IN CHRIST
A Study of Positional Truths

Our study this week lays before us two ‘in whom’ phrases. The text is Ephesians 1:13-14. The Bible says, “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 the Holy Spirit of promise.  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.”

The phrase ‘in whom’ carries the idea of being enclosed in Christ.  Paul tells us in Chapter one, verse four, before the foundation of the world we were enclosed in Him. This position, according to our study, has set off a chain reaction. We have heard the word of truth. The word heard means to have ears to understand. No wonder the Bible says, ‘Let him that hath ears to hear, hear what the Lord says’. Our position in Him has afforded us ears to hear. We get saved by hearing the word.  Salvation is not in singing, special outings, or skits, but in the hearing of the word of truth. This hearing causes one to trust and believe. 

These words are both in the past tense; trusted and believed. This indicates that there was a past action by Him that guarantees a present result from us. The word trust means to hope in advance of further confirmation. These hearing ears have caused me to hope when there is nothing to be seen to hope in.

 The word believed means to trust my whole being to another. My position of being in Him has set off a chain reaction of hearing, trusting, and believing. 

 If that were not enough, on top of that, He sealed me with the Holy Spirit. The word sealed carries with it three ideas.  The first is the Holy Spirit is given as the seal of a finished transaction.  John 17:4 says, “I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished (sealed) the work which thou gavest me to do.” I am a finished work in progress.  The Holy Spirit is given as the seal of ownership.  II Timothy 2:19 says, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are His.” Just think He knows me by name!  The Holy Spirit is also given as the seal of security.  Ephesians 4:30 says, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed until the day of redemption.” My security is so sure. 

This great position in Him causes me to hear, trust, and believe. The results are: I have been signed, sealed, and await delivery by the Holy Ghost. 

He is the earnest of my delivery according to verse fourteen. An earnest is money paid by a buyer to assure the seller that he is serious about buying. The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to assure us that He is serious about finishing this great transaction. 

 When I was a young boy, Mom would can vegetables. At night we would sit in the den and hear the lids pop.  This told us that they were sealed and ready for consumption. I have been sealed.  I have popped.  I am ready for His using until He comes.