Topical Encyclopedia In biblical theology, the concept of "sealing" carries significant spiritual and symbolic meaning, often denoting ownership, authenticity, protection, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. The term appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, reflecting both Old and New Testament understandings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, sealing is often associated with the use of a signet ring, which was a symbol of authority and authenticity. For instance, in the account of Joseph, Pharaoh gives Joseph his signet ring as a sign of his authority over Egypt (Genesis 41:42). Similarly, in the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus uses his signet ring to seal decrees, indicating their irrevocable nature (Esther 8:8). Sealing also appears in the context of covenants and agreements. In Nehemiah 9:38, the Israelites make a binding agreement and seal it, demonstrating their commitment to follow God's law. This act of sealing signifies the solemnity and binding nature of their covenant with God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, sealing takes on a profound spiritual dimension, particularly in relation to the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the concept of sealing to describe the believer's relationship with God. In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." Here, sealing with the Holy Spirit signifies God's ownership and the guarantee of the believer's future inheritance. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Paul states, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." This passage emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal, marking believers as belonging to God and assuring them of their salvation. Symbolism and Significance The act of sealing in biblical times often involved a physical mark or impression, such as a wax seal, which conveyed authority and authenticity. Spiritually, sealing by the Holy Spirit serves as a divine mark of ownership and protection. It signifies that believers are set apart for God and are under His care and authority. Sealing also implies security and preservation. In Revelation 7:3, the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads, indicating divine protection during times of judgment. This sealing assures believers of God's safeguarding presence amidst trials and tribulations. Theological Implications Theologically, sealing underscores the assurance of salvation and the believer's secure position in Christ. It reflects the irrevocable nature of God's promises and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of eternal life. The seal of the Holy Spirit is a testament to the believer's adoption into God's family and the transformative work of the Spirit in their lives. In summary, the biblical concept of sealing encompasses themes of authority, authenticity, protection, and divine ownership. It is a powerful symbol of the believer's secure relationship with God, marked by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of eternal inheritance. Greek 4972. sphragizo -- to seal ... "Sealing" in the ancient world served as a "legal signature" which guaranteed the promise (contents) of what was sealed. [Sealing ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4972.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 2885. tabbaath -- signet ring, ring, signet... ring. From taba'; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), ie Signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind -- ring. see HEBREW taba'. 2884, 2885 ... /hebrew/2885.htm - 6k Library The Sealing of the Servants of God. The Witnessing and Sealing Spirit, Rom. 8 14 16 Eph. 1 13 14 The Witnessing and Sealing Spirit. Rom. 8:14,16; Eph. 1:13,14. The Ministry of the Word. The Cardinal Point of the Synchronisms; Or, the Synchronism The Fifth vision "In Heaven" On Baptism and Paedo-Baptism Athanasius' Account of the Deeds of violence Committed at ... Of the Thousand Years in which the Dragon or Satan is bound, with ... On Sacraments in General Thesaurus Sealing (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Sealing (5 Occurrences). Matthew 27:66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone. (WEB KJV WEY ASV RSV). ... /s/sealing.htm - 7k Seal (47 Occurrences) Clay (50 Occurrences) Bel (3 Occurrences) Vermilion (2 Occurrences) Nobai (1 Occurrence) Jeshuah (1 Occurrence) Jeshua (30 Occurrences) Lute (13 Occurrences) Grave (128 Occurrences) Resources Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Are there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? | GotQuestions.org Sealing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sealing (5 Occurrences)Matthew 27:66 Revelation 7:4 Deuteronomy 29:12 Nehemiah 9:38 Ezekiel 28:12 Subtopics Sealing of the Holy Spirit is to the Day of Redemption Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Christ Received Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Judgment Suspended Until all Saints Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: The Wicked do not Receive Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Related Terms |
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