Articles
WHAT WE ARE & WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST
The Book of Ephesians is addressed to Christians who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ (then and now). Why would we, when we read Ephesians and other Scriptures that speak of our riches in Christ, still live in spiritual poverty? It’s because we simply don’t understand our true wealth as children of the living God.
No Christian has to live like a spiritually bankrupt person when the Lord “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). To move from poverty to abundance, we must first read and meditate on what God’s Word says about our true standing. Second, we must begin to live it by faith. There is no other way to truly embrace all the Father has created us to be and “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:10).
So what does Scripture say about those of us who are children of God, “sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance” (Eph. 1:13-14)?
We are new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). We are children of God (Rom. 8:16). We are born again to a living hope (1 Pet. 1:23). We are alive with Christ (Eph. 2:5). We are the Lord’s heirs and co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). We are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). We are indwelt by the Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). We are temples of the living God (2 Cor. 6:16). We are conformed to Christ’s likeness (Rom. 8:29). We are loved (1 John 3:1). We are forgiven (Eph. 1:7). We are redeemed (Gal. 3:13). We are liberated from all condemnation (Rom. 8:1). We are holy and blameless (Col. 1:22). We are free (Gal. 5:1). We are safe (John 10:28-29). We are comforted (2 Cor. 1:3-4). We are blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3). We are saints (1 Cor. 1:2). We are called, justified, and glorified (Rom. 8:30). We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession (1 Pet. 2:9). We are ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19). We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13). We are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). We are fishers of men (Matt. 4:19). We are the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). We are God’s handiwork created for good works (Eph. 2:10). We are equipped and instructed (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We are empowered (Phil. 4:13). We are perfected, confirmed, strengthened, and established (1 Pet. 5:10). We are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
We have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). We have eternal life (John 3:16). We have access to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). We have an attentive and loving Father (Matt. 7-11). We have a firm foundation (Luke 6:47-48). We have provision for all our needs (Phil. 4:19). We have a purpose (Matt. 5:16). We have a mission (Matt. 28:19-20). We have a support system (Heb. 10:24-25). We have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). We have the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). We have spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:7-16). We have hope that does not disappoint (Rom. 5:5). We have victory (1 Cor. 15:57). We have a home in heaven (John 14:2). We have an imperishable promise (1 Cor. 15:50-54). We have an unshakable kingdom (Heb. 12:8). We have a secure future (Rev. 3:5).
Of course, there is a great deal more you can learn about your inheritance as a believer in Scripture. So as you read God’s Word, make note of what you have been given “in Him” (2 Cor. 1:20) and accept all the Father has created you to be and enjoy. We are truly blessed and it is time we realize all that God blesses us with when He claims us as His children.
