Free Bible Commentary
“Ephesians 1:11-14 (Part 1)”
Categories: Ephesians“Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”
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What I want to be more than anything in this world is “God’s own possession” (verse 14). The KJV and NKJV use the term “purchased passion.” We usually treat the things that we buy with our own, hard-earned money with great care and vigilance. How much more will our Father in heaven love and protect and provide for us since He paid the price in the precious blood of His own beloved Son to purchase our redemption?
When God owns us, then we actually possess all that He owns because we are His rightful heirs, and there is no better inheritance that anyone could hope for than all the riches and glory of heaven. As security for this future inheritance, the Father has given to us “the Holy Spirit of promise” (verse 13).
The Spirit is given to us as a “seal” and a “pledge”. God has “stamped” those who obey “the message of truth” with His “seal” of authenticity as proof of His ownership. And He has given His possessions the Holy Spirit as a “pledge” or “earnest” which is a down payment, or a “good faith deposit”, as a guarantee that the full price of the inheritance will be paid in the future.
People receive the “gift” of the Holy Spirit when they are baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Many people believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit that Peter promises is the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8). I believe that the gift we receive at baptism is the Holy Spirit himself. That is when God gives us His “seal” and “pledge”.
More on this idea of “receiving the Holy Spirit” tomorrow.
Stay with Ephesians 1:11-14.
Have a great day!
