The Invisible Seal: Understanding Seals in Biblical Context

May 23, 2024

The Invisible Seal: Understanding Seals in Biblical Context

Introduction to Seals

  • Etymology of the Word 'Seal':
    • Originally created by stone masons.
    • Can refer to both the object that makes the impression and the impression itself.
    • Shares etymology with objects of security, such as a hook.
  • Historical Use:
    • Jezebel's Use: First Kings chapter 21 records Jezebel using Ahab's seal unjustly.
    • Court Use: Modern parallels where seals may be seen as misused.

The Invisible Seal

  • God's Seal on His Elect:
    • Invisible but identifiable among God's people.
    • Significance in Jeremiah and Isaiah.
    • God's elect were sealed in the first Earth age.
    • Often recognized by their understanding of God's word and way of life.

Isaiah Chapter 29: The Significance of the Seal

  • Understanding Ariel:
    • Hebrew meaning: Hearth/Lion of God.
    • Ariel as symbolic of Jerusalem.
  • Verse 7-8:
    • Nations that fight against Ariel compared to a fleeting dream.
    • People without the seal are likened to those who dream but wake up unfulfilled.
  • Verse 9-10:
    • People are drunk with confusion, not wine, due to the spirit of slumber God has sent.
    • This spirit protects those who cannot stand against Antichrist.

Wisdom and Sealed Knowledge

  • Verse 11-12:
    • Vision of the book that's sealed, inaccessible to the learned.
    • Simplifies the idea that God's deeper truths are hidden from those without the seal.
  • Verse 13-14:
    • People's worship is superficial, based on the precepts of men not God.
  • Verse 15-16:
    • Critique of those who try to hide their counsel from God.
  • Verses 17-24:
    • Prophecy of transformation and enlightenment.
    • A future where spiritual blindness is removed and truth is understood.
    • Rejoicing for both the meek and the elect.

Ephesians Chapter 1: Chosen and Sealed

  • Verse 3-7:
    • Blessings through Jesus Christ.
    • Chosen before the foundation of the world.
    • Redemption through Christ's blood and forgiveness of sins.
  • Verses 9-14:
    • Mystery of God's will revealed to His elect.
    • Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
    • Inheritance as children of God.

Revelation: The Seven Seals

  • Chapter 5:
    • The book with seven seals: Only Christ (Lion of the tribe of Judah) can open it.
    • Elder reassures that Christ has prevailed and can open the book.
  • Chapter 7:
    • Sealing of God's servants before harm comes to the Earth.
    • Protection from the afflictions of Satan and his forces.
  • Chapter 9:
    • The war between Satan and God's people is stewing.
    • God's people, with His seal, have a special role in this conflict.
    • Those with the seal cannot be harmed by Satan's forces.

Conclusion

  • The Importance of the Seal:
    • Represents knowledge and protection from deception.
    • Be patient with those who cannot see or hear, as their understanding is sealed.
  • Role of the Elect:
    • Helping to reveal God's plan and standing firm in their faith.
    • Understanding the simplicity and truth of God's word.

Father, we thank you for the word and the breaking of the seals, enabling us to take and teach it to others.