Ephesians 1 - 7.1.25

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:13-14 –  “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

OBSERVATION:  Paul is addressing this section to the converted Gentiles by using the word “you” instead of “we” which would address converted Jews. During the early church, there were some Jews who felt following Christ was exclusively for Jews. This scripture helps authenticate that conversion in Christ was also for Gentiles just like Romans 1:16:  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

I was drawn to the part that says “you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” Back in New Testament times, important documents were “sealed” with clay or wax that had an imprint of the official seal mark. Although using wax or clay is rarely used today, official seals are still used to authenticate birth certificates, passports, and other official legal documents. With this seal, everyone knows these documents are authentic and real. Anything that contains the official seal can easily be accepted and approved. As Gentiles who accept Christ, we have the same seal of approval through the Holy Spirit, which proves we are accepted into the Kingdom. I love the use of “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” In the legal and financial field, a document that shows a deposit guarantee gives the owner a certified confidence that no matter what, the deposit guarantee means it will be paid. The Holy Spirit will provide for our certification into heaven with the inheritance and redemption Christ provided upon the cross. Christ’s seal, through the Holy Spirit, is what certifies us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

APPLICATION: 

Just like when you earn an honor, a promotion, a grade in work / school, there’s a sense of accomplishment and pride. Although we don’t earn our salvation - it is a gift - there is a sense of honor knowing we’re sealed through the Holy Spirit and have a “deposit guarantee” for our inheritance into Heaven. This is the assurance we have, through our faith, and the seal of the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful to the Lord for his seal and assurance into heaven. With having this assurance, there’s a deeper desire to serve Him, live a life pleasing to the Lord, and continually praise Him for everything.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for my seal in Christ through the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for the “deposit guaranteeing” the inheritance into heaven. This assurance gives me peace that my life is sealed in you. I pray that others come to know you and have that same assurance through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen!

- Mary Oberg