We Are Sealed by the Spirit
By Andrea Chatelain
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13
Was it a sermon? A blog? A friend in conversation? What did you hear about Jesus that made you want more of Him?
For me, it was a song called, “My Savior My God” by Jeremy Camp that clicked an invisible faith button in my soul. As I sang the lyrics along with the radio, I realized for the first time that Jesus was my Savior, in addition to being the Savior of the world. I finally understood He was personal. He chose me (Ephesians 1:4).
My Savior. Many of us may have grown up knowing that Christ died for the sins of the world, but found that truth didn’t easily translate to our lives. It’s hard sometimes to believe that we are also included in the promise of salvation when we recall the depth of our sin and brokenness. We wonder, how could Jesus really love me if He knows my whole story?
I had heard the good news of salvation all my life in church pews. But hearing is different than believing. Truth is, it took a long time for me to accept that God wanted me. Looking back, though, I can see how Jesus was pursuing me using people and situations to draw me closer in curiosity and need.
This verse makes it clear that at the point of salvation, “when you believed,” we each were sealed with His Spirit. This scripture assures me that I have God’s Spirit moving me forward in faith, and it empowers me knowing I’m included in God’s family no matter what because He sealed me with the Holy Spirit. No amount of mistakes, setbacks, or bad days can take that away. That is good news I choose to believe everyday.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
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Originally published Monday, 21 October 2019.