Day 15 | Sealed, Safe, Secure – "Who I Am In Christ" Firm Foundation 21-Day Devotional
The “Word of Truth” is more than words. According to the Apostle Paul, it was (and is) the Good News (Gospel) of salvation. To be precise, it is the message of the finished work of Christ through His life, death, burial, and resurrection––not for Himself, but for you and me. Jesus did not deserve the torture and death He suffered, because He did nothing to earn it. He was sinless. This resulted from Jesus being conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb, thus not inheriting the sinful nature of all humans since Adam.
What this means to you: When you trusted the Gospel (Good News) of Christ, you did not embrace a religion, but a life-changing relationship. This experience––and miracle––caused you to be “sealed” with the “Holy Spirit of promise.” What does this mean?
The New Living Translation makes it clearer: “And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.”
Some mistaking think “sealed” means “sealed in,” as within an impenetrable room. In reality, the seal is Christ who “identified you as His own.” Jesus doesn't respect the requirements and religious dogmas of men forced upon people. He identifies and claims people who directly trust in God through Himself. The “Holy Spirit of promise” represents all the good things to come.
2 Timothy 2:19 (NLT) reads, “But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his...”
You can rest in your relationship with God through Christ, walk with Him, follow His word, and never be troubled by religious demands.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to be sealed?
2. What is the “Holy Spirit of promise?”
3. Why is mere religious practice not respected by Christ? (There is a positive sense of religion as diligent practice––but it cannot be in your own strength)
Action Items:
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