Lord’s Library editors offer this Ephesians 1:13 meaning and commentary with supporting Scriptures for your edification.
To obtain a Ephesians 1:13 meaning, see the verse in Scripture: “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,” This verse illustrates the process of salvation—hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, believing in Christ’s Finished Work, and being sealed by the Holy Spirit—showing that salvation is entirely the work of God through by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
The phrase “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth” emphasizes that faith comes by hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:17 confirms it: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
For those new, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Ephesians 1:13 Meaning
Romans 1:16 says the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
We note that Paul then says, “after that ye believed.” This affirms the idea that salvation comes through faith alone, not by works righteousness. See John 1:12: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” Salvation is received the moment a person trusts in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
This aligns with what the Scriptures say in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The final part of the verse, “ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” illustrates the assurance of salvation. The Holy Spirit is given as a guarantee of the believer’s security in Christ. This sealing is an act of God as only He could do it and ensures that those who trust in Christ belong to Him avoid damnation.
See how Paul expands on this in Ephesians 4:30: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” As such, one can see how salvation is not conditional but is eternally secured by the power of God.
The Holy Spirit is called the “earnest of our inheritance” in the next verse; see Ephesians 1:14: “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Assurance is echoed in 2 Corinthians 1:22: “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
Because of this sealing, believers can have full confidence in their salvation, praise God – knowing that they are kept by His power. See 1 Peter 1:5: “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
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