Sealed by God: Identity, Protection, and Eternal Promise

Devotional

Day 1: God's Seal as a Mark of Identity

The seal of God is a profound symbol of His ownership and protection over His people. In ancient times, a seal was used by kings to authenticate documents, signifying authority and ownership. Similarly, God places His seal on us through the Holy Spirit, marking us as His own and guaranteeing our inheritance in Christ. This seal is not just a mark of identity but a promise of access to God's glorious presence and protection from His wrath. It serves as a reminder of our identity in Christ and the assurance of His promises. [12:46]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: Consider how the knowledge of being sealed by God through the Holy Spirit impacts your daily life. How does this assurance of identity and inheritance influence your actions and decisions today?

Day 2: Access to God's Presence Through Christ's Righteousness

Those marked by God's seal have the promise of access to His glorious presence. This access is made possible through the righteousness of Christ, which covers us and allows us to stand before God spotless and clean. It is a privilege that brings us into a relationship of peace and reconciliation with our Creator. This access is not just a future promise but a present reality, inviting us to live in the light of His presence daily. [46:31]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to experience God's presence in your daily routine? What practices or habits can you incorporate to draw near to Him with confidence?

Day 3: Protection from Judgment for the Sealed

The seal of God offers protection from His coming judgments. In Revelation, those who bear God's seal are spared from the plagues and wrath that befall the earth. This protection is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the security we have in Him, even amidst trials and tribulations. It assures us that no matter the circumstances, we are under His sovereign care and protection. [52:52]

Revelation 9:4 (ESV): "They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's protection and faithfulness? How can you remind yourself of His promises during times of fear or uncertainty?

Day 4: Choosing Allegiance to God Over the World

The message challenges us to consider to whom we belong. Are we marked by God's seal, living according to His word, or are we tempted to bear the mark of the world? This choice is crucial, as it determines our eternal destiny and reflects our true allegiance. It calls us to examine our hearts and align our lives with God's purposes, resisting the temptations and pressures of the world. [57:41]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: Reflect on the influences in your life that may be drawing you away from God. What steps can you take today to reaffirm your allegiance to Him and live according to His word?

Day 5: The Promise of Eternal Joy and Peace

For those who belong to God, there is the promise of eternal joy and blessing. In His presence, there will be no more hunger, thirst, or suffering. The Lamb will shepherd us to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear, bringing ultimate fulfillment and peace. This promise is a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of tribulation and suffering, reminding us of the glorious future that awaits us. [01:01:22]

Revelation 7:16-17 (ESV): "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal joy and peace influence your perspective on current challenges and struggles? What can you do today to live in the hope of this future reality?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of being sealed by God, a concept that runs throughout the Bible and finds its culmination in the book of Revelation. This seal signifies God's ownership and protection over His people, marking them as His own. We began by reflecting on the ancient practice of sealing, where kings would use a signet ring to authenticate documents. Similarly, God places His seal on us through the Holy Spirit, marking us as His and guaranteeing our inheritance in Christ.

We delved into the significance of this seal in the context of Revelation, where it serves as a mark of protection against the coming judgments. The 144,000 sealed servants of God represent the complete number of His people, both Jews and Gentiles, unified in their faith. This seal is not just a mark of identity but also a promise of access to God's glorious presence, a gift of righteous standing, and protection from His wrath.

The message also highlighted the tension between the marks of God and the beast, urging us to consider to whom we truly belong. Are we marked by God's seal, living in accordance with His word, or are we tempted to bear the mark of the world? This choice is crucial as it determines our eternal destiny.

We explored the promises for those sealed by God: access to His presence, righteous standing through the blood of the Lamb, protection under His throne, and the ultimate blessing of eternal joy and peace. These promises are a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of tribulation and suffering.

The story of Hussein, a former Muslim who found new life in Christ, served as a powerful illustration of God's transformative power and the reality of persecution faced by believers worldwide. His journey from despair to faith underscores the importance of sharing the gospel and standing firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity.

As we concluded, we were reminded of the call to patient endurance, to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. This message is a call to live with urgency, sharing the hope of the gospel with those around us, and looking forward to the day when God will make all things new.

Key Takeaways

1. The Seal of God: The seal of God is a mark of ownership and protection, signifying that we belong to Him. It is given through the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritance and marking us as His own. This seal is a profound reminder of our identity in Christ and the assurance of His promises. [12:46]
2. Access to God's Presence: Those marked by God's seal have the promise of access to His glorious presence. This access is made possible through the righteousness of Christ, which covers us and allows us to stand before God spotless and clean. It is a privilege that brings us into a relationship of peace and reconciliation with our Creator. [46:31]
3. Protection from Judgment: The seal of God offers protection from His coming judgments. In Revelation, those who bear God's seal are spared from the plagues and wrath that befall the earth. This protection is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the security we have in Him, even amidst trials and tribulations. [52:52]
4. The Choice of Allegiance: The message challenges us to consider to whom we belong. Are we marked by God's seal, living according to His word, or are we tempted to bear the mark of the world? This choice is crucial, as it determines our eternal destiny and reflects our true allegiance. [57:41]
5. The Promise of Eternal Joy: For those who belong to God, there is the promise of eternal joy and blessing. In His presence, there will be no more hunger, thirst, or suffering. The Lamb will shepherd us to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear, bringing ultimate fulfillment and peace. [01:01:22]
** [61:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the Theme of Sealing
[02:15] - The Ancient Practice of Sealing
[04:45] - God's Seal in the Bible
[07:30] - The Significance of the Seal in Revelation
[10:00] - The 144,000 Sealed Servants
[13:20] - The Choice of Allegiance
[16:45] - Promises for the Sealed
[20:10] - Access to God's Presence
[23:30] - Righteous Standing Through the Blood
[27:00] - Protection from Judgment
[30:15] - The Story of Hussein
[35:00] - The Call to Patient Endurance
[38:45] - Sharing the Gospel with Urgency
[42:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Revelation 7:1-4
Ephesians 1:13-14
Romans 4:11

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Observation Questions:

What is the significance of the seal of God as described in Revelation 7:1-4, and how does it serve as a form of protection for believers? [49:33]
According to Ephesians 1:13-14, what role does the Holy Spirit play in marking believers as belonging to God?
How does Romans 4:11 relate the concept of sealing to the faith of Abraham, and what does it signify about righteousness by faith?
In the sermon, what was the significance of the story of Hussein, and how did it illustrate the transformative power of God's seal? [01:09:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the seal of God in Revelation 7:1-4 provide assurance and identity to believers, and what implications does this have for their daily lives?
In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. How does this assurance impact a believer's perspective on trials and tribulations? [52:52]
Romans 4:11 speaks of Abraham's faith being counted as righteousness. How does this concept of faith relate to the idea of being sealed by God today?
The sermon highlighted the choice between the seal of God and the mark of the beast. What does this choice reveal about the nature of allegiance and identity in a believer's life? [57:41]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Do you feel marked by God's seal, and how does this influence your sense of identity and purpose? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding? [49:33]
The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the gospel with urgency. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share the hope of the gospel with them this week? [38:45]
Consider the story of Hussein and his transformation. Have you experienced a moment where you felt God's transformative power in your life? How can you share this testimony with others? [01:09:45]
The sermon discussed the tension between living according to God's word and being tempted by the world. What practical steps can you take to ensure your allegiance remains with God? [57:41]
How does the promise of eternal joy and peace in God's presence encourage you during times of tribulation? What specific promise from God can you hold onto this week to sustain you? [01:01:22]
The sermon calls for patient endurance. What are some practical ways you can cultivate patience and perseverance in your faith journey, especially when facing challenges? [35:00]
Reflect on the concept of being sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of your inheritance. How does this assurance affect your daily decisions and interactions with others? [52:52]

Sermon Clips

Yeah thank you Thank you Rebecca Bringing us a little glimpse Of that we see People from every tongue And tribe And nation Many of my Spanish speaking Friends have made that promise That like when we get to heaven We will all either know Spanish Or we will learn it Because it is the better language For sure ESL has certainly taught us that You sympathize with people Trying to learn this impossible language Called English So yeah There will be a better way For eternity But yeah Thank you for that And we wanted to We were singing about the blood Of the lamb And seeing how It comes up in this text How the servants of God Wash their own robes And so we wanted to experience Communion together And then come into this great text As we see this Beautiful picture of being Sealed by God God himself Placing his mark On your forehead And this is a This is a theme that runs through The whole Bible Romans 4 Ties it to the Old Testament Talking about Abraham Abraham received the sign Of circumcision As a seal Of the righteousness He already had by faith While he was still uncircumcised The purpose was to make him The father of all who believe Without being circumcised So that righteousness Would be counted to them As well Paul explaining Justification by faith alone And that you don't have To be circumcised anymore You don't have to follow The Jewish law Just as Abraham Was declared righteous By faith alone That faith that saves Is the same faith That saves today And just as the sign Of circumcision Was used for Israel To mark Jewish men And boys As belonging to God And separate And different [00:38:08] (112 seconds) Edit Clip

So we see in Revelation chapter 7, God's firm foundation stands bearing this seal. The Lord knows those who are his. Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. The seal of God is the mark of those who belong to him by faith. So we come to Revelation chapter 11, and we see this command of God to pause. I mean, we're in the middle of the opening of this scroll. The scroll's about to be fully open. I mean, the anticipation of this would be like getting through all the previews and waiting for the opening scene of a new movie, and then like the people in the theater just stop, and they have an announcement, and you're like, let's get on with it. The scroll is about to be open. We're about to hear the word of the Lord as the seventh seal is broken, and this scroll is unveiled. But God pauses the action, four angels at the four corners of the earth holding back the winds, and he says, wait until we've sealed the servants of God on their foreheads, and the number sealed, 144 ,000, the number of completion, which becomes significant just two chapters later as the trumpets of judgment are sounded. The fifth trumpet activates this judgment. The smoke, from the smoke of the, from the abyss came locusts on the earth, and they're given power like scorpions, and they're told not to harm the grass or green plants or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. So the mark of God becomes a form of protection from the judgment of God, and we know that soon after this in Revelation 9, the Antichrist, the beast, will come and will force everyone on earth to get his seal on their forehead or their hand, and in order to do business in the Babylon of the end times, you must have the mark of the beast. And so everyone will end up marked one way or the other, either as belonging to God and marked with his seal or as belonging to the beast and carrying his mark. [00:41:33] (130 seconds) Edit Clip

What we'll see in Revelation 7 is four promises for those who do belong to God by faith in Jesus. The first promise is that of access to the glorious presence of God. God says, do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees. He says this to the four angels, four speaking for completion, the four corners of the earth, and they're holding back the four winds. So wind is an interesting word in both Greek and Hebrew. The word for wind is the same word that's used for spirit. In this case, the wind of God is about to rush onto the world from all four corners. The whole world is going to be exposed to the breath of God, the wind of God, the spirit of God bringing judgment. But God says, before that happens, I need to mark those who belong to me to protect them under my seal. [00:44:29] (54 seconds) Edit Clip

Before the throne of God and before the Lamb, we see a great multitude that no one could number from every nation, from all tribes, from all peoples, from all languages. And where are they? They are in the very presence of God, before the throne, before the Lamb. So the first promise is of access. Those who are marked with God's seal, those who belong to God by faith in Jesus, have access to the holy presence of God. Remember, we've, for, for now three chapters, we've been in the throne room of God. Chapter four brought us in there, in this encounter, just like Isaiah in chapter six, and Jeremiah, and chapter one of his book. We have this vision of the glory of God, and suddenly we're with John in the presence of God, in his glorious throne room. And then, remarkably, we see not just angels and elders, but we see this great multitude. [00:46:31] (56 seconds) Edit Clip

And don't, don't miss how striking that would be to a Jewish culture, to think about the throne of God, and the temple of God, and Gentiles somehow having access to that place. Wonderfully good news for those of us who are mostly Gentiles. But then, we see, this, this is a reminder of what we just saw last week, of this, the martyrs who were under the throne of God, and are given white robes. They're told to rest a little longer until the number of their fellow servants should be complete. That's a key, key word there in the New Testament, this word complete. There's a full number of tribulation martyrs. There's a full number of those who will pay the ultimate price for their faith in Jesus. There's a full number. Romans 11 tells us that there's a full number of Gentiles that will respond to the gospel. And after that, it says all Israel will be saved. So there's a full number of Israel, and that's, that's what this 144 ,000, I think, means, is that full number of Jews who will respond to the good news of Jesus. Romans 9, 10, and 11 tells us now is the time that Israel's been hardened, that they've been resistant, they've rejected their Messiah, but that Romans 11 gives me hope that one day Jews will begin to respond in great numbers. And whatever the final number of those who respond to Jesus, it will be the complete number. It will be the full, the full number. [00:47:27] (92 seconds) Edit Clip

Every time you are led to share the gospel with someone, you are a part of filling up that number, of finding one more, whether Jew or Gentile, and calling them to respond to King Jesus. Because what's clear in the Bible, we can debate over who the 144 ,000 are the relationship of Israel and the church. What's clear is the only way into the presence of God is through Jesus. There's not another way. There's not another, oh, now the Old Testament law has been reactivated in the sacrifice system, and now all of a sudden you can be justified by works. No, it's the only way is to belong to the Lord through faith in Jesus. [00:49:05] (36 seconds) Edit Clip

Patiently be those who overcome by faith in the Lord. Here's the promise of access, of relationship, of peace, reconciliation, of love and glory in the presence of God. And how can anyone have access to God's glorious presence? The second promise is this gift of righteous standing. [00:49:58] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

There before the throne, before the Lamb, are those clothed in white robes. We know from chapter 6 that God is the one who has given these white robes, but it's fascinating that here they have washed their robes. They have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. So does God save people, or do people choose to be saved? The biblical answer is yes. [00:50:24] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

Clearly, God is sovereign. You can't get around the doctrine of election, and God chooses those who, but he does it in some mysterious way that honors our personal freedom and choice. So God chooses, and yet we must choose, and everyone must choose, and I think that's this theme of the seal and the mark of the beast, is like, in the end, it's going to be a very physical, very practical choice for people. [00:50:51] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

Either align yourself with the Antichrist and with this world and choose to reject Jesus and his mark, or accept the seal of God on you and recognize that in this world you'll be killed for refusing to bow to the Antichrist. Now, you know, I'm not very skilled in laundry, but I do know that if you want to clean, like we're in volleyball season, you don't use blood, right? To wash those uniforms, you use detergent, but the only detergent that can wash away sin is the blood of the Lamb. [00:51:22] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

No other cleansing agent will work. Your good efforts will not wash away your sin. Your good intentions will not wash away your sin. Your religious activities cannot wash away your sin. There's only one thing. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. This is why we sing about it. This is why we celebrate at the Lord's table. [00:52:01] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

Because not only at that first moment of salvation did you wash your robes in the blood of the Lamb, but at every moment that we pause and confess our sins, 1 John 1 9 tells us he is faithful and just to not only forgive us our sins, but to purify us from all unrighteousness. We have moment by moment access to the only thing in heaven and earth that can wash away sin, the blood of the Lamb. On our own, we would stand before God covered in the filth of our own sin. [00:52:52] (36 seconds) Edit Clip