Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a significant theological theme within the New Testament, emphasizing the security and assurance of believers in Christ. This sealing is understood as a divine mark of ownership and protection, signifying that the believer belongs to God and is under His care until the day of redemption.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul provides the primary scriptural basis for the doctrine of the sealing of 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." This passage highlights that the sealing occurs at the moment of belief in the gospel, marking the believer as God's possession and guaranteeing their future inheritance. Similarly, in Ephesians 4:30 , Paul exhorts believers, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Here, the sealing is linked to the believer's conduct, urging them to live in a manner that honors the Holy Spirit, who has marked them for the final day of redemption. Theological Significance The sealing of the Holy Spirit serves as a divine guarantee of the believer's salvation and future glorification. It is a work of God that assures the believer of their eternal security, as the Holy Spirit Himself is the "pledge" or "deposit" of the inheritance to come. This assurance is not based on human effort but on the faithfulness of God, who has promised to bring His work to completion (Philippians 1:6). Judgment Suspended The sealing of the Holy Spirit also has eschatological implications, particularly concerning the suspension of divine judgment until all the saints have received this seal. In Revelation 7:2-3 , the apostle John describes a vision where an angel ascends from the east, holding the seal of the living God. The angel calls out to the four angels who have been given power to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." This passage suggests that God's judgment is restrained until His servants are marked with His seal, indicating divine protection and preservation amidst impending tribulation. The sealing signifies that the saints are set apart and safeguarded from the wrath that is to come, underscoring God's sovereign control over the timing and execution of His judgments. Practical Implications For believers, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a source of profound comfort and motivation. It assures them of their identity in Christ and their secure standing before God. This assurance encourages believers to live holy and blameless lives, knowing that they are marked by the Spirit for a future hope. The knowledge that judgment is suspended until all saints are sealed also instills a sense of urgency in the mission of the Church, as it seeks to proclaim the gospel to all nations, ensuring that every believer receives the seal of the Holy Spirit before the final judgment unfolds. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 7:3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Sacraments. Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... The Form of Concord. AD 1577. A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Resources Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Are there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? | GotQuestions.org Sealing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sealing of the Holy Spirit is to the Day of Redemption Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Christ Received Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Judgment Suspended Until all Saints Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: The Wicked do not Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Related Terms |
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