Benedictions of the Apostle Paul (5)—In the Heavenlies - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

The LORD is near - Friday, February 13, 2026
by Jacob Redekop, Brian Reynolds, John van Dijk, Eugene P. Vedder Jr

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Benedictions of the Apostle Paul (5)—In the Heavenlies

Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Ephesians 6:23–24

Benedictions of the Apostle Paul (5)—In the Heavenlies
Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians has been called the “Epistle of the Heavenlies.” It opens the window upon the heavenly side of things connected with our salvation and with the assembly. In five passages, Paul reveals our relationship to the “heavenlies”: (1) the sphere of our spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3); (2) the scene of Christ’s present enthronement (1:20); (3) the scene of our present position (2:6); (4) the sphere of angelic witness to God’s wisdom in the Church (3:10); (5) the region where evil spirits wage war against us (6:12).

Ephesians also reveals four definite periods: (1) the period before creation (1:4; 2:10); (2) the present age (2:2; 6:12); (3) the millennial kingdom (1:10); (4) the eternal state (3:21; 2:6–7). With these few words, Paul gives us a vast sweep of God’s counsels from before time and leading up to the final state of blessedness in eternity.

Paul also brings out something new, which had been hidden from the prophets: the mystery of Christ and the Church (3:3–5; 5:32). The “mystery” was that Gentiles and Jews who are saved are now joined together in one body and linked by the Spirit to their glorified Head in heaven. Wonderful truth, unknown even to the Old Testament prophets!

When we consider the truths revealed in Ephesians, we understand Paul’s benediction to them. Grace to all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Paul would not cast these precious truths like “pearls before swine” (Mt. 7:6). Only those who love Christ with genuine sincerity can appreciate these holy truths. Grace be to them. Do you love the Lord Jesus? Then the things contained in this book are for you and can be enjoyed by you.

Brian Reynolds

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