Young People's Group

Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise

by Mitchell Tan
August 14, 2019

THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A SYMBOL OF A SEAL

One of the best blessings that the Lord has given to us is the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul wrote of how when the Spirit of God comes into our lives, He becomes a seal with reference to our salvation.

1. THE USE OF A SEAL ON A LETTER

A seal was often used on hot wax to seal a letter. This was something established in the early Roman empire. This would indicate the authenticity of the writer of the letter.

2. BEING SEALED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD

“You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”
Ephesians 1:13

The seal of the Spirit of God in our lives is something really special that comes through the Lord Jesus.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES

“You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession”
Ephesians 1:13-14

1. ASSURANCE OF THE SPIRIT AS A GUARANTEE OF OUR INHERITANCE

The word “guarantee” has the idea of a “deposit”. It has a commercial idea that Paul has adapted theologically. God has placed a “deposit” within us. This “deposit” is the Spirit of God. With this deposit of the Spirit of God, our spiritual inheritance is fully guaranteed. The Holy Spirit gives us that full assurance that this inheritance would be given to us one day.

2. ANTICIPATION OF THE FULL REDEMPTION THAT THE LORD WOULD GIVE

The Holy Spirit is that seal and “deposit” for our lives until the full redemption of the purchased possession. We as the purchased possession would be fully redeemed by Him when we finally arrive in heaven. There is that anticipation of hope that we would receive the fullness of our salvation in Christ one day. That spiritual inheritance in heaven would definitely be ours.

BEING SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. HEARING THE GOSPEL OF OUR SALVATION

“After you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation”
Ephesians 1:13

There must first be the hearing of the gospel of our salvation. It is recognising and receiving it as the word of truth. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed the truth.

2. HAVING GENUINE FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS

When we have genuine faith in the Lord, we would be sealed with the Holy Spirit.

A. BELIEVING IN CHRIST

“In whom also, having believed”
Ephesians 1:13

We are to have a definite faith in the Lord Jesus. We are to believe in Him whole heartedly.

B. TRUSTING IN CHRIST

“That we who first trusted in Christ”
Ephesians 1:12

The phrase “first trusted” comes from the Greek word “proelpizó.” Paul and the disciples were the first few to have faith and hope in the Lord. Faith and hope go very much together. Let’s learn to hope in the Lord till there is that absolute trust in Him. Let’s seek to develop our faith and hope in the Lord Jesus and in this wonderful salvation plan.

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