“Now He who has established us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; who has also sealed us, and given the Down-Payment of the Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:22).
The word ‘seal’ means “To stamp with a signet for security and preservation.” The Bible gives us many examples. Letters which are “sealed” with the king’s signet ring, cannot be opened or tampered with (Esther 8:10). Legal documents of inheritance were “sealed” and put into clay jars and sealed again for storage (Jeremiah 32:14). Daniel was thrown in a lion’s den, and Jesus was placed inside a tomb. In both cases, a large stone was rolled across the opening and sealed. Nothing got out or in.
This is the beautiful safety promised to everyone who receives Christ as Lord. Jesus said His Spirit would indwell us and abide with us “forever” (John 14:16). The moment of salvation, He becomes our Ownership Stamp and Seal of Security… “Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise, who is the Down-Payment of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession – to the praise of His glory! (Ephesians 1:14).
You can hear the rejoicing in the verse above, for the Holy Spirit has no revolving door on your heart. He will stay until He delivers you – spirit, soul, and body – to Christ Himself, who will meet us in the air… “Now, He who made you for this very purpose is God, who also has given us the Down-Payment of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:5).
There is much evil in this world, but every child of God is given this powerful assurance… “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” What joy to belong to Jesus – “Bought! With the precious blood of Christ.”
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
Comments