Sealed By The Spirit

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

It would be nice to be told, when we leave on a long car trip, something like this: “I want you to know that you are going to reach your destination safely and on schedule. Regardless of what happens en route—you may get lost, you may encounter a fierce rainstorm, or you may have a flat tire—don’t worry. I am here to promise you that you will arrive.”

We have been given such a promise by God concerning our spiritual journey. And the promise comes in the form of a seal—the seal of the Holy Spirit. Paul uses language common to the ancient world in his letter to the Ephesians. A seal affixed to documents by kings and authorities made them official and inviolable upon pain of death or punishment. No one dared to violate the terms of a document that bore an official seal. And no one in the spiritual realm would dare violate the plan God has for those He has sealed. As Paul writes, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). The Holy Spirit, dwelling in every Christian, is God’s seal.

Don’t let obstacles along the road to eternity shake your confidence in God’s promise. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal that you will arrive.

I am packed, sealed, and waiting for the post.

JOHN NEWTON