#20. The BLESSINGS of God

Arthur Pink et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Ephesians 1:3, "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."

While the world hungers after fleeting vanities, the believer possesses imperishable riches--secured in Heaven, reserved by God, and flowing freely through the sufferings and death of Jesus:
  from pardon of sin--to peace with God;
  from salvation by grace--to a priceless eternal inheritance.

In Christ, we are blessed with:
  election before the foundation of the world,
  redemption through His sin-atoning blood,
  adoption into the family of God,
  justification by grace,
  sanctification by the Spirit,
  and the hope of eternal glory.

These blessings are not wages earned, but gifts bestowed:
  flowing from the sovereign love of the Father in eternity past,
  accomplished by the Son on the cruel cross,
  and applied by the Spirit in regeneration and sanctification.

Temporal blessings may come and go: health may fail, wealth may vanish, relationships may change--but the spiritual blessings given in Christ are unshakable and everlasting.

Even our trials are transformed into mercies, in the hands of our wise and loving God, who uses them to refine our faith and draw us nearer to Himself.

Let our gratitude rise--not chiefly for the gifts, but for the Giver Himself. Let us live as those who are truly blessed:
  seeking first His kingdom,
  treasuring His promises,
  and rejoicing in His unsearchable riches.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits!" Psalm 103:1–2