The Spirit's Work
We’re launching into a new sermon series through the book of Ephesians that we’re calling ‘New Creation.’ Ephesians unfolds a bold drama of the revelation/ apocalypse of the reconciliation of all things and the unification of Heaven and Earth through the work/person of Jesus. It’s a remarkable book and one that has long been heralded for its rich, deep theology.
The ESV Gospel Transformation Bible sums up Ephesians 1:11-14 nicely: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart can possibly imagine all that God has stored up for those who love him (1 Cor. 2:9). Though this promise is for the next life, our inheritance was guaranteed before any of us had life. The elect were predestined for this privilege (Eph. 1:11) before the foundation of the world (v. 4), before we had done anything good or bad (Rom. 9:11). We can be confident of finally receiving this inheritance because the One who planned it accomplishes whatever he purposes (Eph. 1:11; cf. Isa. 46:9–10).
We can also be confident because of the sealing of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13). Just like our signature on the dotted line or an official seal on a government document, the seal of the Spirit (which is belief in the gospel of salvation through Christ; v. 13b) authenticates us as truly included in Christ (v. 13a). This seal secures our eternal safety (v. 14a) and marks us out as God’s possession (v. 14b). Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, we would neither believe in Christ (v. 13) nor have the eyes of our hearts opened to the realities and promises of his word (v. 18). Thus, we do not test the authenticity of our faith by the perfection of our performance but by our belief in the necessity and provision of Christ—concerns that we could not have apart from his Spirit in us. This authentication is an objective reality true of every Christian and also an experiential reality we can know more and more (vv. 17–18).
And why are we given such a torrential shower of blessing in verses 3–14? God’s chief purpose is for the praise of his name (vv. 6, 12, 14). Every blessing for us in Christ, planned by the Father and sealed by the Spirit, is meant to make much of our triune God. Grace glorifies the Giver.”
Give the sermon text a read and a listen and we hope to see you this week at a Family Meal and/or a DNA group to dive even deeper.