Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Wow, that is a mouthful! Reads like a will, doesn’t it? As you probably know, the drafting of wills have to follow specific format and even the punctuation is often different from a regular document to ensure there is no confusion as to what is meant by the statements made in it. This chapter of Ephesians is that kind of document, conveying redemption through Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of sins, revelation of his will, and the deposit of the Holy Spirit in each believer.

The first thing I observe is that there is equality. These blessings are for every believer in the sense that each believer was chosen by God, in Christ Jesus, before the foundation of the world. Then each was predestined for adoption as sons, all by the grace of God. And sons have rights as heirs, don’t they? [If you are a woman, please don’t take offence at the use of the word “sons” here. Bear in mind that in many cultures, then and now, women inherit little or nothing. In Christ, however, there is equality so “sons” is inclusive of sons and daughters.] (See Galatians 3:26-28).

What are some of the other spiritual blessings conveyed here? Holiness, blamelessness, his unfailing love, and union with God! No one can work to earn these blessings.  So they are gifts then? Yes! You are beloved of God, and these you inherit because of your relationship to him in Christ. Amazing grace!