The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have a Bible Edge
Ephesians 1:3
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 only place in all of Scripture that the term “spiritual blessings” is used is in today’s verse. From it a few gems are given to help our understanding of them. So, let’s dive in!
First, notice that spiritual blessings originate from the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Next, notice that spiritual blessings are not gifts given but blessings bestowed. Do you remember the “Beatitudes.” This is a portion of the Sermon on the Mount wherein Jesus gives nine potential blessings that anyone can obtain. One is Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). Obtaining mercy is a spiritual blessing. It is unseen yet can be experienced. It is not earned so much as it is bestowed, meaning it is granted, or conferred upon. It, mercy, is received because it is first given, it is based upon being merciful. It is a spiritual blessing.
Thirdly, notice that these spiritual blessings are in heavenly places. This means they are out of this world. They are otherworldly. They begin in heaven yet are beneficial on earth.
These are blessings. Something extended from a gracious God in Heaven. After all, the first verse of Ephesians states that the book was written to …the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus… Saints and those faithful to Christ will someday enter heaven from whence these blessings derive. Then and only then can their full scope and richness be recognized. Enjoyed today, yes, but understood completely then when we see the heavenly places.
Fourthly, these spiritual blessings are in Christ. They were in Him while He was on earth, they were in Him during His resurrection appearances, they are in Him today as He is in Heaven, and they will be in Him upon His return to earth. They stem from Him to us which is an amazing thing when thought upon. Do you remember the Beatitude mentioned earlier about extending mercy and being blessed with mercy? Mercy is a virtue of Christ. If we are merciful, we shall obtain His mercy which is one of His virtues. Just like the woman with the issue of blood. Once she touched the hem of Christ’s garment, virtue left him and healed her. Likewise, when we extend our mercy, the virtue of His mercy is extended to us. It is a spiritual blessing.
Lastly, because these spiritual blessings in Christ are being extended to us from God, He should be blessed by us. Yes, He blesses us, but do we bless Him for His blessings? It’s possible! Think about it, being a blessing to God. You can if you want! And if you do, that will serve as an edge, a Bible Edge for life and the living of it. All the way to those heavenly places.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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