The Narrow Gate | March 18
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:11-14
Jesus, again we hear the word “predestined” to describe what is the reality of a born-again believer, One that You knew in the beginning would turn to You, trusting You, depending upon You in even the smallest things.
You teach us here that the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts is Your seal upon our souls, our guarantee of an inheritance so indescribably perfect that we can not even visualize it.
How are we to know that the seal of the Holy Spirit is upon us? Your word answers that question in so many ways but it seems to always come back to this verse: “You shall know them by their fruits.” If we say we love You, let our thoughts, choices and actions confirm that truth. Help us, this day, to seek You, to learn from You and to experience Your presence and friendship, all day. We are Your “purchased possession”. Is there anyone else we would like to commit our future to besides You?
We pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project
