“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. 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 1:13-14)
Every believer is in a covenantal relationship with Yeshua the Messiah. Initially, all we may know is that faith has awakened in our hearts when we received the Word of God. At that moment, we accepted the truth of Yeshua as our Savior and Lord. We surrendered to His love, we’re cleansed of our sins, and we’re baptized into His death, raised to walk in the newness of life. Through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, we were born again in the Spirit. While the details of timing and process may be complex, each part of this transformative work is essential. It is the work of God who chose us long before we ever knew Him (Eph. 1:4).
The covenant we entered is similar to the covenant of marriage. In a wedding, vows are exchanged, and a union is formed that makes two people one in the eyes of God. In the same way, our covenant with Christ unites us with Him, making us one with Him in the Spirit. This divine covenant is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:17), not like a simple ring or legal document, but with the power to know God, to see His Kingdom, to live a Spirit-filled life that is pleasing to Him, and to secure eternal life in Heaven (John 3:3-21). In this covenant, we give ourselves in submission to God’s will, surrendering our self-determination and fallen nature, while God works in and through us.
One vital aspect is often forgotten after we first experience the goodness of the Lord. His love and grace are overwhelming, and the experience is unique for each individual. Consider Peter, who after fishing all night without success, obeyed Jesus’ instruction to cast out his nets again. Despite his doubts, Peter’s obedience led to an astonishing catch—two boatloads of fish (Luke 5:3-10). God is lavish and exceedingly generous in His goodness. Though the world continually tries to distort this truth, blaming evil, rebellion, and corruption on God, the light of truth will always shine through, dispelling the darkness as the sun rises each day.
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