The word “sealed” has many meanings and is used in numerous ways in our everyday language; however, when it comes to its use in Scripture, therein one finds great spiritual significance for each and every true disciple of Jesus Christ!
As an example, let’s consider Ephesians 1:13-14 …
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
In this incredible passage that speaks volumes to every believer in Christ Jesus, Paul employs the Greek root word “sphragizo” – to stamp (with a signet or private distinguishing mark) for security reasons or preservation and/or permanency (both literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep, seal up, or plug (as in stopping something up / keep from leaking). In Matthew 27:66, Christ’s tomb was “sealed” for security purposes. Revelation 20:3 reminds us that Satan is “sealed” (to shut him both up and out) in the abyss for 1000 years during the millennial reign of Christ and His redeemed, resurrected, glorified saints / priests! (see Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10, 20:6)
Accordingly, we as believers have been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (PTL) “as a pledge of our inheritance!” Now I’m not sure any of us can really understand or comprehend privilege, unless we can fully wrap up this undeserved spiritual endowment that’s been abundantly poured out upon His people. We carry the distinguishing mark of Jesus Christ in the presence, power, preservation, and permanency of God’s Holy Spirit. Unique in all of creation and humanity … we are the ones sealed up by Him “as a pledge on our inheritance!”
“Pledge” – as used in this text, is a Greek word coming from a Hebrew origin, meaning the front-end part of the purchase-money, or in reference to assets that are given / paid in advance as security / a guarantee that the rest of a specific price will be paid in full. This is paid in earnest, from which modern-day real estate contracts derive the term earnest money. As a spiritual and theological application, Jesus Christ has purchased us for / on behalf of God the Father by His own shed blood (see Revelation 5:9), and then, for one’s own assurance, God’s Holy Spirit has been dispatched to be with us and in us, as His possession, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (See 1 Peter 2:9) This is security / a guarantee that our Lord’s sacrifice and atoning death, coupled with His indescribable grace and our simple faith / belief in Him, provides every genuine believer with their inheritance … everlasting life, as well as an eternity in His presence. As His people, we are even boldly instructed to confidently rest in and fully rely on this perpetual, immutable truth. (see Hebrews 4:1-16)
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
— Romans 8:14-17
Later, in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he reminds believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God in Whom they have been “sealed” while awaiting the day of redemption. (see Ephesians 4:30) Note, believers are “sealed,” not by anything one may achieve or instigate according to their own will or power, but as the authoritative, commanding act of God! One is brought into a life lived by faith in Christ Jesus by a supernatural act of God according to His lovingkindness, mercy, and of course, sovereignty and providence. Then by that same mechanism, “sealed” by Him, for Him, and ultimately stamped with this distinguishing mark for His glory!
To be “sealed” with God’s Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance in Christ is the gracious gift of God, whereby He demonstrates the authenticity of a believer’s relationship with Him. Here is full-fledged proof / evidence of His authority, His ownership, and His commitment to each one of us forever!
His & Yours, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)
Pastor Frank