You've Already Got It!

The book of Ephesians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. In its short but rich pages, the believer is informed of all the blessings that are available in Christ. Some say the book of Ephesians is the Apostle Paul's most positive, encouraging book of all his epistles. For three chapters Paul identifies all that God has done for us through Christ. In the last three chapters Paul instructs us how we are to live in response to God's love and blessings toward us.

One thing really strikes me about the book of Ephesians and it is this: all the blessings described are stated as an accomplished fact and not as something that is still to come. For instance, we are told the following:

"God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings" (v3)

"He has chosen us" (v4)

"We were predestinated as His children" (v5)

"We are accepted in the beloved" (v6)

"We have redemption and our sins have been forgive" (v7)

"He has given us an abundance of wisdom" (v8)

"We have obtained an inheritance" (v11)

"We are sealed with the Holy Spirit" (v13)

These are all past tense statements! And we only have covered one half of chapter one! Bible teacher Andrew Wommack recognizes this when he writes, "Most Christians spend their entire lives chasing something they already have. They are always asking the Lord to do something---to bless, to heal, deliver, or prosper them----when in truth, they are seeking what they have already been given. They believe God can do anything, but that He has not (past tense) done very much."

Think of it! God has already done everything needed to secure our success and victory! It is a past tense work! We merely need to begin to change our mindset and perspective. I am not trying to be blessed; I am blessed! I am not trying to be accepted by God; I am accepted by God! I am not trying to be successful; I am successful! With this mindset, I am obtaining by faith what is already mine in Christ. Notice----I am not trying to attain, I am obtaining by faith. There is a difference. To attain is to "gain with effort, to achieve, or to accomplish." To obtain is to "come into possession of, to receive, or to prevail." See the difference?! Attaining is dependent upon my own accomplishment and strength. The problem is that it is impossible for you or me to obtain the blessings of God outside of Christ. Faith is necessary. And faith obtains. We obtain by coming into possession, receiving, and prevailing in the promises of God.

The work has already been done! Now receive what you need from God!