“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 that Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians chapter 1 v 13
This word “sealed” which is translated from the Greek word “sphragizo” means: “to stamp with a signet ring for security, protection, and by implication, to demonstrate the authority of the one sealing.”
To fully understand this word “sealed”, let us go back to its first usage in Deuteronomy chapter 32 v 34. “Is not this laid up in store for me, and sealed up among my treasures?”
The Hebrew word translated “sealed” is the word “Chatham.” These words spoken by Moses, biblically define the meaning of the word sealed.
A person of great wealth and authority would place their treasures, title deeds, anything of personal value in a fortified treasure room. The door would be locked and a wax strip would be laid across the door and the door frame. The wax would then be heated and the signet ring of that person would be pressed into the wax to form a unique mark. No one could enter that room without the express permission of the nobleman. To break that wax seal, without said permission would mean death, or at the very least, imprisonment.
The book of Esther chapter 8 v 8
“You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the King’s name, and seal it with the King’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the King’s name and sealed with the King’s signet ring, no one can revoke.”
The words of the King, once written down and sealed using the King’s own ring, were irrevocable. No man could alter them on pain of death.
Let us examine the seal that our Heavenly Father placed upon the life of Abraham.
Romans chapter 4 v 3:
“For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Verse 10: “How then was it (righteousness) accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.”
Verse 11: “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also.”
Hallelujah!!!
There was no wax, no signet ring, but circumcision was the sign of the seal of righteousness bestowed upon Abraham because he simply believed in the promise of God. Every time Abraham looked upon his circumcision he was reminded that our Heavenly Father had declared him to be righteous. Circumcision was the sign of God’s seal that he was accepted, that he was at one with the Lord. It was irrevocable, backed up by the authority of the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
Ephesians chapter 1 v 13:
“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 that Holy Spirit of promise.”
Since the day of Pentecost, in this age of the Spirit, there is a spiritual seal that supercedes the wax seal, that supercedes the seal of the circumcision of Abraham, available to anyone who confesses that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10 v 9,10)
Anyone who hears the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation and simply believes, will be sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise. That seal of salvation, righteousness, justification and sanctification is backed up by the authority of our Heavenly Father. No one can break that seal, it is immutable. Amen and Amen!
Abraham had the sign of circumcision to constantly remind him that he was righteous, that it was immutable, that the Father’s seal was upon him. Let’s be honest, he must have looked upon his circumcision at least 10 times a day.
We must ask the question, what sign has the Father given us to remind us that He has put His spiritual seal within us, that He deems us to be righteous, that we are truly His sons and daughters, that every promise in the scriptures is guaranteed by His authority and that no man can revoke any portion of them?
The answer of course is speaking in tongues in our own prayer and praise language. Why so?
We have 9 demonstrations of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 7-10, all are given for the profit of all(verse 7), all are distributed to each one individually as the Father wills. (verse 11).
The blessing and authority to speak /pray in tongues as we will, at any time of the day or night constantly reminds us that the Father has placed His spiritual seal in our hearts. Just as Abraham was reminded of his seal of righteousness, without works, when he beheld his circumcision, so we are reminded of our spiritual seal of righteousness, received by the Father’s grace, each time we speak/pray in tongues. Hallelujah!
Can I encourage you to speak /pray in tongues much in your private prayer/praise language cognisant that as you do so you are reminded that, through grace, through no works of your own, you have received salvation, righteousness and the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise.
Have a glorious day!