Josh Wallace, staff writer for The Oklahoman, had an interesting article (“Dozens Gather For Pagan Winter Celebration,” December 29, p.3A) related to “The Spiral Circle Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans.” How they came to this philosophy of life is quite interesting. Many of the participants said “they came from traditional Christian homes, but agreed that for them, something was missing spiritually.” 

That “something missing spiritually” statement would surely have caught Paul’s eye. He (by inspiration) wrote: “Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Paul clearly affirms that “every spiritual blessing” is to be found “in Christ” - hence, available for all Bible-based Christians! Which spiritual blessing will these pagans find that is not “in Christ”? Note the spiritual blessings for those “in Christ.” 

Those “in Christ” are children of God (Galatians 3:26-29). Paul was aware of this when he wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father,” further affirming that is “the God that made the world and all things therein, He being Lord of heaven and earth” (Acts 17:24). God, being the Maker of the world and all things therein, as well as being “Lord of heaven and earth,” could you find a better Father than God? James even adds, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). What good or perfect gift will the pagans find outside of what the “Blessed God and Father” has for those “in Christ”? 

Paul adds that it is “in Christ” that we have “our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Paul enlarges on the far-reaching benefits offered through the Gospel he proclaimed, which Jesus said was “to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in Christ” (Acts 26:18). Paul even said “Death is swallowed up in victory...thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 15:50-57, esp. vv. 54-57). 

And as to that “inheritance” Paul mentioned, John enlarges on it, stating God will “wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more” (Revelation 21:4). Peter adds that the inheritance is “incorruptible, and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” for those who have this “living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:3-5). 

In life, in death, in eternity, these pagan people might want to check out Christ and see if there is anything missing as to spiritual blessings in Christ! Peter offers us a practical and profitable admonition, urging us to be a Christian, glorifying God in that name (I Peter 4:16-18). Hopefully, the pagan people—all people—will come to agree with Paul that every spiritual blessing is “in Christ!” (cf. Romans 6:3-5).