Ephesians 1:13-14

New International Version

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.

For Encouragement

The best is yet to come!

Everybody who has sat under my ministry knows how much I love affirming this truth from the pulpit whenever I preach or teach. It is not a slogan or some catchy phrase to whip up enthusiasm, but an outpouring of my heart to Jesus who, beyond my imagination, stooped so low to save and lift us to sit with Him at His table in His dwelling. Hallelujah!

Today, we are born again, delivered from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Col. 1:13-14). Yet, we suffer the displeasure of this world. The promise of sonship is open to us to enjoy, but it is only a shadow of tomorrow’s glory in His presence. We sing joyfully and dance to our salvation as Moses, Miriam, and the congregation of Israel did after the Red Sea Crossing (Exod. 15:1-21). None compares to the beauty and delights of walking through the pearly gates and onto the golden streets of heaven. (Rev. 21:21).

Like the psalmist, you have tasted and can testify that the Lord is good (Psa. 34:8). The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is too delicious to compare to anything in this world, for what victories we chalk up living in its power every day. The cluster of grapes Joshua and the rest of the spies brought back from Canaan to Moses as evidence of the richness of the land (Nu. 13:23) was to delight and spur them on to possess the inheritance preserved for them. Yet, they did not get it, just as we do not fully perceive the fullness of God’s glory that will open to us at the trumpet call and the shout of the archangel (Rom. 8:18).

Imagine the joy that will fill heaven when we allow our hearts to delight in advance the pleasures of  the Lamb’s coming wedding feast (Rev. 19:7)! The aches and pains of today will be light to bear through with great endurance to shame the devil and perseverance into possessing the crown at the end of the race (Heb. 12:2). The self-denial of the conveniences of this glittering world pale into insignificance at the coming of our Lord to reward His faithful with a glory beyond description—riches untold and the beauty of His glorious majesty to delight our hearts eternally.

By His indwelling Spirit, God has guaranteed the inheritance He promised, the evidence that he has purchased us to be his own people, to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:13-14).

So, saint of the Most High God! Rejoice in the grace that saved you—the grace that will keep you till heaven opens to welcome you into His glory forever.

You are in the best hands until His fullness—the best of the best—finally embraces you yonder. You are secure in His love and care. 

Pray with Me

Father, we give you all the glory you deserve for the outpouring of your bounteous grace upon us for our salvation through Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Amen!