Ephesians 1:13, 14
"And you
also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation. 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."
NIV
I was busy at my job, laminating No Smoking signs and
marveling at what a wonderful invention the lamination process was, when today's
scripture popped into my mind.
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.
Once a document is laminated nothing can separate the
plastic seal from the original document, they have been forged into one. The
laminate seals, shields and protects the document keeping it clean and strong
for the duration of its life.
Likewise any person who hears the word of truth
concerning Christ, the gospel of our salvation, and chooses to embrace that
truth is sealed or forged as one with the Holy Spirit who in turn fortifies and
protects our inner most being until that day when we shall see Christ face to
face.
Just how this sealing happens is a mystery to us, but
one of the main ways the Spirit fortifies and protects us amidst the waiting
period before redemption is not. For as Jesus has stated and the writers of
Hebrews and Timothy have written:
"But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of
everything I have said to you."
John 14:26 NIV
"All
Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness.... for the word of God is living and active. Sharper
than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
2 Timothy 3:16 & Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Yes, we are sealed, forged as one with the Holy
Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of
those who are God's possession. Therefore let us pray for hearts and minds that
are continually open to his leading and direction through the power of
Scripture, that indeed our lives may, through obedience and understanding of the
word, be strong and fortified to the praise of His glory.
Prayer: Father God thank you for the sealing of your
Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the day of
redemption. Bless us with a hunger and thirst for a spirit of obedience to his
leading through the truth of your word. In Christ's name we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, B.C.
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