Ephesians 1:1-3

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(v1-2, NIV)

Paul begins this letter with a customary greeting. This letter is addressed to the saints in Ephesus. The saints refer to those who are believers and followers of Christ Jesus. This is emphasized by the fact that they are also faithful in Christ Jesus.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

(v3, NIV)

Paul is giving praise to God. What's interesting is that God is being referred to as the father of Jesus. One thing that's I found interesting about Ephesians is how many things are referred to Jesus. Clearly, the entire Bible is about Jesus. However, it's interesting how Paul continues to refer to different things as "in Jesus" or "through Christ Jesus". Jesus is important and we should hold him in high regard. He died and was buried and rose again.

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

(1 Corinthians 15:14, ESV)

Without Jesus Christ and his resurrection, this is all meaningless.

In this verse Paul is still referring to those who are saints. Paul is included as well in his reference to saints since he is also a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. These blessings are in the heavenly realms. We don't need to worry about blessings on the earth since it is on the earth where moth and rust destroy. The origin of these blessings is from God in the heavenly realms. We are to receive every spiritual blessing. Here again is another reference to Jesus. Not only is it every blessing that we receive, but every blessing in Christ. Don't worry and don't let anything get you down. We've already received these blessings and will continue to experience his blessings.