Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of being "sealed" carries significant theological and spiritual implications. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, often symbolizing ownership, protection, authenticity, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, seals were commonly used to denote ownership and authority. For instance, in the account of Jezebel's plot against Naboth, she used Ahab's seal to authenticate letters (1 Kings 21:8). Seals were also used to secure documents, as seen in the case of the sealed decree of the Medes and Persians, which could not be altered (Esther 8:8). New Testament Usage The New Testament expands on the concept of sealing, particularly in relation to the Holy Spirit. 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." Here, the sealing of the Holy Spirit signifies God's ownership and the guarantee of the believer's future inheritance. Similarly, in Ephesians 4:30 , Paul admonishes believers, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." This sealing is a mark of divine protection and assurance of salvation, emphasizing the believer's secure position in Christ. Symbolism and Significance The act of sealing in biblical times often involved a signet ring or a stamp pressed into clay or wax, leaving an impression that signified authority and authenticity. In a spiritual sense, being sealed by the Holy Spirit indicates that believers are marked as belonging to God, set apart for His purposes. In Revelation, the concept of sealing is also associated with protection and divine authority. Revelation 7:3 describes the sealing of the servants of God on their foreheads, signifying divine protection during times of judgment: "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." Theological Implications Theologically, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a profound assurance of the believer's salvation and eternal security. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the irrevocable nature of His promises. The seal of the Holy Spirit is both a present reality and a future guarantee, affirming the believer's identity in Christ and the hope of eternal life. Practical Application For believers, understanding the concept of being sealed by the Holy Spirit encourages a life of holiness and gratitude. It serves as a reminder of God's ownership and the call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. The seal is a source of comfort and confidence, knowing that nothing can separate the believer from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). In summary, the biblical concept of being "sealed" encompasses themes of ownership, protection, and divine assurance, with the Holy Spirit's seal serving as a testament to the believer's secure position in Christ and the promise of eternal life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Seal.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEALED, FOUNTAINseld, These words, applied to the bride (Songs 4:12), find their explanation under SEAL (which see). Anything that was to be authoritatively protected was sealed. Where water was one of the most precious things, as in the East, fountains and wells were often sealed (Genesis 29:3 Proverbs 5:15-18). Greek 4972. sphragizo -- to seal ... 4972 (from 4973 , "a seal") -- properly, to seal (affix) with a signet ring or other instrument to stamp (a roller or seal), ie to , () what is sealed. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4972.htm - 8k 2696. katasphragizo -- to seal up Strong's Hebrew 2857. chatham -- to seal... 2856, 2857. chatham. 2858 . to seal. Transliteration: chatham Phonetic Spelling: (khath-am') Short Definition: sealed. Word Origin ... /hebrew/2857.htm - 6k 2856. chatham -- to seal, affix a seal, seal up Library The Sealed Book. The 144,000 Sealed in the Apocalypse are Converts to Christ from ... The Illusion of the Sealed Letters; Object in Detailing These ... That Thy Resurrection Might be Believed among the Gainsayers, they ... Of the Hundred and Forty-four Thousand Sealed, who were virgins ... The New Testament in the Blood of Christ; Or, the New Covenant ... A Garden Enclosed is My Sister Spouse; a Garden Enclosed, a ... The New Testament in the Blood of Christ; Or, the New Covenant ... The Sealing of the Servants of God. Although we are Baptized with Water and the Spirit... Thesaurus Sealed (31 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Seal. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SEALED, FOUNTAIN. ... Anything that was to be authoritatively protected was sealed. ... /s/sealed.htm - 16k Thousand (405 Occurrences) Seal (47 Occurrences) Signet (21 Occurrences) Tribe (250 Occurrences) Finished (157 Occurrences) Ring (33 Occurrences) 12000 (7 Occurrences) 144000 (3 Occurrences) Zidkijah (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the seal of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who are the 144,000? | GotQuestions.org Sealed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sealed (31 Occurrences)Matthew 27:66 John 6:27 Romans 15:28 2 Corinthians 1:22 Ephesians 1:13 Ephesians 4:30 2 Timothy 2:19 Revelation 5:1 Revelation 7:3 Revelation 7:4 Revelation 7:5 Revelation 7:8 Revelation 20:3 Deuteronomy 32:34 1 Kings 21:8 Nehemiah 9:38 Nehemiah 10:1 Esther 3:12 Esther 8:8 Esther 8:10 Job 14:17 Job 41:15 Song of Songs 4:12 Isaiah 29:10 Isaiah 29:11 Jeremiah 32:10 Jeremiah 32:11 Jeremiah 32:14 Jeremiah 32:44 Daniel 6:17 Daniel 12:9 Subtopics Related Terms |