The Position of the Believer: Sealed
Study of Ephesians
Week 3
Ephesians 1:13-14
Let’s begin this week’s study with a little more background about Ephesians.
When we read Ephesians 1:3-14 in our Bibles today, there are punctuation marks, commas, and periods. However, as originally delivered in the Greek, Paul shared this thought in one complete sentence, 122 words! Scholars suggest that this was not Paul’s usual writing style, but the impact of these verses are undeniable to our faith.
We learned in Ephesians 1:3-6, that in Him, we are chosen by the Father.
In Ephesians 1:7-12, in Him, we are redeemed by the Son.
In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul completes his song of praise by declaring that in Him,
we are sealed in the Spirit.
These three foundational truths are at the very heart of every Christian.
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation- having also believed you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
There we have that phrase again… “in Him.” Those words join all believers.
“In Him” we are chosen.
“In Him” we are redeemed.
“In Him” we are sealed.
Our complete position in Christ rests in those words.
How reassuring this message must have been for the Jews who had a background of faith, yet how astounding it must have been for the Gentiles who were new to faith in God through Christ. Those words, “in Him’, united both the Jews and the Gentiles. (Galatians 3:28)
Scripture defines an order of events starting with verse 13.
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth…”
“Listen” in English can be such a watered-down word but in the Greek means,“to get by hearing, thus learn.” (1)
“Listen” has impact, doesn’t it? It is not just listening and deciding whether or not to respond or change. Listening in the Greek bears the direct implication of learning.
Then we see this word, “believed”.
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, having also believed….”
“Believed” means in this context a “believing that leads to or proceeds from God’s in-birthing of faith,” specifically “of those who acknowledge Jesus as the Savior and devote themselves to Him.”(2)
How often have we seen the phrase, “Just Believe!” as if those words had some magical powers. Paul was directing these words to the Ephesians who lived in a very spiritually saturated place. Ephesus was a center of idol worship, especially at the temple of Diana. They put their trust in in those “magical powers”. However, Paul intentionally used this word “believe” in a context that was God originated, not with human power. God and God alone has the power to fill the “believer” with faith in Christ, and impact eternal change.
Then sealed.
“…you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise...” (v13)
Sealed, “attesting ownership, carried by the full authority of the owner.” (3)
This term meant something to the people of Ephesus. A seal was used by a king to guarantee his words were, in facts, his words or proclamations. A seal was used on all important documents, cargo, and legal transactions.
So when Paul wrote that we “were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise…” Well, that was a game changer. This component of the gospel message must have brought such hope to the Christians in Ephesus.
Paul’s letter provided evidence of clearly documenting the gospel.
Christians were chosen by God the Father, redeemed by His Son and sealed in the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit has a unique role in the trinity.
He sanctifies us. Romans 15:15-17
He anoints us. 1John 2:20-21
He empowers us. Micah 3:8
He comforts us. John 14:16-26
While only a partial summary of His role, the impact of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives is eternally profound. How grateful we can be to Paul who memorialized forever his devotion to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Footnotes:
(1-3) Ephesians 1:13-14 Lexicon, Biblehub.com, accessed January 2022, https://biblehub.com/lexicon/ephesians/1-13.htm
Question for discussion (your email is never posted or shared)
As we look at being sealed by the Holy Spirit, how does that affect our daily lives?