Don't Break the Seal

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having 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--to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:13-14).

A seal is something that authenticates, confirms, ratifies, identifies, guarantees, protects or make secure. The Holy Spirit is given us as a deposit seal. It is a part given as a guarantee that the whole will be forthcoming. The Holy Spirit also protects us from the corruption of the world, the flesh and the devil.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

A Christian who is walking in darkness is grieving the Holy Spirit and is out of fellowship with God. Grieving the Holy Spirit breaks the seal of protection that is provided by the indwelling Spirit.

How to keep the seal from being broken

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want (Galatians 5:16-17).

What to do if the seal is already broken

1.     Recognize the seriousness of the situation

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done (Romans 1:28).

2.     Repent of your sins

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin (Psalms 51:1-2).

3.     Receive forgiveness and cleansing

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

The Holy Spirit in you is God's seal of ownership and protection. Don't grieve the Spirit! Don't break the seal!

Pastor Earl