Sealed by the Spirit, Saved by Grace
"And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
May 30, 2017 - Peter made this statement on the day of Pentecost to the thousands of people who had gathered and who witnessed the miracles of the coming of the Holy Spirit over the apostles that day.
Realizing from the preaching that day that they were responsible for the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, they began to ask what they could do to be saved.
This verse, (Acts 2:38) was Peter's response to their request for salvation.
Paul then gives us a much clearer picture of salvation and meaning of the gift of the Holy Spirit for all who believe and accept Christ as Lord.
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11-12)
Paul explains that the apostles were chosen by God and he goes on to explain what happens to us when we are called by the Word of God.
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14) Wow!
There we see the beauty of the salvation of the Lord. Just as with the original apostles and disciples of Christ Jesus, we too are sealed with the Holy Spirit, saved from the penalty of sin as we wait for the day when we can take possession of our inheritance, that glorious day when we join with the Lord.
God saves us from sin through the blood of his Son, he gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, sealing us from evil. That is what salvation truly means, to be sat aside from the world, sealed by the Holy Spirit, destined to be in the glory of the Lord in heaven. As long as we follow the Holy Spirit each day, nothing can separate us from the Lord.
Let me ask you, what of this world, what worldly pleasure or treasure can be as valuable as the salvation of the Lord?
Why then do you wait? Why then do you resist the Spirit's call? If you have not accepted Christ as Lord, then please, do so today.
Just stop what you are doing and submit to the Lord. Bow your head and bend your knee to him and say to him in prayer.
"Jesus, I am a sinner who wishes to be saved from my sins. I believe in you Lord Jesus, I believe that you came from heaven to earth to live and die, for me. I believe that the Heavenly Father raised you from the dead. I believe that you then ascended back to heaven where you live and reign today. I ask you Lord Jesus this day. Please Lord, save me!"
If you pray that prayer, in earnest, having faith and believing in your heart the words you are speaking, you will be saved.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you this day...
