In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
I love this verse. It has such powerful past, present and future imagery. The part that sticks out to me is “were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it”. First off, the concept of sealed has a strong historical context and has much more significance than licking an envelope and tasting that disgusting sticky chemical/gasoline/battery acid tasting glue. The history a signet ring dates back to 3,500 b.c. and was used to seal or stamp a document or a door of a house or a tomb signifying ownership. In fact it was considered more authentic than a signature. Every ring was unique, the markings usually included the family crest but there would always be a significant mark which personally identified the ring holder. Some of the rings were simple monograms or icons which were associated with the most important families. All rings were reverse engineered to ensure that the design came out properly when they were stamped on a document. Of course, this level of detail also ensured the rings were expensive and very difficult to copy. The ring was an inseparable and valued possession and is referenced in Genesis 41:42 when Pharaoh removed his and placed it on Joseph’s finger. Huge deal by the way, especially in light of the context of a signet ring. I would venture this act of a king offering his ring to a previous slave was potentially unmatched throughout history. What a great story and a testament to the faithfulness of God. Now if you were curious of what one look like below is a pic of mine. Just kidding, mine isn’t red and black, ok you got me, I don’t have one…yet : )
The whole idea of being sealed with the Holy Spirit takes on a whole new meaning in light of the historical context. If we first heard and then believed the word of truth and the gospel of salvation we are sealed by Holy Spirit. He was our signet ring. He stamped us and through this we reflect him at our most basic and ideal form. We are His people and He is our God. He isn’t just always with us but He is always in us. He is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.
But who is this Holy Spirit? Well there’s no better source to learn this then the Bible which is the ultimate source of truth. Here’s a few verses describing the Holy Spirit and a quick summary of how He is described (all verses very paraphrased).
Will teach you all things. John 14:26
Helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:26
Produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Reveals wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Isaiah 11:2
An advocate who will never leave us leading us to all truth. John 14:15-17
Where Spirit is there is freedom. II Corinthians 3:17
Will guide us to all truth and tell us about the future. John 16:13
This is just a sampling of what the Bible states about the Holy Spirit. Pretty good stuff, eh? Who doesn’t need some of that action and if that’s not enough to convince you that you need more of Holy Spirit listen to what Jesus says:
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
Not much to add to that. If Jesus says it’s better he goes away so the Holy Spirit comes we have to take Him at His word. What a gift God has given us and despite all the benefits that come with the Holy Spirit it’s just a partial revelation and payment guaranteeing a future far more glorious reality. He is just a foretaste of the inheritance of living with God in perfect harmony in eternity. No matter where you are at in your walk you must grab hold of the Holy Spirit not only is He the key to life in this world He is also a payment for the future inheritance God guarantees us through belief in Him.
Out of God’s great love for us He sent His Holy Spirit to us for our benefit. Isn’t that enough of a reason to push aside all hindrances and focus on where He is moving and what He is doing? If God is good, which He is, then the Holy Spirit must be priceless to living lives not just out of duty but out of the knowledge that God knows what’s best for our lives. Embrace this gift and the knowledge that that you were sealed with the Holy Spirit when you heard and believed the gospel of salvation. The Holy Spirit is just a glimpse of much more glorious inheritance we will receive upon Jesus’ return or us being taken up to heaven. Don’t ever underestimate the value of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is an inseparable and an invaluable possession. Remember we are sealed in Him and His value and goodness cannot be totally comprehended. Know He’s speaking right here right now. Let’s live lives that reflect what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. Let’s take God for His word and be in constant relationship with the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is what the Bible says He is, “Where would you go? What would you do? Who would you be?” Life isn’t about what we earn, own or accomplish. It’s about yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide and direct our lives. Embrace the mystery of what the Holy Spirit wants to do in and through you.
