Sealed and Thrilled

Introduction: What does it mean to be “sealed”? In his letter to the Ephesians (and us today), Paul informs the believers in Christ that they have been sealed. This is one of the multiple roles of the Holy Spirit.
 
Check it out:
 

1. Sealing means we are saved! (Eph 1:13)

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”

Notice the words: “gospel,” “salvation,” “believed.” The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1Cor 15:3,4). Salvation includes the deliverance from the “penalty,” “power,” and one day the “presence” of sin. At the moment of salvation – through believing – repenting and receiving Jesus Christ, a person is sealed.

2. Sealing means we are secure! (Eph 1:14)

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Notice the words “earnest” and “inheritance.” The word “earnest” is ἀρραβών, which means (earnest-money). In other words, this is a large part of the payment. It is given in advance, which assured it as a security that the whole amount will be paid later.

Do you get the picture? Jesus Christ gives us His down payment, which is the Holy Spirit. The whole amount will be given at the moment when we receive our glorified bodies.

3. Sealing means assured! (Eph 1:14)

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Look at the word “inheritance.” It is κληρονομία, (klay-ron-om-ee’-ah), which means an heritage. It is a gift from God. It can mean a possession. It has both a present tense application but also a futuristic implication. Furthermore, it has to do with a share, or a participation. The writer to the book of Hebrews references that fact they we are partners in the ministry (Heb 3:14), “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.”

Conclusion: Can a person become unsaved? Unsealed? The answer is NO. Our Lord never makes mistakes. Therefore, the sealing is forever! That is why when we are “sealed” we ought to be “thrilled”!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese