Powerpoint - October 20, 2004

October 20, 2004

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

--Ephesians 1:13-14

Have you ever experienced the difficulty of opening a mason jar sealed with a lid? Especially you, men…your significant other hands you this jar and says, “Would you open this for me, honey? You’re so strong.” So you bow up a bit and say, “Sure, let me have that thing.”

You take the jar and work it. You’re trying so hard, but nothing is happening. It just won’t budge. After a few minutes, the veins in your neck begin to bulge, sweat beads up on your brow, and a grimacing look forms on your face. Now your masculinity is on trial. So finally you give up after working as hard as you can, and say, “Honey, I just can’t open it.”

She then takes it, gives you a knowing look, puts it under some hot water, taps on it a few times with a knife, and pop! It opens right up. The seal is broken. When the seal pops open, you can definitely hear it, and you know that the contents of that jar are no longer protected as they once were.

We have also been protected with a seal. The salvation that you have in Jesus Christ is complete, and you are promised that no one or nothing can tamper with that. You have a seal that guarantees your protection and preservation through Jesus. What is that seal? It is the Holy Spirit living within you.

In Ephesians 1:11, Scripture says that “in Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” The Bible then goes on to say in verse 13 that after believing and trusting in Christ “you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

What a beautiful description of God’s Word? In a day when so many seem to be searching for truth, we have discovered the ultimate truth in the living, breathing Word of God that is inerrant and infallible. What God has started in us, He has guaranteed to finish. If you have had doubts about your salvation, fear no more. If you have trusted and believed in Christ, you can rest assured that you’ve been paid for with His blood—no refunds or exchanges. Nothing can change your relationship with Him, so remember: once saved, always saved.