The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Such blessings were bestowed upon those mentioned in verse 1, "to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." These precious souls (being "baptized into Christ" and having "put on Christ") had obeyed through faith (Galatians 3:27). While this entire publication could not contain a list of all of the spiritual blessings that Christ offers to the faithful, yet, by use of an acrostic of the blessed name of CHRIST, an examination of six spiritual blessings is offered.

Christian fellowship is offered to those who are in Christ. Paul wrote, "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9). Souls are called by the gospel into the fellowship that it offers through Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14; Philippians 1:4-5). As the light of the Christian lifestyle is followed, "we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Holy Recognition is achieved in God's sight. Ephesians 1:4 reveals, "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." Christians make up "an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (2 Peter 2:9).

Redemption is offered only in Christ. Sin separates between man and God (Isaiah 59:1-2), but 1 Peter 1:18-19 states, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Paul wrote, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24), and, then, in 1 Corinthians 1:30, he clearly states, "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."

Intercession is made available to those who are in Christ. Jesus "is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus pleads unto the Father on behalf of His faithful followers, as Romans 8:34 states, "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." Jesus appears "in the presence of God for us" (Hebrews 9:24), serving as "an advocate with the Father" (1 John 2:1).

Sanctification is manifested upon those who are in Christ. Paul stated, in his greeting to the people in 1 Corinthians 1:2, "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." This includes Christians today! Christians are sanctified in Christ, thus set apart from the world to God's service.

Thankfulness should be in the heart of every person in Christ. Consider the old song, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one." How innumerable are the spiritual blessings in Christ! "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15).

These are six spiritual blessings that are found only "in Christ." If you have never obeyed the gospel, being placed into Christ through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, do you see what you are missing? If you are unfaithful to Him, do you see what you have given up? Come to Jesus and have your life filled with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ! -P. 0. Box 176, Belington, WV 26250.

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