Beech Tree News Network

Who are you? Really? For the Christian, our primary sense of identity ought to be found in Christ. I am in Christ! I was made in the image of God. But I sinned and marred that image. Yet, through God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, I am blessed and being re-made in Christ. We are being “renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:23-24). God’s eternal plan was to bless us in Christ. 

In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul revealed that “every spiritual blessing” is “in Christ” and continued by listing several. “In Christ” is inarguably the theme of Ephesians 1:3-14. The phrase “in Christ” or “in him” or “in the Beloved” is used ten times in this brief passage making clear that from before creation God had willed how He would provide all spiritual blessings. He purposed in His will to bless us in Christ.

He chose us “in Him” before creation. Not us individually, but that those of us “in Him” could stand holy and blameless before God. He “predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” meaning that God predetermined not who He would adopt, but how He would adopt them, “through Jesus Christ.” That was what He willed, to bless us “in the Beloved.”

“In Him” we have the blessing of “forgiveness of our trespasses” through His blood. He is the manifestation of the riches of God’s grace. And “in Him” we have “all wisdom and insight” of God’s eternal plan to redeem humanity. What was once a mystery, that the prophets of old and even the angels longed to understand, He has made known to us, having set forth His purpose “in Christ.” 

“in Him” we have obtained an inheritance. God predetermined to make us heirs by our adoption through Jesus. All these blessings were waiting for us, by God’s predetermined will, in Him “when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him” (1:13). It is those that hear and believe the good news of Him that are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Good puts His stamp on believers as a pledge, or earnest money, toward our inheritance “until we acquire possession of it.” 

All these spiritual blessings are part of God’s plan to bless us “in Christ.” How can we not join Paul in praise? “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing!”

Every spiritual blessing is in Christ. Are you in Christ?

Bob McPherson lives in Warren County, but spends as much time as possible in Butler County.  He preaches for the Eastside Church of Christ in Bowling Green.  He can be reached at [email protected]