Sealed by the Spirit: Assurance of Our Inheritance

In our journey of faith, we are reminded of the profound assurance and security that comes from being sealed by the Holy Spirit. This seal is not just a symbolic gesture but a divine guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. Just as a king's seal on a document signifies its authenticity and irrevocability, so does the Holy Spirit's seal on our lives. It is a mark of ownership, a validation of our redemption, and a promise of what is to come. This sealing is described as a "down payment," a concept that might seem surprising when we consider that God Himself, through the Holy Spirit, is this down payment. This means that the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a foretaste of the full inheritance we will receive, a guarantee that God's promises will be fulfilled.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this truth in his letters, illustrating that the Holy Spirit is given to us as a down payment, ensuring that the inheritance promised to us is secure. This assurance is not just about future glory but also about our present identity and purpose. We are chosen, predestined, redeemed, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. This sealing by the Holy Spirit is the capstone of these blessings, providing us with the confidence that our salvation is secure and irrevocable.

As believers, we are called to walk in this assurance, knowing that our salvation is not a matter of uncertainty. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. This should lead us to live with confidence, not in doubt or fear, but in the assurance that we are God's possession, and He will bring to completion the good work He has begun in us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The seal of the Holy Spirit is a divine guarantee of our inheritance in Christ, signifying authenticity and irrevocability, much like a king's seal on a document. This seal assures us of our redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises. [07:17]
• 2. The concept of the Holy Spirit as a "down payment" might seem surprising, but it signifies that God's presence in our lives is a foretaste of the full inheritance we will receive. This assurance is a profound reminder of God's faithfulness. [08:55]
• 3. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the Holy Spirit as a down payment, ensuring that our promised inheritance is secure. This truth is not just about future glory but also about our present identity and purpose in Christ. [09:40]
• 4. As believers, we are chosen, predestined, redeemed, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The sealing by the Holy Spirit is the capstone of these blessings, providing us with confidence in our secure and irrevocable salvation. [11:24]
• 5. We are called to walk in assurance, knowing that our salvation is not uncertain. The Holy Spirit's presence is a constant reminder of God's faithfulness, leading us to live confidently as God's possession, assured of His promises. [12:39]
  ** [12:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:49] - The Irrevocable Seal
• [07:17] - The Significance of Being Sealed
• [07:39] - Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit
• [07:57] - The Down Payment of the Spirit
• [08:21] - Security in God's Promise
• [08:39] - Final Redemption and Inheritance
• [08:55] - The Holy Spirit as Down Payment
• [09:07] - Resurrection Life and Assurance
• [09:30] - God's Preparation for Us
• [09:40] - Paul's Teachings on the Seal
• [10:12] - The Certainty of Our Inheritance
• [10:26] - God as Our Down Payment
• [10:56] - Redemption of Possession
• [11:24] - Spiritual Blessings in Christ
• [12:39] - Walking in Assurance

1. Ephesians 1:13-14 - "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."
2. 2 Corinthians 1:22 - "And who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:5 - "He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

1. What does the seal of the Holy Spirit signify according to Ephesians 1:13-14? How is this similar to a king's seal on a document? [07:02]
2. How does the concept of the Holy Spirit as a "down payment" provide assurance of our inheritance in Christ? [08:55]
3. In 2 Corinthians 5:5, what does it mean that God has given us the Spirit as a guarantee? How does this relate to the idea of being "swallowed up by life"? [09:30]

1. How does understanding the Holy Spirit as a seal and a down payment affect a believer's view of their identity and purpose in Christ? [09:40]
2. What implications does the irrevocable nature of the Holy Spirit's seal have on a believer's confidence in their salvation? [12:23]
3. How might the assurance of the Holy Spirit's presence influence a believer's daily walk and decision-making? [12:39]

1. Reflect on a time when you doubted your salvation. How can the assurance of the Holy Spirit's seal help you overcome such doubts in the future? [12:55]
2. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit is a "down payment" of our inheritance. How can this understanding change the way you view your current circumstances and future hope? [08:55]
3. In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the Holy Spirit's presence as a guarantee of God's promises? Consider practical steps you can take. [12:39]
4. How can the knowledge of being chosen, predestined, and redeemed in Christ influence your interactions with others this week? [11:24]
5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with fear or doubt. How can the assurance of the Holy Spirit's seal help you face this challenge with confidence? [12:39]
6. The sermon emphasized living with confidence as God's possession. What specific actions can you take this week to live out this truth in your community or workplace? [12:39]
7. How can you use the assurance of the Holy Spirit's presence to encourage someone else who may be struggling with their faith? [12:39]