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Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Words of Faith 8-29-17

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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2 Corinthians 1

     [20] For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. [21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

 

         So where does the believer stand in Christ? There is a phrase we use commonly to describe a deal, purchase or work that is completed-- "Signed, sealed and delivered". Paul wrote a very similar thing to the believers in Corinth. There is anointing, sealing, and a deposit for guarantee.

       Paul made it clear that those who speak the "Amen" in response to the gospel message experience firmness and security in Christ. Paul was not talking about a casual Amen, but an affirmation that happens because of Christ in us bringing us to life. It is the affirmation of faith that confirms trust in the work of Christ and says-- "let it be so". At this moment of belief God anoints each believer with the Holy Spirit so that, like Christ the Anointed One, he may glorify God by his life. This anointing is His signature on us.

         John wrote to believers-- "You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth... the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him" (1 John 2:20, 27). This is the signature of God upon us.

       The Holy Spirit also places a seal of ownership on the believer. Paul wrote to the Ephesians-- "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" (1:13-14).

       A seal on a document in New Testament times identified it and indicated its owner, who would "protect" it. So too, in salvation, the Holy Spirit, like a seal, confirms that Christians are identified with Christ and are God's property, protected by Him. "You are not your own-- you were bought at a price" (1 Cor. 6:19).   We belong to God.

         A third work of the Spirit at salvation is His confirmation that what God has begun He will complete. Present redemption is only a foretaste of what eternity holds and the presence of His Spirit in our hearts is like a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. These last seven words are a translation of one Greek word meaning a down payment which obligates the payer to make further payments. The Holy Spirit is the deposit left by God in us. This is our guarantee that we are and will be delivered,

         Signed, sealed and delivered. That is what you are in Christ.

 

         Father God, thank You for Your precious Holy Spirit. Sign me today. Seal me today. Deliver me today. Anoint me with Your Spirit, seal me for protection and set firm Your guarantee deposit. In Jesus' Name.