#3: You trusted=You are sealed
Ephesians 1 is a rich and delightful chapter! Today we will look at 1:13-14,
“In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Faith comes by hearing and we clearly see this in verse 13. Once you have heard and believed, (two actions), you receive a promise: You are then sealed.
What does it mean to be sealed? When you look up the root word used here, in the original language, we discover that it involves a distinction in order to prove, confirm or authenticate someone or something. Here, we understand that we are marked by God as a show of possession—who you belong to. This is your new position and identity in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit “proves” you are God’s child. With this new position also comes a new level of authority. Your new family—God’s—gives you the incredible gift of fullness in Christ.
I think that is incredibly special!
How about the “inheritance?” That which God has granted to you and me: eternal blessedness; the Kingdom of God. Both now and a future reality. You and I are already members of the Kingdom of God, already made new, and being sanctified. The guarantee is like a “down payment.” Holy Spirit within you is God’s guarantee, the first installment of all that is coming.
If you really sit with this passage, pray and listen to the Lord, you may find you are like me—completely overcome by awareness, and even more-gratitude. How incredible to be completely loved in this magnificent way.
I encourage you to spend significant time reading and rereading Ephesians 1. Let it ruminate in your thoughts and ask the Lord to etch these incredible truths upon your heart.
Be conformed to the image of Jesus—for God’s glory.
Father, thank you for your Word and the truths that change us. Be with my brother or sister in Christ today. Fill them anew with Your Spirit of truth. Surround them with Your peace and love. Teach and train us to walk surrendered to Your Spirit within us. For Your glory alone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen