How do you receive the seal of God?
Once a person has placed their faith in Christ and has repented of their sins, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them, serving as both a seal and a guide.
The Seal of God represents a mark of belonging to God, signifying that an individual is claimed as His own. In biblical terms, a seal was commonly used in ancient cultures to denote authenticity, ownership, and authority. In Christianity, being sealed by God means that a believer is marked for salvation and protected from spiritual harm.
Ephesians 1:13-14 beautifully encapsulates this concept: “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.” Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that the sealing is linked to faith in Jesus Christ and the subsequent reception of the Holy Spirit. This perspective shapes how believers view their relationship with God and their eternal security.
The Role of Faith in Receiving the Seal
The first step in receiving the Seal of God is to have faith in Jesus Christ. This involves more than merely believing that He exists; it calls for a personal trust in Him as Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9-10 states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This passage highlights the necessity of both confession and belief, serving as a fundamental basis for receiving God’s approval and the subsequent sealing.
Faith acts as the gateway through which believers receive salvation, becoming part of God’s family. This transformative act of faith opens the heart to the work of the Holy Spirit, who seals the believer, ensuring their status as children of God. Throughout scripture, the relationship between faith, salvation, and the sealing is reinforced, underscoring the importance of placing one’s entire trust in Jesus for redemption.
Repentance and Transformation
Receiving the Seal of God is also deeply connected to the concepts of repentance and transformation. To genuinely accept God’s gift of salvation, a person must turn away from sin and seek forgiveness. Acts 3:19 states, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance is a recognition of one’s sinfulness and a sincere desire to change one’s life in accordance with God’s will.
This transformative process often involves the work of the Holy Spirit, who not only seals believers but also empowers them to live holy lives. Receiving the Seal of God signifies that one has undergone a spiritual rebirth, experiencing a change that leads to a new way of living. The evidence of this transformation can be seen through the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which manifest in a believer’s life, showcasing love, joy, peace, and self-control.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Central to the reception of the Seal of God is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Once a person has placed their faith in Christ and has repented of their sins, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them, serving as both a seal and a guide. This is articulated in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” The Spirit not only confirms believers’ identity in Christ but also empowers them for holy living and service.
This ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. The Spirit provides wisdom, convicts of sin, and encourages believers to align their lives with God’s purposes. Furthermore, the presence of the Holy Spirit reassures believers of their salvation and connection to God, serving as an ever-present reminder of His promises.
Assurance and Perseverance
Receiving the Seal of God brings with it a profound assurance of salvation. This assurance, however, is not a license to live carelessly; rather, it encourages believers to persevere in their faith and continue seeking a close relationship with God.
Philippians 1:6 states, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse reassures believers that God is actively involved in their lives, shaping them and completing their transformation until the return of Christ.
A person who has received the Seal of God is encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, often finding strength through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. The community of faith plays a vital role in nourishing spiritual growth and providing encouragement to persevere. The assurance derived from being sealed by God fosters a deep sense of joy, purpose, and confidence in the believer’s journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, receiving the Seal of God is a significant spiritual milestone for anyone seeking to understand their place within the Divine narrative. By placing faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, embracing the transformation that comes through the Holy Spirit, and experiencing the assurance of salvation, believers can receive this profound seal of divine ownership.