Tag spiritual blessings

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: FORGIVENESS

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

The main spiritual blessing found only in Christ is the forgiveness of sins. Some erroneously say one can never lose salvation, while others claim we are immediately lost every time we stumble.

John wrote to the disciples so we may know that we have eternal life. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1John 5:17). The written words of the New Testament give us this assurance. Let us consider a few simple questions that help us know where we stand.

Have we Heard and Obeyed the Gospel (2Thess 1:8)? (see the here for a simple outline of God’s plan of salvation). Assurance begins with a clear and obedient response to the gospel of Christ. The New Testament presents a consistent pattern for entering into Christ and remaining in Him. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). If we have obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins.

What happens we do when we stumble? John acknowledged that we all sin at times, yet he pointed us to the remedy. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1; see also 1:7–2:2). John’s first letter distinguishes between the person who lives in habitual sin and the one who stumbles but turns back to the Lord.

Are we Knowingly, Willingly, and Habitually Violating the Doctrine of Christ Without Repentance? Assurance is not for those who deliberately and persistently reject the teaching of Christ while claiming faith. The New Testament issues solemn warnings; “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:26-27). Even in such a condition, repentance remains possible, as the example of Simon in Acts 8:18-24 shows.

Finally, are we practicing self-examination daily? True assurance involves honest, ongoing self-examination in light of Scripture, preparing us for the final judgment. “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

John was telling the truth when he said that that through these things “ye may know that ye have eternal life.” There are many things we do not know, but through faith which comes from reading, studying, and obeying God’s word, we can know the truth and be set free.

Agape

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All Spiritual Blessings In Christ: Adoption

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Adoption & Heirs
Every spiritual blessing God gives comes to us only in Christ. The apostle Paul opens Ephesians with this sweeping truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3).

Among the greatest of these blessings are adoption and inheritance. Through faith in Jesus, God takes us who were once outsiders and adopts us as His own children. We are no longer slaves or strangers but sons and daughters in His family. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7).

This adoption brings full rights. We receive the Spirit of adoption. And because we are now children, we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. An eternal inheritance awaits us that nothing in this world can take away. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:15-17).

How did we come to this inheritance and adoption? Paul wrote by inspiration, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).

We’re able to be baptized into Christ because of what He did on the cross. “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby… Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:14-19);

All of it is found in Christ alone. Through Jesus we are welcomed home, fully adopted, and made rich with every spiritual blessing the Father has to give. Now all that remains is the redemption of our body when Christ returns. “…even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). Having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Peter 1:3-5).

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ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST

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“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

This happy condition of not being damned comes only to those in Christ Jesus. Being in Christ evidently refers to those who are obedient to the Gospel having been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:36-27).

Sin condemns us. In Romans 7, Paul describes mankind’s struggle with sin and the bondage it produces. Sin separates us from God and through it we have sold ourselves into bondage (Rom. 7:14; Isaiah 50:1). But now, through Christ our redeemer, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Him and walk after the Spirit.

The Law of Moses condemns us. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Rom. 7:7). The law itself was holy and good (Rom. 7:12), but it exposed sin and made men conscious of their guilt. Through Christ, however, those who are in Him are freed from the condemnation that comes from transgressing the old law (Rom. 8:2-4).

Satan, is called the accuser (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:9; Zec. 3:1), and there are many who oppose the gospel of Christ and seek to condemn God’s people. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:33-34). Through Christ, the accusations of the adversary cannot condemn those who remain faithful to Him.

Romans 8:1 specifies this freedom from condemnation is for those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” It is not a one-time event only, but a continuing walk. To walk after the Spirit is to live according to the teaching revealed by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Apostles and prophets (John 14:26; 16:13-15; Eph. 3:3-5). Those who are led by the Spirit are those who submit themselves to the word the Spirit revealed (Rom. 8:13-14). Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), and the written testimony of the Apostles was given so men might believe and have life through Christ (John 20:30-31).

This spiritual blessing provides comfort for those who are in Christ, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1John 5:13). Some may interpret this as once saved always saved, but don’t be confused. We can leave Christ (1Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12; 6:4-6; 10:26-29) and stop abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2John 1:9-10; John 6:66).

But now, through Christ, there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ and walk after the Spirit. We are imperfect people, and we have access to forgiveness through Christ. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).

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All Spiritual Blessings in Christ: Prayer

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

Prayer is one of those spiritual blessings enjoyed by those in a covenant relationship with God. Here are some passages about this spiritual blessing.

Prayer rejected due to sin
• Proverbs 28:9 “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”
• Isaiah 1:15 “When ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”
• Micah 3:4 “Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them… as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.”
• Zechariah 7:13 “Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear.”
• John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”

Hypocrisy / rebellion prevents prayer
• Proverbs 15:29 “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”
• Proverbs 21:27 “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?”
• Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
• James 4:3 “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

Sin separates from God (prayer not heard)
• Isaiah 59:1–2 “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God… that he will not hear.”
• Jeremiah 11:11 “Though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.”
• Jeremiah 14:12 “When they fast, I will not hear their cry… I will consume them.”
• 1 Peter 3:12 “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous… but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”

Obedience required for answered prayer
• 1 John 3:22 “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”
• Hebrews 5:9 “He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Here’s the good news, God hears our prayers “IN CHRIST.” Because we have obeyed the Gospel through faith we have access to God through prayer. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16; Eph 2:18; 3:12).

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How to get All The Spiritual Blessings that are in Christ

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

Last month we saw how all spiritual blessings are IN CHRIST, and none are for those OUTSIDE of Christ. This month we shall answer the all-important question, “How to be in Christ?”

Continuing in the first chapter of Ephesians, all spiritual blessings (such as election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and sealing with the Holy Spirit) belong exclusively to those who are “IN CHRIST” (Ephesians 1:3–14).

To be “IN CHRIST” means to be united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection, then His righteousness, and blessings become yours (Romans 6:3–11; 2Cor 5:17, 21; Col 2:12; Gal 2:20).

The New Testament describes this union as happening through faith in Christ, through FAITH, REPENTANCE and BAPTISM:

Faith is the means: “Ye are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Believing the gospel of Jesus Christ begins our unity to Christ (Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Repentance is inseparable from faith: Repentance was preached by Jesus at the beginning when Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). And continued to be preached after His death, burial, & resurrection, “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21; cf Acts 2:38).

Baptism in water is the point of inclusion: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:42, 47). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death” (Romans 6:3). “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Note that it is faith in God’s work as we obey the Gospel.

Thus, one becomes “IN CHRIST” by Hearing, Believing the gospel of Christ, Repentance, Confession (Romans 10:9), then being Baptized into Him (immersion in water in His name, Acts 2:38). It’s only then that a person is a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17), reconciled to God, and receives every spiritual blessing in Him.

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All Spiritual Blessings are IN CHRIST

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

From this verse we learn that those who are “IN CHRIST” have been given spiritual blessings. There is a very important distinction being made by this verse; those “IN CHRIST” from those who are “OUTSIDE of CHRIST.”

Paul describes those who are (or were) outside of Christ: “…who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph 2:1-3), and “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12, emphasis added seb). There’s more going on in these chapters, but for our discussion we must recognize that there are NO SPIRITUAL blessings for anyone OUTSIDE OF CHRIST! This must serve as a warning for everyone. Living outside of Christ is like standing exposed in the open wilderness during a ferocious storm—far beyond the sturdy walls of a fortified city or the secure shelter of a stormproof refuge.

The winds howl, lightning cracks without mercy, torrents of rain lash, and unseen predators circle in the darkness. Every step is perilous: the ground shifts underfoot, thunder drowns out any cry for help, and the cold seeps into the bones with no warmth to counter it. There is no barrier against the elements, no refuge from judgment, no covering from the wrath to come. There’s only vulnerability, isolation, and inevitable ruin.

Jesus Himself described this danger vividly in the parable of the two builders (Matthew 7:24-27): The foolish man built his house upon the sand. When the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Outside of Christ, life is built on shifting, unstable ground. No matter how impressive the structure appears, the inevitable storms of life, temptation, trial, and final judgment will sweep it away completely.

In stark contrast, the wise man built his house upon the rock. The same rain fell, the same floods came, the same winds blew and beat upon that house—yet it stood: for it was founded upon a rock.

Do you remember what Jesus declared to Peter in Matthew 16:18? “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That Rock is Christ!

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS ARE IN CHRIST!

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6 Blessings we have in Christ.

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All Those Spiritual Blessings | The Heaton File

The Abundant Blessings We Have in Christ

As faithful believers, our union with Jesus Christ grants us a treasure trove of spiritual riches, transforming our lives and securing our eternal destiny. The Bible reveals many profound blessings we receive through Christ. Here are 6 amazing blessings we have through Christ.

First, we experience cleansing from sin through Christ’s atoning work. The Bible declares, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7, KJV). Additionally, Hebrews 9:14 assures us, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Through Christ, our sins are washed away (in baptism, see Acts 22:16), freeing us from guilt and enabling us to live in righteousness.

Second, we are given the hope of heaven, a confident expectation of eternal life with God. Colossians 1:5 speaks of “the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” Titus 1:2 further confirms, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” This hope anchors our souls, giving us peace and purpose as we await our heavenly home.

Third, we receive redemption in His blood, the price paid for our freedom from sin’s penalty. Ephesians 1:7 states, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Likewise, 1 Peter 1:18-19 reminds us, “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Christ’s sacrifice secures our salvation, a gift we could never earn.

Fourth, Christ serves as our intercessor between God and man, bridging the gap sin created. Hebrews 7:25 proclaims, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” 1 Timothy 2:5 adds, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Through His intercession, we have constant access to God’s throne.

Fifth, we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 declares, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3 echoes, “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” These blessings equip us for a life of faith and service.

Finally, we are reconciled to God through Christ, restored to a right relationship with Him. Romans 5:10 assures, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Colossians 1:20 reinforces, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.” Reconciliation brings us back to God’s embrace, healing the divide caused by sin (Isaiah 59:2).

These six blessings in Christ reveal the depth of God’s love and the sufficiency of Christ’s work. They are ours by obedient faith in Him, offering joy and security for this life and eternity.

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6 things to expect when obeying the GOSPEL.

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6 things to expect when you obey the GOSPEL. (3 Positives & 3 negatives)

What comes from obeying the GOSPEL?

3 POSITIVE THINGS:

Godly Blessings. Acts 2:38-39; Eph 1:3; Jas 1:17

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

Optimism, hope for the future. Heb 11:6; 1Peter 1:3; 2Tim 4:8

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Salvation in Christ. 1Pet 3:21; Heb 5:8-9

“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”

3 NEGATIVE THINGS:

Persecution. 2Tim 3:12

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Expectation of trouble from the world. 1Pet 4:4, 12

“Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. … Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:“

Lion roaring & seeking whom do devour. 1Pet 5:8

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

cf. “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2Cor 11:15)