#1377. The seal of the Spirit (31/10/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we Continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

In our last study, we reflected on how all Christians share the same overarching purpose of worshipping and glorifying God. Today, Paul shows us that: 

The Holy Spirit Himself is God’s seal and guarantee that we belong to Him eternally. 

You can listen to this devotional below

1. Included through the gospel

In the previous verses, Paul has emphasised that salvation is all of God’s grace: He chose and predestined us before the foundation of the world, not because of anything in us. Yet here we see how that salvation becomes ours in time: we are ‘included in Christ’ when we hear and believe the gospel. God saves by His sovereign grace, but He does so through the preaching of the gospel and our response of faith. Both are essential - this reminds us of the urgency of sharing the gospel so that others might also be ‘included in Christ.’

2. Marked with the seal of the Spirit

Paul adds this interesting idea that when someone comes to believe the gospel, they are ‘marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.’ 

In the ancient world, a seal—often a wax impression stamped with a signet ring—signified ownership and authenticity. A sealed letter carried the sender’s authority.  In the same way, the Holy Spirit is God’s seal on every believer: His indwelling presence is God’s mark of ownership, declaring that we belong to Him as ‘His possession.’ 

3. We are guaranteed our inheritance

Paul also calls the Spirit a ‘deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.’ The word for ‘deposit’ (arrabōn) refers to a down payment, a first instalment guaranteeing full payment later. The Holy Spirit is both the pledge and the foretaste of our eternal inheritance. Even now, through the Spirit’s presence, we begin to experience God’s love, assurance, and power, which one day will be fully realised when we see Him face to face.In 2 Corinthians, we read this:

Response

How can we know we are sealed with the Spirit? Paul gives us simple tests:

i. Faith in Christ: Verse 13 is clear—the sealing happens “when you believed.” Trust in Christ’s death and resurrection is the Spirit’s work and evidence of His seal.

ii. Assurance of salvation: The Spirit convinces us that the cross is enough and that we belong to God. (Romans 8:16)

ii. Love and transformation: While works don’t earn salvation, love for God and His people is fruit of the Spirit’s presence in us (Galatians 5:22).

These marks of sealing are true for every believer. At times, God may grant deeper experiences of assurance and joy, especially during seasons of revival, but the reality of the Spirit’s seal does not depend on intense feelings or ecstatic experiences. 

Rejoice! If you believe in Christ, you are sealed, secure, and guaranteed an eternal inheritance.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Please ensure that your group know about, and are praying for, the second of our gift days this coming Sunday. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 1:7-14, was:  Redeemed and Sealed in Christ. 

Please read Ephesians 1:7-14 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• What does it mean to have ‘redemption’? 

• What is ‘forgiveness’ and how is this linked with ‘redemption through His blood’? 

• What is the ‘mystery of God’s will’ now made known?

• What is the ‘Seal’ and ‘deposit’ of the Spirit? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From Ephesians 1:7-14, what, particularly from v.13, is our role in God’s work of redemption?  

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’  in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.