I was busy at my job, laminating No Smoking signs and marvelling at what a wonderful invention the lamination process was, when the following Scripture popped into my mind.

Ephesians 1:13-14 – 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. (NIV)

Once a document is laminated, nothing can separate the plastic seal from the original document; they have been forged into one. The lamination seals, shields, and protects the document, keeping it clean and strong for the duration of its life.

Likewise, any person who hears the Word of truth concerning Christ, the gospel of our salvation, and chooses to embrace that truth, is sealed or forged as one with the Holy Spirit, Who, in turn, fortifies and protects our innermost being until that day when we shall see Christ face to face.

Just how this sealing happens is a mystery to us, but one of the main ways the Spirit fortifies and protects us during the waiting period before redemption is not. For as Jesus has stated and the writers of Hebrews and Timothy have written:

John 14:26 – But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (NIV)

2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (NIV)

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)

Yes, we are sealed, forged as one with the Holy Spirit, Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession. Therefore, let us pray for hearts and minds that are continually open to His leading and direction through the power of Scripture, that indeed our lives may, through obedience and understanding of the Word, be strong and fortified to the praise of His glory.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the sealing of Your Holy Spirit, Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the day of redemption. Bless us with a hunger and thirst for a spirit of obedience to His leading through the truth of Your Word. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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