What is the seal of God?

Answer

There are five verses in the Bible that refer to a “seal of God” or an object or person sealed by God (John 6:27; 2 Timothy 2:19; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 7:2; and 9:4). The term “sealed” in the New Testament originates from a Greek word that means “to stamp with a private mark” to maintain secrecy or protect and preserve the sealed item. Seals were commonly used for official purposes: for example, a Roman centurion might seal a document intended exclusively for his superior’s eyes. If the seal was broken, the recipient would know that the letter had been tampered with or read by someone other than the sealer.

Revelation 7:3–4 and 9:4 mention a group of individuals who bear the seal of God, signifying His protection, during the tribulation. In the fifth trumpet judgment, locusts from the Abyss afflict the people of the earth with “power like that of scorpions” «And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. », (Revelation 9:3). Nevertheless, these demonic locusts are restricted in whom they can harm: “They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads” «And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. », (Revelation 9:4). Those marked by God are safeguarded. The seal of God during the tribulation stands in stark contrast toThe mark of the beast, which identifies people as followers of Satan (Revelation 13:16-18).

Paul speaks of the seal of God in the context of foundational truth. He tells Timothy that false doctrines are circulating and some people are trying to destroy the faith of believers. Then he offers this encouragement: “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness’” «Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. », (2 Timothy 2:19). The picture is of a building’s foundation that has been inscribed with two statements giving the purpose of the building. The church’s foundation has been laid «and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; », (Ephesians 2:20), and the eternal “seal” or inscription sums up the two aspects of faith—trust in God and departure from sin see Mark 1:15. The passage goes on to describe the contents of the great house so inscribed: vessels for honorable use and those for dishonorable use. “If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” «If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. », (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV).

Jesus Christ bore the seal of God: “On him GodThe Father has placed His seal of approval: “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:27). Those who trust in Jesus also possess the seal of God, which is the Holy Spirit: “You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (Ephesians 1:13-14). It is good to know that God’s children are sealed, secure, and sustained amid the wickedness of this transitory world.