Word@Work Eph9 - Ephesians 1:13-14
Published: Wed, 10/08/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
THE CONFIDENCE OF BELONGING
Read Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory. (NIV)
Any right-minded Christian should quietly glow with the thought of being 'included in Christ'! This passage pivots on the idea of being marked with a seal. A seal is a sign of being owned, a mark of authenticity, a mark of security and 'not to be opened' except by God! This seal is the Holy Spirit who is the resident evidence that the believer belongs to Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit's presence not only witnesses to the Godhead that we belong to heaven, but also to the powers of darkness that we don't belong to hell. To us, the Spirit is a personal guarantee that we really do belong and that our place in God's eternity is assured, and that all Christ has invested in us will be seen, when we are given a new body in His undiluted presence. It will be a great day when all that Christ has worked for in us will be seen in perfection!
So don't let the noisy din of a screaming world drag you away from the confidence of belonging that the Holy Spirit wants you to have each day. The truth is: that, having trusted in Jesus - you really do belong to God; you are safe for every day and through all eternity; you are not your own (or alone) because you have been bought by Jesus (1 Cor 6:19-20); and your treasure is being stored up in heaven. So relax and then stand up straight! Whatever anybody else says, Christian; you belong to Jesus! The Holy Spirit is in you to affirm that truth, so that you may live this day to Christ's glory. Your colleagues may not say much, but your fresh confidence in the Lord will inevitably affect the workplace too ... when they ask you can tell them how!
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know that I do not deserve the privilege you have given me - that I might belong to you. But I am so glad that I do! Throughout this day, whatever happens, please assure me by Your Spirit, that I am safe now and my future is assured every day until forever. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Any right-minded Christian should quietly glow with the thought of being 'included in Christ'! This passage pivots on the idea of being marked with a seal. A seal is a sign of being owned, a mark of authenticity, a mark of security and 'not to be opened' except by God! This seal is the Holy Spirit who is the resident evidence that the believer belongs to Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit's presence not only witnesses to the Godhead that we belong to heaven, but also to the powers of darkness that we don't belong to hell. To us, the Spirit is a personal guarantee that we really do belong and that our place in God's eternity is assured, and that all Christ has invested in us will be seen, when we are given a new body in His undiluted presence. It will be a great day when all that Christ has worked for in us will be seen in perfection!
So don't let the noisy din of a screaming world drag you away from the confidence of belonging that the Holy Spirit wants you to have each day. The truth is: that, having trusted in Jesus - you really do belong to God; you are safe for every day and through all eternity; you are not your own (or alone) because you have been bought by Jesus (1 Cor 6:19-20); and your treasure is being stored up in heaven. So relax and then stand up straight! Whatever anybody else says, Christian; you belong to Jesus! The Holy Spirit is in you to affirm that truth, so that you may live this day to Christ's glory. Your colleagues may not say much, but your fresh confidence in the Lord will inevitably affect the workplace too ... when they ask you can tell them how!
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know that I do not deserve the privilege you have given me - that I might belong to you. But I am so glad that I do! Throughout this day, whatever happens, please assure me by Your Spirit, that I am safe now and my future is assured every day until forever. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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