WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY, YOU ARE BLESSED?

                                                                

YOU ARE BLESSED

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 “….he took them (the children) up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and BLESSED THEM.….” (Mark 10:16 KJV). “…God blessed them…” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

 

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What do you mean when you say, “I AM BLESSED?” “…Blessed be the God …who HATH blessed “US” with ALL spiritual blessings …in heavenly places “IN” Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).  

Remember blessings are “unmerited” favors FROM God and are a sign of his relationship with you. [They]… ENJOY the PROMISE OF BLESSINGS “because” THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Blessings are also an expression of God’s divine kindness (GRACE OR FAVOR) toward his redeemed people. “…Because of the grace that is GIVEN to [you]… of God…” (Romans 15:15 KJV). “…According to the grace of God which is GIVEN unto [you]…” (1 Corinthians 3:10 KJV). “… [It is]…expressed in his kindness [toward you]…[also]…“IN” Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 27 NIV). “…It is [God]… who BLESSES “THE” RIGHTEOUS MAN, O Lord, You surround him WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).  “…THY BLESSING is upon “THY” PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE [THEM]... “MOST” BLESSED forever…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

To be "in" a position to receive DIVINE blessings from God means you belong to him and are “IN” a “one spirit” covenant relationship with him, with his purpose, and with his will (1 Corinthians 6:17). “….We are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “… [His people]… ENJOY the PROMISE OF BLESSINGS because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “…But he (God’s people) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

However, God shows GRACE to every one through salvation.

If you were sentenced to die, your head was on the chopping block, the axe was raised, and ready to strike, but God’s grace stopped the execution of your death…would you say you were blessed? “…the wages of sin is DEATH…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Well, you were DOOMED to die. You deserved it, you had earned it and were worthy of DEATH.  “… [However, it is]… through God’s kindness ….not by [your]… good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

BUT, God’s heart was determined to BLESS you with his “unmerited” favor of loving grace. “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth … I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (worthy of death)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). God …sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

So when I say “I AM BLESSED,” I am saying: 1. I have been shown GRACE (unmerited favor). “….We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…” (Ephesians 1:7 KJV).

2. I have been given spiritual LIFE (unmerited favor). “…HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB). “…I charge you in the presence of God, who GIVES LIFE to all things…” (1 Timothy 6:13 NASB). “…the HOLY SPIRIT…  [GIVES]… birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

3. I have been restored back into a right relationship with God (unmerited favor). “…We have obtained our introduction by faith into this “GRACE” in which we stand…” (Romans 5:2 NASB). “…a right relationship with God …comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB).

4. I have been given the indwelling Holy Spirit (unmerited favor). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth “in” you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell “in” them, and walk in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

5. I have ALL the riches of God’s glory (unmerited favor). “...the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

6. I have ALL the promises of Jesus Christ (unmerited favor). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB).

I have all these BLESSINGS (unmerited favors) FROM God and therefore I am BLESSED.

However, the gateway to these blessings (unmerited favors) comes “BY GRACE.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). You must APPROACH every BLESSING by GRACE. “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…for BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

It is “…BY GRACE [you have]… been saved THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). By GRACE have you received the blessing of SALVATION, SPIRITUAL LIFE, a RIGHT relationship with God, the RICHES of his glory, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit, and the PROMISES of God, which are yes and amen in Christ Jesus ONLY.

GRACE is the key that OPENS up every spiritual BLESSING God has in store for those who BELONG to him.“…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches INHERITED by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and ENJOY the PROMISE OF BLESSINGS because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Not everyone BELONGS to God. “…But he that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT [with him]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…Because YOU BELONG to him … (And remember that those who DO NOT have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

God’s children are the ones who have RECEIVED Jesus and belong to him. “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God)…” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [their]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

 The BLESSINGS of God originate“…BY GRACE …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

I was worthy of death, but “by grace” I am alive in Christ Jesus. “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS: for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…the free gift of God is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 NASB). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all, …[and]…made [you]… ALIVE in the spirit…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 God LOVES me and “by grace” I am loved forever. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God completely forgave me. “by grace” I am forgiven and my sins are eternally forgotten. “…I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). “…I WILL heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

God continually shows me mercy. “by grace” I am shown mercy every single day. “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “… he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is MERCIFUL and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in MERCY…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so GREAT is his MERCY toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…THE MERCY of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

God saved me. “by grace” I am saved and have eternal life. “…for BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). 

God chose me. God loved me before I loved him, and he freely gave me ALL things. “By grace” I am chosen; I am loved; and I have freely been given ALL spiritual blessings. "…You did not choose me but I chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…WE LOVE, because he FIRST loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “… [God]…HATH blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “…WE GIVE you (God) only what you first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT). “…that was [God’s]… plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

In other words, God chose to give me what I didn’t deserve before the beginning of time and “by grace” I have received what I didn’t deserve FROM God. “… God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…Where [your]…sin increased, [God’s]...GRACE abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). God’s “…GRACE is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

God made me into a new creation, made me acceptable, and listens to me. “By grace” I am a new creation. I am accepted by God, who NOW listens to my prayers and communicates with me. “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature ….behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).“… [God]…hath made “us” ACCEPTED in the beloved …” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). “…we know that God heareth NOT sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, HIM HE HEARETH…” (John 9:31 KJV).  “…This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, HE HEARETH US…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).

God freed me from the dictatorship of sin so I am no longer a slave to my carnal nature. “BY GRACE” I am FREE to follow after the Holy Spirit. I am FREE to walk in TRUTH. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

In addition, to all the SALVATION BLESSINGS (grace, spiritual life, a right relationship with God, the indwelling spirit, the riches of his glory, his promises, etc); there are ongoing, perpetual BLESSINGS (unmerited favors) infused in the everyday life and events of God’s people.

“…And it shall come to pass, if thou (my children) shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And ALL THESE BLESSINGs SHALL COME ON THEE, and overtake thee…” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

GOD SAID TO ABRAHAM: “… And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:3 KJV).

AND TO THE BELIEVERS: “…Christ hath redeemed us ….That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

God’s BLESSINGS depends STRICTLY on his LOVING character/nature AND his relationship with YOU. There are GENERAL BLESSINGS that are bestowed on the righteous and unrighteous, but there are SPECIFIC BLESSINGS that are bestowed ONLY on the righteous.

GENERAL blessings are things such as air, sunshine, rain, the resources of the earth, the OPPORTUNITY to be saved, and physical life, which are bestowed on the righteous and unrighteous. “…He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

SPECIFIC blessings such as ALL the “unmerited,” abounding, unlimited FAVORS FROM God are bestowed upon his children “IN” Christ Jesus. “… [They]… enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Blessings or divine “unmerited” favors from God are experienced by the indwelling POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT and by the external KINDNESSES FROM God. God is the BLESSOR and His Children are the RECIPIENTS. “…Your blessing be upon “Your people!” Selah…” (Psalm 3:8 NASB). “…The LORD “will” BLESS his people with peace…” (Psalm 29:11 KJV).

“…We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because YOU BELONG to him … (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “….You (also) belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT [with him]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Old Testament examples of being divinely BLESSED were always based on the RECIPIENTS of the BLESSINGS having a covenant relationship with God or BELONGING to him. “…For I will have respect unto you …and establish my covenant with you.…” (Leviticus 26:9 KJV). “…the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And ALL THESE BLESSINGs SHALL COME ON THEE, and overtake thee…” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

 However, the RECIPIENT’S loyalty and commitment to the relationship with God was often impacted by apostasy (unfaithfulness). “…”if” thou (the recipients) shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments …” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

Nevertheless, over the years, history informs us that God’s people repeatedly abandoned him and the covenant relationship. “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).“…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

What happened, in the OT, when the recipients of God’s BLESSINGS were not loyal or committed, but abandoned the covenant relationship instead? …“…“IF” you refuse to LISTEN to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees, …all these curses will come and overwhelm you:…” (Deuteronomy 28 NLT).

The New Testament experiences of being divinely BLESSED are also based on the RECIPIENTS of the BLESSINGS having a covenant relationship with God and BELONGING to him too. “… [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

The New Testament RECIPIENT’S loyalty and commitment to the covenant relationship with God is also be impacted by apostasy (unfaithfulness); BUT JESUS makes the difference. “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). “…In him (Jesus) ALL THINGS  (including YOU)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…[Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (including YOU)… by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Therefore, “… [we are]…looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR (originator) and FINISHER (sustainer) OF OUR… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE (Jesus) WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…it is God who worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

SO “…ye are not under the law (the dos and don’ts of life), but under GRACE…” (Romans 6:14 KJV). “…When you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV).

God “…is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom ….and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “… [WE]… WHO ARE “KEPT” BY THE “POWER” OF GOD THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. …” (1 Peter 1:5-9 KJV).  “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I AM what I AM…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).