Ephesians
Ephesians Chapter One:
Verse 3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,
The literal translation is “in the heavenlies” according to the New Scofeld Reference Bible (1967). This has to do with the sphere of the Christian’s spiritual experience as identified with Christ in nature (1Pet 1:4), life (Col 3:4, 1 John 5:12), relationships (John20:17, Heb 2:11), service (Matt 28:20, John 17:18), suffering (Phil 1:29, 3:10, Col 1:24), inheritance (Rom 8:16,17) and future glory in the kingdom (Rom 8:18-21, 1 Pet 2:9, Rev 1:6, 5:10). The Christian is a heavenly man, and a stranger and pilgrim on the earth. (Heb 3:1, 1 Pet 2:11).
Verse three tells us we are blessed by God in all these areas of life. Peter puts it this way – that God according to His divine power has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet 1:3). I would like to look at the list that Scofeld has given us. I am sure it is not a complete list, but one that needs our scrutiny.
Nature – 1 Pet 1:4 an incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance reserved in heaven for you. (1 Cor. 3:12) We build on this inheritance with gold, silver, precious stones or wood hay or stubble.
Life – Col. 3:4 When Christ is revealed in glory so shall we be in glory. (1 Cor. 15:53 & 1 Jn 3:2) 1 John 5:11,12 We only have life in Christ. There is no other one that gives life.
Relationships – John 20:17 God is now our personal Father and our personal God.
Heb. 2:11 Christ and all the saved have the same Father. Christ has made us
brethren and is not ashamed of us.
Service – Matt 28:20 Jesus Christ is with us always. He will not leave us or forsake us. We are empowered by His Spirit. John 17:18 As God the Father sent Christ into the world (filled with His Spirit), Christ sends us into the world (filled with His Spirit).
Suffering – Phil 1:29 For the magnification and glory or Christ, not only do we believe, but we suffer for Him (here on earth). Col 1:24 complete and fulfill the sufferings of Christ. When we suffer for Him, He suffers with us.
Inheritance – Rom 8:16,17 God’s Spirit confirms our sonship/daughtership to God. This makes us the heirs of the kingdom; we are joint heirs with Christ.
Future Glory – Rom 8:18-21 God’s glory in Christ will ond day be revealed in us (1 John 3:2). All creation will be released from the curse on that day.
1 Pet 2:9 We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood. (Jer 31:34, Heb. 8:11)
Rev 1:6 We will be priests and kings.
Rev 5:10 We will be priests and kings that reign on the earth with (under) Christ.
This completes Scofeld’s list in the commentaries at the bottom of the page. I think we could add to this list as follows:
The Forgiveness of All Sin Completely – 1 Pet 3:18 The just and righteous Christ has once suffered once and for all for all of our sins. 1 Pet 2:24 Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Christ has paid it all. Jer. 31:34b, Heb. 10:17 tells us that are iniquities and sins will not be remembered. One we have trusted Christ, confess, and forsake sin it will not be
mentioned again.
Answered Prayer – Heb. 4:1516 We can boldly (without fear) come before our Father and ask for His mercy and grace. 1 Pet 3:12, Psa. 34:15 God’s eyes are constantly upon us and His ears are open to our cries. Isa. 65:24 The answer is already on the way.
A Heavenly Home – John 14:1-4 Christ has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house. He is coming back for us who know the way which is to believe and trust in Christ.
Protection – Job 1 & 2 God does not allow the enemy or the world to do more to us than what He approves. Psalm 91 God promises His protection.
