What is the meaning of, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” in Ephesians 1:3?

Ephesians 1:3 begins with a wonderful doxology. Paul declares, “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” (ESV). Paul’s doxology is foundational to understanding the book of Ephesians, especially the spiritual blessings that believers have in Christ. The doxology is not only an invocation of praise but also frames the entire letter.

The statement, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” acknowledges the Father as the source of all blessings. Here, Paul uses the Greek word eulogētos, translated as “blessed.” This word is a term of exaltation and praise that is reserved for God. As the God and Father of Jesus Christ, He deserves to be exalted and praised, for “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV). In Christ, believers have received blessing upon blessing.

Paul’s choice to address God as both the “God” and “Father” of Jesus Christ reinforces the doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus’ sonship is acknowledged. Elsewhere, we see that Jesus is distinct from yet one with the Father. This affirms not only the deity of Christ but also the intimate and personal relationship that believers have with God through Christ: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:22–23, ESV).

By exalting and praising God, Paul continues the Jewish liturgical traditions found in Psalms and other Old Testament writings. Psalm 72:18 reads, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things” (ESV). Oh, what wondrous things the Father has done for us in Christ! He “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV). Believers may not have everything they want, but they certainly have everything they need.

Paul’s doxology is important for several reasons. First, it glorifies God as the source of every spiritual blessing, such as election, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness, and revelation of His will (Ephesians 1:4–10). These blessings are not earthly and temporary gifts; they are “in the heavenly places.” This recalls Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20, ESV). The blessings we have received from the Father cannot be taken away from us because they are eternally secure. Indeed, we are eternally secure (John 10:28–30).

In addition to the liturgical and theological purposes of Paul’s doxology, Paul’s words contain an eschatological dimension. By mentioning the “heavenly places,” Paul directs our attention away from the present age to the age to come. In the age to come, believers will be “raised up with him” and “seated . . . with him in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6, ESV). This heavenly perspective is intended to provide comfort and assurance to believers who are enduring various trials and tribulations. Such things will not last forever. Praise God for His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ!