The book of Ephesians is about riches and blessings from God in Christ Jesus (1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16, 21). The statement in 1:3 gives a panoramic view of God’s blessings to us: source of blessings – “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” scope of blessings – “every [all] spiritual blessings” and sphere of blessings – “in the heavenly places in Christ.” Because of these blessings, we give God the glory that He deserves (cf. Revelation 4:11; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 5:16). Consider the blessings we have received from God in Christ Jesus.
God Settled My Largest Debt
(2:1, 13, 16) with His Sacrifice
Three crosses donned the crest of Calvary many years ago: a Cross of Rebellion, a Cross of Repentance and a Cross of Redemption. When I survey the wondrous Cross of Redemption, I see heaven’s pledge (John 14:2ff.), the Devil’s defeat (Hebrews 2:14-15), the sinner’s plea (Romans 5:6-8) and the Christian’s hope (Titus 2:13). Unto God be the glory!
God Satisfied My Deepest Need
(1:7; 4:32) with Forgiveness
Sin is our #1 problem. Sin causes guilt (1 John 3:4; James 2:10), associates us with Satan (John 8:44), makes us sick (Matthew 7:17) and separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; 6:23). Since sin is our #1 problem, forgiveness is our #1 need. Forgiveness removes condemnation (Romans 8:1), makes us alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1, 5-6), reunites us with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) and makes us friends with God (Romans 5:10). The lyrics of the Gospel song are true: “Burdens are lifted at Calvary!” Unto God be the glory!
God Provided My Greatest Desire
(3:3-4, 10, 16-19): Guidance
The mystery of Christ has been revealed, inspired and confirmed (3:3-4). Therefore, Christians are to walk together in unity (4:1-16), walk in truth and holiness (4:17-32), walk in love, light and wisdom (5:1-21), display God’s wisdom in the home and church (5:22-6:9) and stand strong in the armor that God has given us (6:10-24). Unto God be the glory!
God Prepared My Highest Longing
(1:10-11, 18; 5:26-27): Heaven
I want to spend eternity in heaven because I’ve been invited (Matthew 11:28-30), our citizenship is there (Philippians 3:20-21) and it has been prepared for the redeemed (John 14:1-6). Consider the song that reads, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through, my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.” C.S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” (p.119). Unto God be the glory!
In conclusion, the only fitting response to our great God is to give Him glory – especially in the church, the company of His redeemed. May He receive that glory throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!
