Covenant Reformed News – January 2009 • Volume XII, Issue 9
This article from Covenant Reformed News examines the biblical doctrine of the sealing of the Holy Spirit, focusing on Ephesians 1:13 and its Old Testament foundations (particularly Ezekiel 36:26-28). The author critiques the Puritan view that assurance of salvation comes long after conversion, arguing instead that the Spirit's seal and assurance are provided at the time of believing according to the covenant promise.
The Sealing of the Spirit (2) The Spirit who seals us is described in Ephesians 1:13 as the “holy Spirit of promise.” “Promise” is singular, referring to the one, central, OT promise of Messianic salvation for all the elect people of God. The “holy Spirit of promise” is the promised Holy Spirit. Thus the OT prophesies not only salvation, including all the blessings of Ephesians 1:3-14, by the power of the Holy Spirit; it also promises that the same Spirit who applies Christ’s salvation to us...