In him you also—when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you also believed—were sealed in him with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
~ Ephesians 1:13-14 

That moment when you hear a camper say, “All staff members are getting a pay raise this week!” and your first thought is, Who did you hear that from? 

Or, “Extra desserts for all the campers!” and your first thought is, Who is the head cook this week? 

Or better yet, “Did you hear that 37 kids trusted Jesus for salvation this week?” and you first thought is, This week!? Have you seen the kids this week? 

When you hear good news, you want to make sure it’s true. Proof positive sure. 

In Ephesians 1, God announces that he chose us (v 4), adopted us (v 5), forgives our sins (v 7), prepares us for heaven (v 10), and gives us an inheritance that cannot be taken away (v 11). Those are some pretty amazing declarations.

But he goes on in verses 13-14 to assure us that it is all true. Proof positive true. He wants to make sure we don’t get cynical. He doesn’t want us doubting it or second-guessing the messenger. He provides incontrovertible evidence that he has the power and the inclination to freely do what he said he would—he seals us with the Holy Spirit! 

What exactly does that mean? 

First, it’s personal. Every believer in Jesus has the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within them. When you have it, you just know. You can’t really prove it to someone else, and you don’t need to. No one else can feel it, because it’s meant for you. 

Second, it’s comforting. There are lots of things that the Holy Spirit does. He regenerates us, empowers us for ministry, produces fruit in us, and gives us spiritual gifts to edify the church. But being sealed by the Spirit is intended to comfort us and confirm within us that we are his, and all is well. 

Third, it’s partial. Paul calls this confirming indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit a down payment. It’s a foretaste of what’s to come in heaven. That’s when we’ll get the full experience of unending joy to the praise of his glory.

To learn more about how the gift of the Holy Spirit meets our need at camp, see The Divine Helper.

Feel it!

And believe it.