"Sealed Until the Day of Redemption"

 

Ephesians 1:13-14 "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, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory."

     The notion that one can be saved and then lost again has no biblical basis whatsoever. All cults, and even many within Christendom, zealously push this heresy; their false gospels implicitly teach that JESUS' work on the cross is insufficient, and GOD did not provide a perfect and complete salvation in HIM and that unless one remains in good repute with the church or with GOD, then his salvation is in question. However, we must realize that if an individual does not have his standing before GOD solely on the imputed righteousness of JESUS CHRIST, his faith is, by default, in his works - this denies the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone (Philippians 3:9 pictured above) !

     Our text states that all who hear the truth of the Gospel and believe its report are "sealed" with the HOLY SPIRIT the moment they place their faith in CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Seeking to "attain the SPIRIT" or trying to "hold onto salvation" are both concepts contradictory to Bible truth. The gift of the SPIRIT and HIS securing of the one who believes are the operations of GOD, not man (Acts 15:6-9). Our text refers to this seal of the HOLY SPIRIT as the "earnest of our inheritance" (v.14 pictured above). An earnest is a down payment or guarantee - the advancement of a portion of an amount due, the latter to be paid in full at a later date. The HOLY SPIRIT provides absolute assurance of the eventual "redemption of the purchased possession" (v.14 pictured above) at the LORD's appearing. All believers are sealed; all who are sealed will be redeemed. Once again, the phrase "[to] the praise of HIS glory" accompanies this essential doctrine. Why ? GOD's power to save and keep all who put their faith in CHRIST directs all praise to where it is due: HIMSELF ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation