Ephesians 1:13-14
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
As a teen, I had several odds jobs to make some money. I did some babysitting for a neighbor down the street, I raked up pine straw that was plentiful in my neighborhood and found someone who would buy the straw, and worked in a hot house raising ferns and azaleas. As my small stack of cash grew, I placed a down payment on a low-end Fender 12-string acoustic guitar. It was just what I wanted and I had to do something before someone else purchased MY guitar. There were other obligations: car insurance, gas, and an occasional date. But I managed to keep the payments current on my instrument. I could hardly wait to make the last payment and wrap my hands around my prize.
When I asked Jesus into my heart, He put a down payment on my soul. Because of my decision and Jesus’ grace, I was redeemed from the penalty of sin, I am being redeemed from the power of sin, and one day I will be redeemed from the presence of sin. His down payment, the Holy Spirit, lives within me. I am His! I agreed to the terms: I accept Jesus as the son of God and believe that He died, rose again, and will return for His own. I confess I am a sinner and need His blood to cover the cost of my sin. I have been paid for in full and one day I will be in His presence as He wraps His arms around me in eternity.
Have you agreed to His eternal terms? It’s just a prayer away.
Oh – the 12 string Fender guitar? – it went to Christian coffee houses, revivals, beach retreats, fellowships, camps, and worship services. I played it until it fell to pieces – then God replaced it with something better, but that’s another story for another time.
- Is there anything in your past that you just had to have, and sacrificed and saved so you could call it your own? Share in the comments below!
- How does it feel knowing how much Jesus wants you for His own, and what He was willing to sacrifice and pay.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Enjoying Belmont Daily? Consider subscribing and never miss a post!
Today's reading - Ephesians 1:13-14. "I was redeemed from the penalty of sin, I am being redeemed from the power of sin, and one day I will be redeemed from the presence of sin."