Every Spiritual Blessing

Verses 3-14 are one long sentence in Greek, a burst of praise.

Overview

God the Father chose us, the Son redeemed us, and the Spirit sealed us. Everything is to the praise of his glory.

Going deeper

The passage is Trinitarian: Father (v3-6), Son (v7-12), Spirit (v13-14). 'In him' or 'in Christ' repeats about ten times.

Key verses (KJV)

Ephesians 1:4 He hath chosen us in him.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood.
Ephesians 1:13 Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.

From the commentaries

4. hath chosen us—Greek, "chose us out for Himself" (namely, out of the world, Ga 1:4): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past. in him—The repetition of the idea, "in Christ" (Eph 1:3), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings (Eph 3:11). before the foundation of the world—This assumes the eternity of the Son of God (Joh 17:5, 24), as of the election of believers in Him (2Ti 1:9; 2Th 2:13). that we should be holy—positively (De 14:2). without blame—negatively (Eph 5:27; ...
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871)

Verse 4 According as he hath chosen us in him - As he has decreed from the beginning of the world, and has kept in view from the commencement of the religious system of the Jews, (which the phrase sometimes means), to bring us Gentiles to the knowledge of this glorious state of salvation by Christ Jesus. The Jews considered themselves an elect or chosen people, and wished to monopolize the whole of the Divine love and beneficence. The apostle here shows that God had the Gentiles as much in the contemplation of his mercy and goodness as he had the Jews; ...
Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke's Commentary (1810-1826)

4. According as he hath chosen us. The foundation and first cause, both of our calling and of all the benefits which we receive from God, is here declared to be his eternal election. If the reason is asked, why God has called us to enjoy the gospel, why he daily bestows upon us so many blessings, why he opens to us the gate of heaven, — the answer will be constantly found in this principle, that he hath chosen us before the foundation of the world. The very time when the election took place proves it to be free; for what could we have deserved, or what merit did we possess, before the world was made? ...
John Calvin, John Calvin's Commentaries (16th century, Calvin Translation Society, 1840s-1850s)

Verse 4. According as. The importance of this verse will render proper a somewhat minute examination of the words and phrases of which it is composed. The general sense of the passage is, that these blessings pertaining to heaven were bestowed upon Christians in accordance with an eternal purpose. They were not conferred by chance or hap-hazard. They were the result of intention and design on the part of God. Their value was greatly enhanced from the fact that God had designed from all eternity to bestow them, and that they come to us as the result of his everlasting plan. It was not a recent plan; it was not an after-thought; it was not by mere chance; it was not by caprice; it was the frui
Albert Barnes, Barnes' Notes on the New Testament (1834-1885)

Application

Which blessing do you need to remember today?
How does being 'in Christ' shape your identity?
Write a short prayer of praise from v3-14.

Next lesson ›