In biblical times, kings would use hot wax or clay and a signet ring to seal vital items. The seal carried the authority and validity of the king. Anyone who viewed that seal knew the king had authorized the document or was guarding the content within. In the fourth chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul references this imagery.
Ephesians 4:30 (NASB)
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
This imagery carries many connotations, which we will consider in this blog post.
Holy Spirit is a promise. Signet rings were often used in royal transactions as a promise or a pledge that whatever was contracted would be carried out. In Ephesians 4, Paul indicates that the Lord seals us with his spirit as a promise of what’s to come. The Spirit’s presence and power pledge to us that the day of redemption will come. The blessed day when Christ returns in glory and redeems his people, when we become fully like him, and when his power transforms us fully into his likeness is yet to come, but we have the Holy Spirit and his power to imbue us until that day arrives. (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:14; Eph. 4:29)
Holy Spirit is an impression and impartation of God himself. At its base value, a king’s seal was an impression left by a ring or a specially made tube on wax or clay. Holy Spirit, who is entirely God, is likewise impressed on every believer; a marking of the power and presence of Christ. The fullness of God comes to dwell within and imparts us with everything we need for life and godliness. We are duly marked and impressed with all our King's markings. And as we allow Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we become more and more an impression of who our King is. (1 John 3:24; Tit. 3:4-7; Eph. 1:13; 2 Pet. 1:3)
Holy Spirit is a witness to whoever encounters us. Those who would encounter the signet seal of a king were witnesses to the authenticity of whatever was marked. The impression was clear and identified with clarity to whom the document belonged. The work of Holy Spirit in our lives, his gifts, his fruit, and ultimately our transformation into God’s likeness is a witness to those we encounter. It is a witness to them of whom we belong to and of the reality of our loving father. This is the very reason God sent his Spirit. The disciples received the gift of Holy Spirit to empower them and set them apart as God’s witness. To empower us to be his witness is still his Spirit’s purpose in our lives today. (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:7-12; John 15:26-27)
Holy Spirit is a symbol of God’s power and authority. Those who carried their king's seal possessed the full authority of the king. Whatever message they brought, transaction they were representing him in, or promise made under that seal carried the full authority and power of the king to act upon it. Likewise, the King of all Kings has empowered us with his own Spirit and has given us authority over the heavens and the earth. He has empowered us to be his witnesses and walk boldly upon the earth. God has granted us authority over the powers of this world and the strength to resist the devil who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He has freed us from the power of death, sin, and our sinful nature and freed us to follow him and his leadership. (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:16-18; Gal. 5:16-25; 2 Tim 1:7)
Holy Spirit is the ratification of God’s covenant with us. A signet seal was a mark indicating the validity of a treaty or a king's work. The Lord has signified the work he is doing within us by sealing us with the promise of Holy Spirit. His presence in our lives indicates the work the father has begun in us. We can rest in his work as we surrender to his Spirit and allow his fruit to bear in our lives. As we allow the Holy Spirit to confirm the word of the Lord and transform us into the likeness of Jesus, we can rest assured in our hope in Christ and our complete redemption.
About the Author
Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He loves Jesus, art, music, and poetry. He currently works as the Manager of Learning Technology Solutions for Los Angeles Pacific University and is passionate about adventuring outdoors.