Question 32: The Holy Spirit’s Work

Read: Ephesians 1:13-14
Listen: Ephesians 1

Question: What does the Holy Spirit do when someone becomes a believer?
Answer: The Holy Spirit regenerates, indwells, adopts and seals believers when they come to faith in Christ.

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13b-14

Paul writes to believers in Ephesus about their new identity in Christ. He explains that multiple transformations occurred simultaneously through the Spirit when they believed. They were “marked” with a seal—permanently identified as God’s possession. The Spirit became a deposit guaranteeing their inheritance, like a down payment ensuring the full transaction would be completed. This sealing work is permanent, marking them as God’s children who can never be lost or stolen. Paul wants the Ephesians to understand that their salvation involved the Spirit’s immediate and comprehensive work, including the complete transformation of their spiritual status and nature.

The Spirit performs these same miraculous works when we come to faith in Christ today. The Spirit regenerates us, giving new spiritual life where there was only death. The Spirit indwells us, taking up permanent residence so we are never alone (John 14:16-18). He adopts us into God’s family, moving us from spiritual orphans to beloved children who can call God “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). He seals us, guaranteeing our salvation cannot be lost (Ephesians 4:30). These are immediate realities the moment we trust Jesus. Understanding these works of the Spirit gives us incredible confidence in our relationship with God. We don’t have to wonder about our status. The Spirit has made us new creations with permanent standing as God’s children.

TODAY: Thank God for the Spirit’s complete work in your life when you became a believer. Rest in the security that you are regenerated, indwelt, adopted and sealed. Let this assurance give you confidence to live boldly for Christ today. Learn more about the Spirit’s work in believers’ lives in our We Believe document HERE.