Ephesians 1:13

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

You [Gentiles] also, who are in Christ, after having heard the message of truth, the good news about your salvation, and [after] believing in Him, were sealed [i.e., as evidence of ownership] with the promised Holy Spirit. [or, “the Holy Spirit who brings promises”].

Cross References

2 Corinthians 1:22

He has placed His seal of ownership upon us by giving us the down payment of the Holy Spirit [to live] in our hearts.

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed [i.e., given evidence of God’s ownership] until the day of redemption [i.e., until you receive your new body in heaven. See 1:14].

2 Timothy 2:19

However, the solid foundation of God stands firm. [Note: This probably refers to the church. See I Tim. 3:15]. It is sealed with these words [i.e., certifying God’s ownership and a commitment to Him]: “The Lord knows those who are His people,” [See Num. 16:5], and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord should stop practicing wickedness.” [See Isa. 26:13].

1 Thessalonians 2:13

And because of this we also thank God continually that, when you people received the message of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as a message from [mere] human beings, but as it truly is, the message from God, which is at work in you believers.

Romans 4:11

He received the sign of circumcision as a seal [confirming] that he had been [considered] righteous because of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, he became the [spiritual] father of all people who believe [in God], even though they have not been circumcised, so that they could be considered righteous [by their faith].

Titus 2:11

For God’s unearned favor has appeared, bringing salvation to all people [i.e., in the coming of Christ].

Galatians 3:14

[This happened] so that the blessing [promised] to Abraham might be received by the Gentiles through [the person and work of] Christ, so that we might receive the promised [gift of the] Holy Spirit through [our] faith [in Jesus].

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the good news [i.e., the Gospel], because it is God’s power for [bringing] salvation to every person who believes [in Jesus]; first to Jews and then to Greeks [i.e., unconverted Gentiles].

Acts 2:33

Jesus is [now] exalted at the right side of God, and having received the promised Holy Spirit from His Father, He has poured out what you have seen and heard [here this day].

John 14:26

But the Helper, that is, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name [i.e., by my authority] will teach you everything. And He will remind you of everything that I [have] said to you.

John 1:17

For the Law was given through Moses; [but] God’s favor and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Luke 24:49

And look, I [am going to] send upon you apostles what my Father promised [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See John 14:26]; but you should wait in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from above.” [Note: This promise was fulfilled when the apostles were immersed in the Holy Spirit. See Acts 1:4 - 2:4].

1 Peter 2:10

At one time you [Gentiles] were not a [chosen] people, but now you are God’s [special] people. Once you had not received [His] mercy, but now you have received it.

Romans 6:17

Thank God that you people, who were once slaves to [the practice of] sin, became obedient from [your] heart to the pattern of teaching [i.e., the Gospel message] you committed yourself to.

Acts 1:4

[One day, as He was] gathered with these apostles, He urged them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there until they received what the Father had promised them. (Jesus had previously discussed this with them). [See Luke 24:49].

John 15:26

And you will give testimony about me [also], because you men have been with me from the beginning [of my ministry].”

Acts 13:26

“You brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family and those of you who respect God very much, this message of salvation was intended for us.

John 6:27

Do not work for the [kind of] food that spoils, but for the kind that lasts until never ending life. The Son of man will give you this [kind of food], for God the Father has placed His seal [of approval] on Him.”

Luke 11:13

If then you know how to give good gifts to your children, even though you are sinful [human beings], how much more [likely] is it that your Father in heaven will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Revelation 7:2

And I saw another angel coming up from the east; he held the seal of the living God. [Note: This “seal” was a mark of identification or ownership]. And he called out with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given [the power] to harm the land and the ocean,

James 1:18

It was God’s purpose to bring us into being [spiritually] by the message of truth, so that we could become a kind of “first fruits” of those He created. [Note: “First fruits” here suggests either that Christians are the best of all of God’s creatures (Num. 18:12), or that they were the first to be converted, with many more to come].

Hebrews 2:3

how will we escape [punishment] if we neglect such a great salvation? [For it was] first announced [to people] by the Lord and then confirmed to us [i.e., the writer and other Christians] by those who heard Him [i.e., the original apostles].

2 Timothy 3:15

And [remember] that, from childhood, you have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise [enough] to be saved through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself as a worker who is approved by God [and] does not have to be ashamed, [because you are] accurately handling [i.e., explaining] the message of truth.

Ephesians 4:21

[I am] assuming that you have heard Him [i.e., through the Gospel message] and were taught the truth that is in [harmony with] Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:7

by preaching the truth; through the power of God [i.e., possibly including miracles]; and by [using] weapons of righteousness in [our] right and left hands. [Note: This could allude to offensive and defensive weapons and means that Paul was fully equipped to do whatever was right].

John 3:33

The person who has accepted Jesus’ testimony has confirmed this [fact], that God is truthful.

James 1:21

Therefore, you should put away [from you] all moral filth and overflowing wickedness and humbly receive the word [of God], planted within you [by the Holy Spirit. See John 16:8], which is capable of saving your souls.