Two things are by God’s will in this passage: Paul’s apostleship and our salvation. Let us learn the meaning of both, for they are vitally important, and we must not miss out.

First, we don’t get to be apostles because we want to be. Ephesians 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:” The apostles had special qualifications, and there are none remaining now.

The word “apostle” means “sent.” There were apostles of the churches, like Titus and Timothy. These correspond with men sent out by churches for a particular task, such as preaching in a foreign land. 2 Corinthians 8:23, “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are apostles of the churches, a glory to Christ.” There are, however, no more apostles like the twelve, sent out by Christ, to whom Paul was added.

Peter said they needed qualifications. Acts 1:22, “beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” They had to see the risen Lord. Paul met this qualification and was taught by Jesus personally, learning doctrine by revelation. These apostles laid the foundation of the church, and we do not add to it. Ephesians 2:20, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.”

The last apostle, in the last chapter of the last book of Scripture warns us never to add to God’s word. Revelation 22:18, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.”

We have no other message than the Scriptures, and nothing else - not dreams, visions, or modern day prophecies - is authentic to bring a new message from God. There is no more holy and inspired revelation.

The apostles had signs and wonders proving their authenticity. 2 Corinthians 12:12, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works.” Only they could pass on spiritual gifts. Acts 8:18-19, “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” The apostles were present in Acts 2, when the disciples spoke in other known languages. Peter was present in Acts 10. In Acts 8, Philip did many miracles. The apostles laid hands on him in Acts 6. He could not, however, pass this power on to others. Thus, when the Scriptures were finished, the last apostle soon after went to be with Jesus, and the miraculous gifts faded out. No new Revelations came, no miracles were needed to verify new truth, and we have the word and the Spirit to accomplish salvation.

Miracles have never been God's intended purpose for the advancement of the gospel, as evidenced by our lack of them. No one performs authentic miracles on earth, and has not for more than 1900 years. There are stories, but no verifiable accounts, and Satan uses lying wonders to dissuade people from God's grace and the truth is salvation. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, “The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” He blinds our eyes with a great smoke, lest we love the gospel. The true danger is souls LEAVING TRUTH for fake apostles, fake miracles, and fake prophecies.

Be warned! God's given us authentic apostles, like Paul, to show us his will in our salvation. Receive them and their message, and you will live. Do not be misled by imposters puffing themselves up with titles.

Secondly, the blessings are spiritual blessings. — Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,”

The promises are not corruptible things that perish, like silver and gold. The kingdom is not of this world.

This is an area of mass confusion. People think coming to Christ means I get riches. Hard work, opportunity, and ingenuity are keys to wealth.

Slaves were never promised freedom, nor were they promised good treatment. 1 Timothy 6:1 - "Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled." Godliness is not a promise of financial gain.

The blessings are spiritual - the true riches of the kingdom - and they are outlined in Ephesians 1. Being chosen by God, predestined to holiness, loved with everlasting saving love, redeemed, and to have all things working for your glorification are part of these riches. Ephesians 1:11 ESV - "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will," Having the Holy Spirit is dear to us, as the gospel is seen, felt, and we’re empowered to honor it. Ephesians 1:13 - "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," Being adopted as God’s children, being under perpetual grace, and knowing that God is at peace with us at all times is rich indeed. Ephesians 1:2 - "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Oh, the believer’s inheritance is great: it is the GREATEST THING in all the world, but many despise it, because it is not money.

The poor of this world are rich in faith. Most big shots are ungodly, and money, fame, and power is all they have. They’ll be cast out while we enjoy the true riches forever. Do not be carnal and give up your soul for things that perish. Seek the true riches, and use your money wisely. Luke 16:11 - "If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth [money has no moral compass; it isn’t reserved for the godly], who will entrust to you the true riches?" Labor and pray, but do not think that Christ has promised us the world. In fact, if your dominant prayer is for things that unbelievers want - money, car, spouse, children, etc - then you are not spiritual. Our chief ambition is to see God by faith and to honor him. “Your kingdom come, and Your will be done.” We pray for everything else in its place.

Thirdly, all of the blessings are in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:4-5, "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,"

Election is in Christ; it is not based on works or feelings; it is not based on anything, except HE LOVED US before time began, like Jacob, and he put us in Christ Jesus. God has always predestined our salvation, and nothing could make us perish. He marked out the time and place when he would intervene, even as he appeared to Jacob in the ladder. God’s plan for our salvation was based entirely upon Christ and him crucified. He was set up from everlasting as the Surety of the Covenant, the One made responsible for the sheep.

We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins! Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," He atoned our sins at the cross and justice was satisfied, so the Holy Spirit fetched us like Mephibosheth, and brought us in. In wisdom, he abounded towards us with the gospel - planning it, and then like Joseph’s brothers, he taught us to bow. Ephesians 1:8 - "which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight," Our salvation was always in his heart, so he worked every detail - from the American slave trade to sending missionaries to Africa - for our good. We are the people of his favor who manifest the glory of his grace. Ephesians 1:6 - "to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." Not one inch is our merit: Irresistible grace predetermined that we’d see Jesus’ glory by God-given faith.

Now, we are sealed by the Spirit. Ephesians 1:14 - "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." He teaches us the gospel and keeps us from forsaking Christ. He puts feelings of joy and peace inside us through believing. Bless God for this, and give him the glory.