Ephesians 1:13 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed… I. The SUBJECT of assurance, which is and can be no other than a soul that hath closed with Christ by faith. Reflex acts necessarily presuppose direct ones. II. The NATURE of assurance. He calls it sealing — an apt metaphor to express the nature of it; for assurance, like a seal, both confirms, declares, and "distinguishes; it confirms the grant of God, declares the purpose of God, and distinguishes the person so privileged from other men. III. The AUTHOR of assurance, which is the Spirit. He is the keeper of the great seal of heaven; and 'tis His office to confirm and seal the believer's right and interest in Christ in heaven (Romans 8:16). IV. Lastly, the QUALITY of this spirit of assurance, or the sealing Spirit. He seals in the quality of an Holy Spirit, and of the Spirit of promise. As an Holy Spirit, relating to His previous sanctifying work upon the sealed soul; as the Spirit of promise, respecting the medium or instrument made use of by Him in His sealing work; for He seals by opening and applying the promises to believers from the Spirit's order. (J. Flavel.) Parallel Verses KJV: In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, |
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