Sealed

Ephesians 1:13

We continue on in our study of Ephesians and have now come to verse thirteen. It says, “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.” Let’s dive in!

“Him” is referring to Jesus here, and “you” is referring to the Ephesians, the recipients of this letter. Therefore, the Ephesians trusted in Jesus. They trusted in Him after they heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation. Paul quite plainly states what salvation is. It is putting your trust in Jesus.

As we have seen, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, paying our penalty, and doing so because of grace. No works were involved on our part. He chose us. He predestined us. He saved us.

After the Ephesians trusted in Him, after they believed, they were sealed. The Greek word for sealed in this verse is σφραγίζω (sphragizo) and it means “to stamp for security or preservation.” It gives the idea of permanence. When we are saved we are preserved. Incredibly, when we are saved we are secured by the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit Himself seals our salvation. It is unchanging and will forever be unchanging. Once Jesus saved us and adopts us as His children, we are part of His family forever!

This chapter really just keeps getting better doesn’t it? Isn’t God incredible?! The gift that we have been given is priceless. There are honestly no words to describe or explain this gift that will do it any justice.

Yet how often do we think of this indescribable gift with joy and thankfulness? How often do we even think about it period? If our salvation was not sealed by the Holy Spirit, we could not remain saved. We sin on a regular basis. Whether they are big sins or not, they are sins that would justify God’s wrath; however, He saved us through Him and He sealed us by His Spirit.

I hope we will grow in our thankfulness towards our Father, towards His Son, and towards His Spirit. They all saved us in their own, unique way. God the Father chose us before the foundation of the world. He sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus came willingly, preaching, teaching, and healing and ultimately dying for our sins. The Holy Spirit seals us, permanently stamping us as His adopted children.

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