Sealed in Spirit

Ephesians 1:3, 13–14 (NRSV) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.

        Have you ever received something stamped “official”? Maybe it was your passport, a marriage license, or even a check that needed endorsement. Once that stamp hits the paper, it becomes more than just a document — it carries weight, identity, and authority. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that we, too, have been stamped — not with ink or wax, but with something eternal: the seal of the Holy Spirit.

         Blessed in Christ Paul begins this passage with a bold declaration: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” Notice the language — not “someday,” not “if we’re good enough,” but has blessed. Already. Right now. You and I are not waiting for God’s approval or affection. We already have every spiritual blessing in Christ. That means love, grace, strength, peace, forgiveness, and purpose — all of it is already yours. Take a moment and think: What’s one blessing in your life you know comes from God? Maybe it’s a child you prayed for.

          Maybe it’s a friend who stayed when others walked away.

             Maybe it’s the strength that carried you through a storm you never wanted. Some blessings sparkle. Others come wrapped in hardship. But Paul reminds us — every blessing we need for life and faith has already been given in Christ.

           Hearing and Believing Paul goes on: “In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him…” Faith doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It’s born when we hear the truth — often through the voices of others. Who first told you about Jesus.

           Maybe it came in a crisis, when the gospel finally pierced through the noise. That hearing and believing is where faith begins. But Paul says it doesn’t end there — because something happens next.
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        Sealed with the Spirit “You were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.” Picture an envelope sealed and ready to be sent. Once that seal is pressed in place, the contents are secure. It belongs to someone, and it’s headed somewhere. That’s what God has done with your life.
         
          You are sealed. You are claimed. You are destined for glory. And this seal? It’s not a fragile sticker that can peel away. It’s the eternal promise of God. You belong to Him — always. Paul calls the Spirit “the pledge of our inheritance.” Think of it like a down payment — a deposit guaranteeing the fullness of what’s to come. The Holy Spirit is God’s way of saying, “You are mine, and the best is yet ahead.”

          For Every Season What does that mean for us today? For the widows: you are not forgotten. God’s seal is still on you.

You are sealed by the Spirit.