Already Yours

The promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. Ephesians 1:13–14

D.L. MOODY
A poor woman once told Rowland Hill that the way to heaven was short, easy, and simple; comprising only three steps—out of self, into Christ, and into glory. We have a shorter way now—out of self and into Christ. That way is the kingdom of heaven begun below—a little of what awaits us in glory.

ERWIN LUTZER
D.L. Moody’s preaching was characterized by simplicity, directness, and deep conviction. He used visual imagery, challenging both the unsaved and the Christians of his day. As far as he was concerned, we could have the assurance of heaven at this moment. The Bible agrees.
The full passage of Ephesians 1:13–14 says, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
At conversion, the Holy Spirit seals us. The imagery comes to us from ancient times when a king would seal a document by having it rolled up and then hot wax poured on it where the end of the parchment met the rolled paper. Then the king’s signet ring would be pressed into the hot wax to form the seal. The only one allowed to break the seal was either the king or the intended recipient of the document. In our case, the Holy Spirit is both the one who seals us and the only one who could break the seal. But He will not break the seal because we are “sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).
Are you struggling spiritually? Thank God right now for the sealing of the Spirit, and trust Him to bring a bit of sunshine into your restless heart.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for sealing me with your Spirit, and grant me the assurance of my eternal destiny.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What is the inheritance that is coming to believers?

What implications should the sealing of the Holy Spirit have on your life?