July 10th, 2026
by Nathan Smalley
by Nathan Smalley
The Assurance of the Spirit
Estimated Read Time: 8–9 minutes
Supporting Text: Acts 6:3–5, Acts 13:52, Daniel 6:17, Ephesians 1:13–14, Ephesians 5:18–21, Galatians 5:19–23, Hebrews 12:1–2, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:27, 1 John 4:13, Mark 1:15, Revelation 5:1–5, Revelation 7:2–8, Revelation 20:3, Romans 8:9–16, Romans 10:9–10, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 1:21–22, 2 Peter 1:4.
Supporting Text: Acts 6:3–5, Acts 13:52, Daniel 6:17, Ephesians 1:13–14, Ephesians 5:18–21, Galatians 5:19–23, Hebrews 12:1–2, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:27, 1 John 4:13, Mark 1:15, Revelation 5:1–5, Revelation 7:2–8, Revelation 20:3, Romans 8:9–16, Romans 10:9–10, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 1:21–22, 2 Peter 1:4.
Further Evidences of Being Spirit-Filled
In the previous articles, we discussed the evidences of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Primarily, we focused on the fact that when one has been baptized in the Holy Spirit, there may be evidences such as a bold witness for Christ, speaking in tongues, or the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation.
It should be noted, however, that there are other evidences of being Spirit-filled, including:
Ephesians 5:18–21 tells us that rather than being drunk with wine, we should instead be filled with the Spirit. A Spirit-filled person is one who:
I know for myself there have been several occasions, especially in the morning, when I have awakened with songs of praise already in my spirit. There have also been times during prayer when songs of worship have simply risen within me, bringing joy to my soul.
These are additional assurances that help us understand that we have been filled with the Spirit.
In this article I would like to take a step back and discuss the simple evidences that give us the assurance that we have because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us.
It should be noted, however, that there are other evidences of being Spirit-filled, including:
- Being filled with joy, hope, and love (Acts 13:52; Rom. 15:13).
- Being full of wisdom (Acts 6:3–5).
Ephesians 5:18–21 tells us that rather than being drunk with wine, we should instead be filled with the Spirit. A Spirit-filled person is one who:
- Sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody to the Lord with their heart.
- Gives thanks always for everything to God in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Submits to one another out of reverence for Christ.
I know for myself there have been several occasions, especially in the morning, when I have awakened with songs of praise already in my spirit. There have also been times during prayer when songs of worship have simply risen within me, bringing joy to my soul.
These are additional assurances that help us understand that we have been filled with the Spirit.
In this article I would like to take a step back and discuss the simple evidences that give us the assurance that we have because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us.
The Assurance of Salvation Through The Holy Spirit
Let's read a few verses:
Romans 8:16 - The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - [21] And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, [22] and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Ephesians 1:13-14 - [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.
2 Peter 1:4 - by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
As we can see, the Holy Spirit Himself provides both the evidence and the assurance that we are saved, that we have passed from death unto life, and that we possess the hope of the resurrection (Rom. 8:9–11). Certainly, if we are operating in the spiritual gifts described previously, there is evidence of the Spirit's work in our lives. Yet the simple fact that we possess the Holy Spirit is guarantee enough that we are children of God.
Note: When you give your life to Jesus it is at that moment that you receive the Holy Spirit. Every Believer is sealed with the Spirit of God (Eph. 1:13-14), but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct second work of Grace (Acts 8:12-16).
Romans 8:16 - The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - [21] And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, [22] and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Ephesians 1:13-14 - [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.
2 Peter 1:4 - by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
As we can see, the Holy Spirit Himself provides both the evidence and the assurance that we are saved, that we have passed from death unto life, and that we possess the hope of the resurrection (Rom. 8:9–11). Certainly, if we are operating in the spiritual gifts described previously, there is evidence of the Spirit's work in our lives. Yet the simple fact that we possess the Holy Spirit is guarantee enough that we are children of God.
Note: When you give your life to Jesus it is at that moment that you receive the Holy Spirit. Every Believer is sealed with the Spirit of God (Eph. 1:13-14), but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct second work of Grace (Acts 8:12-16).
Sealed With The Promise of the Spirit
I have listed several Scriptures, but let's focus on the one found in Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:13-14 - [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.
Ephesians 1:13-14 - [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.
Sealed
Let's begin by understanding what it means to be sealed by the Spirit.
In Ephesians, believers are "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (Eph. 1:13–14). The Greek word is sphragizō (σφραγίζω), which means to mark with a seal or authenticate through an official impression. In ancient times, physical seals were impressions made by signet rings worn by a king or by those who possessed his authority.
This seal carried a sense of permanence, and we see that permanence throughout Scripture whenever something is sealed.
In Revelation, the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads (Rev. 7:2–8) as a mark of divine ownership and protection. The scroll in Revelation is sealed with seven seals (Rev. 5:1–5), indicating that it remains inaccessible until the proper authority opens it. Furthermore, Satan is sealed in the abyss (Rev. 20:3) so that he cannot deceive the nations until the thousand years have ended.
In the Old Testament, Daniel's den was sealed with the king's signet and the signet of his lords so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed (Dan. 6:17).
The seal is ultimately a brand mark of ownership. Every Christian possesses God's Holy Spirit as the mark that assures them they will be kept secure until the day of redemption, when God publicly acknowledges them as His own.
In Ephesians, believers are "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (Eph. 1:13–14). The Greek word is sphragizō (σφραγίζω), which means to mark with a seal or authenticate through an official impression. In ancient times, physical seals were impressions made by signet rings worn by a king or by those who possessed his authority.
This seal carried a sense of permanence, and we see that permanence throughout Scripture whenever something is sealed.
In Revelation, the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads (Rev. 7:2–8) as a mark of divine ownership and protection. The scroll in Revelation is sealed with seven seals (Rev. 5:1–5), indicating that it remains inaccessible until the proper authority opens it. Furthermore, Satan is sealed in the abyss (Rev. 20:3) so that he cannot deceive the nations until the thousand years have ended.
In the Old Testament, Daniel's den was sealed with the king's signet and the signet of his lords so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed (Dan. 6:17).
The seal is ultimately a brand mark of ownership. Every Christian possesses God's Holy Spirit as the mark that assures them they will be kept secure until the day of redemption, when God publicly acknowledges them as His own.
Guarantee
We now have an understanding of the permanence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, but how are we to understand that He is also our guarantee?
The Greek word is arrabōn (ἀρραβών), which functions as a financial metaphor for divine assurance.
More specifically, in ancient times it described an engagement ring or a down payment. It is earnest money placed on a purchase as a partial payment that guaranteed the buyer would complete the transaction and pay the full amount.
God, unlike people, never breaks His promises.
Knowing that God never breaks His promises, we understand that the Spirit has been given to us by grace and not by works. God has permanently sealed us with His Spirit by His grace, and that same Spirit serves as the guarantee that one day we will be with Jesus.
The Greek word is arrabōn (ἀρραβών), which functions as a financial metaphor for divine assurance.
More specifically, in ancient times it described an engagement ring or a down payment. It is earnest money placed on a purchase as a partial payment that guaranteed the buyer would complete the transaction and pay the full amount.
God, unlike people, never breaks His promises.
Knowing that God never breaks His promises, we understand that the Spirit has been given to us by grace and not by works. God has permanently sealed us with His Spirit by His grace, and that same Spirit serves as the guarantee that one day we will be with Jesus.
The Assurance of the Spirit in my Life?
Understanding the theology that all Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee let's now work through three evidences that you may know that the Spirit of God lives in you.
First, a question must be answered by you? Have you asked Jesus to come into your life? (Romans 10:9–10).
If you have not done this, then you simply need to do so. Come before God, acknowledge your sin, and ask Him to forgive you because of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross. Ask Jesus to become your Savior and Lord.
The moment you place your faith in Him, believing that God raised Christ from the dead and confessing this with your mouth, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you.
This is the first evidence that we know we have the Holy Spirit because we know that when we accept Jesus as our Savior we become the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16)
The second evidence is that the Spirit Himself testifies directly with your spirit that you are a child of God (Rom. 8:14–16). The Spirit will simply let you know that He is in you. As I mentioned in a previous article, He will speak to you primarily about three things:
- You — He will convict you concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.
- Christ — He will continually reveal the glory, hope, and work of Christ to you.
- The Future — He will speak to you about the things that are ahead.
For more on this subject, you can go back and read the article “The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer.”
The third evidence is the fruit of the Spirit.
The Spirit produces observable qualities of character in our lives. Galatians tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22–23).
These are qualities that should continually mature in our lives as believers. This is one area in which believers can clearly examine themselves to determine whether they are being led by the Spirit or by the flesh.
A simple reading of the verses preceding this passage will give you an understanding of the works of the flesh. All you need to do is ask yourself a simple question:
Which of these is more prominent in my life? The works of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit?
If the works of the flesh are more prominent, the Holy Spirit will make that known and direct you to repent (1 John 1:9).
Certainly, there are other evidences the Spirit will produce, but for now, we will leave it at these three. If these evidences are present in your life, take comfort in them, for they testify that you truly are a child of God.
Know that you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and can be assured of your Salvation in Christ Jesus.
God Bless!
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Welcome to The Way BlogPeace for the Battle Within: When Your Faith Is Strong But Your Soul Is TiredHealing in Progress: Trusting God in the MiddleWho Is The Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit & SalvationThe Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the BelieverThe Baptism of the Holy SpiritThe Evidence: Part 1The Evidence: Part 2Healing Beyond the Porch - Peace for the Battle Within
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