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◄ Seals: Appropriation of Saints to God by the Spirit►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical theology, the concept of "seals" is rich with meaning and significance, particularly in the context of the appropriation of saints to God by the Holy Spirit. The term "seal" in the Scriptures often denotes ownership, authenticity, and protection, and it is used metaphorically to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational understanding of the sealing of the Holy Spirit in his epistles. InEphesians 1:13-14 , Paul writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." Here, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is presented as a divine mark of ownership and a guarantee of the believer's future inheritance in Christ.

Similarly, in2 Corinthians 1:21-22 , Paul states, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." This passage emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal that confirms the believer's relationship with God and assures them of the promises to come.

Theological Significance

The sealing of the Holy Spirit signifies several key theological truths. First, it denotes ownership. Just as a seal in ancient times would indicate the owner of a document or possession, the Holy Spirit's seal on a believer signifies that they belong to God. This divine ownership is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, knowing that they are securely held by their Creator.

Second, the seal of the Spirit serves as a mark of authenticity. In the same way that a seal would authenticate a document, the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life authenticates their faith and confirms their status as genuine followers of Christ. This authenticity is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit and a transformed life that reflects the character of Jesus.

Third, the seal provides protection. InRevelation 7:3 , the sealing of the servants of God is described as a protective measure: "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." This imagery underscores the protective aspect of the Spirit's seal, safeguarding believers from spiritual harm and securing them for eternal life.

Practical Implications

The sealing of the Holy Spirit has profound practical implications for the life of a believer. It assures them of their salvation and eternal security, providing peace and confidence in their relationship with God. This assurance empowers believers to live boldly for Christ, knowing that they are marked as His own and that their future is secure.

Moreover, the seal of the Spirit calls believers to a life of holiness and obedience. As those who bear the mark of God's ownership, believers are called to reflect His character and live in a manner worthy of their calling. The presence of the Holy Spirit enables and empowers them to pursue righteousness and resist sin.

In summary, the concept of seals in the appropriation of saints to God by the Spirit is a profound biblical truth that underscores the believer's identity, security, and calling in Christ. Through the sealing of the Holy Spirit, believers are marked as God's own, assured of their inheritance, and empowered to live for His glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 1:22
Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 1:13
In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Grieving the HolySpirit
... In the next place, it is a sealing ofappropriation.... Heseals us... Frequent an earnest
ministry, get much with earnestsaints, but above all, be much in prayer to...

Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation.
... In all the holysaints and servants ofGod, and... HolySpirit, theSpirit of Holiness,
itseals the separation... 4. Separation toGod andappropriation by Him go...

Zwingli's Distinctive Doctrines.
... and salvation; faith being only the organ ofappropriation.... of a free election of
thesaints, or predestination... the sacraments only as signs andseals, and not...

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C....
... our Lord Jesus Christ with all hissaints." It is... and belief of the truth." The Holy
Spirit seals, attests, and... is the proportion of ourappropriation of Christ...

Pastor in Parish (ii. ).
... but mysteriously mighty, faith in ourappropriation of Christ's... to its document,
it effectuallyseals the document's... In long past years lovingsaints found her...