1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,760 about the Holy Spirit, how many of you would say, 2 00:00:01,760 --> 00:00:04,600 I've learned something through this series so far 3 00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:06,880 about the Holy Spirit, or maybe I've been reminded 4 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:09,440 of some things that I had forgotten, well that's great. 5 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:12,200 We're gonna continue, we've got a few more weeks left of this, 6 00:00:12,200 --> 00:00:15,400 but how many of you guys, you work for a company 7 00:00:15,400 --> 00:00:18,480 and you have perks with your company, 8 00:00:18,480 --> 00:00:20,160 anybody you've got some perks? 9 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:21,520 Perks are kind of one of those things 10 00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:24,400 that they come with the territory, if you will, 11 00:00:24,400 --> 00:00:29,120 it's part of your working there, 12 00:00:29,120 --> 00:00:31,240 sometimes they're incentives, 13 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:33,560 sometimes those perks are known, 14 00:00:33,560 --> 00:00:35,920 maybe they might be part of your salary package 15 00:00:35,920 --> 00:00:39,320 or part of your incentive for coming to work there, 16 00:00:39,320 --> 00:00:41,480 but sometimes perks are not seen, 17 00:00:41,480 --> 00:00:46,480 they're just extra parts of the job that you can enjoy. 18 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:49,480 As I was looking through and thinking through some 19 00:00:49,480 --> 00:00:51,560 of the perks, I know that Pastor Miles 20 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:55,320 is really still waiting, he's holding out for a cereal bar, 21 00:00:55,320 --> 00:00:56,920 and he's really hoping that maybe one day 22 00:00:56,920 --> 00:00:58,720 we'll have a cereal bar in the office, 23 00:00:58,720 --> 00:01:00,520 I don't know that that's gonna happen anytime soon, 24 00:01:00,520 --> 00:01:02,840 but he's kind of maybe hoping maybe one day 25 00:01:02,840 --> 00:01:04,400 that might be the perk of the job, 26 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:06,680 he really likes cereal apparently. 27 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:09,840 But I was looking through some different perks 28 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:12,320 and some of these people have kind of an online forum 29 00:01:12,320 --> 00:01:15,000 of some of the most absurd perks 30 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:17,360 that they had ever been offered in the job, 31 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:20,280 I wrote a few down, one person said, 32 00:01:20,280 --> 00:01:22,360 one of the most absurd perks they had at the job 33 00:01:22,360 --> 00:01:25,320 was a Christmas party, now that doesn't sound strange, 34 00:01:25,320 --> 00:01:27,160 some of you may have Christmas parties, 35 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:29,760 but apparently this company offered their Christmas party 36 00:01:29,760 --> 00:01:33,320 on Christmas day, so people were like, 37 00:01:33,320 --> 00:01:36,640 who in the world wants to go spend Christmas morning 38 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:39,240 at the job with your boss? 39 00:01:39,240 --> 00:01:41,640 Nobody wanted to do that, but apparently 40 00:01:41,640 --> 00:01:43,200 they considered that a perk. 41 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:46,560 Another one was that they offered discount tickets 42 00:01:46,560 --> 00:01:51,560 to different sporting events and music festivals 43 00:01:51,880 --> 00:01:54,920 and things like that through this third party web service, 44 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:57,680 but when they actually tried to use the third party web service 45 00:01:57,680 --> 00:02:00,120 there was so many fees tacked on 46 00:02:00,120 --> 00:02:02,120 that it actually ended up costing more 47 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:04,760 to purchase through this third party web service 48 00:02:04,760 --> 00:02:06,760 than it was to just buy the tickets outright 49 00:02:06,760 --> 00:02:10,920 from the actual website. 50 00:02:10,920 --> 00:02:13,280 So a little bit of an absurd perk, 51 00:02:13,280 --> 00:02:16,120 one person they actually wrote on their incentives 52 00:02:16,120 --> 00:02:18,440 for their work that if you had come, 53 00:02:18,440 --> 00:02:20,600 came to work with them, you would be eligible 54 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:23,880 for food stamps, they thought that that was a great thing. 55 00:02:23,880 --> 00:02:25,720 Government assistance being offered 56 00:02:25,720 --> 00:02:27,120 as part of a perk of the job. 57 00:02:27,120 --> 00:02:29,000 Apparently somebody thought that was a good one 58 00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:30,200 to put on there. 59 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:33,160 Another one person said is that when they looked at the job, 60 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:36,800 it perks in their incentive little package, 61 00:02:36,800 --> 00:02:39,120 it's one of it said windows, and they thought, 62 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:42,080 well, yeah, windows, that's great, I need an extra copy, 63 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:45,120 maybe I can put on my laptop or I can maybe update some of it, 64 00:02:45,120 --> 00:02:47,840 but actually what they meant was literal windows, 65 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:50,240 like panes of glass, like you get to actually look 66 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:51,960 out a window when you're working there. 67 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:54,800 That was one that I thought was actually pretty good. 68 00:02:54,800 --> 00:02:57,920 One guy who was working in retail, 69 00:02:57,920 --> 00:02:59,200 apparently he was a little bit heated, 70 00:02:59,200 --> 00:03:01,440 but he wrote that as a reward for working 71 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:04,320 through the pandemic, toilet paper crisis, 72 00:03:04,320 --> 00:03:06,200 getting paid four weeks late, 73 00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:10,960 they were given as a perk of the job, a box of Capri Sun. 74 00:03:10,960 --> 00:03:12,640 Now, if you don't know what Capri Sun is, 75 00:03:12,640 --> 00:03:16,240 Capri Sun is a fruit juice box that kids like to drink. 76 00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:21,240 Six boxes, six bags of Capri Sun in this box. 77 00:03:21,240 --> 00:03:24,920 He said, dot, dot, dot, there's eight of us. 78 00:03:24,920 --> 00:03:29,920 So apparently they had to share six boxes of Capri Sun. 79 00:03:29,920 --> 00:03:33,240 Now, sometimes when things are given to us on our behalf, 80 00:03:33,240 --> 00:03:37,360 they may not exactly be what we thought they would be, 81 00:03:37,360 --> 00:03:39,120 but when we're thinking about, 82 00:03:39,120 --> 00:03:43,720 and we enter into a relationship with the Holy Spirit, 83 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:45,440 through faith in Christ alone, 84 00:03:45,440 --> 00:03:49,920 some amazing things happen on our behalf. 85 00:03:49,920 --> 00:03:53,320 So what I want us to look at tonight briefly 86 00:03:53,320 --> 00:03:55,280 are two of the things that happen 87 00:03:55,280 --> 00:03:59,560 when we enter into a relationship by faith alone in Christ 88 00:03:59,560 --> 00:04:03,200 and what God does on our behalf through the Holy Spirit 89 00:04:03,200 --> 00:04:06,440 in the realm of the sealing and baptizing 90 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:08,080 of the Spirit of God. 91 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:10,200 And what that actually means for us tonight. 92 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:12,560 So what I'm hoping to discover tonight 93 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:14,880 is that every believer really can understand 94 00:04:14,880 --> 00:04:17,280 how the Holy Spirit works in them 95 00:04:17,280 --> 00:04:20,400 by seeing some elements here for the Holy Spirit's 96 00:04:20,400 --> 00:04:22,240 sealing and baptizing. 97 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:23,840 We're gonna be going through lots of scriptures 98 00:04:23,840 --> 00:04:24,680 like we have done. 99 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:25,840 They'll be up on the board here. 100 00:04:25,840 --> 00:04:28,240 More of a welcome to turn to them as we go, 101 00:04:28,240 --> 00:04:29,680 but we'll be going very quickly. 102 00:04:29,680 --> 00:04:32,920 So let's look at this first area of the sealing 103 00:04:32,920 --> 00:04:37,000 of the Spirit here among us. 104 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:38,920 So the first element I want us to look at 105 00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:42,560 in the sealing of the Holy Spirit is the people. 106 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:44,640 The people that are involved in this. 107 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:46,960 Now, when it comes to what the Scripture is, 108 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:48,960 the Scripture teaches and that's what we plan 109 00:04:48,960 --> 00:04:51,440 to endeavor tonight, I want us to look at really 110 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:54,440 what it means for us as the people. 111 00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:57,600 As the people of God, as those who've been born again 112 00:04:57,600 --> 00:05:02,320 by the Spirit of God, this belongs exclusively 113 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:05,520 to the believers in the New Testament age, 114 00:05:05,520 --> 00:05:08,480 this idea of the sealing of the Holy Spirit. 115 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:11,640 Second Corinthians one, verse 22 says, 116 00:05:11,640 --> 00:05:16,000 who have also sealed us and given the earnest 117 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:19,400 of the Spirit in our hearts. 118 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:23,120 Now, it's important for us to know that the Spirit of God 119 00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:28,120 is within us and part of the gift of his Spirit 120 00:05:28,200 --> 00:05:32,040 is living with us or in us. 121 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:36,360 That we, the people of God are part of this exclusive group 122 00:05:36,360 --> 00:05:40,080 that have been now sealed by the Holy Spirit. 123 00:05:40,080 --> 00:05:43,320 Ephesians four, verse 30, gives us a warning 124 00:05:43,320 --> 00:05:45,960 and it's partly the reason for the exhortation 125 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:49,840 not to grieve the Holy Spirit because it is given 126 00:05:49,840 --> 00:05:51,600 to each believer. 127 00:05:51,600 --> 00:05:53,560 Ephesians chapter four, verse 30 says, 128 00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:56,160 and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, 129 00:05:56,160 --> 00:06:00,240 whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. 130 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:02,600 You see, the sealing of the Holy Spirit 131 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:05,920 is not something that has done, just happenstance 132 00:06:05,920 --> 00:06:09,640 or to every person, it is only the people of God 133 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:13,240 who are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God. 134 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:16,040 First we see the people, but then we also see the time. 135 00:06:16,040 --> 00:06:17,800 When does this actually happen? 136 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:19,960 When does the sealing take place? 137 00:06:19,960 --> 00:06:22,680 Well, according to Acts chapter two, verse 38, 138 00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:26,360 it takes place immediately at conversion. 139 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:29,200 Look on it, Acts chapter two, verse 38. 140 00:06:29,200 --> 00:06:31,680 It says, then Peter said unto them, 141 00:06:31,680 --> 00:06:34,280 repent and be baptized every one of you 142 00:06:34,280 --> 00:06:37,320 in the name of Jesus Christ for the remissions of sins 143 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:41,600 and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 144 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:45,240 You see, this would indicate the immediate transaction. 145 00:06:45,240 --> 00:06:47,320 There's no waiting period. 146 00:06:47,320 --> 00:06:49,760 There's no level that must be attained 147 00:06:49,760 --> 00:06:51,400 that all of a sudden you believe 148 00:06:51,400 --> 00:06:53,720 and then somehow you go through this process 149 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:57,040 and then eventually you become sealed by the Holy Spirit. 150 00:06:57,040 --> 00:07:01,440 No, no, no, it is immediate at the time of conversion. 151 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:03,840 Ephesians chapter one, verse 13, 152 00:07:03,840 --> 00:07:06,800 here it gives us no indication that anything happens 153 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:09,080 in between belief and sealing. 154 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:11,680 Look on it, Ephesians chapter one, verse 13. 155 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:14,800 The scripture says, in whom ye also trusted, 156 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:16,920 after that ye heard the word of truth, 157 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:18,800 the gospel of your salvation, 158 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:21,240 in whom also after that ye believed, 159 00:07:21,240 --> 00:07:24,720 ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 160 00:07:24,720 --> 00:07:27,240 There's no indication here that anything else happens 161 00:07:27,240 --> 00:07:30,400 other than belief and then immediate sealing. 162 00:07:30,400 --> 00:07:32,760 There's no belief and then a trial period 163 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:34,200 and then if you make it somehow, 164 00:07:34,200 --> 00:07:37,080 then the Holy Spirit will then seal. 165 00:07:37,080 --> 00:07:39,720 There's no kind of level to ascertain 166 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:42,240 that eventually you go through this discipleship 167 00:07:42,240 --> 00:07:45,120 or sanctification process and then you will be sealed. 168 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:49,040 No, no, no, you believe and then you are sealed. 169 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:50,600 So the time is immediate. 170 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:52,560 It takes place at conversion. 171 00:07:52,560 --> 00:07:57,560 When you believe, you receive the Holy Spirit and His sealing. 172 00:07:57,800 --> 00:08:00,520 Next we'll see the agents of the sealing. 173 00:08:00,520 --> 00:08:04,000 Who actually is involved in this sealing process? 174 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:06,480 Well, according to 2nd Corinthians chapter one, 175 00:08:06,480 --> 00:08:09,880 verse 21 and 22, God does the sealing 176 00:08:09,880 --> 00:08:13,600 in order to ensure His promise to us. 177 00:08:13,600 --> 00:08:16,200 2nd Corinthians chapter one, verse 21 and 22, 178 00:08:16,200 --> 00:08:21,200 say, now He which establishes us with you in Christ, 179 00:08:21,400 --> 00:08:24,960 that He refers back to verse 20, which is God. 180 00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:28,000 It says appointed unto us is God. 181 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:30,840 He, oh sorry, who has also sealed us 182 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:34,520 and given us the earnest of His spirit in our hearts. 183 00:08:34,520 --> 00:08:39,520 You see it is God the Father who does sealing on our behalf. 184 00:08:39,560 --> 00:08:42,280 He says the Holy Spirit as the other agent, 185 00:08:42,280 --> 00:08:43,800 which we'll get to in just a moment, 186 00:08:43,800 --> 00:08:46,760 but God is the one who does the sealing. 187 00:08:46,760 --> 00:08:50,120 Now, sealing often will indicate something. 188 00:08:50,120 --> 00:08:55,120 In the middle age time, New Testament time, 189 00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:57,840 the idea of the seal was very, very common. 190 00:08:57,840 --> 00:09:01,760 Now we still see that today in maybe some official 191 00:09:01,760 --> 00:09:05,240 documentation and in certain different areas. 192 00:09:05,240 --> 00:09:07,960 When we were in Taiwan, my wife and I, 193 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:11,040 we were actually part of the registration process 194 00:09:11,040 --> 00:09:15,200 with the government was that we were required 195 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:17,520 to receive what's called a CHOP. 196 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:19,760 CHOP is the idea of this seal. 197 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:22,880 It had our Chinese name etched into it. 198 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:25,520 And then what we do is we went and anytime we did 199 00:09:25,520 --> 00:09:27,400 any kind of official documentation, 200 00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:30,560 whether we were in person or sending it away, 201 00:09:30,560 --> 00:09:34,320 we had to take these CHOPs, we would dip them in a red ink 202 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:39,320 and then we would stamp our initials, if you would, 203 00:09:39,400 --> 00:09:41,440 our Chinese name onto the document. 204 00:09:41,440 --> 00:09:44,640 And that was part of the sealing process 205 00:09:44,640 --> 00:09:49,640 that would ensure the authenticity of that paperwork. 206 00:09:50,120 --> 00:09:52,920 This kind of ownership is also seen a lot of times 207 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:57,640 if you're like maybe you have a farm and you have animals, 208 00:09:57,640 --> 00:10:01,680 the idea of branding, the idea of putting some kind of brand 209 00:10:01,680 --> 00:10:04,600 on the cow, this still kind of carries around 210 00:10:04,600 --> 00:10:06,520 this idea of the seal. 211 00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:09,600 Now what's amazing about the seal of God 212 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:12,480 is that God is the one who does the sealing. 213 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:14,760 Now in ancient times, there used to be, 214 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:16,360 if you were to send an official letter, 215 00:10:16,360 --> 00:10:18,920 let's say the king was to send an official letter, 216 00:10:18,920 --> 00:10:21,720 the king would use his signet ring, if you would, 217 00:10:21,720 --> 00:10:24,240 and he would seal the letter. 218 00:10:24,240 --> 00:10:27,280 And the letter was then carried by a courier 219 00:10:27,280 --> 00:10:28,760 to the recipient. 220 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:31,760 And under penalty of death in most countries, 221 00:10:31,760 --> 00:10:35,160 you were not allowed to open the seal or break the seal. 222 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:40,160 Only two people were involved in the seal process, 223 00:10:40,280 --> 00:10:42,920 the sender who sealed it, 224 00:10:42,920 --> 00:10:45,560 and then the recipient who unsealed it. 225 00:10:45,560 --> 00:10:50,400 Now catch this, God is both the sender 226 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:53,600 and the recipient of us. 227 00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:56,760 That when God seals us with the Holy Spirit, 228 00:10:56,760 --> 00:11:00,160 he is the sender, but one day there will be 229 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:03,400 a unsealing, if you will, a redemption 230 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:04,920 of the purchased property. 231 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:06,800 Who is that that does that? 232 00:11:06,800 --> 00:11:08,080 God himself. 233 00:11:08,080 --> 00:11:13,080 God is both the sender and recipient of the seal. 234 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:16,240 The sealed envelope, if you will, that's you, 235 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:18,840 who has been sealed by the Holy Spirit. 236 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:20,920 God is the one who does the sealing. 237 00:11:20,920 --> 00:11:23,000 But also we see that the Holy Spirit, 238 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:27,200 he is also an agent involved in the sealing process. 239 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:30,080 He is both the agent and the sphere, if you will. 240 00:11:30,080 --> 00:11:32,120 Ephesians chapter one, verse 13, 241 00:11:32,120 --> 00:11:34,560 tells us in whom he also trusted, 242 00:11:34,560 --> 00:11:36,680 after that he heard the word of truth, 243 00:11:36,680 --> 00:11:38,240 the gospel of your salvation, 244 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:40,800 in whom also after that he believed 245 00:11:40,800 --> 00:11:44,920 you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. 246 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:46,600 It is God who does the sealing, 247 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:49,520 and also the Holy Spirit who is God, 248 00:11:49,520 --> 00:11:52,980 who is a part of this sealing process. 249 00:11:52,980 --> 00:11:56,360 That is the agents of the sealing. 250 00:11:56,360 --> 00:11:57,960 Next we will see the duration. 251 00:11:57,960 --> 00:11:59,880 How long does this seal last? 252 00:11:59,880 --> 00:12:02,760 Well, according to Ephesians chapter four, verse 30, 253 00:12:02,760 --> 00:12:06,400 we are sealed unto the day of redemption. 254 00:12:06,400 --> 00:12:09,680 This day of redemption would refer to a future day, 255 00:12:09,680 --> 00:12:12,280 which includes the promises that have been given to us 256 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:13,800 and the promise of heaven. 257 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:15,400 Ephesians chapter four, verse 30 says, 258 00:12:15,400 --> 00:12:17,640 grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, 259 00:12:17,640 --> 00:12:22,640 whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 260 00:12:23,520 --> 00:12:25,280 This redemption, time of redemption, 261 00:12:25,280 --> 00:12:28,040 also includes the redemption of our bodies. 262 00:12:28,040 --> 00:12:30,240 According to Romans chapter eight, verse 23, 263 00:12:30,240 --> 00:12:33,440 he says, not only then, but ourselves also, 264 00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:36,880 which have the first fruits of the Spirit. 265 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:38,960 What are those first fruits of the Spirit? 266 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:41,480 Well, the indwelling, which we've talked about, 267 00:12:41,480 --> 00:12:43,800 sealing, baptizing, and the gifting, 268 00:12:43,800 --> 00:12:45,680 which we'll talk about as well. 269 00:12:45,680 --> 00:12:48,480 Even we ourselves, grown within ourselves, 270 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:50,520 waiting for the adoption to it, 271 00:12:50,520 --> 00:12:53,080 the redemption of our body. 272 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:55,200 And Pastor talked about that this morning. 273 00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:58,360 Amen, one day we're gonna get a new body. 274 00:12:58,360 --> 00:12:59,640 And amen to that. 275 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:01,360 But I want you to take something of note. 276 00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:03,320 When it comes to this idea of the duration 277 00:13:03,320 --> 00:13:06,520 or how long it lasts, according to scripture, 278 00:13:06,520 --> 00:13:11,480 there is no indication that there are any laps in time 279 00:13:11,480 --> 00:13:14,520 or an unsealing condition. 280 00:13:14,520 --> 00:13:19,040 Once the seal is applied, it is then not unsealed 281 00:13:19,040 --> 00:13:20,840 until the recipient takes place. 282 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:22,640 That is the day of redemption. 283 00:13:22,640 --> 00:13:23,760 Who is the sender? 284 00:13:23,760 --> 00:13:25,200 Who is the recipient? 285 00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:26,560 God is. 286 00:13:26,560 --> 00:13:27,560 You will be sealed. 287 00:13:27,560 --> 00:13:30,800 We are sealed at the time of salvation. 288 00:13:30,800 --> 00:13:34,760 Carry through all the way until the time of redemption. 289 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:36,120 There is no laps. 290 00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:39,520 There is no unsealing of the believer. 291 00:13:39,520 --> 00:13:43,760 We are sealed until the time of unsealing 292 00:13:43,760 --> 00:13:48,760 when God takes possession of that purchased property. 293 00:13:49,680 --> 00:13:51,760 Well, finally we see the results. 294 00:13:51,760 --> 00:13:54,360 What are some of the results that take place? 295 00:13:54,360 --> 00:13:57,480 What happens actually when we are sealed? 296 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:00,160 What kind of indication should we think about 297 00:14:00,160 --> 00:14:02,120 when we think about this sealing? 298 00:14:02,120 --> 00:14:04,600 Well, according to Ephesians chapter one, 299 00:14:04,600 --> 00:14:07,280 we should have, there is security. 300 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:10,520 There is security that takes place when we are sealed. 301 00:14:10,520 --> 00:14:12,120 Security is implied. 302 00:14:12,120 --> 00:14:15,000 Hereby God being both the sender and recipient. 303 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:18,480 Look at Ephesians chapter one, verses 13 and 14. 304 00:14:18,480 --> 00:14:21,440 It says, in whom ye also trusted? 305 00:14:21,440 --> 00:14:23,320 After that ye heard the word of truth, 306 00:14:23,320 --> 00:14:24,840 the gospel of your salvation, 307 00:14:24,840 --> 00:14:27,720 in whom also after ye have been sealed, 308 00:14:27,720 --> 00:14:30,280 ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 309 00:14:30,280 --> 00:14:33,880 Verse 14, which is the earnest of our inheritance, 310 00:14:33,880 --> 00:14:36,640 until the redemption of the purchased possession 311 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:38,840 unto the praise of his glory. 312 00:14:38,840 --> 00:14:42,440 You see when the Holy Spirit comes and seals you, 313 00:14:42,440 --> 00:14:46,200 this is a earnest or a down payment, if you will, 314 00:14:46,200 --> 00:14:50,520 of the inheritance that you will receive in eternal glory. 315 00:14:50,520 --> 00:14:55,200 And we are sealed until the time of redemption 316 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:58,560 by God unto the praise of his glory. 317 00:14:58,560 --> 00:15:00,960 It gives us security. 318 00:15:00,960 --> 00:15:02,400 Not only does it give us security, 319 00:15:02,400 --> 00:15:05,280 but it also should encourage purity 320 00:15:05,280 --> 00:15:08,920 that when we understand who is living in us 321 00:15:08,920 --> 00:15:11,440 and who will never leave us, 322 00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:16,440 we are encouraged to live a pure and wholesome life, 323 00:15:17,440 --> 00:15:19,240 a righteous life. 324 00:15:19,240 --> 00:15:22,560 Ephesians chapter four, verse 30 is our indication. 325 00:15:22,560 --> 00:15:24,640 Grieve not the Holy Spirit. 326 00:15:24,640 --> 00:15:26,200 He will not leave us. 327 00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:31,200 So it is important that we live life according to God's word 328 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:36,200 because the Holy Spirit is with us. 329 00:15:36,200 --> 00:15:40,920 The sealing of the Holy Spirit is quite an amazing thing. 330 00:15:40,920 --> 00:15:42,920 It happens when we're saved. 331 00:15:42,920 --> 00:15:46,080 Most of the time we have no indication, 332 00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:48,800 especially if you're a believer maybe, 333 00:15:48,800 --> 00:15:49,920 maybe you didn't grow up in church, 334 00:15:49,920 --> 00:15:53,240 you haven't heard these sorts of doctrines before. 335 00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:57,600 What should be encouraging to you is that once you trust Christ 336 00:15:57,600 --> 00:16:01,360 as your savior, the Holy Spirit seals you. 337 00:16:01,360 --> 00:16:03,400 It's something you don't have to earn. 338 00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:05,440 It's something that is given to you. 339 00:16:05,440 --> 00:16:08,280 There's no trial period. 340 00:16:08,280 --> 00:16:11,760 There's no, as we said this morning, junior Holy Spirit 341 00:16:11,760 --> 00:16:13,200 that once you reach a certain age, 342 00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:15,520 then you get more of the Holy Spirit 343 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:18,080 that even a child when they place their faith 344 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:22,960 in the Lord Jesus Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit. 345 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:25,080 And they are sealed all the way 346 00:16:25,080 --> 00:16:29,920 until that purchased possession is redeemed. 347 00:16:29,920 --> 00:16:32,800 Let's look on at the baptizing of the Holy Spirit 348 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:37,440 because these two realms oftentimes kind of coincide, 349 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:41,520 if you will, the baptizing of the Holy Spirit. 350 00:16:41,520 --> 00:16:43,440 We're gonna look at some characteristics 351 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:45,760 and then some consequences. 352 00:16:45,760 --> 00:16:47,840 First of all, we see some characteristics. 353 00:16:47,840 --> 00:16:50,920 What is the baptizing of the Holy Spirit all about? 354 00:16:50,920 --> 00:16:53,040 Well, the baptizing of the Holy Spirit 355 00:16:53,040 --> 00:16:58,040 operates during this dispensation, this time, the church age. 356 00:16:58,880 --> 00:17:01,120 According to Acts chapter one, verse five, 357 00:17:01,120 --> 00:17:03,240 the baptizing of the Holy Spirit 358 00:17:03,240 --> 00:17:05,360 was promised before Pentecost 359 00:17:05,360 --> 00:17:07,880 and it was promised by Christ himself. 360 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:10,320 Right before he returns to heaven, 361 00:17:10,320 --> 00:17:12,640 he gives this promise to his disciples 362 00:17:12,640 --> 00:17:14,600 in Acts chapter one, verse five. 363 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:17,680 It says, for John truly baptized with water, 364 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:21,680 but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, 365 00:17:21,680 --> 00:17:24,520 not many days hence. 366 00:17:24,520 --> 00:17:28,000 Now we know that he is referring to the time of Pentecost, 367 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:30,320 when the Holy Spirit would come in power. 368 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:36,280 Acts chapter 11, we also see this realization by Peter. 369 00:17:36,960 --> 00:17:38,840 Now Peter was there on the Mount 370 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:43,400 when he received this promise from Jesus. 371 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:46,560 He was also there at Pentecost when Peter stands up 372 00:17:46,560 --> 00:17:49,080 and he preaches, and there are many 373 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:51,660 that come to faith in Christ. 374 00:17:51,660 --> 00:17:55,720 But this idea finally becomes realized by Peter 375 00:17:55,720 --> 00:17:58,960 when he goes to speak with a man named Cornelius 376 00:17:58,960 --> 00:18:00,360 in Acts chapter 10. 377 00:18:00,360 --> 00:18:05,360 He speaks to a Gentile who will believe in the gospel 378 00:18:06,920 --> 00:18:08,440 and then something amazing will happen. 379 00:18:08,440 --> 00:18:12,640 The Holy Spirit will come and dwell that Gentile, 380 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:15,560 seal, and he will be baptized. 381 00:18:15,560 --> 00:18:18,360 Acts chapter 11 is Peter's confession 382 00:18:18,360 --> 00:18:20,320 in verses 15 and 16. 383 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:25,040 It says, and as I, that's Peter after the Cornelius incident, 384 00:18:25,040 --> 00:18:28,640 began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell upon them 385 00:18:28,640 --> 00:18:31,280 as on us at the beginning. 386 00:18:31,280 --> 00:18:34,240 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, 387 00:18:34,240 --> 00:18:38,440 how that he said, John indeed baptized with water, 388 00:18:38,440 --> 00:18:43,360 but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 389 00:18:43,360 --> 00:18:45,760 You see, it operates during this time, 390 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:49,480 during this time and age, post resurrection 391 00:18:49,480 --> 00:18:51,000 in this church age. 392 00:18:52,680 --> 00:18:56,280 Not only does it operate now in the time that we live, 393 00:18:56,280 --> 00:18:58,960 but it's also experienced by all believers. 394 00:18:58,960 --> 00:19:01,880 This idea of the baptizing of the Holy Spirit. 395 00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:04,760 Anyone who places their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 396 00:19:04,760 --> 00:19:08,140 in this church age has been baptized. 397 00:19:08,140 --> 00:19:11,280 First of all, we're baptized into the body of Christ 398 00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:13,940 according to 1 Corinthians chapter 12. 399 00:19:13,940 --> 00:19:16,360 Verse 13 says, four by one spirit, 400 00:19:16,360 --> 00:19:19,600 are ye all baptized into one body, 401 00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:21,840 whether we be Jews or Gentiles, 402 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:23,960 whether we be bond or free, 403 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:28,960 and have been all made to drink into one spirit. 404 00:19:30,420 --> 00:19:34,080 This is an experience that happens by all believers 405 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:36,440 at the time of faith. 406 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:39,200 When we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 407 00:19:39,200 --> 00:19:41,840 we are not only sealed, but also baptized 408 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:44,320 into the body of Christ. 409 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:48,140 It also should create unity among us believers. 410 00:19:48,140 --> 00:19:50,960 According to Ephesians chapter four, four and five, 411 00:19:50,960 --> 00:19:54,520 it says there is one body and one spirit, 412 00:19:54,520 --> 00:19:58,040 even as we are called in one hope of your calling, 413 00:19:58,040 --> 00:20:02,080 one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. 414 00:20:02,080 --> 00:20:05,000 You see, at the time of salvation, this occurs, 415 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:06,920 and it is not repeated. 416 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:10,440 Like the indwelling and the sealing, 417 00:20:10,440 --> 00:20:15,440 a believer is baptized once into the body, 418 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:17,920 and there is no unbaptizing, 419 00:20:17,920 --> 00:20:20,200 just like there is no unsealing 420 00:20:20,200 --> 00:20:22,400 until the time of redemption 421 00:20:22,400 --> 00:20:25,000 by the one who was also the sender, 422 00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:28,720 there is also only one baptizing. 423 00:20:28,720 --> 00:20:32,060 There is no, we are baptized into the body of Christ, 424 00:20:32,060 --> 00:20:34,760 and there are no out of body Christians, 425 00:20:34,760 --> 00:20:36,200 if we could say it that way. 426 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:40,840 There is no way to be unbaptized by the Holy Spirit 427 00:20:40,840 --> 00:20:44,520 who comes, seals, and never leaves. 428 00:20:44,520 --> 00:20:46,960 These are some of the characteristics 429 00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:50,960 of the baptizing of the Holy Spirit, 430 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:53,380 but there are also some consequences 431 00:20:53,380 --> 00:20:56,560 of the Holy Spirit's baptism as well. 432 00:20:56,560 --> 00:20:59,320 Let's look on at some of the consequences. 433 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:02,440 First of all, he joins us to the body of Christ, 434 00:21:02,440 --> 00:21:04,080 which we have already mentioned, 435 00:21:04,080 --> 00:21:06,400 we're gonna go into a little bit more detail here 436 00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:07,600 in just a moment, 437 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:10,760 but according to 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 13, 438 00:21:10,760 --> 00:21:12,120 which we've read already, 439 00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:16,800 believers are all joined into the body of Christ. 440 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:18,800 Let's read it again, chapter 12 verse 13, 441 00:21:18,800 --> 00:21:20,600 four by one spirit, 442 00:21:20,600 --> 00:21:24,120 are we all baptized into one body, 443 00:21:24,120 --> 00:21:26,680 whether we be Jews or Gentiles, 444 00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:29,440 whether we be bond or free, 445 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:34,440 and have all been made to drink into one spirit. 446 00:21:35,080 --> 00:21:37,800 Now I want us to kind of pull apart this idea 447 00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:40,300 of the body of Christ, 448 00:21:40,300 --> 00:21:44,280 because I believe that there is much misunderstanding 449 00:21:44,280 --> 00:21:48,240 on this idea, especially when it comes to the local church 450 00:21:48,240 --> 00:21:50,800 and the body, how are they different? 451 00:21:50,800 --> 00:21:52,560 How are they the same? 452 00:21:52,560 --> 00:21:53,960 Well, I think it's important for us 453 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:57,320 to really fully understand what does it mean 454 00:21:57,320 --> 00:21:59,560 to be part of the body of Christ? 455 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:03,900 And what does it mean when we say the body of Christ? 456 00:22:03,900 --> 00:22:07,160 I think it would be important for us to define some terms, 457 00:22:07,160 --> 00:22:10,880 when it comes to this and to draw some distinctions, 458 00:22:10,880 --> 00:22:12,440 I think that will help us a lot 459 00:22:12,440 --> 00:22:16,080 in understanding this a little bit more clearly. 460 00:22:16,080 --> 00:22:17,640 Now in order to do this, 461 00:22:17,640 --> 00:22:20,640 we're gonna have to take a little bit of a brief excursion, 462 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:24,480 okay, a little bit of a side journey if you will. 463 00:22:24,480 --> 00:22:26,480 We're gonna go down the rabbit hole a little bit, 464 00:22:26,480 --> 00:22:28,760 if you will, into what does it mean 465 00:22:28,760 --> 00:22:30,920 by when we say the body of Christ 466 00:22:30,920 --> 00:22:33,680 being baptized into the body of Christ? 467 00:22:33,680 --> 00:22:37,880 We're gonna take a little excursion into ecclesiology, 468 00:22:37,880 --> 00:22:42,120 which is the doctrinal study of the church. 469 00:22:42,120 --> 00:22:45,940 Now, when we say the body of Christ, 470 00:22:45,940 --> 00:22:48,360 the body of Christ, when we say the church, 471 00:22:48,360 --> 00:22:52,720 we are talking about two distinct things 472 00:22:52,720 --> 00:22:57,360 that merge together at certain intersections, okay? 473 00:22:57,360 --> 00:23:00,160 Two distinct things that merge together 474 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:02,000 at certain intersections. 475 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:06,040 There is a present gathering of assemblies, 476 00:23:06,040 --> 00:23:07,880 which we call the church. 477 00:23:07,880 --> 00:23:10,520 Church means a classio, right? 478 00:23:10,520 --> 00:23:13,560 A called out meeting of people, okay? 479 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:15,040 A gathering, if you will. 480 00:23:15,040 --> 00:23:18,160 There are gatherings, present day gatherings. 481 00:23:18,160 --> 00:23:23,160 There is also a future gathering of all saints, 482 00:23:23,920 --> 00:23:28,920 which we can refer to as the complete or whole body of Christ. 483 00:23:29,860 --> 00:23:32,160 Now, there are three important distinctions 484 00:23:32,160 --> 00:23:33,640 that I wanna point out tonight 485 00:23:33,640 --> 00:23:37,080 when it comes to the difference between the body 486 00:23:37,080 --> 00:23:39,280 and the church, okay? 487 00:23:39,280 --> 00:23:41,240 So, first one is this. 488 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:45,400 The body can never assemble. 489 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:47,800 The body can never assemble. 490 00:23:47,800 --> 00:23:52,800 However, the local assembly, the church must assemble. 491 00:23:53,640 --> 00:23:55,240 We can look at a few different verses, 492 00:23:55,240 --> 00:23:57,720 Matthew chapter 18, verse 17, 493 00:23:57,720 --> 00:24:00,200 and Acts chapter 11, verse 26. 494 00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:03,760 Hebrews 10, 25, which is a exhortation, 495 00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:05,400 we'll talk about it in just a moment, 496 00:24:05,400 --> 00:24:07,680 but each three of these verses, 497 00:24:07,680 --> 00:24:10,240 I just pulled out, there are many others, 498 00:24:10,240 --> 00:24:15,240 show us a actual local assembly of believers. 499 00:24:15,240 --> 00:24:18,960 The body of Christ cannot assemble, 500 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:22,920 but the local assembly must assemble. 501 00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:25,040 The second body of distinctions, 502 00:24:25,040 --> 00:24:27,280 the second use of distinctions here, 503 00:24:27,280 --> 00:24:31,400 is that the body is invisible and hidden. 504 00:24:31,400 --> 00:24:36,240 However, the local assembly is visible and public. 505 00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:39,040 Body of Christ is invisible and hidden. 506 00:24:39,040 --> 00:24:42,520 The local assembly, visible and public. 507 00:24:42,520 --> 00:24:45,400 What do we mean by invisible and hidden? 508 00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:50,000 Well, the body of Christ is the collection of every saint 509 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:51,760 here in the New Testament age, 510 00:24:51,760 --> 00:24:54,040 or even those who have passed on. 511 00:24:54,040 --> 00:24:58,160 So obviously, those ones are not visible at this moment. 512 00:24:58,160 --> 00:24:59,560 We cannot see them. 513 00:24:59,560 --> 00:25:02,360 They have already passed into glory. 514 00:25:02,360 --> 00:25:06,560 But one day, hopefully very soon, 515 00:25:08,120 --> 00:25:10,040 the bride will be assembled, 516 00:25:10,040 --> 00:25:12,600 who is also known as the body, 517 00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:17,200 and there will be a time of great jubilee, 518 00:25:17,200 --> 00:25:21,960 a time when we will be with Christ in celebration, 519 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:25,520 and then forever be with the Lord. 520 00:25:26,360 --> 00:25:31,360 There are many assemblies, but only one body. 521 00:25:32,920 --> 00:25:35,440 Let's look on this final distinction. 522 00:25:35,440 --> 00:25:40,200 The body never receives exhortation. 523 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:44,960 However, the local assembly receives many exhortations. 524 00:25:44,960 --> 00:25:47,160 Hebrews chapter 10, verse 25, 525 00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:50,920 the idea of don't stop assembling. 526 00:25:50,920 --> 00:25:53,640 Ephesians chapter four, where it talks about 527 00:25:53,640 --> 00:25:56,120 doctrinal unity and speaking the truth and love, 528 00:25:56,120 --> 00:25:59,560 making sure that we're supplying the needs of each other 529 00:25:59,560 --> 00:26:00,840 in a local assembly. 530 00:26:00,840 --> 00:26:04,000 Galatians chapter six, another exhortation 531 00:26:04,000 --> 00:26:07,200 to correct faults of those who have fallen, 532 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:09,920 and also to bear one another's burdens. 533 00:26:09,920 --> 00:26:13,680 These are given directly to local assemblies, 534 00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:17,080 but never to the body as a whole. 535 00:26:17,080 --> 00:26:21,760 So when we talk about being baptized into the body of Christ, 536 00:26:21,760 --> 00:26:26,760 we are talking about being baptized into the invisible, hidden, 537 00:26:27,280 --> 00:26:30,280 never assembling, and never receiving exhortation, 538 00:26:30,280 --> 00:26:32,160 body of Christ. 539 00:26:32,160 --> 00:26:35,880 When we talk about being baptized into a local church 540 00:26:35,880 --> 00:26:39,120 or local assembly, we are talking about being baptized 541 00:26:39,120 --> 00:26:42,440 into an assembly of believers who assemble, 542 00:26:42,440 --> 00:26:44,680 who are in a visible and public way, 543 00:26:44,680 --> 00:26:49,680 and we also do it in obedience to what God's word says. 544 00:26:49,840 --> 00:26:52,360 Hopefully, maybe this next, I'm a big picture guy, 545 00:26:52,360 --> 00:26:54,960 so maybe this next picture will give you some insight 546 00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:57,360 into what we're actually talking about here. 547 00:26:57,360 --> 00:27:01,440 The local assembly is the physical manifestation 548 00:27:01,440 --> 00:27:05,640 of the body of Christ at any given place and time. 549 00:27:06,520 --> 00:27:09,960 The body of Christ, never assembling, invisible and hidden, 550 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:11,800 never receiving exhortation. 551 00:27:11,800 --> 00:27:15,880 However, the local assembly, the church, 552 00:27:15,880 --> 00:27:20,880 is God's public, visible, assembling group of believers 553 00:27:22,040 --> 00:27:24,760 who are in obedience to the word of God. 554 00:27:24,760 --> 00:27:28,320 So when we are baptized by the spirit, 555 00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:33,320 we are baptized into the body of Christ. 556 00:27:33,640 --> 00:27:36,640 Secondly, we're also, when we are baptized 557 00:27:36,640 --> 00:27:39,640 into the body of Christ, it actually actualizes 558 00:27:39,640 --> 00:27:43,440 our co-crucifixion with Christ. 559 00:27:43,440 --> 00:27:47,120 It actualizes our co-crucifixion with Christ. 560 00:27:47,120 --> 00:27:50,200 Through spirit baptism, we are associated 561 00:27:50,200 --> 00:27:54,720 and actuated into Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. 562 00:27:54,720 --> 00:27:57,520 His death, his burial, his resurrection, 563 00:27:57,520 --> 00:27:59,400 becomes ours. 564 00:27:59,400 --> 00:28:01,640 This actuality stands as the basis 565 00:28:01,640 --> 00:28:06,640 for our separation from sin and the walking in newness of life. 566 00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:11,440 This spiritual actuality is illustrated often 567 00:28:11,440 --> 00:28:15,200 by what we did this morning, water baptism. 568 00:28:15,200 --> 00:28:17,840 Romans chapter six, well, the last scripture 569 00:28:17,840 --> 00:28:19,240 we'll be looking at tonight, 570 00:28:19,240 --> 00:28:22,600 Romans chapter six, verses one through 10, 571 00:28:22,600 --> 00:28:26,200 Paul lays out a very clear understanding 572 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:30,200 that when we are baptized into the Holy Spirit, 573 00:28:30,200 --> 00:28:31,880 or the baptism by the Holy Spirit, 574 00:28:31,880 --> 00:28:34,560 we are actually co-crucified with Christ 575 00:28:34,560 --> 00:28:36,880 and co-risen with Christ. 576 00:28:36,880 --> 00:28:39,520 Chapter six, verses one through 10, say this, 577 00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:41,120 what shall we say then? 578 00:28:41,120 --> 00:28:44,200 Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 579 00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:46,320 He's arguing for purity. 580 00:28:46,320 --> 00:28:50,600 He says, God forbid, how shall we that are dead to sin 581 00:28:50,600 --> 00:28:52,640 live any longer therein? 582 00:28:52,640 --> 00:28:55,960 Know ye not, that so many of us that were baptized 583 00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:59,800 into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 584 00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:04,160 Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death, 585 00:29:04,160 --> 00:29:06,920 that like as Christ was raised up from the dead 586 00:29:06,920 --> 00:29:08,600 by the glory of the Father, 587 00:29:08,600 --> 00:29:12,080 even so we should also walk in newness of life. 588 00:29:12,080 --> 00:29:14,240 For if we have been planted together 589 00:29:14,240 --> 00:29:15,800 in the likeness of his death, 590 00:29:15,800 --> 00:29:18,840 we shall also in the likeness of his resurrection. 591 00:29:18,840 --> 00:29:22,440 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, 592 00:29:22,440 --> 00:29:24,840 that the body of sin might be destroyed, 593 00:29:24,840 --> 00:29:27,720 that henceforth we should not serve sin, 594 00:29:27,720 --> 00:29:30,600 for he that is dead is freed from sin. 595 00:29:30,600 --> 00:29:32,840 Now if we be dead with Christ, 596 00:29:32,840 --> 00:29:36,320 we believe that we shall also live with him. 597 00:29:36,320 --> 00:29:38,400 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, 598 00:29:38,400 --> 00:29:42,760 doth no more, death hath no more dominion over him. 599 00:29:42,760 --> 00:29:47,200 For in that he died, he died unto sin once, 600 00:29:47,200 --> 00:29:52,200 but in that he liveth unto God. 601 00:29:52,200 --> 00:29:54,800 Galatians 2-12 says it this way, 602 00:29:54,800 --> 00:29:56,640 buried with him in baptism, 603 00:29:56,640 --> 00:29:59,800 wherein also you are raised with him 604 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:02,040 through the faith of the operation of God, 605 00:30:02,040 --> 00:30:04,080 who have raised him from the dead. 606 00:30:04,080 --> 00:30:08,600 This happens spiritually when we call upon Christ 607 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:12,480 and we are saved, we are baptized into the body of Christ 608 00:30:12,480 --> 00:30:16,480 and it actualizes our co-crucifixion with Christ. 609 00:30:16,480 --> 00:30:19,480 But this is also beautifully illustrated 610 00:30:19,480 --> 00:30:23,360 and pictured in our water baptism as well. 611 00:30:24,640 --> 00:30:26,360 That's a lot, isn't it? 612 00:30:26,360 --> 00:30:29,640 Talking about the spirit sealing and baptizing, 613 00:30:29,640 --> 00:30:33,160 there's a lot that goes on and probably most of us 614 00:30:33,160 --> 00:30:35,080 haven't taken the time to appreciate 615 00:30:35,080 --> 00:30:38,000 what God has done for us. 616 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:42,560 But know this, that once you have been sealed, 617 00:30:42,560 --> 00:30:45,760 once you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, 618 00:30:45,760 --> 00:30:50,280 you cannot be unsealed and you cannot be unbaptized. 619 00:30:50,280 --> 00:30:54,200 You have now been sealed by God, 620 00:30:54,200 --> 00:30:56,720 baptized into the body of Christ, 621 00:30:56,720 --> 00:31:00,080 and you should remain sure. 622 00:31:00,080 --> 00:31:02,480 It should have an effect on you, 623 00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:06,400 so much so that once you understand it here, 624 00:31:06,400 --> 00:31:09,480 may that understanding be moved to here 625 00:31:09,480 --> 00:31:11,920 and may you not be moved at all 626 00:31:11,920 --> 00:31:14,380 when it comes to your salvation. 627 00:31:14,380 --> 00:31:16,880 The reality of our spirit baptism 628 00:31:16,880 --> 00:31:20,640 and the security that we have through the spirit sealing 629 00:31:20,640 --> 00:31:25,640 should help us as believers today live free of anxiety 630 00:31:26,480 --> 00:31:31,480 that our salvation is unsure or in jeopardy of being lost. 631 00:31:32,560 --> 00:31:34,800 And I don't know about you, 632 00:31:34,800 --> 00:31:37,040 but I have met many Christians 633 00:31:37,040 --> 00:31:40,200 who have struggled with the anxiety and the fear 634 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:43,600 that somehow that they have lost their salvation 635 00:31:43,600 --> 00:31:45,600 or somehow because of sin 636 00:31:45,600 --> 00:31:48,880 or somehow because of their lack of piety 637 00:31:48,880 --> 00:31:53,640 or lack of fervor have somehow fallen out of favor with God, 638 00:31:53,640 --> 00:31:57,840 that they have been somehow unsealed or unbaptized 639 00:31:57,840 --> 00:32:00,200 and that they must receive Christ again. 640 00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:01,720 They must be saved again 641 00:32:01,720 --> 00:32:05,480 because they have lost what has been given to them. 642 00:32:05,480 --> 00:32:08,680 Let me assure you that what the Holy Spirit 643 00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:12,240 has done in your life at the time of salvation, 644 00:32:12,240 --> 00:32:14,600 when He has sealed you and baptized you 645 00:32:14,600 --> 00:32:19,600 into the body of Christ, cannot and will not be undone. 646 00:32:20,240 --> 00:32:25,320 You are secure in your salvation. 647 00:32:25,320 --> 00:32:27,560 Our secure position in Christ 648 00:32:27,560 --> 00:32:31,160 and waiting on the sure promise of our redemption 649 00:32:31,160 --> 00:32:33,120 and eternal freedom from sin 650 00:32:33,120 --> 00:32:36,960 should help us to live more boldly. 651 00:32:36,960 --> 00:32:41,680 If we have been sealed, if we have been baptized 652 00:32:41,680 --> 00:32:44,880 and we cannot be unsealed and unbaptized, 653 00:32:44,880 --> 00:32:48,920 then we should all the more boldly declare 654 00:32:48,920 --> 00:32:51,460 what Jesus has told us, 655 00:32:51,460 --> 00:32:56,460 that there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism. 656 00:32:57,000 --> 00:33:02,000 And because God has already demonstrated His love towards us, 657 00:33:03,040 --> 00:33:06,140 even though we were sinners, Christ died for us, 658 00:33:06,140 --> 00:33:08,720 we ought to tell others 659 00:33:08,720 --> 00:33:13,280 that they too can know for sure 660 00:33:13,280 --> 00:33:18,280 that they can have an eternal, secure relationship with Jesus, 661 00:33:18,320 --> 00:33:23,000 that they can have the Holy Spirit of God in them forever. 662 00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:26,560 Peace with God and eternal life 663 00:33:26,560 --> 00:33:30,320 if they would but place their faith in the Son of God 664 00:33:30,320 --> 00:33:33,200 and what He has done on Calvary alone. 665 00:33:34,120 --> 00:33:38,320 And we ought to live separate from sin, devoted to God, 666 00:33:38,320 --> 00:33:40,880 knowing that we have the Holy Spirit of promise, 667 00:33:40,880 --> 00:33:43,600 living in us who will never leave. 668 00:33:43,600 --> 00:33:48,180 He is with us in the valleys and on the mountaintops. 669 00:33:48,180 --> 00:34:08,180 Would you bow your heads with me?