Reading: “Blessed … with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” —Ephesians 1:3

Notwithstanding the presence or absence of temporal mercies we possess such an amount spiritual blessings as should always make us thankful. There is a real danger of concentrating so much upon our need of temporal mercies that we fail to see the spiritual mercies that we have received in abundance. Consider ten spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians chapter 1 that every believer has:

  1. We have an election that can never be annulled—“chosen in Him.”
  2. We have a relationship that can never be severed—“the adoption of children.”
  3. An acceptance that never can be denied—“accepted in the beloved.”
  4. A redemption that can never be challenged—“through his blood.”
  5. A forgiveness that will never be rescinded—“forgiveness of sins.”
  6. An abundance that can never be exhausted—“abounded in … all wisdom and prudence.”
  7. A revelation that will never be superseded—“the mystery of His will.”
  8. An inheritance that can never fade away —“we have obtained an inheritance.”
  9. A seal that can never be dissolved—“sealed with that Holy Spirit.”
  10. A pledge that will never be dishonored—“the earnest of the Spirit.”

Is this not reason to rejoice despite your present temporal and temporary sufferings?

“Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, / Who, like me, His praise should sing?” —Henry Francis Lyte