This is the third post in a series seeking insight on what the word has to say on the bride of Christ. It is transferred from a hand-written journal entry from December 19th. The two previous related posts are here and here.
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Revelation 19
Me: Hello, Jesus!
Jesus: Hello, Jon!
Me: I was amused by the mental picture of a disembodied voice coming from the throne issuing a call to worship. And the rocks did not need to cry out (Luke 19:40), because the response was like thunder from “a great multitude”! The closest thing I have ever experienced was being in a football stadium filled with men singing praise to You. That seems a weak comparison to what is described here. I love what this thundering chorus gives voice! “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”
Jesus: I Am also rejoicing at the sight of My bride who has made herself ready in righteousness!
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5
And how has My bride made herself ready? By participating in a great exchange: her sinfulness exchanged for My righteousness. And note the help by those engaged in communicating the need (the ministry of reconciliation) and the very mechanism of cleansing: the word of reconciliation. Remember from a couple of days ago,
That he might sanctify and cleanse it [the church] with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26-27
Has My bride been fully reconciled to My desire for her to be without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing? All who have accepted My salvation are, in their spirits, without blemish. What remains is to be transformed from the inside out. Help others to understand. This is the ministry of reconciliation. Speak forth the word of reconciliation while you have breath, looking toward the glorious day of the marriage of the Lamb.
Me: As an aside, I have found that I am unable to reliably ascertain whether one is “in You” or not. I have been proved apparently wrong about it even in close relationships.
Jesus: That passage is not one intended for you to judge another one way or the other. I am the Judge (Matt 7:22-24, 25:23).Your part is to do what I said, speaking forth the word of reconciliation, looking to your own relationship with Me.
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. Isaiah 51:1, 6, 22-23
Beginning in verse 1, above, we see admonition to look in two directions that we might remain mindful. Attentive, first, of the Lord our creator who has made us in His image and His intention that we would walk after Him in His way. Heedful, second, we are not to forget the pit from which we have been pulled, our incarceration before the release afforded us by Jesus. We will only be able to maintain our way on the upward path through gratitude in our relationship in Him and humility that remembers our inability to extract ourselves from the mire. We were utterly unable to turn away from the downward trail we were trudging until we accepted the finished work of Christ and His guiding hand to turn us to the upward way.
Though the heavens be removed and the earth fail, the salvation that God has made available to all who willingly receive it endures forever, because it rests on the eternal foundation of His own nature, which changes not. This salvation is offered freely, a gift beyond human comprehension, more priceless than we have yet understood. Though we ought to remember the pit of the past, increasing appreciation of the life we have been handed does not lie in that direction, but in adoration of the Giver.
Finally, observe verses 22 & 23. Our old lives accrued only wrath. Now, some assert that God’s wrath was vengeful anger directed at His own disobedient children. However, an honest reading of the word will reveal that His heart has ever been for our welfare and not for our destruction. (Deuteronomy 28, Jeremiah 29:11). In Jesus, we find an incalculable love, holding Him to bear all the oppressions of the fetid pit in which we wallowed. No more will the tyrant oppressor walk all over us, for our Savior has imputed to us soaring freedom on wings of light and love.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Yesterday, we attended the 30th Annual Quad-Cities Prayer Breakfast at RiverCenter in Davenport Iowa. The location is some 150 miles east of home. We had an invitation from the organizer, who, with his wife, have become good friends over the course of the past year. The venue held, probably 1600 attendees. The couple to my right at our table had driven from Cleveland, a trip of 500 miles. There was awesome special music by recording artist Steve Amerson. The keynote speaker was Governor Mike Huckabee. His talk centered on God bringing good out of some challenging events in his life as he expounded on Romans 8:28.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
All morning, the verses from 2 Corinthians 3 that open this post kept coming to mind. This passage was not something mentioned by anyone during the event, but was something God was putting on my heart. Meditating on it further, I can certainly see that the message of Romans 8:28 is addressed solely to believers and the passage in 2 Corinthians 3 is addressed likewise. None other are indwelt by the Holy Spirit or might see that change to be more like Jesus (increasing glory). We ought not to lose sight of the fact that God is bound by nothing, save His own nature and unbreakable word of Truth. We are made in His image and are intended for unfettered liberty. At some level, we know this intuitively. Tyrants oppress. The law restrains. But one who walks in the love and grace of the Almighty transcends both.
What enables this joyous transformation to work in the willing?
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1 John 1:4-6 (KJV)
I am grateful for Your provision from the garden! The baked, red-skinned potatoes made a wonderful dinner!
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Titus 2:1-2
Me: Jesus, all these come to those who are Yours and led by the Spirit! Jesus: Paul was telling Titus to speak My word. The trait of being circumspect does not come quickly to the young. Those with some experience ought to model it. Here is my aim:
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:11-12
Me: I see the next verse goes on to say, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Jesus: You should take from that the need to walk in My calling ever more diligently as the day of My return approaches.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14-16
Me: Are you speaking of “him who sleeps” as the unsaved one who is merely drifting through life, carried along by the currents of time? (No one I know disputes that the days are evil.) Jesus: Yes. I Am the life. Yet this one has not even considered his “deadness”. Give a wake-up call where you can! You surely know how transforming to a sober life requires a circumspect outlook, understanding the whole truth about the consequences of drifting mindlessly along vs being awake and alert to the Life. Look to Me for help! I Am with you! Me: Thank You Jesus! I love You! Jesus: You are welcome! I love you!
It seems in my life; I am often the beneficiary of the love and grace of others. Does it go without saying that I have unfathomably received of the love and grace of God? How can I let such a gift pass without a thank you?
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5
Thank you, Jesus!
The picture at the head of this post is of some garlic that I was gifted by my friend Cheryl last fall to plant in our garden. I harvested the results the middle of August. I needed a way to hang it to dry, as I understand one is supposed to do that.
That brings me to another gift that I was given. Another friend had an unsuccessful political campaign years back and had a lot of heavy wire sign frames, of the type that typically are used by stretching what is essentially a printed plastic bag over the frame, which is then poked in the ground. This friend figured since I was politically active, that I could make use of them. Frankly, political signs are always provided with new wires frames of one type or another. Still, I seem to have found a near endless array of things I could make from the heavy steel wire. Which brings me to this picture:
It occurred to me that if I had a really big heavy needle, I could use it to run a string though the stalks of the harvested garlic. So, with a bolt cutter I cut off a length of steel sign wire. I clamped it in a vise for my drill press and used a Dremel tool cut-off wheel and a steady hand to grind a slot through the wire, halfway on each side. I sharpened one end on my bench grinder and polished the rust off with a wire wheel. Viola! A needle!
And the result, hanging in the pole barn.
By the way, some pieces of that same sign wire became S-hooks to connect the string between some shelving units, via a simple loop tied on each end of the string.
The very presence of mature garlic from little cloves planted in the ground prior to winter is still one more example of my status as beneficiary.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. 30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? Mark 4
God made all these mysterious things to work according to His design to sustain and keep us. I am thankful to Him! Praise His holy name!
P.S. I have been pretty occupied with things this summer and posting here has certainly suffered. But all is well.
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2)
Three times in the passage above, Paul refers to the “the faith of” Jesus the Son of God. It does not say faith in, it says faith of. [Translations other than the KJV (even the NKJV) have mostly translated this as “faith in”. My amateurish look at the Greek text did not help me much because the meaning of the possessives depends on parsing the language accurately. I must defer to someone trained in Greek grammar to sort this out. So, I refer to an article by Bobby Grow who takes a look at this exact passage in an evenhanded way. He favors the way the King James has it, all things considered.] If we are “crucified with Christ” and if the life that is now in us is the indwelling Christ, as stated clearly in verse 20, then “faith of” would lend credence to His faith being active in us.
On the other hand, the passage goes on the speak of the possibility of our “building again” as transgressors. This is most likely if we are not actively renewing our minds according to the word and submitting to it.
If it is the faith of Christ by which He did all the Father gave Him to do (and it is). If it is the faith of Jesus that allowed Him to conquer the grave, though He had become sin that its power in us might be broken when it was nailed to the cross in Him (and it is). Would we not do well to understand that it is now His faith that is the power by which we are to live. Does not our self-generated faith come fearfully close to the works of the Law that Paul was saying are totally ineffective at justifying us?
The LORD executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. Psalm 103:6
From a purely physical perspective, it doesn’t always look like that to us, does it? My last post was from a conversational journal passage about the unrighteous judge. God, on the other hand, is a righteous Judge for all that are oppressed. That invites the question, are we oppressed? I believe that is a perspective that we often have because there has been some truth to it for all and that may be the actively downward-spiraling situation for others.
When Peter was sent to by the Spirit to minister the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, his discourse included this:
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38
Well, what manner of oppression might this be?
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
(This verse in John 10 is in the middle of a parable where Jesus is describing Himself as the Good Shepherd.)
Is something stealing your peace? Have you been involuntarily divested of property? Is health being destroyed in some fashion? Has death darkened the door of your house yet? If not, certainly the door of friends and loved ones. The methods of such oppression are varied and far reaching.
That is what makes the message of 1 John 3:8 so encouraging.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
It is by sin that the devil gained access to trouble mankind with all manner of things leading ultimately to death. All of us have sinned and continue to do so. So what of Jesus’ statement that He came to give us abundant life? That is the good news, for sure.
I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9
(Remember in John 10, Jesus was likening Himself to a good shepherd.)
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21
The remainder of Psalm 103 gives quite a list of benefits we can expect from the Righteous Judge. It is certainly worth frequent reading to be reminded of God’s mercy, redemption, compassion, and more.
I will leave you with a cautionary reminder for all of us.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
On the positive side, this is great news given to believers in Jesus! But even for believers, the corollary is that the devil will not flee without resistance. Continuing to engage in intentional sin is not resistance, and in fact gives him further access.
Though His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), choose you this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15)
I am grateful that God’s judgments are right and true!
Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Romans13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Romans 3:10-12 There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Also Luke 18:19)
Me: Good afternoon, Jesus!
Jesus: Good afternoon, Jon!
Me: I think most of the U.S. has been watching the prosecution of President Trump in New York this week. Though some have been reported as “dancing” at the verdict, probably more have been aghast at the improper legal procedures allowed, and even carried out directly, by the judge. It made me think of this passage in Luke 18 referencing an “unjust judge”. That caused me to also remember the injunction in Romans 13 to be subject to those in authority because their powers (offices, stations) are ordained by God. You clearly recognized when giving the parable in Luke 18 that a judge could be unjust. And, though I say that “I remembered” those passages, I understand it is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring those things to mind and there was no special memory effort at work on my part. Thank You for that gift through the Holy Spirit! (John 14:26)
Jesus: I have a calling for everyone. That does not mean that each one will live perfectly aligned to My desire for them. Some take only an occasional detour. Some refuse to acknowledge Me at all and serve only “themselves”. I put my reference to their own desires in quotes because there is a dark power at work in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2). You have noted, of course, that disobedience is rampant. And as you lament, the “Justice System” is full of injustice, according to the way the law informs that it should work. Still, I have drawn your attention to Romans 3, that no man, except through Me, has right standing before God. Like the Pharisees, your legislators have created so many laws and regulations (many of them conflicting and open to diverse interpretation), that no American citizen is innocent according to the law. It will get worse as time draws nearer the end. Did you foresee that there would be laws against engaging in silent prayer in front of an abortion clinic? The devil knows that prayer is a powerful weapon. Of course, those who do his bidding would write and pass such “laws”.
Therefore, you should pay attention to the intent of My parable in Luke 18. You ought to pray that you may be strengthened and not faint in fear at the danger of such attacks. I am speedily coming to uphold you.
1 John 2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Me: Jesus, thank You! We could not ask for a better advocate! I love You! I pray you will protect us all despite the evil of this day and help us turn away from our own evil ways and do what You have called us to. Unswervingly!
Jesus: You are welcome! I am your protector. I Am helping you. Remember this:
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You should also be persuaded that nothing can separate you from My love!
Ephesians 1 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places [ἐπουρανίοις] in Christ: 4 According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; 8 Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to his good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in One all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: 11 In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, 20 Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised him from the dead, and set him at His own right hand in the heavenly places [ἐπουρανίοις], 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.
Note: 3-14 comprise a single, if complex, sentence.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places [ἐπουρανίοις] in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:6
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places [ἐπουρανίοις] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Ephesians 3:10
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places [ἐπουρανίοις]. Ephesians 6:12
God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. John 4:24
[Spirit God (is) and those worshiping Him in spirit and truth it is necessary to worship.] Pay no attention to that “a” added to satisfy English grammar.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Colossians 1:13
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. John 18:36
Reading the opening of Ephesians brings some remarkable statements to light. I wish to focus on the phrase in the third verse: “blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places”. But not so fast. Let us back up to the beginning, for this astounding assertion is preceded by a qualifier. It applies to those who are “in” Christ. The first verse says, “the faithful in Christ Jesus”. This does not mean that those who have, in and of themselves, manufactured some faithfulness to Jesus. No! Faith, and the trait of faithfulness that follows it, are a gift from the only One who is unswervingly faithful.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9, and please see all of 1 Corinthians 13 and all of Galatians 5.
Regarding what it means to be “in Christ”, I find it useful to consider the discourse of Jesus, as he was relating to His listeners His unity with the Father;
“… the Father is in Me and I Am in the Father [that is, I am One with Him] (from John 10:38, Amplified).
So, the message of Ephesians one is to those who are in a saving relationship with Jesus, and thus, with the Father and with the Spirit. It should be obvious that there is nothing within us that can live up to this standard until we have invited Jesus in.
Please do not take the tongue-in-cheek “no matter” theme of this post to imply that our physical lives are unaffected by the spiritual. Saying so, would be as an obviously false assertion that God, who is Spirit, is incapable of effecting the incalculable material universe by His Word. The point here is not that the material world is, well, immaterial. Rather, the starting point is in the realm of His Spirit. In the Spirit realm (in the kingdom, in other words) is where power has been applied and the resultant shift in our reality has taken place. Several passages (enumerated above) include the high places reference, Greek ἐπουρανίοις (ep-oo-ran’-ee-os). It refers to the spiritual realm. Ephesians 6:12 highlights that the term is not limited to the kingdom of light. No blessings are issued from the darkness. Please allow me to make a further observation about the material realm that we engage daily with our physical senses. In the body, Jesus suffered on our behalf, in our place. Still, He held Himself to that self-sacrificial task from within the spiritual realm. Absent the motivation of limitless love toward us, the flesh would have quailed at the prospect of the cross. (Hebrews 12:2, Matthew 26:26-46)
Now, back to being blessed with all spiritual blessings! Blessed with blessings. Gifted with gifts. This passage tells us we are on the receiving end and God is the Giver.
Lest any suspect I am “cherry picking” the point that “all” means unfathomable all, consider this as well:
He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 AMP
It is impossible for the presence of Jesus in our hearts to be inconsequential. But we may fail to see those happy results manifest in our emotional state and in our physical circumstances because we are creatures of habit, and our expectation (faith) is generally that things will continue the same trajectory that we have been on. Countering that predisposition is one reason for the importance of paying attention to this promise of “all spiritual blessings”.
While scripture is replete with passages letting us know what is to be ours in Christ. Paul does dedicate some space to list a few of the spiritual blessings that come under the “all” heading. I won’t explicitly point them out, but please recognize that we are traversing a deep sea worth a few minutes of meditation. Suffice to say that the passage is positively breathtaking if one considers it carefully.
Postscript: Predestination (προορίσας) – from Ephesians 1:5 Pre-establish boundaries, i.e. before establishing the world, God established the boundaries that define our adoption into His family, namely the substitutionary sacrifice Jesus would make for us.
For the death that He died, He died to sin [ending its power and paying the sinner’s debt] once and for all; and the life that He lives, He lives to [glorify] God [in unbroken fellowship with Him]. Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:10-11 AMP
Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 AMP
Hmmm. There is that “all” again. Please don’t remain outside the established boundary. It matters.
Postscript added to last post, instead of writing a new one. Seemed like it was better there than here. Praising Jesus for His guidance! He is the reason the truth is steadfast! – Jon
Missionary Sojourn 