Set Him as a Seal on Your Heart, as a Seal Upon Your Arm...
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealously is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised (Song 7:6-7).
A seal, in the East, is incredibly important in determining authenticity of that which is sealed. The seal is evidence of a covenant, (Jer. 32:10, 44; Neh. 9:38; 10:1; Hag. 2:23) and an emblem of authority (Gen. 41:42; 1 Kings 21:8; Esther 3:10, 12; 8:2; Dan. 6:17). 1
The seal of Authenticity
In Eph. 1:13-14, we read, "in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, -- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of his glory."
As T. Pierce Brown writes, “When God gives the Holy Spirit to His children as an authentication that He has bought us, and we belong to Him, that seals an agreement that we have made with Him that we accept the authority of Jesus as Lord, and belong to Him forever.”2
“That seal now becomes a very powerful bond between us and God.” 3 Through the Spirit, we have freedom from sin and adoption as sons. “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:15).
We have been set free from the law of sin and death and are no longer condemned by our sin (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law in us (Romans 8:4). So now we walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:4). We no longer need to be conformed to the world but instead, are transformed into Christ-likeness by the renewing of our mind as we hear the gospel (Romans 12:2) and put it into action (James 2:20).
Ephesians 4:21-24 says, "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
As one article notes, it is our responsibility to put off the old man.4 To continue live according to the flesh or old man is to be unsaved (Romans 8:9-11).5 The Spirit gives us the both the desire and the empowerment to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:12-13).
The Seal of Ownership / Covenant
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary notes that “The covenant at Sinai was accompanied by the giving of the Law (to command; commandment). Israel found it impossible to keep the Law, and covenant-breakers (break; implacable) led to the promise of a new (dedicate) covenant mediated through the death of Jesus Christ and sealed in his blood, where circumcision was spiritual (concision) rather than physical, as under the old covenant.”6
As Paul notes, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). And he says in Romans 14:7-8, “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lords. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.”
As one commentary notes, this does in no way imply that we cannot be unfaithful, rebellious and disobedient and be cut off from the blessings promised to His people.7 One has to have a “yes” in their hearts toward God, a willingness on their part to partake of this covenant. But, for those who say yes, setting Him as a seal on their hearts, the Holy Spirit is their guide, their comforter, and the guarantee (earnest) of the believer’s future inheritance.8
"And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail” (Isaiah 58:11).
And, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end” (Psalm 48:14).
This world is only a small flicker, preparing us for our future destination. He not only guides us, comforts us and strengthens us to walk through this momentary light affliction but He has committed to us for all eternity.
“I'll see you there on the other side, and I'll be there, yes I will. I believe that there is somewhere where the angels fill the sky, and I believe we'll live forever. You and I, will never die” sings in the background.
Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18-19). “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23).
We have a tendency to see death as the end, but really it is just the beginning of our new life with God. Paul looked forward and even longed for his eternal destination. He has such a strong belief and eternal vision that he grieved deeply for those who failed to know Christ.
In Philippians 3:18-21 Paul writes, "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enabled him even to subject all things to himself."
Seal of Authority
“All I have in this world is fire from above, all I have in this world is You...”
Authority in Discipleship.
Oswald Chambers writes in “So send I you: The secret of the burning heart,” Every now and again the Church becomes content with seeing people saved. When men get saved, then the disciple’s work begins, and the great point about discipling is that you can never make a disciple unless you are one yourself. When the disciples came back from their first mission, they were filled with joy and said—“Lord, even the devils are subject unto us in Thy name,” and Jesus said, in effect, “Don’t rejoice in successful service, but rejoice that you are rightly related to God through Me.” Those who remain true to the call of God are those whose lives are stamped and sealed by God; they have one great purpose underneath, and that is to disciple men and women to Jesus.”9
While we are in this world, we are given authority as disciples of Christ to make disciples of others. “And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority is heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Authority in Prayer.
We are also given authority in prayer. “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father-- to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:6). Paul says in Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Jesus, as our High Priest, continually makes intercession for us ( Romans 8:34). Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary writes on Song 8:6-7, "Be thou my high priest; let my name be written on thy breast-plate, nearer thy heart, as the names of all the tribes were engraven like the engravings of a signet in twelve precious stones on the breast-plate of Aaron, and also on two precious stones on the two shoulders or arms of the ephod, Ex. 28:11, 12, 21.” As imitators of Christ, we are charged with being priests as well, carrying the name of others before God. .
Carrying a name on your heart implies a prayer burden for that person. And the precious stones on the arms or shoulders of the ephod were a continual reminder of the priests responsibility and authority before the Lord for these people (Ex. 28:12).
Authority in Heavenly Places.
Christ is seated at the Father's right hand in heavenly places, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
We are seated with Christ in high places of authority as well.10 Paul says in Ephesians 2:4-6, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved -- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus . . . ”
One article notes about this, “The right hand of God: Here is the locus of all power and authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Here is the command center whence proceeds Christ’s victorious campaign against all His foes (Psalm 110). Here is a place of wondrous beauty, a glorious gathering-place for departed saints and angelic hosts (Psalm 45; Revelation 4,5). Christ is even now seated in His glorified body on this throne of majesty and might, directing His Spirit, according to the promises of His Word, for the advance of His Kingdom, the vanquishing of His foes, and the gathering and perfecting of His elect. And we are seated there with Him.”11
As such, we have authority to stand against Satan.12 We are to put on the whole armor of God, that we are able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Romans 6:11). As one article notes, “James 4:7 says, '[You] resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The armor and the weapons are at your disposal.”13
Seated in heavenly places with Christ, we also have authority to bring the kingdom of God into the world. Jesus charged his disciples in Matthew 10:6-8,10 (MSG), “Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously... You are the equipment.”
“Only You, the Son of Man, can take a leper and let him stand... Healing rain, I'm not afraid to be washed in heaven's rain” sings.
Lord, Your love is strong. I will never reach its depth or heights. May I have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.
1.Smith, W. (1997). Smith's Bible dictionary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2.http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Brown/T/Pierce/1923/sealed.html
3.http://ezinearticles.com/?Sealed-With-the-Holy--Spirit&id=19701
4.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
5.Believer's Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
6.Vine, W. (1997, c1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary topic finder . Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
7.http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Brown/T/Pierce/1923/sealed.html
8.Vine, W. (1997, c1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary topic finder. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
9.Chambers, O. (1996, c1930). So send I you : The secret of the burning heart. Hants UK: Marshall, Morgan & Scott.
10.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
11.http://www.breakpoint.org/features-columns/archive/1362-seated-with-christ
12.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
13.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
A seal, in the East, is incredibly important in determining authenticity of that which is sealed. The seal is evidence of a covenant, (Jer. 32:10, 44; Neh. 9:38; 10:1; Hag. 2:23) and an emblem of authority (Gen. 41:42; 1 Kings 21:8; Esther 3:10, 12; 8:2; Dan. 6:17). 1
The seal of Authenticity
In Eph. 1:13-14, we read, "in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, -- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of his glory."
As T. Pierce Brown writes, “When God gives the Holy Spirit to His children as an authentication that He has bought us, and we belong to Him, that seals an agreement that we have made with Him that we accept the authority of Jesus as Lord, and belong to Him forever.”2
“That seal now becomes a very powerful bond between us and God.” 3 Through the Spirit, we have freedom from sin and adoption as sons. “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:15).
We have been set free from the law of sin and death and are no longer condemned by our sin (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law in us (Romans 8:4). So now we walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:4). We no longer need to be conformed to the world but instead, are transformed into Christ-likeness by the renewing of our mind as we hear the gospel (Romans 12:2) and put it into action (James 2:20).
Ephesians 4:21-24 says, "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
As one article notes, it is our responsibility to put off the old man.4 To continue live according to the flesh or old man is to be unsaved (Romans 8:9-11).5 The Spirit gives us the both the desire and the empowerment to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:12-13).
The Seal of Ownership / Covenant
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary notes that “The covenant at Sinai was accompanied by the giving of the Law (to command; commandment). Israel found it impossible to keep the Law, and covenant-breakers (break; implacable) led to the promise of a new (dedicate) covenant mediated through the death of Jesus Christ and sealed in his blood, where circumcision was spiritual (concision) rather than physical, as under the old covenant.”6
As Paul notes, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). And he says in Romans 14:7-8, “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lords. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.”
As one commentary notes, this does in no way imply that we cannot be unfaithful, rebellious and disobedient and be cut off from the blessings promised to His people.7 One has to have a “yes” in their hearts toward God, a willingness on their part to partake of this covenant. But, for those who say yes, setting Him as a seal on their hearts, the Holy Spirit is their guide, their comforter, and the guarantee (earnest) of the believer’s future inheritance.8
"And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail” (Isaiah 58:11).
And, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end” (Psalm 48:14).
This world is only a small flicker, preparing us for our future destination. He not only guides us, comforts us and strengthens us to walk through this momentary light affliction but He has committed to us for all eternity.
“I'll see you there on the other side, and I'll be there, yes I will. I believe that there is somewhere where the angels fill the sky, and I believe we'll live forever. You and I, will never die” sings in the background.
Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18-19). “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23).
We have a tendency to see death as the end, but really it is just the beginning of our new life with God. Paul looked forward and even longed for his eternal destination. He has such a strong belief and eternal vision that he grieved deeply for those who failed to know Christ.
In Philippians 3:18-21 Paul writes, "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enabled him even to subject all things to himself."
Seal of Authority
“All I have in this world is fire from above, all I have in this world is You...”
Authority in Discipleship.
Oswald Chambers writes in “So send I you: The secret of the burning heart,” Every now and again the Church becomes content with seeing people saved. When men get saved, then the disciple’s work begins, and the great point about discipling is that you can never make a disciple unless you are one yourself. When the disciples came back from their first mission, they were filled with joy and said—“Lord, even the devils are subject unto us in Thy name,” and Jesus said, in effect, “Don’t rejoice in successful service, but rejoice that you are rightly related to God through Me.” Those who remain true to the call of God are those whose lives are stamped and sealed by God; they have one great purpose underneath, and that is to disciple men and women to Jesus.”9
While we are in this world, we are given authority as disciples of Christ to make disciples of others. “And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority is heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Authority in Prayer.
We are also given authority in prayer. “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father-- to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:6). Paul says in Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Jesus, as our High Priest, continually makes intercession for us ( Romans 8:34). Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary writes on Song 8:6-7, "Be thou my high priest; let my name be written on thy breast-plate, nearer thy heart, as the names of all the tribes were engraven like the engravings of a signet in twelve precious stones on the breast-plate of Aaron, and also on two precious stones on the two shoulders or arms of the ephod, Ex. 28:11, 12, 21.” As imitators of Christ, we are charged with being priests as well, carrying the name of others before God. .
Carrying a name on your heart implies a prayer burden for that person. And the precious stones on the arms or shoulders of the ephod were a continual reminder of the priests responsibility and authority before the Lord for these people (Ex. 28:12).
Authority in Heavenly Places.
Christ is seated at the Father's right hand in heavenly places, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
We are seated with Christ in high places of authority as well.10 Paul says in Ephesians 2:4-6, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved -- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus . . . ”
One article notes about this, “The right hand of God: Here is the locus of all power and authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Here is the command center whence proceeds Christ’s victorious campaign against all His foes (Psalm 110). Here is a place of wondrous beauty, a glorious gathering-place for departed saints and angelic hosts (Psalm 45; Revelation 4,5). Christ is even now seated in His glorified body on this throne of majesty and might, directing His Spirit, according to the promises of His Word, for the advance of His Kingdom, the vanquishing of His foes, and the gathering and perfecting of His elect. And we are seated there with Him.”11
As such, we have authority to stand against Satan.12 We are to put on the whole armor of God, that we are able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Romans 6:11). As one article notes, “James 4:7 says, '[You] resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The armor and the weapons are at your disposal.”13
Seated in heavenly places with Christ, we also have authority to bring the kingdom of God into the world. Jesus charged his disciples in Matthew 10:6-8,10 (MSG), “Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously... You are the equipment.”
“Only You, the Son of Man, can take a leper and let him stand... Healing rain, I'm not afraid to be washed in heaven's rain” sings.
Lord, Your love is strong. I will never reach its depth or heights. May I have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.
1.Smith, W. (1997). Smith's Bible dictionary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2.http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Brown/T/Pierce/1923/sealed.html
3.http://ezinearticles.com/?Sealed-With-the-Holy--Spirit&id=19701
4.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
5.Believer's Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
6.Vine, W. (1997, c1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary topic finder . Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
7.http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Brown/T/Pierce/1923/sealed.html
8.Vine, W. (1997, c1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary topic finder. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
9.Chambers, O. (1996, c1930). So send I you : The secret of the burning heart. Hants UK: Marshall, Morgan & Scott.
10.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
11.http://www.breakpoint.org/features-columns/archive/1362-seated-with-christ
12.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
13.http://www.thecrossfoundation.org/Our_Position_of_Authority.htm
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