The Mount Morgan gold mine in Queensland, Australia is one of the richest in the world. For many years, though, the original landowners lived in deep poverty on the mountain’s barren surface. Even though the vast wealth was out-of-sight, it was beneath their feet all the time. Similarly, many Christians live the same way. They plod along and struggle through their spiritual lives, laboring every step of the way. They are unaware of the vast riches God has promised them, and therefore, they do not claim them. Not only must we count our many blessing, we must also claim them. Consider the nature of blessings found in Ephesians 1:3.
The Source of Blessings
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is the source of all blessings, both spiritual and physical! James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). We should have the attitude of certainty and assurance because God’s resources are ours each day and always; He has and continues to bless us. The hymn writer put it this way, “O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done” (Fanny Crosby).
The Sphere of Blessings
“In heavenly places (i.e., “in the heavenlies”) in Christ.” Since our sphere (domain) of spiritual blessings is in heaven, we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth (1 Peter 2:11). The New Testament Book of Ephesians is the counterpart to the Old Testament Book of Joshua. Just as Israel’s blessings were found in Canaan (the Promised Land), so ours are found in the “heavenly places.” Furthermore, all spiritual blessings are found “in Christ” (1:1, 10, 20; 2:6). Thus, it is only in Christ that these blessings can be received.
The Scope of Blessings
“All spiritual blessings.” The parameters of blessings are vast! Consider the ways God blesses us. He chose us (v. 4), He adopted us (v. 5), He accepted us (v. 6), He redeemed us (v. 7), He abounded grace to us (vv. 7c-8), He included us in His inheritance (v. 11), and He sealed us with His Spirit (vv. 13-14). We are deficient, lacking or wanting for nothing. All needs have been met by God! Our duty, responsibility and task is to seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Conclusion
We are made in the image of God, and He provides every blessing available to us in Christ. We must claim and count our many blessings.
