Identity in Christ Part 3

Identity in Christ

Let's dive into more of what it means to be "in Christ."In an earlier posting I made it through Ephesians 1:1-14. There is so much more to be gleaned from this chapter and the next verses are such a beautiful prayer. Here is a study on Ephesians 1:15-23.

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

There's a few things to even point out in these two verses. The apostle Paul was so grateful to God for these saints at Ephesus, but observe what makes him so grateful. It's the faith in (Greek "en" which literally means in) the Lord Jesus and love unto all the saints. They trusted in Jesus Christ and the gospel committed unto Paul, and because of that, were compelled along with Paul to share that love with all others who trusted in the gospel. The Greek word for "love" there is agape, the unconditional, sacrificial kind of love that God showed us through Jesus Christ on the cross. After hearing of this kind of faith and love in action, it is no marvel that Paul would continuously offer up prayers of thanksgiving to God. Note that the word for "in" in verse 16 is the Greek "epi" which would mean "upon" or "on top of." Now let's take a look at what else Paul was praying.

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Wow, such powerful words! Paul was praying that the saints would know God intimately and fully in verse 17. I need to express the Greek here because I feel like it's stronger than the English translation. "That" is more literally "in order that". The word "in" is the Greek "en" again meaning in or within. "Knowledge" is "epignosis" or the full knowledge. The rest is pretty literal to the Greek. With that in mind, here is that verse again with the end of 16 for better context:

making mention of you in my prayers in order that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation within the full extent of the knowledge of Him.

This really correlates well with God's will in 1 Tim 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth

Again that word for knowledge there is epignosis, or the full knowledge. Quite honestly, Ephesians 1:17-18 and the parallel verse in Colossians 1:9 were what drove me to find out just what I was missing in my young Christian life. I had read the bible several times through, but had a lot of questions. Is baptism in water something we need to do to be saved? What about circumcision? Can I claim the promises that were given in Deuteronomy 28 for those that obey? Those blessings seemed quite nice! It was this prayer of Ephesians 1:17-18 and Colossians 1:9 that when I prayed it, God led to me understand a very important verse. This verse, which I totally agree with the words of my pastor, is the key to understanding the bible in its entirety. It is 2 Tim 2:15:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

We need to "rightly divide" the Word of God to know exactly what His will is. This is not a hard thing to do. God says that all scripture is for us, but we need to understand that not all scripture is directed to us today. We have no fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil to avoid, nor are we all directed to build an ark for a coming global flood. We all "divide" the Word of God, but we need to be diligent about it. Simply put, read the address. Is the passage you're reading directed to the church, the body of Christ? Then that is written to you today. Is the passage written to Israel? Then that is written for the past and next age after the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 11). Sure, there are interdispensational truths to be had, most of which are characteristics of our loving God who doesn't change (Mal 3:6). But these will be come known when we pour ourselves into the scriptures and study them as in 2 Tim 2:15. The word "study" in the Greek is "spoudazó" which more literally means to be diligent, to make haste, to be zealous. In other words, pour yourself completely into knowing the Word of God and understand what He is saying to us today. Let's get back to the rest of Ephesians 1.

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Isn't that a beautiful prayer? The apostle goes on to pray that the saints would know what the exceeding greatness of God's power (Greek dunamis) to those of the faith, according to God's strength which He worked in (Greek en) Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His right hand in (en) Heaven. It is a wonderful thing to know that this same power that God showed in Jesus Christ, this same resurrection, He offers freely to us through Jesus Christ by faith. If we simply believe that this work is sufficient to save us from our sins, He takes our sin and we become His righteousness (2 Cor 5:21) and are baptized into Christ. That is certainly something to desire to know! No wonder Paul is praying this for the saints, especially after hearing about all these other things that we are now "in Christ".

Verses 21-23 go on to describe the position of Christ, which incidentally we share with Him since those that believe are baptized into Him. The Greek is interesting here too. The word for principality is "arche" which has this meaning according to Strong's:

properly, from the beginning (temporal sense), i.e. "the initial (starting) point"; (figuratively) what comes first and therefore is chief (foremost), i.e. has the priority because ahead of the rest ("preeminent")

So Christ is far above what comes first, or chief, indicating His preeminence. This description alone is probably enough to describe our Lord Jesus, but the apostle goes on, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to write that Christ is also far above power (Greek exousia meaning power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence) and might (dunamis = strength/ability), and dominion (kuriotés = lordship), and every name that is named, not only in this world (aion = space of time or age) but that which is to come! And this same God wants you to know Him intimately! He wants you to be saved from sin and separation from Him and know the full extent of who He is! How awesome is our God?

I can't end this without looking at the Greek in verses 22-23 because this is fascinating. In verse 22 God says that Christ has the headship or the place of authority over all "ekklesia". It more literally says that God gave Jesus to be the head over the saints who belong to His body, when getting into the first part of verse 23. Now this last part is what I found fascinating. The phrase "the fulness of him that filleth all in all" is literally "the fullness of the all things in all filling". In other words He is the fullness or completion that makes full or complete all things.

There are so many people who search for something fulfilling or satisfying. They may look for it in video games, movies, sports, drugs, or alcohol, but still find themselves wanting. Even after indulging, there still remains a hole inside and the desire for more. Well, right here is God saying that you will be filled full by Jesus Christ and never lack again. If you haven't placed your faith and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross, won't you consider it today? If you have trusted in Jesus and are now in Christ, won't you share that with whomever God brings into your life? This is something too great to be keeping quiet about and what I've done here is just a short study on what it is to be in Christ! Many Christians still need to know what it means to be in Christ. So then, may our God bring us to that epignosis kind of knowledge in Him!

Identity in Christ Part 2 - Jeremiah 29:11

Identity in Christ - Jeremiah 29:11

Many people love the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 and with good reason. It's a very encouraging verse. However, I am posing the question, "Does this apply to all believers today?" In a way, yes, because it shows the character of God, but this verse was certainly not written to you and I today. Rest assured, though, that the Lord certainly knows those who are His and He certainly cares about each of us to the minutest detail. Once again, we must rightly divide the word of truth to understand this important concept. Let's take a look at Jeremiah 29 to see if what I'm saying lines up with God's word.

In verse one we have the address of who Jeremiah is speaking to and verse two gives us an idea of the time it was written:

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
2 (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;

Please note what verse 1 is saying Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to who? The saints of the body of Christ? Not even close. He wrote to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the others that Nebuchadnezzar took to Bablyon. Now ask yourself the question, "Am I an elder or priest or prophet or someone else that was taken by Nebuchadnezzar to Bablyon?" Clearly the answer is no. I have to point this out because this is the context of our subject verse of Jeremiah 29:11. Here's the rest of the verses up to that point so we don't miss any context:

3 By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;

5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

9 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.

10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place

So we see that Jeremiah entrusted a couple of men to take this letter that he wrote to those in Bablyon. In this portion of the letter, we also see in verse 4 that this is the word of the LORD to whom? Those that are carried away captives, even those that God had caused to be carried away. The message is an encouraging one, although to be told to build and live in a foreign land may not look like it at first. Jerusalem was beloved to these people, but they had walked away from God and were warned many times that this was going to happen unless they sought Him again.

God encourages them to prosper in verses 5 and 6 and says something pretty interesting in verse 7. God wanted them to seek the prosperity of the city they were in for their time there. I can only imagine the shock of these Jews that were told to pray for this city that produced the people who slew their brethren and effectively took Jerusalem from them. The destruction of Jerusalem was yet to come at this point, but still, it must have been heart-wrenching.

Next in verses 8-9 we have warnings on what God knows will take place during this time. God tells them the truth in order for them to hang on to it when the false prophets come and try to tell them otherwise. And finally in verse 10 we have the timeframe of the captivity in Bablyon and the comforting promise that these captives will return to Jerusalem at that time. This is God's word, so they know they can trust it.

That brings us to verse 11:

KJV - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

NIV - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

These translations are a bit different and it's easy to see the excitement that the NIV produces. Those are very encouraging words, but again they are for those in Babylonian captivity. The Hebrew is more in line with the KJV, but the phrase "expected end" more literally means "the end of a cord." We still speak like that today with the phrase "the end of the line". God is telling them the end of captivity. Makes sense, since He just told them it would be 70 years in verse 10, right?

Now let's go back to the characteristic of God and how He knows us. This is constant regardless of the dispensation. First, look at Nahum 1:7:

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Jesus Christ shows this in His earthly ministry:

John 1:48 - Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Certainly shows His omnipotence. There's more. Here is John 10:13-14

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

So we see in the time of the prophets and during Jesus' earthly ministry that God tells us He knows those who trust and believe in Him. How about in this current dispensation of grace?

1 Corinthians 8:3 - But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

2 Timothy 2:19  - Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

God's character never changes (Malachi 3:6) and we see that part of that character is knowing those that are His. God certainly cares about everything about you. Note what He says in Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

See that in verse 6? Pray about everything. Now why would God say that if He didn't care about everything there is to you? He wants you to know Him personally and deeply as He already knows you. He wants you to share everything with Him in a beautiful loving relationship and give you the give of His peace. So have you begun this relationship with God? It starts in one way only, and that is to trust in what God did for you when Jesus Christ went to the cross of Calvary. If you believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day to save you from sin and death, you are His.

Identity in Christ - Part 1

Identity in Christ

The topic of our identity in Christ is certainly something I will come back to a lot. Why? Because every day it becomes more apparent to me that people who profess to be Christian prove that they are ignorant of what it means and may or may not even want to be educated on it. To me, I can't understand that once you are saved from sin and death and become a citizen of Heaven because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, why wouldn't you want to know your Savior? God plainly tells who He is in His holy word and it's His desire for us to know Him. So let's take a look at a few things.

First, the real definition of a Christian is something I already alluded to. It is someone who is of THE faith, that is, who obeys God at His word for today. It is important to look at the article around the word faith when we find it in scripture. We see references to "your" faith,  the faith of (fill in the blank), just "faith", or sometimes "the" faith. A couple of references of "the" faith are found in 2 Timothy 3:8 and 2 Tim 4:7. So what is "the" faith for today according to the bible? It is the doctrine centered around the gospel of the glory of Jesus Christ as committed to the apostle Paul. It is most plainly found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4:

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

Why is Christ Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection good news? I'll get to that in a moment. First consider that it certainly wasn't good news at the time of Pentecost where Peter gives his first apostolic address. After explaining the purpose of God to send the Messiah, he says this:

Acts 2:36 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

And then after the healing of the lame man in Acts 3:12-16:

12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom YE DELIVERED UP, and DENIED HIM in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

14 But YE DENIED the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

15 And KILLED the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Note the negative context of the cross. Peter and the other apostles are under the influence of the Holy Spirit with these words, pointing the finger at their brethren saying, "You killed the Messiah." In reality, it was Jesus who laid down His life and took it up again (John 10:18). Jesus was so marred and broken, yet would not die until the appointed time. Still, Peter was telling those Israelites that they were the ones who murdered the Messiah. Where is the glory of the cross here? It is not to be found. Why? Because it was still a secret hidden in God until the due time. Observe what the apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:5-7

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in DUE TIME.

7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

Does Peter have anything to say about this? Certainly. Look at 2 Peter 3:15-18

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom GIVEN UNTO HIM hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Why were the things of Paul hard to be understood as Peter says in verse 16? Because it was a big change in doctrine at that time. I would encourage the reader to study the book of Acts and see the transition of gospel of the kingdom which is salvation by faith plus works through the ministry of Peter to the gospel of grace which is salvation of faith apart from works through the ministry of Paul. (See Acts 10:35 and Acts 13:39 especially and compare with Romans 11).

Where am I going in all of this? That to be Christian, you must rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and test the things that differ (Phillipians 1:10). I say this because being circumcised or being baptized or doing other things in the Law does you no good concerning salvation from sin and death. Don't take my word for it, look at what God says:

Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

1 Corinthians 1: 14-17
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me NOT to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

I won't get into how baptism in the bible is all about washing and not immersion at this time, but again, search the scriptures for that. What I want to emphasize is what God is saying here. Following any part of the Law is scoffing at the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, as if He didn't do it well enough. In all of Paul's epistles, Jesus Christ and His finished work is the main subject. It is because of His grace that we are saved (Eph 2:8-9) and that we are no longer under the Law (Rom 6:14). So we must ask ourselves the question, why go back under the Law when Christ has done away with it? God asks the very same thing:

Galatians 4:21 - Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
In other words, don't you see how difficult and burdensome the law is? Do you really desire it?

Galatians 5:1-6
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be NOT entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the WHOLE law.

4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love (agape).

Those are pretty strong words. And let's keep in mind that it is impossible to keep the whole law at this time because there is no temple in Jerusalem to perform any sacrifices. How about another example?

Colossians 2:20-23
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

So clearly we see that God has declared the Law fulfilled in Christ Jesus and we should no longer be under any part of it, nor should we keep traditions that were not given in the gospel of His grace. I feel the need to lay all this groundwork out before I even start talking about our identity with our Lord and Savior because without this foundation on the correct doctrine, the faith of the believer will fall apart.

Now then, if one believes in the gospel, that Christ Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day to reconcile the world to Him and offer freedom from sin, what does that mean for the believer moving forward? God mentions the words "in Christ", "in Him", or "in whom" referring to Jesus Christ many times, but I would like to focus on the book of Ephesians in a moment. These terms are important to understand because at the moment of belief, you are baptized by the Holy Spirit INTO Christ. There is no water involved here, but you are washed clean of sin by the Holy Spirit and you put on the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Observe:

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ/God the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Ephesians 4:4-6
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

What is this "one" baptism in verse 5? Where did I get the idea of the one baptism by the Holy Spirit into Christ Jesus? Right here:

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Again note all the uses of "one" because this great mystery of Christ and the church, which is his body, is unified as defined way back in Genesis 2, but see it here in Ephesians 5:31-32
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church

We already saw the phrase "in Him" in 2 Corinthians 5:21. Whew, after all of that, now look at Ephesians chapter 1. I'll emphasize the "in" phrases.

1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places IN CHRIST.

Upon accepting the gift our our Savior's grace, you have all the spiritual blessings. He will explain what this means in the ensuing verses.

1:4 - According as he hath chosen us IN HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Here's where some people misinterpret God's Word in verses 4 and 5. Please search the scriptures, but here is the short story. God kept secret His desire to have all people come to him by faith alone. The secret was the rules that man would follow to be reconciled to Him which come by faith and not works. He didn't choose particular people ahead of time, otherwise He would be a liar when considering 1 Timothy 2:3-4

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth

"All" in this context does not mean some chosen people. Anyway, back to Ephesians 1:

1:6 - To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted IN THE BELOVED.

That phrase "in the beloved" is a direct reference to Jesus Christ. We are accepted back into right relationship with our God upon belief of the gospel.

1:7 - IN WHOM we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace

1:8 - Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

1:9 - Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed IN HIMSELF

Wasn't it nice of our God to reveal this secret to us in all it's fullness? The Word of God is completed through the revelation of this mystery. Here's where God says so:

Colossians 1:25-26

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

25 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints

Back to Ephesians now, let's consider verses 10-14 at once. These are full of the "in" phrases and speak volumes of the mercy and grace of our God through Jesus Christ.

1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things IN CHRIST, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even IN HIM

11 IN WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted IN CHRIST.

13 IN WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: IN WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

There are lots of amazing things in these verses.First, note what verse 10 is saying. According to God, this is the last thing we need to know about to "fill up" the times or seasons. He's told us everything that will happen before eternity future with the revelation of the mystery. It is through His grace that he will gather up together all things unto Himself through Jesus Christ. When we trust in Christ, we get an inheritance and it's a heavenly one (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Cor 15:50-54, 1 Thess 4:13-18). This inheritance again is not for a select few, but for all those who will trust in Christ.

Now consider verses 13 and 14 because this is different than any other promise God has given. Once we trust in Christ we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. That word for seal has the idea of a signet ring and God authorizing us for His gift. God goes further than this though and says that His Holy Spirit who sealed us is the guarantee of our Heavenly inheritance until we're taken to be with him as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Let that sink in a moment. Once you trust in Christ you are saved from sin and death and there is no going back. No matter what you do from then on, you are still saved, and this is according to what God says.

Does this mean we should live our lives any way we want to? Hardly. God exhorts us to "walk worthy in several places in the Pauline epistles. Remember it's God's will that all men be saved. Can they see the difference in you today, you who call yourself a Christian? Do you walk in the Spirit and not according to the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26)? God created you unto good works that you SHOULD walk in them (Ephesians 2:10) but if you don't you will not lose salvation. The loss suffered is made evident in 2 Corinthians 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

This is not a judgement of sin. That has been dealt with when you trust in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross. Further study shows this judgement will either produce reward or loss. Think about the concept of reward here (1 Cor 3:10-15). God has already given us all the spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and granted eternal security. What else could be more awesome than that? Aren't you encouraged to "walk worthy" and find out?