Our Scripture meditation is based on Ephesians 1:13-14, the end of the Epistle reading for next week.
[13] In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
When we strongly prefer something, we tend to lose sight of equal alternatives. This knowledge can help us appreciate this passage.
Generational communication preferences are a good illustration. Millennials are the texting generation. Thumb typing is such a strong preference that Millennials forget they could use their smart phones to make phone calls.
When it comes to people being brought to faith in Jesus, Lutherans emphasize baptism. We so deeply value baptism that we lose sight of the fact that God brings people to faith in another way: Through the Gospel.
Our text reminds us that God works through His Word to create faith in Jesus. According to verse 13, people in the city of Ephesus heard the Gospel, then were brought to faith in Christ. This faith was sealed by reception of the Holy Spirit, which God also promises in baptism.
When people are brought to faith in Christ through hearing the Gospel, this doesn’t demean baptism. In fact, those who are brought to faith through the Gospel are also baptized. Coming to faith through hearing the Gospel is simply another gift for conversion.
Kevin Wilson 360 