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"Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise."

Text: Ephesians 1:13

A GREAT LIST OF BLESSINGS

The epistle to the Ephesian Church began with giving heartfelt thanks to the Lord for a whole list of blessings that He has already set aside for His beloved children (Ephesians 1:3-14). The last blessing was with special reference to the Holy Spirit. The order of listing does not affect its qualitative significance in any way!

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed,
you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption
of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:13-14

1. A quick overview of our salvation in Christ

a) There is the gospel of salvation:

i) This is first heard.

ii) It is then believed in.

iii) Faith in Christ is established and expressed in trust. (“Trusted” was added to amplify meaning.)

b) The promise of the Holy Spirit:

i) He is called the Holy Spirit of promise.

ii) He was promised by the Lord God.

iii) He is given to all believers.

iv) The Lord Jesus asked for the Holy Spirit from the Father.

c) Two special roles highlighted:

i) He is the Seal of God given to all true believers.

ii) He is also called “the Guarantee of our inheritance”.

2. A poignant illustration

a) Our salvation is described as:

i) Redemption

ii) It is further described as “purchased possession”.

b) The redemption process has two main parts

i) The purchase has been made; we are bought at a great price- the blood of Jesus!

ii) Our redemption would not be complete till we see the Lord Jesus in heaven.

c) However, our salvation (redemption) is complete and assured.

This work of redemption redounds to the praise of the glory of God!