The Holy Spirit in us is our assurance of salvation

and also of resurrection and new life!

By Craig C. White

When we believe and submit ourselves to God then he gives each heart the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in us is our promise (engagement ring) that we will be raised to everlasting life. The Holy Spirit in us is our assurance that we are saved. The Holy Spirit does a few things while it is in our hearts. It convicts us of sin. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Bible when we read it or hear it. The Holy Spirit also communicates God’s prayers to us so that we can pray in agreement. I have the Holy Spirit in my heart so I am certain that I am saved!

Ephesians 1:13 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,

The Bible says that when we are saved God places his seal on us in order to identify us as belonging to him, and also to preserve us so that we are guaranteed to receive future promises.

Here is the definition of the word “sealed” in Ephesians 1:13.

sfrag-id’-zo
From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest: – (set a, set to) seal up, stop.

God’s promise is a pledge to give life more abundantly. When we receive God’s Holy Spirit we do also receive part of God’s gift. But a promise is a promise because God will completely fulfill his promise in the future.

Here is the definition of the word “promise” in Ephesians 1:13.

ep-ang-el-ee’-ah
From G1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): – message, promise.

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Here is the definition of the word “earnest” in Ephesians 1:14.

ar-hrab-ohn’
Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: – earnest.

The word that is translated as “earnest” means down payment or security deposit. So the Holy Spirit inside of our hearts is our individual assurance that God will keep his promise to us. In modern Greek the word arrabona means an engagement ring. Remember that each believer receives an engagement ring when they receive the Holy Spirit. If the marriage is called off then you still get to keep the ring! But don’t worry; this engagement ring was purchased at great cost. God has assured us that the Holy Spirit will not be given in vain. The wedding will take place as planned.

God calls you and I “the purchased possession”. Here is the definition of the term “purchased possession” in Ephesians 1:14.

per-ee-poy’-ay-sis
From G4046; acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension preservation: – obtain (-ing), peculiar, purchased, possession, saving.

We are purchased possessions because we have been bought with a price (1Corinthians 6:20). Jesus payed the penalty of sin which is death for us by his own death on the cross.

I am certain that I will live forever with Jesus because I have the Holy Spirit in my heart. I know that the Holy Spirit is there because I am ashamed when I sin. I also know that that the Holy Spirit is in my heart because I can understand the Bible when I read it. Believe it or not, sometimes I can even sense what the Holy Spirit is communicating with my spirit. Believe that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for your sins and be saved. Open your heart to God’s Holy Spirit and receive assurance of everlasting life.

Read more about our intimate relationship with God in my book God’s Great Expectations