Ephesians 1:13-14

1:13

And – on equal footing

you also – what is true for the early believers (Jewish believers) is equally true for later, i.e., Gentile believers

were included – How many times have I been allowed entrance to an activity or group, but failed to feel included? There is a significant different between being allowed entrance and being included. It reminds me of Jesus’ words in John that he no longer calls us servants, but friends. For someone like me who has struggled all my life with making and keeping significant friendships, this is powerful. I don’t know if I can grasp it, much less comprehend it. I am included in Christ.

in Christ – among those whom God determined would be His chosen

when – not just a time indicator, but also leads to the condition that enables my inclusion

you heard – this has to mean more than auditory experience. Paul is clear elsewhere that hearing leads to believing which leads to adoption and inclusion
the word of truth – Here is God’s word of truth for me today: I AM INCLUDED IN CHRIST. Every other thought that does not complement this truth must be dismissed as a lie. Can I do that today?

gospel – Good News

of your – my

salvation – deliverance, rescue, set free from chains, the Year of Jubilee

Having believed – My response to God’s initiation. Present perfect progressive tense. Accomplished in the past but continues to the present.

you were – simple past, accomplished in the past

marked in him [NLT: He identified you as His own] – He owns me; but that is not a bad thing. His ownership means: He calls the shots, points the way & finalizes decisions. Ergo, He takes responsibility; my job is to obey. His ownership also means protection. As a king pledges to protect his people, so the King of kings protects those loyal to Him.

with a seal – mark of ownership, guarantee of the owner

the promised Holy Spirit – How do I speak of His presence in my life? This becomes too intertwined with fellowship, communion, listening to His Inner Voice, distinguishing between my inner voice or His Inner Voice.

1:14

who – i.e., Holy Spirit

is – present tense, continuing reality

a deposit – down payment, more to come (?), foretaste of future

guaranteeing – absolute certainty. When a business gives guarantee, there is a chance of default. When God guarantees, that is absolute certainty

our inheritance – of the Kingdom, of eternal life, of God’s presence and provision, protection. Inherit all of God’s blessings and promises

until – not yet complete or fulfilled

the redemption – buying back; we are now redeemed, but there is a more complete redemption yet to come

of those who are – present tense, plural: We, collectively, are now already…

God’s possession – owned by the Almighty. But still trapped in this world. The day is coming when we collectively—and I particularly—will enjoy His complete redemption of me, of us and of this world.

to – for the purpose of

the praise – proclaim and display

of his glory – How magnificent is He?! Words fail to proclaim His glory. But think of the amazing news that I am created for the purpose of praising His glory.