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You’ve likely seen a movie or tv show in which a king, queen, military general, or some other person of importance sends a letter and seals the letter by pressing a specific ring into wax. This was done to authenticate the letter. It was done to prove to the recipient that this letter truly does come from a person of authority. The contents of the message have great value and should be trusted.
Ephesians 1:13b (NIV) reads, When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…
For those who have professed faith and trust in Christ, this verse has significant meaning and symbolism for us. From a symbolic perspective, it says that God has sealed you with the Holy Spirit. The ESV Study Bible says, this “can mean either that the Holy Spirit protects and preserves Christians until they reach their inheritance (see 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22; 1 Pet. 1:5; Rev. 7:2–3) or that he “certifies” the authenticity of their acceptance by God as being genuine—they bear the “royal seal” (see John 3:33; Acts 10:44, 47). The first interpretation seems best here, though both ideas are biblically true.”
READING & PRAYERS:
EPHESIANS 1:11-14 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice)
In your own words, what would you say it means that you have been marked with a seal (Ephesians 1:13)?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I am simply grateful for the reminder that You have given me Your Spirit to live within me. As a result, You are with me in all times and in all situations. The profound truth of this leads me to be in awe of Your majesty and strength. Who am I, that the Creator of all things desires to be with me at all times and in all situations? I am somebody You truly love. I am Your child. I am Your friend. May I rest in these truths today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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