#31 Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

Having 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.

12/21/06-12/23/06

Every Christian is sealed by God with the Holy Spirit. To be sealed is to be protected. In ancient times, seals were placed to show ownership and protect that which was sealed from thieves. A deed of ownership was sealed by the owner and he alone had the right to open it’s seal and he alone was the unquestioned owner. To be sealed by the Holy Spirit is to be protected as God’s possession for the seal not only protects, but proves ownership. For the Holy Spirit to be a deposit means that He is also a “down payment” proving the intent of God to complete the redemption of those who are His. This is all done for the glory of God. We pray, “Our Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who marks us as Your possession and keeps us safely Yours until our redemption is complete and we stand before You fully made perfect. You have made us Yours, mighty God, who can take us from Your hand? (John 10:28-29) for what You began You will complete. (Philippians 1:6) Lord, may we truly be Your possession, belonging to You alone. May we remember that we no longer even belong to ourselves. For we are not our own, we were bought with a price (1st Cor. 6:19-20) and that price was not mere silver and gold, but the precious blood of Christ , the spotless lamb (1st Peter 1:18-19). Father, help us to live truly holy lives, for only lives fully dedicated to You are the proper response to Your amazing grace and love You have poured out on us. May everything we do always be for Your glory alone! Amen.”