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And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

[God] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Like many people whose parents divorced, deep down, the small child in me still wants reassurance that her father loves her, even though he lives elsewhere. As an adult, I understand my dad did his best. Still, the need for assurance that I am treasured lingers. It is comforting to know deep in my inner being, not just intellectually, that my heavenly Father will never leave me. Today’s passages tell us the Holy Spirit, God living in us, provides that reassurance.

Long ago, a land deal was only complete once the owner had signed the deed, affixed a wax seal, and delivered it to the new owner. As I sat down to write this, the Stevie Wonder song, “Signed, Sealed Delivered, I’m Yours,” popped into my head. In the song, this phrase promises a genuine relationship commitment. Similarly, when we believe, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, His presence in us verifies we are God’s precious possessions—His beloved sons and daughters.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit acts as a deposit confirming our deliverance out of darkness and into the kingdom of light. When we feel connected to the Divine One, we get a preview of what life will be like when His kingdom fully comes.

For example, when the overwhelming love of God brings tears to our eyes, or our hearts soar in worship, or we sense God’s gentle whispers, we can believe we will see Him face to face. When the truth of Scripture blazes in our hearts and minds, or we take child-like delight in the wonder of creation, we can imagine His glory. When we recognize the fruit of the Spirit, or we feel a kinship with believers we barely know, or overflow with joy when serving, we glimpse our relationships in the new creation.

These moments when our spirit joins with the Holy Spirit ground us, and fill us with contagious hope. We show up differently in this world of broken promises knowing we will receive all God has promised. So, we can confidently declare, “Here I am signed, sealed, delivered; I’m yours!” 

Next Steps 

Often the familiar is taken for granted. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit sounds crazy to unbelievers, yet most Christians talk about it casually. Spend some time in prayer exploring this astonishing gift with new eyes. What does it demonstrate about God’s heart? What does it whisper to your soul about your worth? Ponder the idea that you have everything you need to get through any situation because God is literally always with you. Then let this security shape you into a living invitation to the gospel.