REMEMBER WHOSE YOU ARE!!

 

June 20, 2025

 

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.”

 

In the ancient world, a seal was a powerful symbol. Kings and rulers used signet rings or wax seals to mark something as official, protected, and belonging to them, whether it was a scroll, a decree, or a possession. In our reading today the Apostle Paul uses this imagery to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a follower of Jesus.

When we put our faith in Christ, something invisible yet profound occurs: God places His Spirit within us as a seal, a declaration that we belong to Him. This seal is not a temporary stamp like we sometimes receive after paying admission to a local festival, but this seal that Paul talks about is a permanent mark of identity, ownership, and security, that we are God’s covenant people.

Paul doesn’t stop there however, he pushes the metaphor even further saying the Holy Spirit is not only a seal but also a guarantee or “down payment”, a first installment so to speak, of what is yet to come. Just like a deposit with an offer on a house or property indicates more is coming, the presence of the Spirit in our life is the first taste of the full inheritance that will be ours when Christ returns, resurrection, glory, and eternal life with our creator God.

Blessed Assurance is ours. and this assurance isn’t based on our performance, or how strong our faith is, but rests securely on how faithful God is. Do not forget this great truth!!

To be sealed with the Spirit means that God has marked you as His own, guaranteed your future, and empowered your present. Practically, it shows up in quiet assurance, Spirit-led decisions, conviction, courage, and comfort, moment by moment. In times of grief, illness, or uncertainty, we hold onto the Spirit’s presence as a down payment of the eternal life and glory to come.

Still, we often struggle to trust that we are truly secure in Christ. Even though we have God's word of promise. Doubts creep in. Guilt resurfaces. Life’s hardships shake us. But Paul points us back to an unshakable Bible truth: if the Spirit is in you, you are sealed. You are safe. You are known. You are His.

Let’s Pray

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit as a seal upon my life. When I am tempted to question my worth or doubt my future, remind me that I am Yours. Let Your Spirit reassure my heart and strengthen my faith in what is to come. Help me to live with confidence, not because of my efforts, but because of Your promise. Amen.