2. ENRICHED WITH GREAT BLESSINGS (Ephesians 1:3 - 2:22)

As recipients of grace and peace we have a wealth of blessing in Christ. The word "in" is used 93 times in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:3 "... who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

They come from the heart of God the Father through the great channel of all our spiritual riches, the Lord Jesus Christ. The atonement was the effect of the Father's love, not the cause of it. The cross of Jesus did not originate the Father's love, it fully expressed that amazing love

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Every Blessing Is Through Relationship With The Blessed Godhead

The Father's love - the Son's sacrifice - the Holy Spirit's activities in regeneration, sanctification and power.

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Every Blessing Is Ours In Christ - Who Is Our Forerunner

Having ascended to the throne of God - therefore we are blessed in heavenly places in our representative Jesus Christ.

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Every Blessing Is Of The Heavenly Kind

God has provided better things than just earthly blessings for us. The contrast is obvious - earthly riches are vulnerable - earthly honours passing - earthly pleasures fail - heavenly riches never corrupt. Its honours and pleasures are eternal (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17; Colossians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:4 ).

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Every Blessing Is For Every Believer To Personally Enjoy

"Has blessed us" (Ephesians 1:3 NKJV). How emphatic that "has" and "us" - insistence that every heavenly blessing is that of the believer in Christ. Being born again from above (John 3:3 ), we belong to the heavenly kingdom and enjoy all the fruits of Christ's sacrificial work on the cross. Bestowed on every believing church member is all the Father can give, all the Son can provide, all the Spirit can effect.

2.2. SELECTED BLESSING BEFORE EARTH'S FOUNDATION (Ephesians 1:4)

Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, ..."

The marvellous truth expressed shows our salvation to be no mere afterthought in the mind of God. The whole plan was conceived in eternity past. God not only foresaw our need of a Saviour, He foreplanned our fruitfulness in Christ Jesus (John 15:16 ) as members of His family.

Ephesians 1:4 "... that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: "

The intention of God is made known to be that the newborn found in Christ, perfect and without blame, experience that holiness in practical living before Him that brings delight. The loving relationship enjoyed in Christ is so renewing our outward life, that our whole being delights in God's presence (Psalm 42:1; 63:1 ). Yes, even our souls and flesh pant after God. A positive holiness that is total devotion, which is a satisfaction that brings full satisfaction.

Ephesians 1:5 "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, ..."

"Proorizo" To determine or decree beforehand - that which God determined was that those who were born of God would be placed in their proper position (adoption) as sons. God purposed that every believer in Christ be brought into His family and given the full status and privileges of sonship. (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1; 2 Corinthians 6:18 ). This most blessed of privileges is by Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16; 4:4,5 ). It involved the giving of His Son, and the Son giving of Himself, in accordance with the pre-determined divine counsel, that we might experience sonship.

Ephesians 1:5 "... according to the good pleasure of his will, "

In pre-determining our supreme good by so marvellous a means, He contemplates good, and only good, and satisfies His own pleasure by what He willed. God joys over our placement as His royal sons.

Ephesians 1:6 "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. "

The richness, fullness, abundance of God's grace is seen in the blood-bought Church. We owe our acceptance by God, to the boundlessness of His grace.

There is no mistaking that Jesus Christ the Son of God is the Beloved. (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Luke 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17 ). Being beloved in Christ is being loved as Christ is loved by the Father. Being adopted sons through the unadopted only Son, we share His acceptance and privileges - access to the Father. We are freely given all things. We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Beloved. This is indeed abounding grace.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What blessing in Christ was specially highlighted in your experience lately, for which you are particularly grateful? (Ephesians 1:3 ).
2. Are you included in the "has blessed us"? Then how do you personally experience and enjoy every blessing?
3. What convinces you that your salvation was no afterthought in the mind of God? (Ephesians 1:4 ).
4. What did God pre-determine for your supreme good? (Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1-2 ).
5. What does it mean to you personally to be accepted in the beloved? (Ephesians 1:6 ).