In Ephesians 1:3, Paul states that all spiritual blessings are in Christ. Some might ask, "What are these spiritual blessings?" Let us understand that this does not refer to material blessings. The scriptures teach that one may enjoy material blessings, but this does not mean he is justified in God's sight. Many today preach a gospel of health and wealth, but Jesus, speaking of physical or material blessings, says that the Father, the giver of our blessings (James 1:17), "maketh the sun to rise upon the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). Let us understand that God does providentially care for His children, but this does not mean that they will have the best things of this life (Matthew 6:19-34; Philippians 4:19).
Notice what the Bible says are our spiritual blessings in Christ.
1. A New creature - (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. No condemnation - (Romans 8:1).
3. Redemption - (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians1:13,14).
4. Forgiveness of sins - (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14).
5. Eternal Life - (1 John 5:11).
6. Salvation - (2 Timothy 2:10).
7. Resurrected to be with Christ - (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
8. Prayers are heard by the Father - (John 15:7; 9:31; 1 Peter 3:12).
9. All of God's promises - (2 Corinthians 1:20).
With these blessings before us, it is evident that if we are to be saved and enjoy a home in heaven with God then we must be in Christ. Let us understand what the scriptures teach us about how we get into Christ. Paul writing to the Galatians said, "For we are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:26,27). It is clear that we are in Christ when we are baptized into Christ.
Let us all resolve within ourselves to do what the Bible tells us to do so we may enjoy all the blessing of being in Christ.
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 6/1/97.