Our Inheritance is Secure & Sure (Part Three)

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor. Paul writes, “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14). What does it mean to be redeemed? Great question. Let’s answer it. When we first receive (believe in) Jesus the Holy Spirit comes into our life and we are released from the penalty of sin. Not only that, we are now being released from the power and oppressive control of sin as we let the Holy Spirit dominate and control our lives. But one day, we will be released from the presence of sin. Redemption is about the three phases of being justified, sanctified, and glorified! The “redemption of God's own possession” (Ephesians 1:14) refers to the act of God purchasing believers out of the bondage of sin and death through the sacrifice of Jesus, making them His own possession. This redemption is not just a one-time event but a continuous process culminating in the believer's resurrected, glorified body which is the complete redemption from the very presence of sin. God changes us completely. That’s what being redeemed has been all about. Paul says, “To the praise of His glory.” Again, as in verse 12, verse 14 refers to “the praise of [God's] glory.” This repeated theme highlights the goal of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life: God's glory. The same glory mentioned regarding Jesus is also associated with the Holy Spirit. This again indicates Paul's view of God as triune, with Father, Son, and Spirit each part of the divine Godhead, each eternal, equal, and perfect. We read, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20). The three Persons are the one God. The word “name” is singular, not plural! The best is yet to come! Be encouraged!