Monday, May 11, 2015

Putting On New Life

In baptism, we put off the "old man" and put on the "new man". An old life has died and a new life has been born. A new character emerges. A new life style takes shape. This new life is described in Ephesians 4:24-32. In verse 30, we are admonished, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." God has sealed us. The Holy One of heaven identifies us as His own. His seal of ownership is in our heart. Through the indwelling of God's holy Spirit we are sanctified unto God.

We must not grieve the Spirit by returning to this old life. The filthy lusts and corrupt passions have died. We must not resurrect them. Unholiness and unrighteous behavior will grieve the Spirit. We must avoid all encounters with the devil. Lying, anger, and wrath will cause the Spirit to grieve. We are not to behave in a manner that is contrary to the nature of God's holy One.

The admonition acknowledges that we are still in control. We make the choice concerning our behavior and actions. We control our attitude. God has empowered us to overcome. God seeks to protect and guard us from all evil influences. But, the decision concerning our holiness and righteousness is always ours to make.

We are "sealed unto the day of redemption." The author speaks in Ephesians 1:14 of "the redemption of the purchased possession." The hour is coming when God's own will be redeemed from the grave. The resurrection will call forth those who have been sealed by God. The final and complete triumph will be realized. The "day of redemption" will be the day of victory. The enemies of sin and evil will be forever overthrown.

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