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Study 04 of 16

Chapter 2—The Sealing

The spiritual process of fixing God's character and law in the lives of His people before the close of probation.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The sealing is the crowning work of grace in the life of the believer, marking the point where the character is irrevocably fixed in righteousness. It is not a visible mark to human eyes but is a sign of allegiance to divine authority, recognized by the angels of God. This process begins at conversion and reaches its completion as the four winds of strife are held back by heavenly messengers. Central to the seal is the law of God, specifically the fourth commandment, which contains the name, title, and jurisdiction of the Lawgiver. However, the sealing is more than mere outward Sabbath-keeping; it is the writing of the principles of God’s law upon the heart by the Holy Spirit. To be sealed, one must reflect the image of Jesus fully, having exchanged the 'filthy rags' of self-righteousness for His perfect robe. This is a time of deep heart-searching and purification, for the seal will never be placed upon those who cherish sin, ambition, or deceit. As the intercession of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary nears its end, the urgency of character preparation becomes paramount. Only those who have allowed the Spirit to remedy their defects will be ready when the angel with the writer's inkhorn completes his work, ensuring their protection during the coming storm.

Key points

  • The sealing is a spiritual process that fixes God's law and character in the believer, making them unshakable in the truth.
  • The seal of God is contained in the fourth commandment, serving as a mark of loyalty to the Creator.
  • The Holy Spirit is the agent who performs the sealing, but it requires our full submission and victory over sin.
  • The sealing time is short, and once Jesus leaves the sanctuary, our characters will be fixed for eternity.

Key texts

  • Ephesians 4:30
  • Revelation 7:1-4
  • Ezekiel 9:4

From the book

Outline 4 · Chapter 2 — The Sealing · Read this chapter

  • “The sealing is a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved.” (book p. 48)
  • “The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character.” (book p. 54)
  • “The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman.” (book p. 53)

Put it into practice

  • Examine your life for any 'filthy rags' of sin or self-glory that need to be surrendered to Christ.
  • Pray for a deeper understanding and experience of the Sabbath as a sign of your loyalty to God.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work of character purification in you while probation still lingers.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the definition of 'sealing' in the context of the final crisis?

  2. Scripture

    2. What is the 'instrument' used in the sealing, and what is the 'mark' produced?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Why is the fourth commandment identified as containing the seal of God?

  4. Contrast

    4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the sealing process?

  5. Comprehension

    5. Who are the ones who will NOT receive the seal of God?

  6. Scripture

    6. What event occurs immediately after the sealing is completed?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. Why is the process of purification described as 'difficult and painful'?

  8. Application

    8. Is there any area of your life where you are resisting the 'settling into the truth' that the sealing requires?