Stamped And Sealed

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
[2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV]

A seal is designed to impress, and literally is often an impression in a drop of wax to deter tampering with whatever is held within a document. In times gone by it was the symbol of monarchy and a king or queen would impress a stamp with a crest or heraldic device into the wax as a mark of authority and decree.

Today, companies will still seek a “seal of approval” for their products as a guarantee of quality and trustworthiness, and is seen in regular usage still to indicate status and power. Behind every US President at television press conferences is his seal of office.

In 2 Timothy we are assured that the Lord knows those who are His, by this seal; the solid foundation of God, which is His Holy Spirit. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
[Ephesians1:13-14 NKJV]

Thus, receiving the Holy Spirit* is our God’s stamp of authority on our lives — proof positive that we have been bought at a price and are sealed into His promise.

This is His guarantee.

* John 20:22

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Am I going to live a sequestered life on the mount and never come down into the demon-possessed valley, never prove that what I saw on the mount is sufficient to enable me to face what I find in the valley?

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