Sealed with the Spirit: Assurance of Salvation
Summary
In the exploration of Ephesians 1:13, the focus is on the profound experience of being sealed with the Holy Spirit. This sealing is not an automatic occurrence at the moment of belief but a distinct and separate experience that may happen simultaneously with conversion or at a later time. It is the fulfillment of a divine promise, emphasized by John the Baptist and Jesus, and is a deeply experiential event, contrary to interpretations that render it non-experiential. The sealing with the Spirit is described as the most profound experience a Christian can have, second only to being in heaven itself.
The essence of this experience is the assurance of salvation, a direct and unmistakable witness of the Holy Spirit to our spirit that we are children of God. This assurance is not derived from reasoning or deduction but is an immediate and direct confirmation from God. It is likened to a father embracing his child, showering love and assurance upon them. This sealing results in a deep sense of God's love being poured into our hearts, leading to a joy unspeakable and full of glory, and a filial spirit that cries out "Abba, Father."
The sermon also addresses the relationship between the sealing of the Spirit and spiritual gifts. While the early church experienced gifts like speaking in tongues, the distribution of gifts is at the discretion of the Holy Spirit and not a necessary accompaniment to the sealing. The focus is on the assurance and love of God rather than specific gifts. The sealing with the Spirit is distinct from sanctification, which is a continuous process, whereas the sealing is a definitive experience that assures us of our inheritance in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The sealing with the Holy Spirit is a distinct and profound experience that provides an unmistakable assurance of salvation, beyond mere intellectual belief or reasoning. It is a direct witness of the Spirit to our spirit, confirming our status as children of God. [04:15]
- This experience is characterized by a deep sense of God's love being poured into our hearts, leading to a joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is not merely an acceptance of doctrine but a transformative encounter with God's love. [09:01]
- The distribution of spiritual gifts is at the discretion of the Holy Spirit and not a necessary accompaniment to the sealing. The focus should be on the assurance and love of God rather than specific gifts, which can vary among believers. [12:45]
- The sealing with the Spirit is distinct from sanctification, which is a continuous process. The sealing is a definitive experience that assures us of our inheritance in Christ, promoting sanctification but not guaranteeing it. [26:24]
- Emotion is a natural response to the sealing with the Spirit, as it involves a profound encounter with God's love. However, it should lead to humility, reverence, and a deeper love for God, distinguishing it from mere emotionalism. [34:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:13
[00:50] - Distinction Between Belief and Sealing
[01:37] - Fulfillment of Divine Promise
[02:57] - Experiential Nature of Sealing
[04:15] - Assurance of Salvation
[06:12] - Spirit of Adoption
[08:17] - Results of Sealing
[10:11] - Love of God Poured into Hearts
[12:45] - Spiritual Gifts and Sealing
[16:44] - Assurance of Sonship
[20:34] - Historical Context and Assurance
[22:06] - Conversion vs. Sealing
[25:22] - Sealing and Sanctification
[31:44] - Intensity and Emotion in Sealing
[37:14] - True Emotion and Humility
[41:29] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:13
2. Romans 8:16
3. Acts 2:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 1:13, what is the sequence of events that leads to being sealed with the Holy Spirit? How does this relate to the timing of conversion? [00:50]
2. In Romans 8:16, what role does the Holy Spirit play in confirming our identity as children of God? How is this assurance described in the sermon? [04:15]
3. How does the account of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4 illustrate the experiential nature of being sealed with the Holy Spirit? What specific events or signs accompanied this experience? [02:57]
4. What distinction does the sermon make between the sealing of the Spirit and the distribution of spiritual gifts? How does this relate to the early church's experience? [12:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the assurance of salvation that comes from being sealed with the Holy Spirit? In what ways is this assurance different from intellectual belief or reasoning? [04:15]
2. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit's role in pouring God's love into our hearts, as mentioned in Romans 5:5? How does this relate to the transformative encounter with God's love described in the sermon? [09:01]
3. How does the sermon differentiate between the sealing of the Spirit and the process of sanctification? What implications does this have for a believer's spiritual journey? [26:24]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that emotion is a natural response to the sealing with the Spirit? How should this emotion manifest in a believer's life? [34:11]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced a distinct assurance of salvation as described in the sermon? If so, how did it impact your relationship with God? [04:15]
2. The sermon emphasizes the pouring of God's love into our hearts. Can you recall a moment when you felt overwhelmed by God's love? How did it change your perspective or actions? [09:01]
3. Consider the distinction between spiritual gifts and the sealing of the Spirit. How can you focus more on the assurance and love of God rather than seeking specific gifts? [12:45]
4. The sermon mentions that the sealing with the Spirit can lead to a joy unspeakable and full of glory. How can you cultivate this joy in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [10:11]
5. Emotion is a natural response to the sealing with the Spirit. How can you ensure that your emotional experiences lead to humility, reverence, and a deeper love for God, rather than mere emotionalism? [34:11]
6. The sermon suggests that the sealing with the Spirit promotes sanctification but does not guarantee it. What steps can you take to actively pursue sanctification in your life? [26:24]
7. Reflect on the analogy of a father embracing his child. How can you seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God that mirrors this loving embrace? [24:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance Beyond Belief
The sealing with the Holy Spirit is a profound experience that transcends mere intellectual belief or reasoning. It is a direct and unmistakable witness of the Spirit to our spirit, confirming our status as children of God. This assurance is not something that can be deduced or reasoned out; it is an immediate and direct confirmation from God. It is likened to a father embracing his child, showering love and assurance upon them. This experience provides a deep sense of security and belonging, knowing that we are truly God's children. [04:15]
Ephesians 4:30 (ESV): "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you rely more on intellectual belief than on the assurance of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite the Spirit to confirm your status as God's child today?
Day 2: Transformative Encounter with God's Love
The experience of being sealed with the Holy Spirit is characterized by a deep sense of God's love being poured into our hearts, leading to a joy unspeakable and full of glory. This is not merely an acceptance of doctrine but a transformative encounter with God's love. It is an experience that fills us with joy and a sense of glory, as we become more aware of God's presence and love in our lives. This encounter with God's love changes us from the inside out, leading to a deeper relationship with Him. [09:01]
Romans 5:5 (ESV): "And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's love being poured into your heart recently? What steps can you take to open yourself up to a deeper encounter with His love today?
Day 3: Gifts of the Spirit and Assurance
The distribution of spiritual gifts is at the discretion of the Holy Spirit and is not a necessary accompaniment to the sealing. The focus should be on the assurance and love of God rather than specific gifts, which can vary among believers. While the early church experienced gifts like speaking in tongues, the emphasis is on the assurance of salvation and the love of God that comes with the sealing of the Spirit. This assurance is what truly matters, as it confirms our identity as God's children and our inheritance in Christ. [12:45]
1 Corinthians 12:11 (ESV): "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Reflection: Are there spiritual gifts you have been desiring or focusing on more than the assurance of God's love? How can you shift your focus to embrace the assurance and love of God today?
Day 4: Sealing and Sanctification
The sealing with the Spirit is distinct from sanctification, which is a continuous process. The sealing is a definitive experience that assures us of our inheritance in Christ, promoting sanctification but not guaranteeing it. This experience provides a foundation for our spiritual growth, as it assures us of our identity in Christ and our future inheritance. While sanctification is an ongoing journey, the sealing with the Spirit gives us the assurance and confidence to pursue holiness and grow in our relationship with God. [26:24]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: In what ways can the assurance of your inheritance in Christ motivate you to pursue sanctification? What practical steps can you take to grow in holiness today?
Day 5: Emotion and Humility in Sealing
Emotion is a natural response to the sealing with the Spirit, as it involves a profound encounter with God's love. However, it should lead to humility, reverence, and a deeper love for God, distinguishing it from mere emotionalism. This experience is not about seeking emotional highs but about encountering God's love in a way that transforms us and deepens our relationship with Him. It calls us to respond with humility and reverence, recognizing the greatness of God's love and our dependence on Him. [34:11]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: How do you respond emotionally to encounters with God's love? In what ways can you cultivate humility and reverence in your relationship with God today?
Quotes
The sealing with the spirit is the fulfillment of a promise that had been made by God the Father throughout the centuries. It is the promise of the Father, the thing to which these children of Israel had been looking forward, the thing which John the Baptist so emphasized. [00:01:46]
The essence of the experience is being this: it is that peculiar special distinct Assurance of Salvation which is given by the Holy Spirit himself. You've got that perfect statement of it there in the 16th verse of the 8th chapter of the epistle to the Romans. [00:03:56]
The result of sealing with the spirit is, as we've seen so clearly from again that 8th chapter of Romans and the fourth chapter of Galatians, is that God has sent into our heart the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba, Father. There is that within us which cries out unto God as Father. [00:06:02]
The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. You notice the expression, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. It's comparable to that term in the second chapter of Acts, the Holy Ghost was poured forth. It's the same idea exactly. [00:09:01]
The sealing with the spirit is that it seals the inheritance to us, that it is an assurance of sonship. It is the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba, Father. And it is tragic to notice the way in which so many have been confused about this great matter because of all that confusion about particular gifts. [00:16:37]
The sealing with the spirit promotes sanctification. It doesn't guarantee it of necessity. It isn't the same thing. So that I'm going on to make this statement which may surprise you: it is possible for a man who's had this amazing experience of sealing with the spirit to become a terrible backslider. [00:29:35]
The intensity of the experience may vary considerably, but, and let me emphasize the but, I am saying this, and the doctrine compels me to say it: this doctrine is experience, is unmistakable. The intensity may vary as the intensity of any experience may vary. [00:32:07]
The true emotion produced by the Holy Ghost always leads to humility, always leads to reverence, always leads to a holy love of God. A man may sing, he may shout, he may dance, that doesn't persist, that's the temporary because of the weakness of the body. [00:38:00]
The sealing with the spirit is something so beyond that that there's no longer argument. You see, it is this direct assurance, it is this Spirit bearing witness with Spirit. The man does nothing, but it's done to him. It is God who seals us, and we are aware of it. [00:23:04]
The sealing with the spirit is distinct from sanctification, which is a continuous process. The sealing is a definitive experience that assures us of our inheritance in Christ, promoting sanctification but not guaranteeing it. [00:26:24]
The sealing with the spirit is the greatest experience on Earth, nothing beyond it but Heaven itself. So that I say we must emphasize with all our being this experimental aspect. [00:03:48]
The sealing with the spirit is a direct witness of the Spirit to our spirit, confirming our status as children of God. It is something immediate, not mediate, but immediate, something direct, not an audible voice, but a making sure of the promises of God beyond any doubt. [00:04:59]
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