Those who are in Christ are recipients of great spiritual blessings from God (Ephesians 1:7). It is these blessings that the gospel writers tend to focus more on than the material.
Consider the teaching of Paul in Colossians 2:8-10.
Verse 8 – There are deceivers and false teachers out there who are trying to lead God’s people astray. They are continually binding the philosophies and traditions of men.
Verse 9 – Paul clears up any confusion about the deity of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus is God (John 1:1).
Verse 10 – Paul makes it clear that those in Christ are “complete.” They are “crammed full” with every spiritual blessing they need from God.
Salvation
- Those in Christ have received redemption (Ephesians 1:7). To be “redeemed” means to be “bought back.”
- Those in Christ have received forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7). No person can go to heaven without forgiveness of their sins!
- Those in Christ have received spiritual life (1 John 5:11; Romans 6:11). They can experience real life now and in eternity.
- Those in Christ have received God’s grace (2 Timothy 1:9). While God has extended His grace to all (Titus 2:11), only those in Christ accept it on His terms.
- Those in Christ have received God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). While God does love everyone, only those in Christ receive the full benefits of His love.
- Those in Christ have received justification (Galatians 2:16).
Family
- Not everyone is blessed to have a physical family to love and care for them.
- But those in Christ have been made “sons of God” (Galatians 3:26).
- Those in Christ have clothed themselves with God (Galatians 3:27).
- Those in Christ have found true acceptance and equality (Galatians 3:28).
Comfort
- See Philippians 2:1. The word “consolation” that Paul uses here means comfort.
- God comforts His people by giving them full access to the benefits of prayers (Philippians 4:6-7).
- God comforts His people with His people (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
- God comforts His people by giving them the hope of heaven (Ephesians 4:4).
Conclusion:
Are you in Christ where all spiritual blessings are found? See Galatians 3:26-28.