Tag: guarantee

Holy Spirit 4

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The aim of this devotional study is to grow in appreciation for the role of the Spirit in our eternal salvation.

Scripture

Ephesians 1:13-14

13  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,

14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Observation

In today’s study we will appreciate the rich truth by reflecting on each of the key phrases in the text.

  1. In your own words write what you understand Paul means when he writes:
    1. “you also trusted”
    2. “you heard the word of truth”
    3. “you were sealed”
    4. “the Holy Spirit of promise”
    5. “the guarantee of our inheritance”
    6. “until the redemption of the purchased possession”
  2. In your own words explain what Paul taught the Ephesians about the Holy Spirit’s role in their life in these two lines.
  3. From this text, would you say Paul believed that every believer has the Holy Spirit in them?

Application

  1. Paul write to the Ephesians about the Holy Spirit as “seal / mark of God” and “guarantee / deposit of their inheritance” of all believers. What truth and emotions SHOULD that evoke in you?  What DO you feel when you read that?
  2. Both a seal / mark and a guarantee / deposit are passive entities that function independently of the item secured. The seal functions as recognition, the guarantee as security.  Knowing this – how SHOULD a Christian relate to God and his eternal inheritance?  How DO you feel about your relationship with God and your eternal inheritance?

Note: If in reflecting on these two verses above you notice feelings or thoughts that you do not do enough or know enough, flag it to yourself and pray about it – because Paul’s whole point in the text is that EVERY BELIEVER WHO TRUSTS IN CHRIST FOR HIS SALVATION HAS THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT who identifies him as God’s property (“son” in Rom 8 and Gal 4) and has an inheritance secure – his eternal salvation.  [As long as you hold faith in Christ].  These two things are not related to your effort.  Your salvation and inheritance are gifts from God.

Prayer

Thank God for his Holy Spirit indwelling you, identifying you as his property & child, and being a payment guarantee of your eternal inheritance!  Bring all your uncertainties and fears to him in prayer, and pray that he may fill you with hope and faith.

Salvation and the Spirit 4

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The aim of this devotional study is to understand and appreciate the Spirit’s participation in our continuing salvation.

Scripture

Ephesians 1:7-14

7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11  In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

13  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, 14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Observations

  1. It is very helpful to replace key words or phrases with appropriate synonyms to better understand the fullness of a Text. Re-read the text out loud and replace the words in bold with synonyms (similar phrases).
  2. According to this text, what is a function of the Holy Spirit pertaining our salvation?
  3. What is meant with the phrase “sealed with the …Holy Spirit”?
  4. What do you understand is “our inheritance” that is kept for us?
  5. What does Paul mean when he says the Holy Spirit in us “is the guarantee” of our inheritance?
  6. What does Paul refer to when he says “until we acquire possession” of our inheritance?

Application

Paul writes that we are “sealed” or “marked as God’s property” through the Holy Spirit.  He adds that we have the Spirit as our “guarantee” or “engagement ring” – the promise that we will forever be united as through marriage.  Thus the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer brings security that He is united with God in Christ through the indwelling of His Spirit, and therefore his eternal salvation is certain – he is now and forever one with God, the Source of Life.

  1. How do you know that the Holy Spirit lives in you?
  2. How do others know that the Holy Spirit lives in you?
  3. How confident are you that your salvation in God is certain and secure?

Prayer

If you have the gift of praying in tongues, spend significant time praying in the Holy Spirit and asking God for interpretation now, otherwise ask God to fill you with His Spirit and ask Him for spiritual gifts you desire from Him.