By Elizabeth Prata
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14).
John MacArthur note from MacArthur Daily Bible for September 29:
“sealed…with the Holy Spirit. God’s own Spirit comes to indwell the believer and secures and preserves his eternal salvation. The sealing of which Paul speaks refers to an official mark of identification placed on a letter, contract, or other document. That document was thereby officially under the authority of the person whose stamp was on the seal. Four primary truths are signified by the seal:
1) security (Da 6:17; Mt 27:62-66);
2) authenticity (1Ki 21:6-16);
3) ownership (Jer 32:10); and
4) authority (Est 8:8-12).
The Holy Spirit is given by God as His pledge of the believer’s future inheritance in glory (2Co 1:21).” —end MacArthur comment
Someone once asked his friend, “WHat’s your favorite book of the Bible?” And the friend answered, “The one I’m reading now.”
LOL. It’s that way with me too. I started Ephesians this morning and I am reminded all over again what a beautiful book that is. I pondered the seal for a while. What a gift Jesus gave us in the Spirit, and then knowledge of the Spirit’s work in us as sealed forever through another great gift, His word.
What a joy to know our salvation is secure. What relief to know this word is authentic. Ownership is a hot button word these days, but the fact is, we are either owned by satan or owned by God. The Potter created us and the Potter owns the clay. Authority- how wonderful to know through and through that Jesus will never abuse His authority. How great to understand to whom we must submit. Governors change. Presidents change. Bosses change. Jesus never changes. He is THE authority!
So often we pray for the ‘big things’ and that is right and good. We pray for salvations, for healings, for big provision. We pray in thanks for these if they are granted. But also pray praises for the ‘little things’ which really are big. Like praising Him for the Bible. For preserving it and getting it translated in our language. For the seal of the Spirit and knowing we are secure. Can we find authenticity and security in this world? No. Nothing is secure! Authenticity is in short supply. I don’t know about you but I’ve been lied to, even by those closest to me. Jesus’ word is ALL truth! Guaranteed.
My favorite book is the one I’m reading now- Ephesians!
