In what ways can believers today seek to have God's "seal" on them? Why the Seal Matters—Revelation 9:4 in Context “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) • During the trumpet judgments, a literal, supernatural protection distinguishes God’s own people from those under wrath. • The verse points back to Revelation 7:3, where angels are instructed, “Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” God marks His servants before judgment falls. What Scripture Calls “the Seal of God” • A divine mark of ownership (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). • The indwelling Holy Spirit—“you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13-14). • God’s declaration that we belong to Him and are under His protection (Ephesians 4:30). • A call to holiness—“The Lord knows those who are His” and “Everyone… must turn away from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19). Receiving the Seal: Foundational Steps 1. Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. – “In Him, having heard and believed the word of truth…the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed” (Ephesians 1:13). 2. Repent and turn to Him in faith (Acts 3:19). 3. Be born of the Spirit (John 3:3-8). The Spirit Himself is the seal. 4. Publicly identify with Christ through baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38). Living Under the Seal: Ongoing Practices • Yield to the Holy Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Obey God’s Word – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Pursue holiness – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). • Maintain wholehearted loyalty – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Matthew 22:37). • Keep from grieving the Spirit – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). • Remain faithful in trials – The faithful in Exodus 12 and Ezekiel 9 were marked and spared because they trusted and obeyed amid judgment. Visible Evidence of the Seal • Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23). • Separation from prevailing sin and idolatry (1 John 5:21). • Love for fellow believers (John 13:35). • Confession of sound doctrine—holding fast to truth (1 John 2:20-24). • Perseverance—“He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Holding Fast Until He Comes The seal is God’s work, yet we are called to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). Rest in His finished work, walk daily in faithful obedience, and the seal that spares in Revelation 9 will be yours now and in the day of Christ’s return. |
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