“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
Who’s not overwhelmed by the constant flood of bad news these days? If it isn’t a flu that’s out to get us, it’s the political disintegration of America, Climate Change, inflation, food shortages, Ukraine and the constant threat of World War, UFO’s and Alien Invasion . . the list is endless! Add to this the personal fears and insecurities of life and it’s easy to see why many want to escape. And escapism is exactly where millions are going, through drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity and partying. But of course, the World won’t go away. We must live our lives here on planet Earth surrounded by constant threats that seem to grow greater every day.
Jesus warned us that “In the world ye shall have tribulation . .” (John 16:33) which seems rather obvious. Then He adds “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. But how can we be joyful that He has “overcome the world” unless somehow WE have entered into that victory??
And you will be glad to know that this is exactly the case. The profound and glorious victory Jesus won upon His cross is ours as well! The Kingdom of God is a package deal. It requires territory (planet Earth), a King (Jesus) and loving servants of that king, and that’s you and I!
“Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.” (Isaiah 8:18)
Because we were given to Jesus before the world was made (Ephesians 1:3, 4) He was able to say with confidence “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37), and added “And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he has (past tense) given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day” (verse 39) which is still to come. If this isn’t security, what is? He doesn’t say the “might come”, or that He “hopes” that they will come, but that they without fail will come.
Because Jesus was sealed by the Father (John 6:27) He could not fail. I know the song says “he could have called 10,000 angels”, and that is true. He had the authority to call 10,000 angels, but instead relinquished His authority (Philippians 2:8) and chose to give His life as an atonement for our sins. How can God fail? It is impossible! Remember that the name of Mary’s little babe was “The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
Have you thought about what it means to be sealed? Here’s the definition given by the online Merriam-Wester Dictionary:
Some are confident of their ability to obey God and wag their fingers at those who long for the security of being sealed by God for salvation, until they themselves fall into some besetting sin. Then they cry out to God to be saved. And from what? From themselves.
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Paul cries in Romans 7:24. Have YOU ever made that cry? I have. Our “free will” cannot save us, for our wills are bound by sin:
“For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17 Good News Bible)
THIS is why we cannot save ourselves. We don’t have a free will, we have a will that is bound by sin:
“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:34-36)
Someone else must save us! Remember what the angel told Joseph?
“And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS (salvation): for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).
Have you called on the name of Jesus yet? Or are you still trying (and failing) to change yourself? Are you still listening to the self-help voices telling you that you’re a beautiful, good person that doesn’t need saving, that you can pull yourself up by your own bootstraps? Nothing will change ‘til you tell yourself the truth.
When people are baptized they don’t jump up out of the water by ourselves, but are pulled OUT of the water (which symbolizes death) by another. Only Jesus can pull you out of death, for He alone was pulled from death to be the author of eternal life for all who trust Him.
Our resurrection is as certain as His! His victory was ours!
As America declines and the fleeting empire of the Antichrist arises, we should not fear, but rejoice that the scripture and promises of God cannot be broken! You were SIGNED for before the world was made, you were SEALED “until the day of redemption” when you trusted Jesus to save you, and one day soon we will be DELIVERED safely home, into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God! Remember that you are “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).
Trust Jesus and join the winning team-
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