13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Hearing and Believing
Ephesians 1:13 says, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Faith begins with hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. Before a person can trust in Christ, they must first hear who He is and what He has done.
Paul calls the gospel “the word of truth.” In a world full of opinions, confusion, and empty promises, God’s Word remains true. The gospel tells us that sinners can be forgiven through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation is not earned through good works or religious effort. It is received by faith.
The verse also says that after believing, believers were “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” In Bible times, a seal showed ownership, security, and authenticity. When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them. God places His mark upon His children. We belong to Him.
A Sure Promise
Verse 14 says the Holy Spirit is “the earnest of our inheritance.” An earnest is like a guarantee or down payment that promises something more is coming later. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer is God’s promise that one day we will fully receive all He has prepared for His people.
Christians still struggle, fail, and grow weary at times. There are days when feelings change and circumstances become difficult. But our salvation does not rest upon unstable emotions. It rests upon the finished work of Christ and the promises of God.
Because of that, believers can live with quiet confidence. The God who saves His people will also keep them.
