Ephesians 1:3

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Paul is telling us, in essence, “All who follow Jesus are blessed with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, where Christ is.” What an incredible promise to God’s people.

Yet, this promise becomes mere words if we don’t know what these spiritual blessings are. How can we enjoy the blessings that God promises us if we don’t comprehend them?

Paul wrote this epistle “to the … faithful in Christ Jesus” (1:1). These were believers who were sure of their salvation. The Ephesians had been well trained in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life. They knew who they were in Christ and assured of their heavenly position in him. Indeed, they were well-grounded in the truth that they were made to “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:6).

These “faithful ones” fully understood that “God … raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (1:20). They knew they’d been chosen by God from “before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (1:4). They grasped that they were adopted “by Jesus Christ to himself” (1:5). God had brought them into his family because when they heard the word of truth, they believed and trusted it.

The Ephesian believers were truly a blessed people. They rejoiced in their redemption through Christ’s blood, knowing the great spiritual blessing of being forgiven of their sins. Indeed, they were so knowledgeable about the riches of God’s grace, most were capable of teaching others. If they met people who were hungry for God, they could show them the glory of the Cross. They could teach of God’s mercy and love, of his holiness, of walking blameless before him. They could speak of the Resurrection, of God’s goodness, of heaven and hell, and of the consequences of living in sin.

I trust that most who are reading this message are like those Ephesians: faithful, well-taught believers. You know the redemptive power of the gospel of Christ. You know the doctrine of the new birth. You’re well-schooled in the knowledge of grace, accepting the victory that comes by faith alone and not by works. Today, enter into the supernatural joy available to you in Christ.