4.6 God’s blessing

4.6 God’s blessing and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8: 22). Although the blessing of God which originally covered the creation was hampered in its effect through the curse of sin, it was not completely re- moved: “For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God” (Hebrews 6: 7). All human beings profit from this blessing (Matthew 5: 45). 4.6.2 God’s blessing in the old covenant The promise of blessing given to Israel was part of the covenant God made with His chosen people. This blessing was contingent on Israel fulfilling its covenantal duties, namely to serve God alone and to obey His command- ments. Whenever the people of Israel acted otherwise, curse would follow. This decision fell to the people: “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the command- ments of the Lord your God ...” (Deuteronomy 11: 26–28). This clearly shows that deviating from God and His commandments results in curse. In the old covenant, the blessing of God manifested itself primarily in the daily life directly experienced by the people, and encompassed all areas of life, for example victory in battles against enemies, longevity, wealth, numerous descendants, and fertile soil (Deuteronomy 28: 3–6). Even in the old coven- ant, however, blessing already had a dimension which surpassed earthly wel- fare, as becomes clear in God’s promise to Abraham: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12: 2–3). This blessing extended far beyond the promise of personal wellbeing. It enabled Abraham to become a blessing for others as well. The blessing of God was to 189 4 Mankind in need of redemption encompass all future generations: this blessing became accessible to all nations in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3: 14). 4.6.3 God’s blessing in the new covenant Starting in the new covenant, divine blessing was imparted through Jesus Christ. The Lord blessed through His word, through His miracles, and through His conduct. He placed His hands of blessing upon children. He for- gave sinners. His ultimate blessing was given when He offered up His sinless life on the cross as an expiatory sacrifice for the reconciliation of all mankind. He thereby took upon Himself the curse which had burdened sinners. The blessing which is made accessible through Jesus Christ can be under- stood in a comprehensive way. Thus we read in Ephesians 1: 3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” This blessing began with the election before the foundation of the world (verse 4). It also incorporates redemption and forgiveness of sins (verse 7), leads to the knowledge of God’s will (verse 9), and includes the predestination as an heir of future glory (verse 11). It also grants access to the gospel (verse 13), and enables human beings to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, the pledge of the inheri- tance until redemption (verses 13–14). Believers know that being chosen in Jesus Christ incorporates the calling to inherit the blessing (1 Peter 3: 9). They demonstrate their thankfulness for God’s blessing through a life defined by the fear of God, obedience of faith, and selflessness. Another thing associated with blessing is offering (see 13.2.4). This is a fundamental experience of Christian life. Many divine blessings are made available to the believers in the divine service (see 12.1 and 12.2). The fullness of blessing consists of sharing in God’s glory forever. 190