When we value something, we mark it in some fashion to let others know it belongs to us. My mother did this when I got ready to go off to college. She obtained labels with my name imprinted on it and began to sew them into my clothing, so if anything was lost, whoever found it would know who the owner was and return it. Likewise, we tend to mark valuables like a purse, a ring or even engrave our iPad so people will know it belongs to us. In fact, it doesn't stop with things like clothing. Today we even chip our cats and dogs in case they get lost. We certainly did that with our dog as he is important to us. While we do this to protect our valuables, we often forget that we have also been marked by God if we are believers in Jesus Christ.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes these words (2 Cor. 1:21-22): " 21And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, God sets a seal in our heart, and we are marked as His sheep. Jesus, Himself, affirmed that our new life could not be forfeited or terminated either. In John 5:24, we read: "Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." This is good news!!! Yes, we may stray, but we have a Good Shepherd who will seek us out. We may face difficulties, or have our ups and downs but our future is secure in Christ. When we sin (and we all do that at one time or another), we have an advocate in Jesus Christ our Savior. I John 1:9 tells us that "If we confess our sins, He if faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It is as simple as that.
Other verses written by the Apostle Paul also assure us of the seal of God's Spirit in the soul of those who belong to Him. Look at Ephesians 1:13-14: "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." Then later in the same letter, Paul writes in Ephesians 4:30: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Isn't it good to know that God has given us a seal in our heart to prove that we belong to Him?
When doubts assail us, troubles come, or loved ones die, we have an assurance from God that we belong to Him. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. While Satan may try his hardest to fill us with anxiety, we have only to turn to the Father and call upon His name. He has authority to tell him "Hands off! This is my child sealed by the Holy Spirit!" Let us rejoice in this good news for Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." It is God who has sealed us and is working in and through us as we walk on this earth. Therefore, we need to rejoice in Him not only today but every day. Selah!
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