Daily Devotional Friday 4th September 2020
by William MoodyEphesians 1:11–14
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee1 of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,2 to the praise of his glory.
(ESV)
As Paul continues to speak of the believer’s salvation in Christ he now focuses on the believer’s inheritance (v11). This inheritance is something God has predestined and planned according to His wisdom and will.
In all that God has planned He has the great goal for Christ to be glorified and honoured (v13). If our salvation doesn’t so change us that we now live for Christ’s glory and honour there is something badly wrong with our salvation.
A Christian is someone who has been born again by the Spirit of God. The Spirit continues to live in each Christian and is a seal or guarantee that we have real salvation (v13). The Spirit guarantees the believer that heaven is their inheritance (v14) and one that they will never lose.
As the Christian studies God’s word, as the Christian thinks about salvation, as the Christian thinks of heaven the Holy Spirit testifies to their spirit that this is true and certain for them.
This assurance of salvation and our standing in Christ is a powerful strength and encouragement as we live the Christian life. If you do not have this assurance, pray for the Holy Spirit to give this to you.
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