“who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
Christians often talk about being blessed, but what does that mean? We tend to think a blessed life is about physical comforts and material possessions. While those can be part of God’s blessings, the Bible points to something far greater—who we are and what we have in Jesus. Getting ahold of this truth transforms our anxiety, guilt, insecurity, and even our ability to forgive. Not knowing your identity in Christ is like inheriting a billion dollars but still living like you’re broke. Paul points out several ways you’ve been blessed in Christ.
First, you’ve been redeemed—bought back from sin with the blood of Jesus. God didn’t just cover your sin; He removed it. You’re fully cleansed, “according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7–8). God didn’t ration His grace but poured it out, knowing exactly who you were and what you’d done—and loving you anyway. So, there’s no reason to live with the guilt of past sin! And gratitude for such thorough forgiveness freely extends forgiveness to others.
Secondly, God didn’t just save you from something; He saved you for something—to be holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4). Holiness isn’t something you earn; it’s something God gives. You may think, “I’m saved, but I’m no saint.” Well, that’s what the Bible calls you. That’s your identity in Christ. When you see yourself the way God does, insecurities begin to evaporate, and your life reflects the life of Jesus more each day.
You’re also blessed with access to God’s will (Ephesians 1:9). You don’t have to wonder what God wants you to do. He’s not only revealed it in His Word but has given you His Spirit as a Guide. All that’s needed is obedience. In Christ, you have everything you need to know His will and to live in it. Anxiety about present or future circumstances dissipates as you follow where He leads.
When was the last time you thanked God for the spiritual blessings in your life? Do you value what God’s done in you as much as what He’s put around you? You can have all the comforts and possessions in the world and still be consumed with anxiety, guilt, or insecurity. That doesn’t sound like a blessed life. So, stop living like a spiritual pauper, and remember who you are and what you have in Jesus.
