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xxxEvery spiritual blessing is ours in Messiah Yeshua, Christ Jesus! (Ephesians 1:3) Being in Christ, having hidden our life in His, and being clothed with Him, means that God sees Jesus when He looks at us. We are included in all the good things that Christ deserves. Salvation is being included in Christ, being a part of His body. That affects us in so many ways. When we accepted the word of truth, we became included in Him. Are you remaining in Him? (John 15:4-6)
xxxWhen you believed and were included in Christ, you were marked with a seal. Just like a wax seal stamped with a signet shows that what is inside is from the bearer of the signet, so the outer you should reflect Christ to the extent that others know that what is on the inside is from the Lord. Only the Holy Spirit can produce those fruits in us. When you sense those fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control, you can know that you belong to Jesus. You are assured that you are truly saved. Perhaps someone is yelling at you, and you are able to stay in control and even find compassion for him or her. Or maybe circumstances all seem to be against you and yet you experience peace and joy. That is experiencing the deposit.
xxxThe word "deposit" is very similar to how we would use the term "down payment." It means we have a portion of what we will one day receive. Every believer has a deposit. It is our guarantee. It tells us one day our bodies will be redeemed, changed, transformed, and we will be able to receive the full amount. As much as you have experienced the Spirit of God, you have tasted but a small portion. We are God's possession. His plan is that we be to the praise of His glory.
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