INTRODUCTION
While the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth assures us that God's people are secure (Philippians 1:6), yet He has another part in making salvation sure. In Ephesians 1:13, He is called "that Holy Spirit of promise" because His very presence is a promise of security to the saint. In this regard He is viewed as both a seal and an earnest. While these two concepts are very different, yet they are studied together because they both relate to the believer's security (Ephesians 1:13-14, II Corinthians 1:22). I. THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A SEAL.
A seal is used to assert ownership. The presence of the Spirit in an individual is proof that he belongs to God.
The seal is also used to confirm something as being genuine or authentic. We find an example of this in the earthly ministry of our Saviour (John 6:27, Isaiah 42:1-4). The genuine saint is recognized by the fact that he is indwelt by the Spirit. (I John 3:24).
The main concept of the seal however is that of security. Notice this in the following Scriptures. II Timothy 2:19, Matthew 27:66, Revelation 20:3. Compare Revelation 7:4, and 14:1.
The children of God are sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Could Paul mean anything by the expression other than that believers are preserved until the return of their Lord, at which time they will receive their glorification? Notice that this sealing is so sure that rather than threaten the Ephesians with the loss of it, Paul incites them to holiness because of the sureness of it. A. The seal.
In Ephesians 1 :13, we see that the Holy Spirit Himself is the seal. This is important to notice because some have attempted to teach that we are sealed by the work of the Spirit rather than by the presence of His person. B. The nature of the sealing.
Those who teach that the believer is sealed by a special work of the Spirit make the sealing experimental (capable of being experienced). They confuse the "sealing with the Spirit" with His work in sanctification and giving of Christian assurance. The Bible on the other hand never describes sealing as an experience. The Spirit may work to produce Christian experiences, but it is His presence which is the seal. The sealing with the Spirit is not then to be viewed as a special experience. C. The object of the sealing.
If we confuse the sealing with assurance then we must believe that weak saints are not yet sealed. The Bible however assumes the sealing of every saint (II Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30). This is further confirmed by the fact that no one is ever instructed to seek this sealing. It is regarded as a fact for all believers to rejoice in. D. The purpose of the sealing.
Christians are sealed to make them secure. Sealing is the basis, not the knowledge of security. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful seal because of His power (I John 4:4), and because His work in salvation insures that He will never leave us (Philippians 1:6, John 7:38-39 and 4:14, John 14:16). E. The time of the sealing.
Believers are sealed when they receive the Spirit. This occurs when they believe on Christ (Galatians 3:14, John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:14). II. THE HOLY SPIRIT AS AN EARNEST.
In proving our security the Holy Spirit is viewed not only as a seal but as the earnest of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14, II Corinthians 1:22 and 5:5). An earnest is a token payment that gives us a foundation for confidence in the intentions of the giver. A. An earnest is part of the whole. Our Saviour died to purchase for us all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). By faith we receive the Holy Spirit which as a gracious gift comes to us through the work of Christ (Acts 2:32-33, John 7:39).
B. An earnest is a promise of the future. An earnest acts as a pledge that the rest of the purchase or purchase price is forthcoming. Our Saviour has purchased a wonderful inheritance for us (I Peter 1:3-4). This includes a glorified body and a home in Heaven. We may be assured that because we have the earnest of the Spirit that the rest of our inheritance is sure to come to us (Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:23). Once the earnest is given the giver cannot back out. In calling the Spirit an "earnest" God offers us full assurance of His intention to glorify every one of His people.
In Romans 8:23, we are said to have the "firstfruits" of the Spirit. This is akin to the ideal of an "earnest" and somewhat illustrates it. The first berries on the olive tree to ripen would be the firstfruits. These confirm that the rest of the harvest is on the way. Just as the Spirit now dwells in us and gives us a new nature so someday we'll received a new home and a new body. That the idea of security is implied may be seen in that Christ is the "firstfruits'" of the resurrection (I Corinthians 15:20). Because He arose those in Him must also rise. The "firstfruits" may be viewed as an "earnest" of the harvest.
In business the "earnest" gives a person security and peace of mind. Let us enjoy this in regard to our inheritance. God is not holding us in suspense but rather gives us every assurance that our inheritance is "reserved in heaven" (I Peter 1:4). CONCLUSION
This lesson should help us see in the indwelling of God’s Spirit not only our present source of life and spiritual ability, but also a certain hope for the future. ================= Go to Chapter Sixteen of Holy Spirit Study
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