Rejoice and Be Comforted Because God Has Placed His Seal Upon You!

Anointed and Sealed by God

Believers are to be lights of the world, leading the lost out of the darkness of unbelief and into the light of the Kingdom of God. However, the followers of Christ are surrounded by an increasing level of wickedness and depravity which makes it difficult to remain hopeful and steadfast. The Philippians struggled with this in their time and were given guidance by the Apostle Paul, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (Phil. 2:14-15). Christians who reflect the Holy image of God as they proclaim the Gospel of Christ endure hatred from this crooked and perverse generation, and their spirits are distressed by what they witness.

There is encouragement from the Lord for His servants that continue His ministry in the world. He provides blessings and protection to those that are His, “For You bless the righteous, O’Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield,” (Psalm 5:12). In these times of increasing darkness, as in the times of the Philippians, believers may lose hope. Many do not know and have not been taught concerning the many blessings of God for those that belong to Him as written in Scripture. God’s seal on those who are in Christ is one of those blessings. As indicated in the opening verse, (2Cor.1:21-22), God has placed His seal upon us as a marker indicating His ownership. Christians are the personal property of God and are given the guarantee of His ownership through the indwelling Holy Spirit. They are given God’s seal and are anointed to shine as lights of righteousness to expose the wicked deeds of those who are in darkness.

Anointed

“Anoint” means to set someone apart, to authorize and equip him or her for a task of spiritual importance. Jesus Christ is set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit for his ministry of preaching, healing and deliverance. The Holy Spirit sets Christians apart for their ministry in Christ’s name.”

Significance of a Seal

Seal– A personalized design used to produce an imprint in clay or wax which was then attached, usually to documents and letters as a mark of ownership, authenticity and authority. A seal might also refer to what is given as a pledge or guarantee or be used to keep something secure. _{(Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes.)}

Sealed with the Spirit

The sealing of God’s people with the Holy Spirit is a blessing that is presented in the teaching of the New Testament following the Day of Pentecost. There are three passages in the New Testament which refer to the sealing with the Spirit, (2Cor.1:21-22), (Eph.1:13-14), and (Eph.4:30). As stated earlier, the primary aspect of being sealed by God is to signify ownership. Believers are sealed at the time of their justification. The instant that they accept Christ through faith they are redeemed and declared righteous, they also are sealed as the possession of God. The Holy Spirit is given to each believer as the guarantee of this transaction, and as a guarantee of our final inheritance when we enter into eternal life. To clarify the role of the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of believers bearing God’s seal as His possession, we must understand the ministry of the Spirit in His indwelling presence in the life of Christians. He leads, fills, convicts, teaches, and directs the believer’s union with Christ until the day of final resurrection.

Assurance and Protection

One of the defining characteristics of God is His faithfulness. He is true to His word and loyal to keep His promises. His seal is His promise of our eternal adoption as His children and coheirs with Christ, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,” (Rom. 8:16-17). Our relationship to God, (all three persons of the Trinity), is secured for eternity according to His promise of being sealed for the day when our redemption is complete, (Eph. 4:30). We are also given a guarantee of security and protection provided by the fact that we are God’s possession and subject to the privileges and protection as His subjects. Just as the royal court of a great king receive the high privileges as the king’s royal subjects, we also enjoy such honors. We have been given the Lord’s seal of ownership and have been anointed to serve Him for His good purposes. We are God’s precious possession and afforded all due honors and privileges. Of course, we do so with all humbleness knowing that are undeserving of God’s mercy and grace!

Rejoice and be comforted as children and the anointed of the Most High God for your assurance of salvation through God’s seal of ownership. Consider this blessing as you are overcome by the troubles of this world and your spirit seeks refuge. Find your sanctuary and comfort in the indwelling Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance.