Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: I. THE FIRST BLESSING IS DELIVERANCE FROM THE DEADLY CURSE WHICH SIN ENTAILS. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus." The sentence of eternal death is removed from every one who accepts Christ, in faith, as an atoning Saviour. Such an one is no longer under the law to be eternally punished, but under grace he is a forgiven man. II. OF THIS LIFE CHRIST IS THE SINGLE SOURCE. Paul addresses the Church at Rome as "alive unto God in Jesus Christ our Lord." The Master said, "Because I live ye shall live also." At the very acme of his assurance the great apostle could say no more than "It is not I, but Christ that liveth in me." If the nurseryman inserts the graft of a golden pippin into an apple tree, that graft might say truly, It is not I that live, but the whole tree liveth in me; the trunk itself is pledged to send me sustaining sap. The reason why so many of our Church members are such poor, stunted, sapless creatures is that they are trying to keep alive out of Christ. III. SO DIVINE A THING IS THIS LIFE OF HOLINESS IN ITS ORIGIN, THAT IT IS DESCRIBED AS A NEW CREATION. Man can construct out of materials at his hand; God alone can create out of nothing. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature." And this word "new" signifies also what is fresh, and unimpaired, and unworn, like a bright garment from its maker's hands. IV. A FOURTH BLESSING IS "ACCEPTANCE IN THE BELOVED." If we are received into favour, it is solely for Christ's sake. V. PEACE IS THE FIFTH BLESSING IN THIS CASKET OF JEWELS. The peace of God which passeth comprehension shall guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. Happiness beyond the reach of outside disturbance is assured to the believer, and harmony with God. VI. THE NEXT BLESSING IS FULNESS OF SPIRITUAL SUPPLY. Paul writes to his Colossian brethren, "Ye are complete in Him. Dean Alford's reading is a happy one — Ye are filled full in Christ." This is the pleroma, the inexhaustible reservoir which no giving doth impoverish. Why need I hunger when in my Father's house and in my Saviour's heart are such wealth beyond a whole universe to drain? VII. AFTER REVIEWING ALL THESE PRICELESS BLESSINGS, THE EXULTANT BELIEVER SHOUTS — "Thanks be unto God who always causeth us to triumph in Christ!" This is the believer's battle cry and paean of victory. (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: |
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