And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 NIV
Paul opens his letter to the church in Ephesus with a greeting that offers his wishes of grace and peace to the faithful. He then shifts to praising God for the spiritual blessings received in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul praises God and Christ saying in Ephesians 1:7, “in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. WEB”
The great apostle describes his role as preordained by God. Paul teaches that the Lord predestined the faithful in his service before the foundation of the earth. He writes in Ephesians 1:4-5, “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love, having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire. WEB”
Faith Comes by Hearing
In verse thirteen, Paul describes three things that took place in the lives of those who received the good news of Christ in the church at Ephesus. First, they heard the gospel, the message of truth. It is vitally important that believers share the word of God with others. As Paul writes in Romans 10:17,”So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. WEB”
Next, Paul writes that the church members believed. We know from scripture like John 3:16 that everlasting life comes by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We read in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV” As Christ says in John 14:1, “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. WEB”
Sealed With the Holy Spirit
Finally, Paul writes that those who accept the message of truth are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The metaphor of a seal is Paul’s way of conveying to whom we belong. The presence of the Holy Spirit proves the genuine nature of our conversion. When a king seals a document with wax pressed by his inginia, it demonstrates its authenticity. Similarly, the presence of God’s Holy Spirit shows that believers belong to the Lord.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the message of truth in Jesus Christ. Thank you for your grace and my salvation. Guide my steps to serve you. Help me share the good news with the world. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Inherit Eternal Life
