The concept of the "Seal of Certainty of Divine Approval" is deeply rooted in biblical theology, symbolizing God's endorsement and assurance of His favor upon individuals or groups. This seal is often associated with the Holy Spirit, who acts as a guarantee of the believer's inheritance and standing before God.

Biblical Foundation

1. Holy Spirit as a Seal: The Apostle Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as a seal in several of his epistles. In Ephesians 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." This passage highlights the Holy Spirit as a mark of God's ownership and a guarantee of future redemption.

2. Assurance of Salvation: The seal of the Holy Spirit provides believers with assurance of their salvation. In 2 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 assurance is not based on human effort but on God's sovereign act of sealing His people.

3. Divine Approval and Protection: The seal also signifies divine approval and protection. In Revelation 7:3 , an angel commands, "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." This sealing serves as a protective mark, distinguishing God's servants from those who face judgment.

Theological Implications

1. Covenantal Relationship: The seal signifies a covenantal relationship between God and His people. It is a divine affirmation of the promises made to believers, ensuring that they are part of God's family and recipients of His grace.

2. Identity and Ownership: The seal marks believers as belonging to God. In the ancient world, a seal was used to denote ownership and authenticity. Similarly, the Holy Spirit's seal confirms the believer's identity as a child of God, as seen in Romans 8:16 : "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."

3. Empowerment for Service: The presence of the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and witness. Acts 1:8 declares, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The seal is not only a mark of approval but also an enabling force for fulfilling God's mission.

Practical Application

1. Confidence in Faith: Believers can have confidence in their faith, knowing that they are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This assurance encourages them to live boldly and faithfully, trusting in God's promises.

2. Holiness and Obedience: The seal calls believers to a life of holiness and obedience. As those marked by God, they are to reflect His character and live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

3. Hope in Future Glory: The seal is a reminder of the hope of future glory. It assures believers of their ultimate redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises, motivating them to persevere through trials and tribulations.

In summary, the Seal of Certainty of Divine Approval is a profound biblical truth that underscores God's commitment to His people, providing them with assurance, identity, and empowerment for their journey of faith.John 6:27
Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for him has God the Father sealed.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 15:28
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
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2 Corinthians 1:22
Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
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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,
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Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption.
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Revelation 7:3,4
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
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The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
... explanation of the matter, that unknown quality is its divine inspiration ... We may
say with certainty that. ... heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the scriptures.htm

The Object of Theology
... afterwards of its END, and lastly, of its CERTAINTY. ... to make known those properties
of the Divine Nature, which ... and deep traces in an engraved seal, stand out ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

The Mediator's Threefold Prayer
... and trustful pleading is always the inward certainty of God's ... is endorsed, and, for
his sake, the divine presence is ... I and Thy people.' The great seal of proof ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the mediators threefold prayer.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... (3.) How can it be made evident with certainty to the ... of this doctrine, she both
gives her hand and seal as a ... of the church is human and not Divine, and is ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 3 on the sufficiency.htm

I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons:
... is it the foundation of the certainty of salvation: ... other creatures) and
immediate"which Divine operations being ... people,) is evidently a seal [or ratification ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/3 i reject this predestination.htm

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to ...
... it; but not feeling that weight and certainty which I ... sweet peace which I afterwards
felt was a seal to my ... resign all to the disposal of his divine will; and ...
/.../chapter ii from his entrance.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their ... be unto him a
sign and seal of the ... be based, and sets forth its divine inspiration, authority ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... evidence of His Messiahship, God's own seal of approval ... 12:9. Objective visions are
divine revelations through the ... and probability, but not the certainty, of a ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... excels his fellows in the knowledge of divine things, and ... First, that, for the sake
of certainty, we mall have ... it be expected that God will set the seal of his ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ...
... living nature, the impression of the divine seal upon the ... It loses what certainty
it had: instead of seeing ... mind can fully comprehend the divine: it punishes ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book x it is manifest.htm

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