WE ARE STAMPED BY GOD!
Merry Friday! by Parris Bailey
“Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 2 Cor.
1:22. “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.” Eph.1:13
I love studying different words in the New Testament. Paul also seemed to love using interesting words to explain the mystery of the work of God in our lives. The word “sealed”, also means to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation; by implication to keep secret, security: from Satan, to mark a person, to impress, confirm authenticate, written document, and to prove one’s testimony.
Eph.4:30 “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” We have been sealed to the day of our redemption. I have preached it many times but will write it- we are not just a random blob floating out in outer space bumping randomly around. As a Christian we are bought, redeemed, stamped and covered all through our lives even throughout eternity. IN OTHER WORDS, CHRIST HAS US COVERED! “The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His.” 2 Tim. 2:19
The Expositor’s Commentary says: “In the chamber of our spirit, while we abide in faith, the Spirit of the Father and the Son dwells with us, witnessing to us of the love of God and leading us into all truth and duty and divine joy, instilling a deep and restful peace, breathing an energy that is fire and fountain of life within the breast, which pours out itself in prayer and labor for the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is no mere gift to receive, or comfort to enjoy, He is Almighty force in the believing soul and the faithful church.”
This seal from the Father guards them from evil and wrong while it ratifies our divine son-ship and guarantees our personal share in the promises of God. It stamps us for God’s possession, and his kingdom and glory as our possession. A sealed document speaks of secrecy: John Owen says; “God’s sealing of believers is His gracious communication of the Holy Ghost unto them, so to act by Divine power in them as to enable them unto all duties of their holy calling, evidencing them to be accepted with Him both to themselves and others, and asserting their preservation unto eternal salvation.” Our lives are “hid with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3 and we become “a garden enclosed”. SOS 4:12 Expositor’s goes on to say; “I am sure God, as He looks down upon us and sees the seal of the his Spirit upon their hearts anticipates this full emancipation.”
This seal also can have a meaning of a wedding ring- He will unite with us soon enough as His glorious Bride. COME LORD JESUS!