Yes, Ephesians 1 reveals a specific order: hear the gospel, believe, then be sealed with the Holy Spirit.
According to Les Feldick's teaching, the order is: first, a person hears the word of truth (the gospel of their salvation), then believes in Christ, and after believing, is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. This sequence is emphasized in Ephesians 1:13, showing that nothing else—like baptism or church membership—is required before the Holy Spirit's sealing.
Ephesians 1:13 — This verse directly outlines the order: hearing the word of truth, believing, and then being sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 states: "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." This verse clearly presents a sequence: hearing the gospel, believing, and then being sealed with the Holy Spirit. The same chapter also mentions earlier that believers are chosen, predestined, and adopted as children of God (Ephesians 1:4-5). Verse 12 speaks of those "who first trusted in Christ," indicating that trust precedes the seal. The sealing by the Holy Spirit is described in verse 14 as "the earnest of our inheritance," a pledge or down payment of what is to come.
Les Feldick emphasizes the clear order in Ephesians 1:13: first, a person hears the word of truth (the gospel that Christ died, was buried, and rose again), then believes, and after believing, is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. He notes that nothing else—such as baptism, church membership, or works—is included in this sequence. He highlights that the Holy Spirit both seals and indwells the believer, a doctrine unique to Paul's teaching and not seen in the Old Testament or Christ's earthly ministry. Les stresses that this order is simple and excludes any human effort before the Spirit's work.
The first step in the order is hearing the word of truth, which is the gospel of salvation. Les identifies this as the message that Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). A person must first hear this gospel before faith can be exercised.
Believing is the essential response after hearing the gospel. Les emphasizes that the text says "after you believed" and notes what is missing: there is no mention of joining a church, being baptized, or any other work. Faith alone is the requirement before the sealing with the Holy Spirit.
After believing, the believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Les explains that this sealing is part of the salvation experience and is described as an earnest, or down payment, of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). This is a Pauline doctrine where the believer is not only sealed but also indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which was not taught in the Old Testament or during Christ's earthly ministry.
Believers are under grace, not law, but this grace is not a license for lawlessness. Instead, freedom under grace is guided by the Holy Spirit dwelling within. This is part of the complete salvation experience described in Ephesians 1.
Separation of Programs
Les notes that understanding the order of salvation requires separating the Jewish program from the Gentile, but the same God is behind both.
Sealing After Belief
Les explains Ephesians 1:13 shows the sequence: hearing the word of truth, believing, and then being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Nothing Besides Believing
Les emphasizes nothing else is in the verse except believing—no baptism, no works—before the sealing.
Sequence of Hearing and Believing
Les highlights the order: after you heard the word of truth (the gospel), then after that you believed, and then sealed.
No Other Requirements
Les lists what is not in the verse—church membership, catechism, baptism—and stresses it is only after believing that sealing occurs.
The Gospel and Believing
Les reiterates that after hearing the gospel, the only requirement is believing, then God seals with the Holy Spirit.
Pauline Doctrine of Sealing
Les points out that being sealed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit is a Pauline doctrine not found in the Gospels.
Salvation Not in Works
Les teaches that salvation is not in the law, works, repentance, or baptism, but in believing the gospel.
Ephesians 1:13: In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
This is the key verse outlining the order: hearing, believing, then sealing.
Ephesians 1:14: Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Describes the Holy Spirit as the down payment of our inheritance, part of the salvation experience.
Ephesians 1:12: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Mentions trusting in Christ first, which aligns with the order in verse 13.
The order is: hear the gospel, believe, then be sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is seen in Ephesians 1:13, which says you heard the word of truth, believed, and then were sealed.
No, according to Ephesians 1 and Les's teaching, nothing is required before the sealing except believing. Baptism, church membership, or works are not part of the sequence.
Being sealed with the Holy Spirit means God marks the believer as His own and gives the Spirit as a down payment of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). This is part of the salvation experience.
Watch the Teaching: What Must I Do to Be Saved? Acts 2 vs. Acts 16 Explained