We live in uncertain times and as a result, many people are living their lives in fear – what will tomorrow bring? What is our future? What will happen next? Is there one thing of which can be certain? St. Paul would say to us this day there is one thing of which we can be certain and that is the guarantee of our salvation in Christ. By these words St. Paul would say to us this day you are the children of God. You are a part of the family and as such you true Christians chosen and destined for heaven. While many fret and worry of one thing we can be certain – your eternity is secure for it is signed, sealed and delivered.
1. It is signed – by the blood of the cross – (vs. 7) Christ the Son brings us redemption “according to the riches of His grace”
A. Grace is blood-bought, involving His Cross. (1 Peter 1:19-20; Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24-25)
B. Grace results in the forgiveness of our trespasses (Ephesians 1:7; Matthew 9:2; Psalm 103:12)
C. “Grace” spelled as an acrostic is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”
2. It is sealed – by the Spirit – (vs.13)
A. The Holy Spirit implements the plan of salvation in time by calling sinners to faith in Christ by the Gospel.
B. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our future inheritance of glory (vs. 14) Faith by the presence of the Holy Spirit is the “down payment, the guarantee” that God will carry through on His plan of salvation and finally get us to glory (1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:4-5)
3. It is delivered – by the Church – (vs. 13)
A. What is the Church? It is holy sheep listening to the voice of their shepherd.
B. As you listen to Him you abide in Him, and in Him you are secure.
Your salvation centers in Jesus Christ. In Him it was signed – by the blood of the cross; sealed by the working of the Spirit; and delivered through the work of those called the people of God His body, His bride the Church.
1. It is signed – by the blood of the cross – (vs. 7) Christ the Son brings us redemption “according to the riches of His grace”
A. Grace is blood-bought, involving His Cross. (1 Peter 1:19-20; Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24-25)
B. Grace results in the forgiveness of our trespasses (Ephesians 1:7; Matthew 9:2; Psalm 103:12)
C. “Grace” spelled as an acrostic is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”
2. It is sealed – by the Spirit – (vs.13)
A. The Holy Spirit implements the plan of salvation in time by calling sinners to faith in Christ by the Gospel.
B. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our future inheritance of glory (vs. 14) Faith by the presence of the Holy Spirit is the “down payment, the guarantee” that God will carry through on His plan of salvation and finally get us to glory (1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:4-5)
3. It is delivered – by the Church – (vs. 13)
A. What is the Church? It is holy sheep listening to the voice of their shepherd.
B. As you listen to Him you abide in Him, and in Him you are secure.
Your salvation centers in Jesus Christ. In Him it was signed – by the blood of the cross; sealed by the working of the Spirit; and delivered through the work of those called the people of God His body, His bride the Church.
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