; we receive them. 2 Peter 1:3 affirms, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” The certainty of God’s action anchors our assurance. in Christ Union with Christ is the channel of every gift. Outside of Him, none of these blessings are available (John 15:5). In Him, we are “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6) and share His status as sons and heirs (Romans 8:17). with every spiritual blessing “Every” leaves nothing out. These are spiritual, not because they are intangible, but because they flow from the Holy Spirit: • regeneration (John 3:5-6) • adoption (Galatians 4:6-7) • indwelling (1 Corinthians 6:19) • sealing (Ephesians 1:13) • empowerment for service (Acts 1:8) Physical needs are met (Matthew 6:33), yet the emphasis here is on riches that cannot fade (1 Peter 1:4). in the heavenly realms The location is the sphere where Christ now reigns (Ephesians 1:20). Our citizenship is already registered there (Philippians 3:20), and our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Because these blessings reside where no enemy can reach, they remain secure (Romans 8:38-39). summary Ephesians 1:3 calls believers to joyful praise because God the Father, through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, has already poured out the full measure of Spirit-given blessings. These blessings are comprehensive, secure in heaven, and ours by virtue of our union with Christ. |
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