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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

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

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

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Why do we believe believers are secure in Christ? It is a question of relationship. God has always related to people through what the Bible calls “covenant.” A covenant was an agreement between two entities defining their promises and obligations. It is different from a contract because our contracts are typically for a specified term and only involve one part of a person (such as a skill). We sign a contract with someone to receive a service. Covenants are permanent arrangements involving one’s entire being, even if the other party fails. You are totally committed to the other person.

If you are a Jesus follower, you are in a covenant with God. The new covenant defines your relationship with him. In this covenant, God described himself in two very important ways. First, he is our Father, and he has adopted all Jesus followers as his children (Romans 8:14-17). Second, Matthew 9:15 describes God as our Husband. God often uses marriage—a covenant—to describe his relationship with his people (Jeremiah 3:14) and he promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives guarantees our security. “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given us” (Romans 5:5). Paul writes the Holy Spirit was given as a down payment “guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (Ephesians 1:14) (Today’s BTW is excerpted from the Ada Bible Church We Believe statement. You can find the full statement on Eternal Security starting at page 33.)

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Thank God for his covenantal love. Return to the worship of the weekend service through the song “Glorious Day.” May the lyrics remind you of the day God rescued you and brought you securely into his family.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

June is WORSHIP. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.