Bible Gem 631 – Sealed in the Spirit of promise (Eph 1:13)

in whom [this links to the “in whom” before this one, the two phrases form clausal adjectives describing this Christ’s activities]

having also believed [a past participle which forms a series (with the one following) of the benefits of hearing the word of truth]   

having been sealed [the second benefit in the series]

in the Spirit of promise [the cause and effect of the sealing]

the Holy One [an appositional noun phrase adding clarification as to which “Spirit”] 

in whom [this links to the “in whom” before this one, the two phrases form clausal adjectives describing this Christ’s activities]

Ephesians 1:13

Notice the structure here. Note how many times Paul uses “in Him” in this long sentence.
These two examples of “in whom” are part of series of such elements in this long sentence. All the action takes place “in Him”.

in Him . . . in Christ . . .  before Him . . . through Jesus Christ . . . in the Beloved . . . in Whom . . . in Him . . . in Him . . . in whom . . . through Jesus Christ . . . in the Beloved . . . in Whom . . . in Him . . . in Christ . . . in whom . . . in whom . . . in the Spirit of promise, the Holy One. 

Now in the section before us we are told: in Him we heard, in Him we believed and in him we have been sealed. Yes I have to point out that at times the Him is God, most times it refers to Christ and once it refers to the Holy Spirit. But in all times it is the Godhead Who is the subject and initiator of the action. As I told you in the propositional analysis notes we have here a series of past participles which are sequential. Having heard . . . having believed . . . having been sealed. One follows the other which leads to the last one. Oh we might think we are the subjects of the hearing and the believing but think again. In others words, “yes God does the sealing, but I do the hearing (listening) and the believing”. But do you see that God even helps you to do that. Hearing leads to believing, [let him who has ears, let him hear] and then believing leads to the sealing. 

God grants us His Holy Spirit to seal the deal. He who has the Spirit has life. John makes it clear to us in his 1st letter [1 John]:

your assurance of salvation [note the presence of good news of salvation here] is the witness of the Spirit within you.  

1 John 2:20 

But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you His Spirit, and all of you know the truth.   

1John 2:27

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.   

1 John 4:4

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 

1John 4:6  

But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.   

1 John 4:13

And God has given us His Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us. 
John goes on to say, you know you are His by the fact that you love and loving Him causes you to live in righteousness. Why?

Because the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16:8).

It is the work of the Spirit within. You are sealed in Him. That is where the ability to love and to lead a righteous life comes from – the inner conviction of the Spirit. If and when you fall, He leads you to confess your sin and repent (1 John 1:9) He is the One doing the work within you because you are IN HIM. Do you see how it all ties together? The Bible has one consistent message despite being written by different authors. 

Let me leave you with a question. What does the “Spirit of promise” refer to? See if you can find out. I won’t stretch this out anymore. I need to bring the analysis of this one long sentence to an end quickly. Some of you have been writing to ask me when we will move on. The problem is, there is just so much to comment on. But yes you are right. I don’t want these Gems to turn into a long exhaustive commentary. So go find out for yourself. If you want to interact with me on the matter feel free.  

Faith Is Not The Absence Of Fear. It’s The Divine Confidence That Causes Me To Forget The Reason Why I Ever Thought I Would Never Make It.

Robb Thompson

God wants to turn your test into a testimony; your mess into a life message.

Rick Warren