Sealed

 Unlike some translations, there’s nothing truly to indicate a sequence of time. For truly, God is outside of time and can work in ways that our outside our limited understanding.

 With that, let’s look at what this word “sealed” means:

 The word “sealed” in the original Greek has four different connotations. Let’s take a look at those with the greatest correlation.

 The first ways was a means that provided a security measure. We see this specifically when Jesus’ tomb was sealed with a stone in the Gospel according to Matthew 27:66.

 The second way means “to mark with a seal as a means of identification.”

 Eph 1:13 says: “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.”

 We are sealed in Christ for goodness and to build one another up, NOT tear each other down. With that:

 Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29-3: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

 The last way the word seal applies in this case means that like “a seal of approval” — as something that is certificated as truthful. We see this in the Gospel according to John 3:33 and 6:27

WHAT’S THIS ALL MEAN FOR US -- WHY ARE WE CHOSEN, PREDESTINED, AND SEALED

But what’s this all mean for us? Why are we chosen, predestined, and sealed? God chose us from the beginning of time, predestined us to live a life in Christ Jesus, and to be sealed by his Holy Spirit to live a life of purpose and influence for His glory and his plans. In short, we are chosen, predestined, and sealed so that others can be saved by God’s grace and fellowship with the community of believers -- just like us.

When we boil this all down, what Paul is saying is that because God chose and predestined us in Christ Jesus, and because we are sealed, we are to build one another up with our words and actions, and bring others into the fold. God desires for us to joyously love others in relationship and invite others into our lives and Christian fellowship without grumbling. While the message is subtle, our being chosen, predestined and sealed means we cannot just come and be passive participants in our faith or church, and grumble when things do not go our way. Instead, Good friends, we should be honored that God chose us before time to be in relationship with him.

We should feel privileged and joyous that God has a specific plan for our lives and has tasked us do carry forth his mission. And when we feel that way — when we’re truly grateful for all that God has done for us and realize how special we are that God set us aside for him — then we should want the same for others and should want to reach out to give that away.