When food is put in a container to preserve it, it’s important the container is properly sealed to keep the contents fresh and protect it from spoiling. God does that with us as well. He marks us as His own and preserves us for all eternity. This is called “sealing.” In Bible times seals were also used to mark a letter or document as the property of the owner of the seal. God has, in effect, put His royal mark on us, guaranteeing our place in His family forever. Ephesians 1:13-14And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Being sealed by God’s Spirit is one of the hundreds of things that happen at the moment of salvation. Like being indwelt/baptized with the Spirit, it is a once-for-a-lifetime event. It doesn’t need to be repeated, like being filled/controlled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
The word translated “sealed” is from the Greek “sphragizo” which refers to an official mark for security, authenticity, ownership, and authority. It’s like a king’s seal on a letter—permanent and protective. It means we are SECURE: we are protected forever; nothing can ever break the seal. It also shows AUTHENTICITY: it confirms our faith in Jesus as sufficient for salvation. Then, too, it shows OWNERSHIP, it marks us as God’s inheritance. Finally, it assures AUTHORITY, it is a guarantee of our future inheritance in heaven.
In Bible times a seal was the way a person identified something that he owned. For example, business men would purchase timber in Lebanon. When they purchased it they stamped it with their seal. The logs were then floated down the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea to the port where the buyers could collect their logs. Any log with their mark of ownership on it belonged to them. The Christian is sealed with the Holy Spirit—he has God’s mark of ownership, and God does not give up His own.
How do we know when we are sealed? We know because God promises it at the moment of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22). It assures us that we are His, no matter our doubts or disobedience. It assures us God’ Presence by His Holy Spirit so we can do (or not do) whatever He desires. We never have to fear losing our salvation. Satan can put fear and doubts into our minds but remember you are sealed and nothing can break God’s seal!
Ephesians 4:30: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Emphasize the permanence until final redemption.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22: “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” Highlight the Spirit as a down payment.
How does the fact that you are sealed by the Spirit give you assurance you are His now and forevermore?
Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s seal, ask for deeper awareness of His presence, and commit to living as His sealed people.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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