Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Episode: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Guest: R.C. Sproul
Publisher: Ligonier Ministries

Introduction

In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, host Nathan W. Bingham delves into R.C. Sproul’s insightful teaching on the Book of Ephesians, focusing specifically on the concept of being "Sealed with the Holy Spirit." Sproul’s expository approach seeks to deepen Christians’ understanding of God’s nature and the transformative power of His Word.

The Nature of Faith: James vs. Saving Faith

Key Discussion:

R.C. Sproul opens the discussion by contrasting the concept of faith as presented by James with the understanding of saving faith according to Paul.

Notable Quote:

R.C. Sproul [00:00]: “James said on one occasion, with sarcasm dripping from his pen, ‘you believe in God. You do well; even the demons believe and tremble.’ And so what James was saying is that there is a kind of faith that if you have that, all that it qualifies you to be is a demon and is not something that will necessarily save you or yield your justification.”

Insight:

Sproul emphasizes that mere acknowledgment of God’s existence or belief in Jesus’ sacrificial death does not equate to genuine saving faith. He highlights the necessity of a deeper, more personal trust in Christ beyond intellectual assent.

Three Aspects of Saving Faith: Noticia, Sensus, Fiduciary

Key Discussion:

Sproul outlines the Reformed perspective on saving faith, which comprises three distinct elements:

1. Noticia (Information):
   Saving faith requires the content of the Gospel—the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers must hold the truth that Jesus came, lived a sinless life, died for sins, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven.

   Notable Quote:

   R.C. Sproul [03:15]: “Saving faith has a content. There is information, there is data.”

2. Sensus (Assent):
   This refers to intellectual assent to the truth of the Gospel. Believers affirm the truth of what they have heard, similar to recognizing historical facts.

   Notable Quote:

   R.C. Sproul [05:30]: “You can believe that Christ can save you, you can believe that he is the Savior, but unless you're actually trusting in him for your salvation, you don't have that third and necessary essential element of trust.”

3. Fiduciary (Trust):
   The most critical element, fiduciary faith, involves personal trust and reliance on Christ for salvation. It’s not just believing that Christ can save but actively placing one’s trust in Him.

   Notable Quote:

   R.C. Sproul [15:45]: “Fiduciary faith is to put your personal trust in Christ as your Redeemer. You're trusting in him and what he has done, not in yourselves.”

Illustration: The Chair Analogy

Sproul references Jim Kennedy’s chair analogy to illustrate the three aspects of faith:

• Noticia: Recognizing the chair exists.
• Sensus: Believing the chair is sturdy.
• Fiduciary: Trusting the chair to hold you up by actually sitting in it.

Notable Quote:

R.C. Sproul [11:20]: “This is what saving faith is. You can believe that Christ can save you, but unless you're actually trusting in him for your salvation, you don't have that essential element of trust.”

The Seal of the Holy Spirit

Key Discussion:

Paul’s reference to believers being "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" is examined to understand its theological implications.

Notable Quote:

R.C. Sproul [19:00]: “Having believed, we're sealed. And we're sealed not just simply by the Holy Spirit, but we're sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

Insights:

• Authentication:
  In the ancient world, a seal authenticated a decree from a sovereign authority. Similarly, the Holy Spirit authenticates believers as belonging to God.

• John Calvin’s Perspective:
  Sproul discusses Calvin’s view that the Holy Spirit not only seals believers but also confirms the truth of the Gospel itself, ensuring its divine origin.

  Notable Quote:

  R.C. Sproul [17:30]: “Calvin is saying here that what is authenticated by the seal of God is not simply the believer who trusts in God, but it is that word of truth in which he has trusted.”

The Guarantee of Our Inheritance

Key Discussion:

The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of the believer’s inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.

Notable Quote:

R.C. Sproul [20:10]: “Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.”

Insights:

• Earnest Money Analogy:
  Sproul compares the Holy Spirit’s role to a down payment, assuring the full fulfillment of God’s promises.

• Perseverance of the Saints:
  This doctrine asserts that true believers will persevere in faith until the end, not by their own strength, but by God’s sustaining power.

  Notable Quote:

  R.C. Sproul [21:45]: “The difference between us and God is precisely at this point, we are by nature covenant breakers. But God is eternally a covenant keeper.”

Perseverance of the Saints

Key Discussion:

Sproul addresses the assurance that believers will not lose their salvation, aligning with Reformed theology’s stance that true faith is eternally secure.

Notable Quote:

R.C. Sproul [22:00]: “Reformed theology doesn't take that position [that a Christian can lose their salvation]. We take the position if you have it, you never lose it. If you lose it, you never had it.”

Scriptural Reference:

• John 10:28-29:
  “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”

The Glory of God in Salvation

Key Discussion:

The ultimate purpose of salvation and redemption is the glory of God. Every aspect of the believer’s journey is meant to honor and praise God.

Notable Quote:

R.C. Sproul [23:30]: “The end goal of divine election in Jesus Christ is to honor Jesus Christ, but above and beyond that, this whole work of redemption is to the praise of God's glory.”

Children’s Catechism Reference:

• Question: Why are we saved?
  Answer: “For his glory.”

Conclusion

Nathan W. Bingham wraps up the episode by highlighting the significance of Dr. Sproul’s teachings on Ephesians. He emphasizes the availability of Sproul’s expositional commentary for those interested in a deeper, line-by-line study of the Book of Ephesians.

Notable Quote:

Nathan W. Bingham [24:19]: “Soli Deo gloria, all to the glory of God alone.”

Call to Action:

Listeners are encouraged to request a hardcover or ebook copy of the commentary by donating any amount to renewingyourmind.org, with the offer available until midnight of the release date.

Key Takeaways

1. Authentic Saving Faith encompasses more than mere belief; it requires a personal trust in Christ.
2. The Holy Spirit’s sealing serves as both authentication of believers and a guarantee of their future inheritance.
3. Perseverance assurance is rooted in God’s unwavering promise and His role as the covenant keeper.
4. The ultimate purpose of salvation is to glorify God, reflecting His eternal plan and sovereignty.

This episode provides a profound exploration of Ephesians, offering believers assurance in their salvation and a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in their spiritual journey. Whether you’re new to these concepts or seeking to reinforce your faith, Sproul’s teachings offer valuable insights grounded in Scripture.