The Assurance of Salvation Through the Holy Spirit
Summary
In our journey of faith, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a profound assurance of our salvation and identity in Christ. This sealing is not a prerequisite for belief but follows after we have placed our trust in Jesus. Many believers yearn for a tangible sign or confirmation of their salvation, but it is crucial to understand that faith itself is the foundation upon which our assurance rests. The sealing of the Spirit is a divine affirmation that strengthens and rewards our faith, providing us with a deep sense of belonging to God.
The position of this sealing is significant. It does not precede faith but comes after we have believed. It is a mistake to seek a sign before believing, as this reflects a lack of trust in God's word. Faith must be grounded in the promises of God, independent of any external signs or feelings. The sealing of the Spirit is not an immediate experience for all believers; it may come gradually as we grow in our faith. The assurance of salvation is not based on our feelings but on the unchanging word of God.
The benefits of this sealing are manifold. It serves as God's testimony that we are His, providing encouragement and strength for our journey. It is a mark of recognition to others, a witness to the world, and a source of perseverance. The Spirit's presence in our lives is a continuous reminder of our identity in Christ and our eternal inheritance. This sealing is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience of the Spirit's work within us, manifesting in wisdom, revelation, and a transformed life.
The sealing of the Spirit is a present reality, not merely a past experience. It is evidenced by the Spirit's ongoing work in our lives, producing wisdom, life, and fellowship with God and fellow believers. This divine seal assures us of our salvation and empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and joy. As we grow in our relationship with God, the Spirit's presence becomes increasingly evident, confirming our identity as children of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The sealing of the Holy Spirit follows faith, not precedes it. It is a divine affirmation that strengthens and rewards our faith, providing assurance of our salvation and identity in Christ. Faith must be grounded in the promises of God, independent of external signs or feelings. [04:34]
- The Spirit's sealing is not an immediate experience for all believers; it may come gradually as we grow in our faith. The assurance of salvation is not based on our feelings but on the unchanging word of God. [06:22]
- The benefits of the Spirit's sealing include God's testimony that we are His, encouragement and strength for our journey, recognition by others, a witness to the world, and perseverance. The Spirit's presence is a continuous reminder of our identity in Christ and our eternal inheritance. [19:17]
- The sealing of the Spirit is a present reality, evidenced by the Spirit's ongoing work in our lives, producing wisdom, life, and fellowship with God and fellow believers. This divine seal assures us of our salvation and empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and joy. [33:04]
- As we grow in our relationship with God, the Spirit's presence becomes increasingly evident, confirming our identity as children of God. The Spirit's indwelling is the only seal we need, providing a sure and steadfast assurance of our salvation. [39:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 1
[01:17] - The Desire for Assurance
[02:34] - Faith and Assurance
[04:01] - The Position of Sealing
[06:22] - Sealing and Faith
[09:07] - The Role of the Spirit
[12:16] - The Earnest of Our Inheritance
[15:35] - Sealing in Christ
[19:17] - Encouragement and Recognition
[22:21] - The Spirit as a Witness
[26:45] - Understanding the Sealing
[31:10] - Evidence of the Spirit's Work
[35:51] - Fellowship and Communion
[39:05] - The Indwelling Spirit as a Seal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:11-14
- John 6:27
- 1 John 3:24
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:13, when does the sealing of the Holy Spirit occur in a believer's life? How does this relate to the sequence of faith and sealing discussed in the sermon? [04:34]
2. In John 6:27, what does Jesus say about the seal of God? How does this relate to the assurance of being God's child as mentioned in the sermon? [16:28]
3. How does 1 John 3:24 describe the evidence of God's presence in a believer's life? How is this evidence connected to the concept of the Holy Spirit's sealing? [19:17]
4. What are some of the benefits of the Holy Spirit's sealing as mentioned in the sermon? How do these benefits manifest in a believer's life? [19:50]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and the sealing of the Holy Spirit? Why is it important that sealing follows faith rather than precedes it? [04:34]
2. The sermon mentions that the sealing of the Spirit is not always an immediate experience. What might be some reasons for this gradual experience, and how can believers find assurance during this process? [06:22]
3. In what ways does the presence of the Holy Spirit serve as a testimony to others, according to the sermon? How does this align with the biblical passages discussed? [20:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? What are some signs of this work, and how do they provide assurance of salvation? [33:04]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought a sign or feeling to confirm your faith. How can you shift your focus to trusting in God's promises instead? [05:05]
2. The sermon emphasizes that the assurance of salvation is based on God's unchanging word. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you face doubts or uncertainties? [07:25]
3. Consider the ways in which the Holy Spirit's presence in your life serves as a witness to others. How can you be more intentional in allowing the Spirit to work through you as a testimony to those around you? [20:10]
4. The sermon mentions that the Spirit's sealing is an ongoing experience. What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and recognize His work in your life? [33:04]
5. How can you encourage fellow believers who may be struggling with assurance of their salvation? What role can you play in helping them understand the significance of the Holy Spirit's sealing? [19:50]
6. Reflect on the concept of the Holy Spirit as a seal of perseverance. How can you rely on the Spirit's strength to endure challenges and remain faithful in your walk with God? [24:00]
7. Identify one area in your life where you desire to see more evidence of the Holy Spirit's work. What specific actions can you take this week to invite the Spirit's transformation in that area? [33:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Precedes the Spirit's Seal
The sealing of the Holy Spirit is a divine affirmation that follows our faith in Christ. It is not a prerequisite for belief but a confirmation that strengthens and rewards our faith. Many believers seek tangible signs of their salvation, but it is crucial to understand that faith itself is the foundation of our assurance. The sealing of the Spirit provides a deep sense of belonging to God, affirming our identity in Christ. Faith must be grounded in the promises of God, independent of external signs or feelings. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's word and promises, knowing that the Spirit's seal will follow as a divine affirmation. [04:34]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking signs instead of trusting in God's promises? How can you shift your focus to faith in His word today?
Day 2: Gradual Assurance Through Faith
The Spirit's sealing is not an immediate experience for all believers; it may come gradually as we grow in our faith. Assurance of salvation is not based on our feelings but on the unchanging word of God. This gradual process allows believers to deepen their relationship with God, understanding that the Spirit's presence becomes more evident as they mature in faith. It is important to recognize that feelings can be deceptive, and true assurance comes from trusting in God's promises. As believers grow in their faith, they can find comfort in knowing that the Spirit's seal will become more apparent, providing them with the assurance they seek. [06:22]
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: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's unchanging word, even when you don't feel assured of your salvation? What steps can you take to grow in your faith today?
Day 3: The Spirit's Seal as God's Testimony
The benefits of the Spirit's sealing are manifold. It serves as God's testimony that we are His, providing encouragement and strength for our journey. This divine seal is a mark of recognition to others, a witness to the world, and a source of perseverance. The Spirit's presence in our lives is a continuous reminder of our identity in Christ and our eternal inheritance. This ongoing experience of the Spirit's work within us manifests in wisdom, revelation, and a transformed life. Believers can find encouragement in knowing that the Spirit's seal is a powerful testimony of their belonging to God. [19:17]
2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV): "But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'"
Reflection: How does the Spirit's presence in your life serve as a testimony to others? In what ways can you be a witness to the world today?
Day 4: The Present Reality of the Spirit's Seal
The sealing of the Spirit is a present reality, evidenced by the Spirit's ongoing work in our lives. This divine seal assures us of our salvation and empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and joy. As believers grow in their relationship with God, the Spirit's presence becomes increasingly evident, confirming their identity as children of God. The Spirit's work produces wisdom, life, and fellowship with God and fellow believers. This assurance allows believers to live with confidence, knowing that they are sealed by the Spirit and empowered to fulfill their calling. [33:04]
Romans 8:16-17 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Reflection: In what ways do you see the Spirit's ongoing work in your life today? How can you live out your faith with greater confidence and joy?
Day 5: The Indwelling Spirit as Our Seal
As believers grow in their relationship with God, the Spirit's presence becomes increasingly evident, confirming their identity as children of God. The Spirit's indwelling is the only seal needed, providing a sure and steadfast assurance of salvation. This divine seal is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience of the Spirit's work within us. Believers can find comfort in knowing that the Spirit's presence is a continuous reminder of their identity in Christ and their eternal inheritance. This assurance empowers them to live out their faith with confidence and joy, knowing that they are sealed by the Spirit. [39:05]
Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV): "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."
Reflection: How does the Spirit's indwelling provide you with assurance of your identity in Christ? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and experience the Spirit's presence more fully?
Quotes
There are many who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ who are extremely anxious to obtain some token for good some witness from God which shall render them quite sure that they are saved they have not yet reached the full Assurance of faith and they feel uneasy till they attain it. [00:01:20]
It is true that by the way of Faith only the fullest and best Assurance may be reached but many who do truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are not yet aware of this and their trembling Hearts crave for a testimonial from the infallible God to certify them that they are indeed saved. [00:02:00]
We are desirous to get some confirming seal from God set upon our souls some sure token that we are indeed his own people that ceiling we can have God does bestow it but let us notice very carefully L we make a mistake where that ceiling comes in it does not come before believing according to the text it is after that you believed you was sealed. [00:04:18]
Note also that this ceiling does not necessarily come at once with faith it grows out of faith and comes after that you believed we are not in every case sealed at the moment when we first trust in Jesus I am persuaded that many who believe in Jesus enter into peace directly and perceive at once the Blessed Assurance which is involved in their possessing the Holy Spirit. [00:06:13]
The best evidence that you are saved lies in the Assurance of the word of God that every believer has eternal life whether you feel that you are Justified or not is not the point you are to accept God's word which assures you that everyone that believeth is Justified you are bound to believe the testimony of God apart from the supporting evidence of inward experience. [00:07:19]
The witness of the spirit within is not the ground nor the cause of our faith faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God I being a sinner believe that Jesus Christ came into the world to save Sinners and I rest my soul upon Him believing that he will save me this is to be my standing seal or no seal token or no token. [00:08:30]
The spirit of God never takes the place of the Redeemer he exercises his own peculiar office which is to take the things of Christ and show them unto us and not to put his own things in the place of Jesus the foundation of our hope is laid in Christ From First to Last and if we rest there we are saved. [00:09:05]
The spirit of God witnesses to the truth and to the shess of the promises but that is evidently not intended here for the text says not that the promises were sealed but that ye were sealed you are the writing which has the stamp put upon it you yourselves are sealed it is not even stated that the spirit of God seals up Covenant blessings as gold is sealed up in a bag. [00:14:00]
The very fact that we possess the spirit of God is God's testimony and seal in us that we are his and that as he has sent his son into the world even so does he send us into the world secondly to our Lord Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit was a seal for his own encouragement our Lord condescended to restrain the power of his own godhe head. [00:17:59]
The possession of the spirit of God is our continuous encouragement for by this we may know beyond all question that we dwell in God and God dwelleth in us the seal answers a two-fold purpose it is on God's part a testimony and to us an encouragement but the seal is meant to be an Evidence to others the father set his seal upon his son in order that others might discern that he was indeed sent of God. [00:19:48]
The spirit of God Upon Jesus Christ was not recognized by the ungodly world to be indeed Divine but they perceived and were astonished at a something about him which they did not understand he spake with authority and not as the scribes and they confessed never man spake like this man they did not know what Spirit he was of but they knew they hated it and straightway they began to oppose him. [00:22:37]
The indwelling spirit is the only seal you need I put it to you brothers and sisters what more do you want what more could God give you suppose you were to meet on the road home standing on the snow an angel clothed in glittering white and that he should say to you I have a message from God to you should he then mention your name and add you are one of God's chosen. [00:40:20]
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