In our message, THE SEALING OF THE SPIRIT (Eph. 1:13-14), we finished the longest sentence in the Bible turning to God- the Holy Spirit. This Person of the Godhead never draws attention to Himself, but instead points to Jesus (John 16:26, etc.). Nor does the Holy Spirit force His way on us, but He guides (Gal. 5:16, 18, 25, etc.) He “convict[s] the world of sin” showing people their need for Christ (John 3:7; 16:9, etc.), and is never the source of “confusion but [only] of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33; Gal. 5:22-23, etc.).
God’s people who walk in the Spirit experience His “power” and “freedom” in their lives (2 Cor. 3:17 NET; Zech. 4:6b; Matt. 10:1; Acts 10:38, etc.). This also enables them to declare people’s sins so others can be saved (Rom. 1:4; Micah 3:8; Luke 1:17; Acts 1:8; Rom. 15:19; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 Thes. 1:5; 1 Cor. 2:4, etc.).
Today, people who “hear… the word of truth (the gospel…)” are saved the moment they “believe” (Eph. 1:13; Acts 10:34-48; 16:31, etc.). God “seals” them with the “promised Holy Spirit… forever” (Eph. 1:13; John 14:16, etc.). Only God can break His seal (e.g. Rev. 5:1-10, etc.) and nothing in all creation (including ourselves) has that power or ability (Rom. 8:31-39; 1 John 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:13, etc.). Not only this, but the Holy Spirit Himself “is the guarantee of our inheritance until… [our final] redemption” (Eph. 1:14; 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22; 1 John 14:16; Phil. 1:6, etc.). As the “possession” God has already “purchased” with His blood, we “have the firstfruits of the Spirit [and] eagerly wait… for the adoption of our [physical/literal] body” when Jesus comes for us (Eph. 1:14; Rom. 8:23, 30, etc.). This is all for “the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14).