In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13
Recall the lie that the Roman soldiers were paid to tell after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the tale that the disciples had come and had stolen the body while the soldiers slept. The story was so obviously false in so many ways. For example, the soldiers could face the death penalty for sleeping on the job. Also, the idea that a band of frightened and disheartened disciples, who had forsaken Jesus and fled, would attempt such a raid was ludicrous. But even more compelling was the idea that any would dare to break the seal of Rome that had been placed on the tomb. That seal carried the full weight of authority of the world’s greatest empire at that time. That seal was important because of the authority behind it. Down through history, and even today, the authority of a seal is recognized. Consider the authority of the seal that God Himself has placed on you and me.
Our text speaks of our being sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise after we believe. Each of us, as soon as we trusted Christ, received the seal. Into each of us came the Holy Spirit, taking up residence within. While we appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit in comforting, encouraging, and instructing us, we must also appreciate the security that His presence provides. A seal represents authority and ownership, and can be broken only by one with greater authority and power. That is why so few dared to tamper with the seal of Rome. It took a greater Power than Rome to move the stone from the sepulchre. But there is no greater power than the Power of the seal that we have received. A few foolhardy might dare to challenge the seal of Rome, but none may ever challenge the seal of God. I am reminded of the grand words of a lovely old hymn, whose author I do not know: ‘Under the blood of Jesus, Safe in the Shepherd’s fold. Under the blood of Jesus, Safe while the ages roll. Safe though the worlds may crumble, Safe though the stars grow dim. Under the blood of Jesus, I am secure in Him.’
Because we are washed in the blood, and sealed by the Spirit, we look at the final word in our text and marvel at God’s promises. Being sealed means more than that God has set His identifying mark upon us forever, more than that His claim upon us as His possession is absolute and irrevocable, more than that the power of the Almighty establishes His claim on us. The Holy Spirit of promise brings with Him God’s exceeding rich and precious promises. Whether it be the promises of supply and preservation in this world or the promises of pleasures forevermore in the Glory, these are all ours because of the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
Our salvation becomes ever more glorious the more we explore the spiritual blessings that given to them that love Him. -Jim MacIntosh