Now he who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22NASB

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation_having also believed you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.Ephesians 1:13-14NASB

And do not brieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30NASB

Sealed. The word brings back memories of canning fruit and vegetables in the summer with my Mama Kate and my Mama. After removing jars full of treasure from the pressure cooker, they would be set on a thick towel to cool. In just a little bit the beautiful pings would begin. The jar lids would seal and the food would be preserved for the winter. There was never any concern for the food after the jar sealed, it was safe.

Even now, I think that is such a sweet sound. It represents the promise of being ”kept”. Kept safe and secure. Nothing can enter that jar and destroy its contents. The seal guarantees the food’s safety.

The scriptures above tell us that it is God Himself who seals us in the Holy Spirit. That seal protects our spirit, our standing in the family of God, and our eternal life.

It must pain Abba that we question our eternal safety when He Himself sealed us. Being human is tough. We have short memories. We can be weak just as much as we can be strong. But Abba gave us these very scriptures to encourage and remind us that we are sealed up, waiting for the fulfillment of all things

We went to the Ark experience last fall and it was fabulous. One aspect that moved my heart was the gigantic door in the side of the ark. The Word says “And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the Lord closed the door behind him.” Genesis 7:16

What a beautiful picture! “The Lord closed the door behind him.” The NIV says, “He shut him in.”
The door had to be sealed. Otherwise, water would have poured in, wouldn’t it? In any case, Abba God gave us a picture of His very self shutting His beloved child in. Protected. Untouched by the storm outside.

I forget I’m sealed. I must remember. Our Father Himself has sealed me…sealed you for the day of redemption. Hallelujah!