What practical steps can Christians take to ensure they are "sealed" by God? The Urgency of Being Sealed “ They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” (Revelation 9:4) When God’s judgments intensify, the only safe place is under His mark of ownership. Scripture shows that the seal is applied by the Holy Spirit, yet believers make real-time choices that welcome and confirm that divine work. What Scripture Means by “Seal” • Ownership: “The Lord knows those who are His.” (2 Timothy 2:19) • Security: “You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit…until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.” (Ephesians 1:13-14) • Authenticity: The Spirit’s inner witness assures us we truly belong to Christ. (Romans 8:16) • Protection: In Revelation the sealed servants are spared the trumpet plagues (7:2-3; 9:4). Foundational Step: Saving Faith in Jesus 1. Hear the gospel—God’s perfect Son died and rose to pay for sin. 2. Repent—turn from self-rule to Christ’s rule. 3. Believe—rest your full trust on Jesus alone. • “Having heard and believed the word of truth…the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13) 4. Confess—openly declare Him as Lord. (Romans 10:9-10) Daily Practices That Keep the Seal Evident Though the Spirit’s seal is applied at conversion, Scripture calls us to live in ways that neither grieve nor quench that seal (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Stay filled with the Spirit – Invite His control each morning (Ephesians 5:18). – Surrender attitudes, words, and plans. The more He fills, the clearer His mark appears. • Saturate your mind with Scripture – Regular reading guards against deception. – Memorize key truths; the seal shines brightest when the Word is stored within. • Walk in repentant obedience – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19) – Quick, specific confession keeps fellowship unbroken. • Cultivate holiness in daily choices – Media, relationships, finances—ask, “Does this honor the One who owns me?” – Distinct living displays God’s ownership before a watching world. • Engage in gathered worship – Corporate praise and teaching fan the flame of assurance. – The sealed gather; isolation breeds doubt and compromise (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve and witness – “You are a chosen people…to proclaim the excellencies of Him.” (1 Peter 2:9) – Sharing Christ confirms internally what God has done internally. Guarding Against Seal-Spoilers • Habitual sin—unconfessed patterns dull spiritual sensitivity. • False teaching—measure every message against Scripture’s plain meaning. • Worldly fear—remember, sealed believers are eternally secure (John 10:28), even when pressure mounts. • Spiritual apathy—fan the gift into flame (2 Timothy 1:6). Confidence for the Future “He has also sealed us and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” (2 Corinthians 1:22) • God’s pledge is unbreakable; the Holy Spirit is the down payment of glory. • Our part is to keep in step with the Spirit so the mark remains unmistakable. • “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…” (Jude 24) —the same God who seals also keeps. Putting It All Together 1. Enter through faith in Christ. 2. Daily surrender to the Spirit’s filling. 3. Feed continually on the Word. 4. Walk in visible holiness. 5. Stay connected to worshiping believers. 6. Boldly witness to Jesus. Believers who follow these practical steps can rest in the unshakable confidence that God’s seal is upon them—protecting now, guaranteeing forever. |
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