In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;” vs. 13
Ephesians 1:11-14
Paul recognized that as people came to faith in Christ there would be a two step process. First they would hear the word of truth, what he called the gospel of salvation. And then, having heard, they would respond by believing; they would trust that the words of the gospel were true. This process of hearing and believing is familiar to most of us, and some can even add dates as they recount their journey. Always there is the sense that one day we’ll be united with Christ in a new and glorious life. And in the meantime Paul says that we are sustained in faith by the presence of the Holy Spirit. While there is considerable debate about what he means—some say it’s baptism and others claim it’s some other manifestation of the Spirit—we can know this for sure. All those who have come to faith will be sustained by “Spirit Moments,” times in everyday living when God comes close and we are lifted up in our weariness, and sustained in our believing. All things are not yet as they one day will be, but how good it is to be able to rest daily in the peace that comes with the gift of grace.
Thought for the Day: When did I first hear the gospel?
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