Eph 1:11-14 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 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.
As children of God we have received a divine inheritance in Christ. He is the source of our inheritance. We not only have received grace, which is poured our abundantly to us, (Eph 1:8) and forgiveness of our trespasses (Eph 1:7), but we have receive the gift of salvation and eternal life in heaven through Him. This inheritance was laid out before the foundation and was done according to His great purpose according to the counsel of His will. God's plan for salvation was predetermined before we could ever make a decision to choose him. In His grace, God determined to choose vile, corrupt, sinful people to glorify Himself through His son Jesus Christ. (Rom 3:23-24). This glorifying of God will continue for all time and according to many commentaries "was first hoped for by the Jewish people waiting on a messiah." The first converts, the one's who first hoped in Christ. Jesus Christ came and fulfilled the Old Testament Prophesy and thus fulfilling the hope for a Messiah. This fulfillment is to be praised to the glory of God.
Paul wants the people of Ephesus to understand that they are sealed in Christ. There is no greater assurance of the Christian faith than the assurance of salvation. (2Cor 1:22) He seals each one of us in Christ by putting the Holy Spirit into our hearts as a deposit for the redemption of our souls. First we heard the gospel of our salvation and then we believed the gospel of our salvation. Then we become sealed with Christ by the Holy Spirit of Promise. (2Cor 1:21-22)
What an amazing gift we are given in Jesus. We are sealed in Him forever. The Holy Spirit was pledged by God as an inheritance to His children. When God makes a promise He keeps it. (Acts 2:33), (Gal 3:14) This is not like any human pledge that can be broken but is assured because God tells us it is. Be praise and glory to Him.
Isn't it nice to know that we are secure in the work of Christ and not our own!
Blessings to you today. If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior and want to learn more click here.
Keith
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