What's the Response?

Scripture: Ephesians 1:13 "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,"

Observation: The salvation of any man comes only after hearing the gospel. What does that consist of? The fact that the Bible clearly states that we need a "salvation" means the gospel is something that saves from consequences, rescues from harm, returns things once lost, and/or liberates.

The gospel is founded on repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 1:8; Acts 26:20) and the need for salvation (2 Timothy 2:3,4).

Then, one must "believe". This is a term completely overused and it really means very little to people, especially people still condemned before God. I believe I'm going to make Senior Master Sergeant. My daughter believes dragons are real (she's probably right). And millions of Americans believe they are saved Christians. The question is, is belief substantiated by a verbal confirmation that a woman or man thinks something to be true? Or must there be a confirmation in the form of an outward response to such belief? How cheap and useless is a belief that produces no, or an undesired, change! Unlike the other beliefs above, in this case a person espousing "belief" in Jesus Christ, in their belief, thinks themselves in a right and appropriate relationship with God. That's a pretty grand claim. Does the visable evidences of my belief really support such an affirmation? I like John Piper's alternative question,"Have you made Jesus Christ your treasure?"

This verse, along with verse 14 is a strong evidence for assurance of salvation.

Application: I can apply this verse by holding fast to the confidence promised here. Remember the word I heard; remember the Spirit's sealing; remember my response and continue the response.

Prayer: Thank you for unmerited and unsought salvation - I was in desperate need of it. Thank you that my eternal destiny and the security of it is not dependant on my efforts, but on yours.