Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ

Paul erupts into a long blessing that traces salvation from the Father’s purpose, through redemption in the Son, to the Spirit as the seal and guarantee of the inheritance. The repeated phrases “in Christ,” “in him,” and “in whom” keep the center of gravity on union with Christ rather than on isolated benefits.

Where this fits in the story: election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and the gathering of all things belong to the Bible’s covenant and kingdom story. The “mystery” is not a secret code for an elite group; it is God’s formerly hidden saving purpose now disclosed in Christ.