Purchased and Sealed:

 

 

 

The Certainty of the Outcome

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

Ephesians 1:13-14

Introduction:

  1. See the previous studies in this sermon series covering the salvation declaration of Ephesians 1:3-12.
  2. The sermon outline, “Accepted and Adopted”.
  3. And, “Redemption and Inheritance”.

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,

  1. Again, by in whom, Paul emphasized the basis, means, purpose of eternal salvation.
    1. They trusted in Jesus Christ, in whom they were blessed, chosen, redeemed, etc.
    2. God chose to save us by and in His Son, and He should be exalted to glorify God.
    3. We rejoice trusting God through Jesus Christ and no one else e.g. popes, Mary, etc.
    4. God gave a witness of His Son Jesus Christ, and we should believe (I John 5:1-13).
    5. There are 13 uses of an in Christ relationship in this chapter, most of eternal union.
    6. We believe in Him as our only Savior and are baptized in Him (Galatians 3:26-27).
  2. A distinction must be noted between the apostles and Jews of 1:12 and these Gentiles.
    1. Observe the also showing that two classes of believers are being considered here.
    2. Paul and Jews had trusted in Christ first, and then Gentile Ephesians had trusted.
    3. The gospel went first to the Jews in very specific sequence ordered by Jesus Christ.
    4. The apostles went from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, then to the world (Ac 1:8).
    5. God’s clear design in revelation was Jews first (Ps 147:19-20; Mat 10:6; Ro 1:16).
  3. Hearing and believing the gospel is a very great blessing God gave to His children.
    1. The word of truth is preaching of scripture – they heard God’s word (I Thess 2:13).
    2. The mystery of godliness has preaching to and believing by Gentiles (I Tim 3:16).
    3. Preachers have beautiful feet according to both testaments (Is 52:7; Rom 10:15).
    4. You cannot believe without hearing, without preaching, and without God sending.
    5. The word of the truth of the gospel conveys our hope (Col 1:3-6; I Cor 15:1-2,19).
  4. Hearing and believing the gospel is not the means of salvation described in context.
    1. It could not be clearer thus far that eternal life is a free and sovereign gift of God.
    2. What follows has belief of the gospel as a result, not a condition (1:19-20; 2:1-9).
    3. God’s purpose and grace was in eternity, but in time brought to light (II Ti 1:9-10).
    4. He promised eternal life back in eternity but manifested it to us in time (Tit 1:1-3).
    5. The gospel is the good news of the gift of eternal life, not sacramental means of it.
    6. Paul preached to the elect, for they already had certain eternal glory (II Tim 2:10).
    7. The gospel is for those already saved by God in Christ (I Cor 1:18-24; Rom 1:16).
    8. The salvation by it and in it is only practical (I Tim 4:16; I Cor 15:2; Jas 5:19-20).
    9. If Ephesians or others believe the gospel, it proves God’s prior work (Acts 13:48).
    10. For more about the gospel … Why preach the gospel?… Role of Faith
  5. After trusting in Christ, God sealed you personally as His property by the Holy Spirit.
    1. Sealing can be closing something up, or it can be identifying with a special mark.
    2. A king could seal anything with his signet, marking it as His own, much as a notary does in sealing a signed document or a governmental unit does by its seal.
    3. God marked us with proof of His gift of eternal life and our adoption as children.
    4. It is our privilege to use His seal to show relationship (Matt 5:43-48; John 13:35).
    5. This seal guaranteeing salvation is both here and elsewhere (Eph 4:30; II Co 1:22).
    6. The more important the transaction, the more expensive and significant the seal.
    7. We have received the presence of God in us and with us for permanent dwelling!
  6. After believing, God sealed us with the Holy Spirit of His presence for sure evidence.
    1. He gave us His own presence as the seal of our authenticity as the sons of God.
    2. Since we are sons, God gave the Spirit to know our Father (Rom 8:14-16; Gal 4:6).
    3. Following faith is a gracious standing with God and the Spirit’s witness (Rom 5:5).
    4. From faith flows fullness of joy, peace, and hope by Holy Ghost power (Ro 15:13).
    5. The Spirit produces love in us – confirming inside and out (I Jn 4:12-13; Jn 13:35).
    6. There is internal evidence revealed to you and external evidence by a changed life.
    7. If you do not have the testimony inside, you are a reprobate or carnal child of God.
    8. If you do not have the testimony outside, we do not have any confidence in you.
  7. The Holy Ghost is an incredibly significant gift by God to us that He had promised.
    1.  God promised the Holy Ghost and His apostolic gifts much earlier (Joel 2:28-32).
    2. Jesus promised the Holy Ghost as Comforter in great detail (John 7:39; 14-16).
    3. God pouring out grace by the Spirit was stated in the Old Testament (Zech 12:10).
    4. Peter declared the fulfillment of these prophecies at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-21).
  8. The Spirit’s roles and operations may be found in this epistle to appreciate the gift.
    1. Regeneration is necessary for vital salvation (Eph 2:1-3 cp Jn 3:1-8 cp Titus 3:5).
    2. God seals His children after faith/baptism (Eph 1:13-14; 4:30 cp Acts 2:38; 5:32).
    3. Though sealed, more wisdom and revelation is needed (Eph 1:17; Matt 28:19-20).
    4. Access to God is through the Spirit’s help in prayer (Eph 2:18 cp Rom 8:26-27).
    5. Church members are part of His habitation (Ep 2:21-22 cp I Co 12:13 cp Ep 4:3-4).
    6. The Spirit can reveal Christ’s love for you past knowledge (Ep 3:14-19; Rom 5:5).
    7. The Spirit reveals truth to pastors to teach truth to you (Eph 3:5,8 cp Eph 4:8-12).
    8. The Spirit gives strength for fruitbearing (Eph 5:9,18 cp Gal 5:22-25 cp Phil 4:13).
    9. The Spirit, His sword (Bible), and His prayer works (Ep 6:17-18 cp Jude 1:17-21).
    10. If this is true, you should be filled (imperative) with the Spirit (Ep 5:18; Lu 11:13).
  9. Scripture connects faith and baptism closely – the one is the first action of the other.
    1. Though scripture promises the Spirit upon belief, it was actually baptism (Jn 7:39).
    2. Though the words here are trust and believe, baptism is understood (Acts 2:38).
    3. Peter and the apostles declared the gift of the Spirit to the obedient (Acts 5:32).
    4. The Holy Spirit is given to believers in association with baptism (Acts 19:2-3).

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

  1. The Holy Spirit, introduced in the previous verse, is our seal or guarantee of heaven.
    1. An earnest is a downpayment or surety bond of performance by the one giving it.
    2. Paul also identified the Spirit as seal and earnest to Corinthians (II Cor 1:22; 5:5).
    3. You were predestinated to your inheritance, but this is a deposit to guarantee it.
    4. God is very careful in scripture to assure you – think of His oath (Heb 6:13-20).
    5. For more about Jesus as Surety.
  2. Assurance of eternal life depends on faith and humble submission to the Holy Spirit.
    1. If you grieve or quench the Holy Spirit, then His internal witness is greatly dulled.
    2. The best evidence of eternal life is the Spirit’s work of loving others (I John 4:13).
    3. Every moment of spiritual delight you have with God is a down payment or proof.
    4. He is able and willing to shed abroad His love in your heart (Romans 5:5; 8:15).
    5. For more assurance of eternal life.
  3. Any earthly inheritance has written evidence, and it may have much affection as well.
    1. The greater the inheritance, the greater the written evidence and a role for trustees.
    2. You have in writing, by the Spirit, a fabulous testimony of God’s love and His gift.
    3. God has sent messengers called preachers to inform you of His inheritance to you.
    4. They can explain the entire covenant from its purpose to its final consummation.
    5. Different from all other last wills and testaments, this testator lives forever for you.
    6. And remember, the earnest is only a small part of the actual inheritance to enjoy.
  4. There is another redemption coming, which is the redemption of your physical body.
    1. It is places like this that show the value of phases of salvation … and redemption.
    2. Remember, you already possessed redemption (1:7), but this redemption is future.
    3. Christians with the Spirit groan waiting for an adoption and redemption (Ro 8:23).
    4. This is adoption and redemption of the body along with the creation (Ro 8:17-22).
    5. Job and David knew about redemption of their bodies (Job 19:23-27; Psalm 49:15).
    6. Hosea prophesied of it and Paul repeated him (Hos 13:14 cp I Corinthians 15:55).
    7. Phases of salvation.
    8. Creation renovated.
  5. The purchased possession must include the family of God, all souls, and all bodies.
    1. Get the distinction between a redemption already had and one to come (1:5,14).
    2. God purchased the church with His blood, so it is His possession (Acts 20:28).
    3. Jesus is gathering the whole family of God together of heaven and earth (Ep 1:10).
    4. However, the most direct application is our bodies by Paul elsewhere (Rom 8:23).
    5. Jesus died for your body and will raise yours like His was raised (I Cor 6:13-18)
    6. You are His, by creation ownership and by blood redemption … body, soul, spirit.
    7. Therefore, you should use body and spirit for Him (I Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23).
    8.  You are twice His! Who can steal you? Who can buy you? Who can charge you?
    9. Your Body is Totally the Lord’s.
    10. Cremation desecrates the believer’s body.
  6. All the things in this glorious context of verses 3-14 is for the praise of God’s glory.
    1. Each of the three sentences here refer to praise of God’s glory (Eph 1:6,12,14).
    2. God made all things for Himself, or His glory, including the wicked (Prov 16:4).
    3. There is not an event that occurs that is not for the praise of His glory (Ps 76:10).
    4. Are you actively and constantly fulfilling your destiny by praising His glory?
    5. We fulfill our role by perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor 6:14 – 7:1).

Conclusion:

  1. Hearing the truth of God’s word is a blessing … part of the great mystery of godliness (I Tim 3:16).
  2. Hearing the truth of God’s word is the gospel … good news of things God has for us (I Cor 2:9-10).
  3. God’s grace and power before (1:3-12) and after (2:1-10) is necessary for us to believe (1:19-20).
  4. The Holy Spirit regenerates us before faith (I Cor 2:14-15), and He seals us after faith (II Cor 1:22).
  5. The assurance and confirmation of your sonship depends on your obedience to the Spirit (I Jn 4:13).
  6. The proof you will inherit eternal glory is God’s internal presence with you now – the Holy Spirit.
  7. This earnest or guarantee has an internal witness (Rom 5:5) and power for fruitbearing (Ga 5:22-23).
  8. Though already redeemed sons of God, there is an adoption and redemption still coming (Ro 8:23).
  9. You were bought with a price, so you should live in a way to please your Owner (I Cor 6:19-20).
  10. All in the immediate and more distant context is for the praise of God’s glory (Ephesians 1:3-14).

For Further Study:

  1. Sermon Outline: Five Phases of Salvation.
  2. Sermon Outline: Whole Creation Groaneth.
  3. Sermon Outline: Your Body Is the Lord’s.
  4. Sermon Outline: The Holy Spirit.
  5. Sermon Outline: Higher Ground (Trait #2).