In this post I will considering the final blessing the Christian needs to know about their identity. Of course, there are many more blessings we could consider, but this is the final one in the passage of our consideration (Eph. 1:3-14). What is this blessing? The Christian is sealed with the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 1:22, Eph. 1:13-14 and 4:30). The basic meaning of the word seal is “to stamp” or “to mark.” A seal in ancient times was placed on a document, object or person revealing either, authenticity, identification or security. In Ephesians 1:13-14, we learn about two binding marks of one who has been sealed with the Holy Spirit. These marks reveal who you are if you are a genuine Christian.
The first binding mark of being sealed with the Holy Spirit is identification with Christ (Eph. 1:13). This act of identification occurs the moment the individual is in Christ. He is your owner and you belong to Him! You have been spiritually marked, and that mark is the Holy Spirit. He testifies of your identification with Christ. This is who you are if you are a child of God – you are identified with Christ.
The second binding mark of being sealed with the Holy Spirit is security. In verse 14 Paul adds, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory“. The term “guarantee“ could also be translated “down payment.” As the Holy Spirit seals the believer, He becomes the “down payment” of our future inheritance. The future inheritance in view here is the eternal state, the glory of heaven. When the believer takes hold of this reality, they will be free from the presence of sin. The residing Holy Spirit in the life of the believer provides security because His presence guarantees our future inheritance. This is an incredible text to refute the notion of losing your salvation. The fact that the Holy Spirit is the initial down payment of what is to come should fill the believer with great security and assurance.
Knowing then that the believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit should help us further answer the question, who are you? The child of God is chosen, redeemed and sealed.
What amazing blessings! Knowing and enjoying such realities is “to the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:14).
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