INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Heard the Word of Truth
2. Believed in the Gospel of Salvation
3. Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Introductory Remarks.
1. Our lesson today will discuss the theme: “Ephesian’s Conversion.” Their conversion experience also aligns with others who obeyed the gospel of Christ. The Ephesians: “Heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation; and then, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14. It will be established that their “conversion experience;” mirrors all other believers, as outlined in the Book of Acts. These believers were: “Saved by grace through the faith; and not of themselves: it was the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul describes the Ephesian’s Conversion to Christ in our text of consideration.
2. First, we will consider how the Ephesians had: “Heard the word of truth.” This occurred while he was preaching in the city of Ephesus. Luke wrote: “So that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks,” Acts 19:10. Recall to the Romans, he wrote: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. A similar mentioning of faith is written on behalf of the Corinthians. Luke wrote: “The Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptized,” Acts 18:8. What they had heard was the “word of truth,” Ephesians 1:13. What they believed was the “gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24. How they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise occurred in their baptism into Christ.
3. Second, we will discuss how the Ephesians: “Trust in Christ...in whom also; after they had believed, the gospel of their salvation.” These Gentiles, after they heard the word of truth, trusted in Christ and became obedient to the gospel of their salvation. Their obedience is consistent with others, as outlined in the Book of Acts. Their faith, repentance, confession, and baptism can be seen in the Book of Acts and His Letter unto them. These acts of obedience convey the Ephesian’s true “conversion experience” to Christ. The word of truth is preached; the hearers believe the word, trust in the promises of Christ, and become obedient to the faith of the gospel.
4. Lastly, we will investigate how the Ephesians were: “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” This promise takes us to Paul’s return to Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7. Finding certain disciples, he asked: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believe? They replied: We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them: Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said: Unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:1-3. Paul here connects the gift of the Holy Ghost with their faith in Jesus and baptism. Then they were: “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Peter commanded the Pentecostal to: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38-41. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I HEARD THE WORD OF TRUTH
A. They heard the word of truth. This occurred while Paul was preaching in the city of Ephesus. Luke wrote: “So that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks,” Acts 19:10. Notice:
1. They had heard the “word of truth,” Ephesians 1:13.
2. They believed in the “gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24.
3. Paul begins his discussion of their salvation by uncovering God’s divine revelation to tell the world the mystery of his will, Ephesians 1:10-12.
4. The mystery of His will. This mystery of His will was revealed to the apostles, and Christ commanded them to preach it unto the world. Notice the mystery of His will,
a. First, the mystery of godliness: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
b. Further, the truth is that after godliness, Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:11-12.
1) Conceived by God, that cannot lie before the world began.
2) Commissioned by God, to be manifested (made known) by preaching in due time unto the world.
3) Committed by God, unto the apostles by His divine commandment, through our Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 3:4-7.
ILLUSTRATION: The Side Bar in Heaven. Where the Godhead put all things together before the world began. The creation, fall, the law, and the call of grace to God’s elect. Who could know the mind of God?
c. Finally, the mystery of Christ: The dispensation of the fulness of time. He also describes this time as the: “Dispensation of the grace of God” in this Letter. Notice:
1) Paul wrote: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: ... that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs,” Ephesians 3:1-7. [Text shortened for brevity]. Observe,
2) The mystery of Christ was:
a) Received by Paul through revelation.
b) Recorded by Paul through inspiration.
c) Recognized by us through examination.
d) Revealed in us through illumination.
3) God’s mystery of one family in heaven and on earth has been manifested in the church, with Jews and Gentiles, as His divine plan in Christ had it before the world began, Ephesians 3:6.
d. Conclusion: God has granted that the mystery of His will would be manifested unto the world through preaching the gospel of Christ, Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16. Consider,
1) The gospel's message was how these Ephesians heard of the “word of truth, the gospel of their salvation,” Ephesians 1:13.
2) These just like the Galatians: He was sent by Christ: “That he might preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. And to make all men see what the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now...might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,” Ephesians 3:8-10; Galatians 2:7-10.
3) Let’s now consider Paul’s work among these believers in Ephesus.
B. Preaching in the synagogue. Paul began his preaching in Ephesus, in the synagogue. Luke wrote: “And he went into the synagogue; and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God,” Acts 19:8. Notice that this was Paul’s custom when preaching Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. Observe,
1. His preaching after conversion: “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogue, that he is the Son of God,” Acts 9:20.
2. City of Antioch of Pisidia: “But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. After reading the Law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Then Paul stood up and, beckoning with his hand, said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God give audience...And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath...And the next sabbath day, almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God...And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost,” Acts 13:14-52.
3. City of Iconium: “And it came to pass in Iconium that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spake, that a great multitude of the Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and made their minds evil and affected against the brethren. Long time, therefore, abode they are speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands,” Acts 14:1-4.
4. City of Thessalonica: “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis, and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. Opening and alleging that Christ must have suffered and risen again from the dead and that Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas...But the Jews who believed not moved with envy...set the whole city in an uproar,” Acts 17:1-9; Luke 24:44-49. Observe,
a. The gospel of Christ will stir up the anger of evil and wicked men.
b. These men will be: “Lewd fellows of the baser sort,” Acts 17:5.
c. These are the enemies of Christ that desire to silence the message of the gospel of Christ: the words of salvation by grace. There will be some that will find fault with me in this lesson. Like they found fault with Christ’s preaching, they will find fault in ours.
5. City of Berea: “And the brethren immediately sent them away...unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind...Therefore, many of them believed,” Acts 17:10-14.
6. Conclusion: It was Paul’s custom first to carry the message of Christ to the Jews. Once they had rejected it, “Lo, he turned to the Gentiles,” Acts 13:46.
C. Preaching in the School of Tyrannus: “But when divers were hardened and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. This continued for two years so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the Lord Jesus's word, Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them,” Acts 19:9-12.
1. Paul located the place of his preaching and teaching in the School of Tyrannus. There, he preached uninhibited for two years, preaching unto all that would hear: “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 20:21-25. [Text shortened for brevity].
2. He taught them: “Publicly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20.
3. He performed signs of an apostle among them, Acts 19:12; Romans 1:11-12; 2 Corinthians 12:11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
4. Others tried to perform such miracles but failed.
ILLUSTRATION: The Vagabond Jews. They had neither: “power or the Holy Spirit,” as one sent by Christ, Acts 1:4-8; Luke 24:49; Mark 16:17-20.
a. They called over one having an evil spirit: “The name of the Lord Jesus.”
b. The outcome differed: “The evil spirit answered and said, Jesus, I know, and Paul, I know; but who are you?”
c. The evil spirit attacks them: “And the man in whom the evil spirit leaped on them, and overcome them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
d. Fear fell upon all in Ephesus: “And this was known to all Jews and Greeks... and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified,” Acts 19:13-17.
e. Work of faith: “And many that believed came, confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also used curious arts, brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted their price, and found it (to be) fifty thousand pieces of silver,” Acts 19:18-19. What an effect Christ has made on this city; what joy He has brought these obedient believers.
D. Preaching of repentance and faith. Paul reminded the elders on the isle of Miletus of the content of his message: “And how I kept back nothing profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 20:20-21. Notice the content of his message of the gospel in Ephesus:
1. Repentance toward God: “Their turning from their idols to serve the living God.”
2. Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ: “Their believing in His divine work of grace on their behalf, that they might be saved.”
3. Baptism into the name of Jesus: “That they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
4. They might be: “Saved by grace through the faith.”
5. Conclusion: Therefore, one can acquire faith in Christ, show the fruits of repentance, confess their deeds, and be obedient in baptism or receive the Holy Ghost yet still be “saved by grace.” I wish I had some help here! No wonder Luke wrote,
E. The word grew: “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” Acts 19:20; Acts 12:24; Isaiah 55:11. All these blessed successes in preaching in this city did not come without great hardships. It magnified and encouraged the men who opposed the preaching of the grace of God. The abandonment of idols and the works of the flesh, through their obedience to Christ, have put these craftsmen out of business. Their shops were closing down. Like many businesses and religious establishments in America, by unbelief and disobedience to the truth. Observe,
1. First, “And at the same time there arose no small stir about that way,” Acts 19:23. The Way caused great anguish within Ephesus.
2. Further, “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsman...called together workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover, ye see and hear...this Paul hath persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught; but also, that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth,” Acts 19:24-27; Acts 17:24-31.
3. Finally, “And when they heard these sayings, they were wrathful and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre,” Acts 19:28-29.
a. Paul’s reaction: “When Paul would have entered unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre,” Acts 19:30-31.
b. The crowd: “Some, therefore, cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together,” Acts 19:32; Acts 21:34.
c. Alexander’s remarks: “And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward...But when they knew that he was a Jew...with one voice they cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians,” Acts 19:33-34.
d. The town clerk’s remarks, Acts 19:35-41. We observed his sound reasoning and the eventual dispersal of the crowd from the theatre.
4. Conclusion: Paul’s preaching in the synagogue and the School of Tyrannus established the faith of Christ in the city of Ephesus. A significant number of believers: “Came, and confessed, and showed their deeds,” Acts 19:18. This implies not only the burning of their books but also their: “Obedience to the faith,” Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; Romans 10:16-18; Romans 15:18-21.
a. The preaching of Paul: “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 20:21.
b. The ministry of Paul: “I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. These were his words to the elders on the isle of Miletus.
c. The message in the Letter of Paul: “For by grace ye are saved through (the) faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his artistry; created in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:8-10.
d. The preaching of Paul unto the Ephesians included repentance, faith, and the gospel of the grace of God and the kingdom of God. It, therefore, pleased God,
1) That: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God,” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
2) That: “By the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe,” 1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 1:16.
3) Faith was just one piece of Paul's message in Ephesus. It also included repentance and baptism. Just like the other apostles and preachers of the gospel of Christ, Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:26-39.
e. With this, let’s move to our next point: “Believed the gospel of salvation,” Ephesians 1:13.
II BELIEVED THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION
A. The gospel of salvation. This message granted the believers the revelation of the gospel of salvation: it publishes the glad tidings of great joy concerning Christ; it declares the blessings of God’s forgiveness to the sinners; and His gift of the Holy Spirit unto all who obey Him. Paul continues his discussion concerning,
B. The mystery of His will. He wrote: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:10-12. Paul introduces their belief of the gospel with the uncovering of the divine, “will of God.” Notice:
1. First, Paul wrote: “That He might gather together in one all things in Christ:
a. Both which are in heaven.
b. And on earth.
c. Even in Him (Christ),” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 1:22-23.
d. Conclusion: God’s purpose was to gather all in Christ in heaven and on earth together. This gathering would include the angelic host and the human race from all nations (Jews and Gentiles). This should be further explained at this point. He added,
2. Further, “In whom also we have obtained:
a. An inheritance.
b. Being predestinated according to the purpose of Him.
c. Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will,” Ephesians 1:11.
3. Finally, he concludes, “That we should be,
a. To the praise of His glory.
b. Who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:12.
c. Paul declares that these believers first acknowledged their willingness to accept Christ by trusting in Him. This trust means " that they should believe on him; that is, on Christ Jesus,” Acts 19:4-5; Acts 19:17.
C. In whom: Paul outlines in our discussion text that Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, is the “In whom” they should trust and believe. We must see the progression of the preaching of the faith. Paul set forth this order in the preaching of Christ and the progression of faith and obedience.
1. First, it begins with their trust in Christ.
2. Second, it develops into their faith in Christ.
3. Lastly, it concludes with their obedience to Christ.
D. In whom after you trusted: “In whom you also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. Notice the order if you please,
1. In whom ye also:
a. “Trusted, after that, you heard the word of truth.”
1) Thy word is truth, John 17:17; Psalms 33:4.
2) Jesus promised: “Ye shall know the truth,” John 8:31-32.
3) The truth must be heard, believed, and obeyed, John 6:44-45.
b. They heard “The gospel of their salvation.” The gospel provides all believers with direction and instruction on how to be saved.
c. Let’s remember what Paul told the Ephesian believers: that the grace of God saved them. Does being saved by grace include more than just faith? He continues,
2. In whom also:
a. “After you believed.” After that, you acquired the proper faith in Christ through hearing the preaching of the gospel, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:17.
b. “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
E. These Ephesians were: “Saved by grace through (the) faith,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Before moving further in the lesson, it is high time to discuss this phrase: “For by grace ye are saved through faith.” This is one of the most quoted verses in the bible, next to John 3:16.
1. Hidden within the text context is a description of how God saves the sinner by His grace. Let me remind you again what we have already learned of these believers’ acts of faith thus far (review D, 1. and 2. above). Let’s now consider Paul’s message in this text: “For by grace are ye saved through faith,” in Ephesians 2:8. This is first introduced in Ephesians 2:4-5. Follow me, please,
2. For by grace ye are saved through (the) faith. This is a firm declaration that they had been saved by grace through (the) faith. You notice I included the word “the” or “tas” in Greek parentheses. It is absent in most English translations of this verse, thereby not conveying the correct meaning of the text.
DEFINITION: The word “the” is a definite article in Greek. In this passage, it is “tas” or “ho.”
a. First, “For by grace ye are saved through (the) faith (Gr: dia tas pistis) or (the system of faith); it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8. Salvation is granted to the believers by God’s grace; in Christ; “through the system of faith” and, it is sealed by the “gift of the Holy Spirit.”
NOTE: See EGNT “for by grace ye are saved,” or “through the faith ye are saved,” Page 503. See references in the Reference Section.
b. Further, with the article's omission, one could conclude that their salvation by grace is through their faith alone. However, many scholars have concluded that “It is the system of faith” instead of “the system of law and works.” Paul affirms their salvation is “through the faith” and not “through works of the law or human merit.” Notice this author’s explanation...
1) B. W. Johnson wrote: “The definite article is found before faith in the Greek, showing that the faith, or the gospel, is meant...The grammatical construction of the Greek does not allow us to make “faith” the subject of the last clause. It is not (our) “faith,” but “salvation through the faith,” which is the gift of God,” Page 472. We will revisit this reference later in this lesson.
2) Paul’s declaration: “For by grace are ye saved through the faith; and that not of yourselves,” Ephesians 2:8. In this he asserts that it’s through God’s “quickening” or “making us alive” while together with Christ, that “by grace we were saved,” Ephesians 2:5. Or, the obedient believer has been granted access through the faith into the “grace of God,” Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12.
c. Next, the Ephesians were saved by grace through the system of faith— “not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:9. Now, let me state that the earliest manuscripts include the article “the” in the phrase: “by grace ye are saved through the faith”—and translated it accurately in Ephesians 2:8.
1) to mention a few (Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550; Scrivener's Textus Receptus 1894; Greek Orthodox Church 1904, etc.).
2) These manuscripts include the article “the” before the word “faith” – and after the word “through” in our text, - or “through the faith,” Ephesians 2:8. Signifying – the doctrine of faith – not belief only!
3) Textus Receptus means – “the Received Text, because of the words “Textum…ab omibus receptum,” occurring in the preface of many earlier editions. (The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, First Printing 1970, p. v., of the Introduction).
d. Finally, Paul’s message to the Galatians is: “The hearing of faith.” He wrote: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” See Galatians 3:1-2. He asks the Galatians:
1) First, “Did ye receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Here, he means the truth of the gospel of Christ – or the system of faith.
2) Further, he argues this point to the Galatians regarding the Holy Spirit. Note: “He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” See Galatians 3:5.
3) “Christ hath redeemed us from the law's curse...That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith,” Galatians 3:13-14. The original language is: “That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through the faith.” Again, the definite article “the” is present but was not translated.
a) B. W. Johnson wrote: “The fact that the apostles so often place(s) the definite article before the word faith, so that in the Greek he speaks of The Faith, leaves no doubt of his meaning. Unfortunately, the translators have obscured the meaning by omitting the article. Thus, in this chapter, the Greek gives the definite article before the word (the faith) five times, where it is omitted in the Common Version. The examples are Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:23 (twice); Galatians 3:25; Galatians 3:26,” Page 460. See references in the Reference Section.
b) Conclusion: The Galatians received the Spirit through the hearing of “the faith” – or the preaching of the gospel of Christ, and not through the works of the law. This verse fully reconciles Paul’s message to the Ephesians, in Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Note: For a more exhaustive discussion of this point, consider our lesson on SermonCentral.com, entitled: “By Grace Ye Are Saved.”
2. And that not of yourselves. Here, Paul means by works of human merit. Salvation is not due to works of law or our merit; hence, there is no ground for boasting.
3. It is the gift of God. Paul here affirms that the “gift” of God is: “Salvation by grace through the faith.” Notice these writers,
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: “The salvation is not due to ourselves, but is God's gift. The grammatical construction of the Greek does not allow us to make “faith” the subject of the last clause. It is not (our) “faith,” but salvation through the faith, which is the gift of God,” Page 472.
b. Matthew Henry wrote: “And then by grace, you are saved (v.5), and by grace are you saved through faith—it is the gift of God, v.8...The grace that saves them is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God... not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus...both faith and salvation... are the gift(s) of God,” Page 1212. See references in the Reference Section.
c. Eternal life has been given unto men as a “gift of God,” Romans 6:23; Romans 5:15-18.
d. Solomon wrote: “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God,” Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 5:19.
e. Salvation by grace, then, is “the gift of God” unto all men, Romans 5:15; Ephesians 3:7; James 1:17. God has given His grace, but men must accept it and comply with His terms of pardon, as outlined in the Book of Acts.
4. Not of works. In the Roman Letter, Paul discusses several examples of works of human merit. He argues that if righteousness is through works, it is not by the grace of God. Observe,
a. First, the patriarch Abraham, Romans 4:1-5; James 2:21-24.
b. Further, King David, Romans 4:6-8.
c. Finally, the Roman saints and us, Romans 4:23-25.
d. The Jews sought righteousness through the works of the Law, Romans 10:1-4.
e. God has granted His righteousness in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
5. Lest any man should boast. He states that our boasting regarding our salvation or righteousness should not be in ourselves; rather, it should be in the grace and goodness of God. We will now consider the last point of this lesson, “the Holy Spirit of promise.”
III SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. Have you received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? Luke wrote: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples:”
1. “Paul said unto them: Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”
2. Further, “And they said unto him: We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Ghost.”
3. Next, “Paul said unto them: Unto what then were ye baptized?”
4. “And they said: Unto John's baptism.”
5. Finally, “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
6. Conclusion, “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; they spake with tongues and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve,” Ephesians 19:1-7. There was a similar “laying on of hands” of the apostles unto the Samaritans in Acts 8:14-17. Consider...
a. To these disciples, Paul preached belief in the name of Christ and baptism. I wish I had some help!
b. We cannot remove baptism from the preaching of Christ unto believers who desire to receive the “gift of the Holy Ghost.”
c. God has promised the gift of the Holy Ghost unto all them “that obey Him,” Acts 5:32; Romans 5:1-5.
B. This example of conversion demonstrates that “faith and baptism” was done for these believers to receive the “gift of the Holy Ghost.” Paul continues his discussion of the Spirit,
1. The Holy Spirit of promise: “Was given as a seal unto the believers,” Ephesians 1:13. God’s Holy Spirit is given to the believers as a seal unto the day of redemption. We will discuss this further in this lesson. Consider,
a. To the Corinthians, he wrote: “Now he which establisheth us with you in Christ and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts,” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.
b. John wrote: “But ye have (an) unction (anointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things,” 1 John 2:20. Notice:
1) First, “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abide in you, and ye need not that any man (teaches) you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is not (a) lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him,”1 John 2:27.
2) Second, this unction, or the anointing they had received, was a gift of the Holy Ghost, Hebrews 2:1-4. Given to all repentant baptized believers by the “Will of God.”
3) Lastly, the Holy Spirit gave these "spiritual gifts," 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. The gifts given unto them were either the: “Word of wisdom, or the word of knowledge” 1 Corinthians 12:8. This was necessary to allow them to exercise the gift of the “discerning of spirits,” 1 John 4:1.
c. This is not just a stamp but a seal of the authenticity of the believers in Christ. Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them me, is greater than all, and no man can pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one,” John 10:27-30; 1 John 5:11-13; 1 John 5:20.
d. These obedient believers have been granted the “adoption of sons” to be the: “Children of God,” John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-27; Galatians 4:4-6.
e. It then, children of God; then, they are: “Heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,” Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:7. Praise God, Almighty!
2. The word sealed in Gr., is sphragizo, which means to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest: — (set a, set to) seal up, stop.
3. He is called the Spirit of Promise, the promised Spirit. He is God and part of the divine Godhead, Acts 5:1-4; Acts 17:29; Romans 1:21; and Colossians 2:9. Consider these writer’s words in this matter,
a. Matthew Henry wrote: “The seal and earnest of the Spirit are one (of) the number of these blessings. We are said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, v.13. The blessed Spirit is holy himself and makes us holy. He is called the Spirit of promise, as he is the promised Spirit. By him believers are sealed... set apart for God, and distinguished and marked as belonging to him,” Page 1205. See references in the Reference Section.
b. B. W. Johnson wrote: “After they were converted, the Holy Spirit was bestowed upon them. It was a “promise.” ...The seal was attached to a letter or legal document to authenticate it...The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of adoption, was God's guarantee that the converts to Christ were accepted as his children. The presence of the new Spirit was shown by a new life exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22),” Page 470. See references in the Reference Section.
4. This seal confirms the promise of God in granting unto the obedient believers “the gift of the Holy Ghost;” through their “obedience to the faith,” Romans 1:5; Hebrews 5:8-9.
C. The earnest of our inheritance. The blessed Spirit is holy himself, and he makes us holy. The Spirit is given as the earnest of our inheritance, Ephesians 1:14. Notice:
1. The word earnest in Gr., is tarragon, which means a pledge, i.e., part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: —the earnest. The Holy Ghost is a down payment, assuring the redemption of believers' spirits, souls, and bodies that have become “children of God.”
2. The Holy Spirit is given as an “earnest” pledge or guarantee that God's work with the believer is incomplete. But it shall be complete in redeeming the purchased possession – our spirit, soul, and body. This will occur when Christ returns and raises the “dead in Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
3. The Holy Spirit is the seal of our redemption:
a. First, “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts,” 2 Corinthians 1:22.
b. Second, “Now he that wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who hath also given unto us the earnest of the Spirit,” 2 Corinthians 5:5.
c. Third, “You are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13.
4. The first part of our redemption has already taken place. Christ came to redeem us for the powers of sin and death, Romans 8:1-3; Hebrews 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:10. He did this in His death on the cross. Paul wrote: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9. Paul continues his discussion of redemption within this Letter and others,
a. First, to the Ephesians: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7.
b. Further, to the Colossians: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins,” Colossians 1:14.
c. Finally, to the Hebrews: “But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us,” Hebrews 9:11-12.
1) Again, He purged our sins. “When he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22.
2) Finally, He offered one sacrifice for sins. “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering often the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies are made his footstool. For by one offering, he hath perfected them that are sanctified forever,” Hebrews 10:11-14.
3) Conclusion: Jesus became the ransom for our redemption unto God. By His blood, He has obtained eternal redemption for us. Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins to perfect and sanctify us forever. May praise be given to Almighty God for His great love for us.
5. The second part will be the redemption of our bodies. Ancient writers of the scriptures, those who served God and eschewed evil, have this hope. Observe,
a. Here are their words on this matter:
1) First Job wrote: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and He shall stand at the latter days upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me,” Job 19:25-27.
2) Further, David wrote:
a) Of his awakening: “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake, with thy likeness,” Psalms 17:15; Psalms 49:15.
b) Of his glory: “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory,” Psalms 73:24-28. Verse 24 is the text of emphasis.
3) Finally, Daniel: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt,” Daniel 12:2-3.
a) His promises are blessed even unto these just men, Hebrews 12:22-24.
b) These all makeup “the roll call of faith,” Hebrews 11:1-40; Hebrews 12:1-2.
4) Conclusion: This promise is often mentioned throughout the Old Testament. These are provided merely as a foundation for this spiritual truth.
b. The words and promise of Jesus:
1) I am the resurrection and the life, John 11:23-27.
2) The hour is coming, that all in the grave shall hear my voice, John 5:28-29.
3) Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me, John 14:1-3.
c. The words of the apostles:
1) Peter, 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4.
2) Paul:
a) A day of judgment for all men, Acts 17:30-31; Hebrews 9:27-28.
b) A resurrection of the just and unjust, Acts 24:14-15.
c) A resurrection of those that sleep in Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
d) A resurrection at His second advent, 1 Corinthians 15:20-58.
e) A glorious body, just like Him, Philippians 3:20-21.
3) John: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” 1 John 3:2.
d. Conclusion: Christ and his apostles spoke of a resurrection of the dead. This is our hope, that this life as we know it is not the end; but there is hope in Christ, and the promise of “eternal life” in the world to come, Titus 1:2; Titus 3:7; 1 John 5:11-20. Christ in us: “Is the hope of glory,” Colossians 1:27. Moving on,
D. The redemption of the purchased possession. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee from God to be earnest “until the redemption of the purchased possession.” That is the redemption of our physical bodies from the grave. Without the certainty of the resurrection of Christ, there could be no guarantee that we, too, shall be raised from the dead at His return. We will discuss this more later in the lesson. However, Paul wrote of God’s guarantee of this blessed hope. That is, the redemption of the “purchased possession.” Observe,
1. Exploring "the redemption of the purchased possession” is wise before discussing how God will do it. Stay with me as we see His wisdom.
a. First, the word redemption in Gr., is apolytrosis, which means (the act) ransom in total, i.e., riddance, or Christian salvation: —deliverance or redemption. Redemption is God’s way of bringing us again into His divine favor by forgiving our sins. Christ was the ransom for our eternal inheritance, Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Hebrews 9:14-17.
b. Second, the words purchased possession in Gr., is peripoiesis, which means the acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation: —obtain (-ing), peculiar, purchased, possession, saving.
c. Third, what is it that God redeemed? What is the “purchased possession?” In an answer to these questions, it involves the whole of man. Notice:
1) Paul wrote: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
2) Jesus said: “And fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which can destroy both soul and body in hell,” Matthew 10:28.
3) David wrote: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what man can do unto me,” Psalms 118:6; Hebrews 13:6.
2. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians: “What? Know not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: There glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which is God,” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 7:1. The whole man, which is in Christ has been purchased by God; redeem by the precious “blood of Christ.” Earlier in this chapter, he wrote in the Letter to the Ephesians,
a. First, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,” Ephesians 1:7.
b. Second, to the Colossians, he wrote: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins,” Colossians 1:14.
c. Third, to the Romans he wrote: “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be the propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:24-26.
d. Fourth, we have been:
1) Redeemed with the: “Precious blood of Christ,” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
2) Purchase with His: “Own blood,” Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:13.
e. Conclusion: God has redeemed and purchased us with the blood of Christ. We now belong to Him to serve in “righteousness and true holiness.” We must present our “bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service,” Romans 12:1-2. Therefore, the human spirit has been redeemed unto God; it is now the redemption of our bodies that has not yet experienced this blessing. That is: “The redemption of the purchased possession.” When will this happen? It will occur at the resurrection of the dead.
3. The redemption of our bodies through the quickening of the Holy Spirit. Consider this final point in the “redemption of the purchased possession.” Observe,
a. Peter’s letter to the dispersed: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit,” 1 Peter 3:18.
1) It was the Spirit’s quickening (made alive) and raising the body of Jesus from the dead.
2) It will be the Spirit that will also quicken us and make our bodies alive again.
b. Paul’s letter to the Romans:
1) First, “And if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell well in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11.
2) Further, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God... And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, we may be glorified together, for I reckon that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” Romans 8:17-18.
3) Next, “For the earnest expectation of the creature (our body) waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God...For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly...Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption (death and decay) into the glorious liberty of the children of God,” Romans 8:19-21; Galatians 5:1.
4) Additionally, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together NOW. And not only they (the creature; the creation) but ourselves, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body,” Romans 8:22-23. Who is this creature? Mark 16:15-16; Colossians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5) Finally, the day of redemption: “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30. There will be a day of redemption at the second advent of Christ. Notice:
a) This whole plan of redemption was designed to restore not only the “spirit of man” to God’s glory but also the body of clay: “The redemption of the body.”
b) How will this be possible? Note: “By the quickening of our mortal bodies, by His Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11. I wish I had some help. Amen, walls! As we move to a conclusion, let’s consider Paul’s statement...
E. Unto the praise of His glory. God has done and promises to do everything: “Unto the praise of His glory.” It was that:
1. First, “To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved,” Ephesians 1:6.
2. “We should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:12.
3. Next, “The earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory,” Ephesians 1:14. Notice these authors,
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Until the redemption... (Or), “Unto.” This “earnest” given is looking unto the final and complete redemption from the grave of the purchased possession, the children of God bought with Christ's blood,” Page 470.
b. Matthew Henry wrote: “For this, we were made, and for this, we were redeemed; this is the great design of our Christianity and of God in all that he has done for us: unto the praise of his glory, v.14. He intends that his grace and power...should by this means become conspicuous and illustrious, and that the sons of men should magnify (glorify) Him,” Page 1205. Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 13:15-16.
c. Paul’s Letter to Galatia: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, that he who persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me,” Galatians 1:21-24.
1) God’s work in Christ among the Gentiles was " unto the praise of His glory” in bringing both Jews and Gentiles into the fellowship of the body of Christ, Ephesians 3:6.
2) After Paul’s conversion to Christ, Luke wrote: “And then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied,” Acts 9:31; Acts 8:8; Acts 12:24.
ILLUSTRATION: King Hezekiah; and great joy in Jerusalem, 2 Chronicles 30:24-27.
4. Finally, “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God,” Philippians 1:9-11.
5. Conclusion: We are vital in the grace of Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:1; and strengthened with might by his Spirit, Ephesians 3:16; and these are unto the glory and praise of God.
a. We cannot ever glory in our fruitfulness, but unto the praise and glory of God, that God may be glorified in all things 1 Peter 4:11; and whatsoever we do, it must all be done to the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:16.
b. It is all to the honor of God when we live righteously and godly in this present world; but, also doing good unto all men, by abounding in the good works which we were created unto: which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:10-14. And the church, said: Amen. It is time for me to conclude this lesson. I know someone is already saying: “it was high time, a long time ago!” Thanks for your patience in this lesson. What we have considered was,
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. They Heard the Word of Truth
2. They Believed in the Gospel of Salvation
3. They were sealed with the Holy Spirit
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered how the Ephesians had: “Heard the word of truth.” This occurred while he was preaching in the city of Ephesus. Luke wrote: “So that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks,” Acts 19:10. Recall to Rome, he wrote: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. A similar mentioning of faith is written on behalf of the Corinthians. Luke wrote: “The Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptized,” Acts 18:8. What they had heard was the “word of truth,” Ephesians 1:13. What they believed was the “gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24. How they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise occurred in their baptism into Christ.
2. Second, we discussed the Ephesians: “Trust in Christ...in whom also; after they had believed, the gospel of their salvation.” These Gentiles, after they heard the word of truth, trusted in Christ and became obedient to the gospel of their salvation. Their obedience is consistent with others, as outlined in the Book of Acts. Their faith, repentance, confession, and baptism can be seen in the Book of Acts and his Letters to them. These obedience acts convey the Ephesian’s actual “conversion experience.” The word of truth is preached; the hearer believes it and trusts in the promise of Christ; they are baptized: “In the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38.
3. Lastly, we investigated how the Ephesians were: “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” This promise took us to Paul’s return to Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7. Finding certain disciples, he asked: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believe? They replied: We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them: Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said: Unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:1-3. Paul here urges the gift of the Holy Ghost, with their faith in Jesus and baptism. Then they were: “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Peter commanded the Pentecostal to: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38-41.
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
This lesson was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, on 9/17/2024.
