Zechariah 2:5 “For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her,” encapsulating God’s merciful safeguarding as a protective barrier against chaos, much like angels withholding destructive winds until His people are sealed in faith and truth.

ABSTRACT

The sealing in Revelation 7 stands as a powerful emblem of divine mercy, where angels restrain catastrophic forces to allow time for spiritual safeguarding, highlighting God’s tender care amid prophetic fulfillment. This article explores the sealing’s essence as preparation against chaos, its tie to Christ’s heavenly advocacy, the shift to unmediated trials, and the profound love it reveals, calling the community to urgent alignment with truth for eternal security.

HOLDING OF THE FOUR WINDS: A SEAL OF GOD’S LOVE

The sealing described in Revelation 7 is a profound symbol of God’s mercy and protective love. As the angels hold back the winds of strife, Ellen G. White illuminates this divine pause, noting how probation’s close demands readiness. Ephesians 4:30 warns, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” while John 6:27 urges, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” A prophetic voice once wrote, “Already kingdom is rising against kingdom. There is not now a determined engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle. How carefully we should improve the little remaining period of our probation” (The Review and Herald, 1900). Through inspired counsel we learn, “Just before we entered it [the time of trouble], we all received the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence and sword, nation rose against nation, and the whole world was in confusion” (Day-Star, 1846). We are invited to reflect on the urgency of being sealed by God’s truth, pondering how this act secures us eternally. What divine purpose does this sealing serve in preparing us for protection?

THE SEALING AND ITS PURPOSE

The sealing of us is a divine act of preparation and protection. Revelation 7:1-3 describes four angels restraining the winds of destruction until we are sealed with the “seal of the living God.” John sees the elements of nature—earthquake, tempest, and political strife—represented as being held by four angels (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 444). This sealing marks us as belonging to God, safeguarding us during the final outpouring of judgment. God’s love is evident in this act. Like a shepherd marking his flock, the seal symbolizes His ownership and care. As Song of Solomon 8:6 declares, “Set me as a seal upon thine heart… for love is strong as death.” In a passage from Letter 126, the inspired pen reveals, “What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord’s adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God’s commands” (Letter 126, 1898). A thematic insight from Manuscript 173 affirms, “Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is coming” (Manuscript 173, 1902). The sealing reassures us that no trial or judgment can separate us from God’s love, raising the question of what these restrained winds truly signify in our world?

THE ROLE OF THE FOUR WINDS

The four winds represent chaos and destruction, including wars, disasters, and political upheavals. In Daniel 7:2 and Jeremiah 51:12, winds are depicted as forces stirring global turmoil. Sr. White reinforces this view: “The winds of strife… represent all forms of chaos, held in check until God’s people are prepared” (Early Writings, p. 38). Consider today’s world, rife with conflict and natural calamities. Are we witnessing the angels loosening their grip? The holding of the winds reveals God’s patience, giving humanity time to seek His seal. This metaphor of restrained winds illustrates divine mercy amid impending judgment. Psalm 107:25 proclaims, “For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof,” and Isaiah 27:8 adds, “In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.” From The Review and Herald, a literary reminder states, “Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations are angry, and great preparations for war are being made. Nation is plotting against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. The great day of God is hasting greatly. But although the nations are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads” (The Review and Herald, 1909). Role-based guidance from A Seal of the Living God declares, “After this, it is seen that the temple in heaven is open again, [15:5]. What for? answer, Jesus has finished his work there, the saints are all sealed. Now Michael stands up to reign, the sealed messengers go forth—————By and by he sees sealed ones entering the holy city, [22:11]; who? answer, those that do, or keep God’s commandments” (A Seal of the Living God, p. 20.1, 1849). How does Christ’s ongoing work in the sanctuary connect to this vital sealing process?

CHRIST’S MEDIATION AND THE SEALING

The sealing process is deeply intertwined with Christ’s mediatory work in the heavenly sanctuary. Sr. White states, “The angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary” (Early Writings, p. 36). This work concludes before the seven last plagues are unleashed, marking the end of probation. The significance lies in Christ’s intercession, bridging the gap between a sinful humanity and a holy God. Just as Jesus pleaded for more time to seal the remnant (Early Writings, p. 38), He pleads for us today. His advocacy is a testament to God’s love, ensuring every willing heart is sealed before judgment begins. Hebrews 9:24 affirms, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us,” while Romans 8:34 echoes, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” In A Seal of the Living God, inspired counsel unfolds, “Now here Jesus (as in the type,) stands beside the mercy seat, which is the cover to the ten commandments, waiting to blot out the sins of all the Israel of God when they are sealed with the seal of the living God, as they are presented in order on the ‘breast plate of judgment,’ even the twelve tribes of Israel. – [Exodus 28:29, 30, and 21]. Compare this type with the sealing message. – [Revelation 7:5-8]” (A Seal of the Living God, p. 19.1, 1849). Through a prophetic lens in Letter 77, we grasp, “Every soul in our world is the Lord’s property, by creation and by redemption. Each individual soul is on trial for his life. Has he given to God that which belongs to Him? Has he surrendered to God all that is His as His purchased possession? All who cherish the Lord as their portion in this life will be under His control, and will receive the sign, the mark of God, which shows them to be God’s special possession. Christ’s righteousness will go before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rereward. The Lord protects every human being who bears His sign” (Letter 77, 1899). What happens once this mediation reaches its close, leaving us to face trials alone?

LIVING WITHOUT AN INTERCESSOR

After the sealing, we will endure the time of trouble without an intercessor. Sr. White explains, “It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the sanctuary” (Early Writings, pp. 280-281). Once His mediatory work ends, the unrepentant face God’s judgments unshielded, while we stand firm through divine grace. This sobering reality challenges us: Are we prepared to stand without an intercessor? The sealing reflects God’s justice and mercy, offering protection to the faithful while respecting human choice. As a community, we must encourage each other to remain steadfast in faith, relying on God’s promises. Daniel 12:1 foretells, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book,” and Psalm 91:15 promises, “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” A passage from The Review and Herald reminds us, “The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood, to show that they were God’s property. So the children of God in this age will bear the signature God has appointed. They will place themselves in harmony with God’s holy law. A mark is placed upon every one of God’s people just as verily as a mark was placed over the doors of the Hebrew dwellings, to preserve the people from the general ruin. God declares, ‘I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them’” (The Review and Herald, 1900). Thematic guidance in A Seal of the Living God states, “This is and has been the present truth for God’s Israel ever since the vail of the inner temple has been raised, or door open, i.e. since October 1844. And it is to be understood in a few simple words, viz: the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and shut door. Ezekiel shows the pastors and the company pushing against it with side and shoulders, and treading it under their feet, fouling the residue of the waters. God says his flock eat and drink it, it’s their life; yes, yes; it’s the meat in due season, the present truth. God further says these sheep are men, they shall be mine and I will be their God: [Ezekiel 34]” (A Seal of the Living God, p. 19.1, 1849). How profoundly does this sealing embody the depths of God’s love for us?

GOD’S LOVE IN THE SEALING

How does the sealing reflect God’s love? First, it is a protective act, shielding us from ultimate harm. Revelation 7:3 affirms, “Hurt not the earth… till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” The sealing is not merely a sign of ownership but of intimate care and provision. Sr. White writes, “God’s people will be preserved in the midst of destruction, not by virtue of their merit but because of their faith in Him” (The Great Controversy, p. 631). His love shines through this process, calling us to trust Him fully. By marking us, God guarantees our eternal security. Zechariah 2:8 declares, “…for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye,” and Jude 1:1 addresses, “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.” In Letter 77, the inspired messenger conveys, “Every soul in our world is the Lord’s property, by creation and by redemption. Each individual soul is on trial for his life. Has he given to God that which belongs to Him? Has he surrendered to God all that is His as His purchased possession? All who cherish the Lord as their portion in this life will be under His control, and will receive the sign, the mark of God, which shows them to be God’s special possession. Christ’s righteousness will go before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rereward. The Lord protects every human being who bears His sign” (Letter 77, 1899). From The Review and Herald, a prophetic assurance emerges, “The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood, to show that they were God’s property. So the children of God in this age will bear the signature God has appointed. They will place themselves in harmony with God’s holy law. A mark is placed upon every one of God’s people just as verily as a mark was placed over the doors of the Hebrew dwellings, to preserve the people from the general ruin. God declares, ‘I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them’” (The Review and Herald, 1900). What urgent response does this loving seal demand from our community today?

A CALL TO ACTION

The sealing described in Revelation 7 is a call to readiness, urging us to align our lives with God’s will. The angels holding the winds remind us of His patience and mercy, offering time to prepare. As Sr. White beautifully summarizes, “The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will be placed upon those who… love God and reflect His image” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 216). Isaiah 43:2 assures, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee,” and 1 Peter 1:5 declares, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” In the Day-Star, early counsel highlights, “Just before we entered it [the time of trouble], we all received the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence and sword, nation rose against nation, and the whole world was in confusion” (Day-Star, 1846). A literary note from The Review and Herald urges, “Already kingdom is rising against kingdom. There is not now a determined engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle. How carefully we should improve the little remaining period of our probation” (The Review and Herald, 1900). Let us reflect on this sealing work as an expression of God’s love and justice. Are we aligning our lives with His word? Are we ready to stand sealed and secure in the face of strife? Together, we can encourage one another to seek God’s seal, confident in His love and promises.

As Scripture summarizes the article’s concept, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (2 Peter 2:9, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the sealing message of Revelation 7, allowing its truths to fortify my faith and daily choices against coming trials?

How can we adapt teachings on the sealing and the four winds to resonate with diverse audiences, from longtime community members to newcomers exploring prophecy, while upholding scriptural fidelity?

What prevalent misunderstandings about the seal of God exist in our circles, and how might I address them compassionately through Bible verses and Sr. White’s insights to foster clearer understanding?

In practical steps, how can our congregations and personal lives embody the sealed life, demonstrating God’s protective love through unity, temperance, and bold witness amid strife?