Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ

Ephesians 1:1–14

Paul J. Bucknell

Paul begins Ephesians with praise. Before giving commands, he shows what God has already done for His people. The passage moves from the Father's eternal purpose, through redemption in Christ, to the Holy Spirit's seal of the believer's inheritance.

Central truth: Salvation begins with God's gracious purpose, is accomplished in Christ, is confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and results in praise to God's glory.

View the teaching visuals

Six Blessings Given in Christ

1. Chosen for holiness

God chose His people in Christ before the foundation of the world. His purpose is not merely rescue from judgment, but a life made holy and blameless before Him.

2. Adopted into God's family

In love, God predestined believers for adoption through Jesus Christ. Those once distant are welcomed as His children according to the kind intention of His will.

3. Redeemed and forgiven

Redemption comes through Christ's blood. Forgiveness is not earned by human worthiness but flows from the riches of God's grace, which He freely lavishes upon His people.

4. Gathered under Christ

God revealed the mystery of His will: His plan is to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under Christ at the fullness of the times.

5. Given an inheritance and purpose

Believers receive an inheritance according to God's purpose and counsel. Their lives find their highest meaning in displaying the praise of His glory.

6. Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Those who hear the gospel and believe are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. His presence is the pledge that God will complete the redemption of His own possession.

The Controlling Phrase: “In Christ”

The blessings in this passage are never presented as independent human achievements. They are received “in Christ.” God's choosing, adoption, redemption, unifying purpose, inheritance, and Spirit-given assurance all center on Christ. This leaves no room for pride and every reason for worship.

Selected Teaching Visuals

The original eight-slide export has been retired. These clearer images were made directly from the complete handout PDF and gathered here on one responsive page.

Ephesians 1:4-6 visual showing how God chose believers in Christ — Chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless - Ephesians 1:4-6.

Ephesians 1:4-5 visual about predestination and adoption as God's children — Chosen in love and adopted as God's children through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:7-8 visual about redemption and forgiveness through Christ — Redemption and forgiveness according to the riches of God's grace - Ephesians 1:7-8.

Ephesians 1:8-10 visual about God's plan to unite all things in Christ — God's revealed purpose to sum up all things in Christ - Ephesians 1:8-10.

Ephesians 1:11-12 visual about inheritance and God's purpose — Our inheritance and the purpose of living to the praise of God's glory - Ephesians 1:11-12.

Ephesians 1:13-14 visual about hearing, believing, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit — Hearing the gospel, believing, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit - Ephesians 1:13-14.

Our Response

Ephesians 1:1-14 does not invite passive speculation. It calls believers to humility, assurance, holiness, unity, and praise. God's sovereignty does not diminish faith and obedience; it gives them their secure foundation.

Which blessing in this passage most strengthens your assurance in Christ?
How does being chosen for holiness shape the way you live?
What difference does adoption make in the way you approach God?
How does redemption reveal the cost and abundance of God's grace?
Where do you see God's purpose to unite all things under Christ?
How should the Holy Spirit's seal produce both confidence and worship?

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