“And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” (Ezekiel 9:4, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The article teaches that God’s sealing marks those who turn from sin, reflect Christ’s character, and live in loving obedience, calling every believer to prepare for the final days with holiness, faithfulness, and a deep walk with God.

THE ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RECEIVING GOD’S SEAL: PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD

The sealing of God’s people embodies the ultimate preparation for standing firm in the end times, encompassing character perfection, the exemplary life of Enoch, the reflection of Christ’s righteousness, and the profound expression of divine love, all leading to a unified call for personal and communal holiness in anticipation of eternity. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. As explained in SDA Bible Commentary (Vol. 4, p. 1161), “The angel with the writer’s ink horn is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who are separated from sin and sinners.” This solemn work signifies that those who are sealed will be candidates for heaven, without spot or blemish before God. Scripture reveals that “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” (Revelation 7:2-3, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 212, 1889). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God’s unchanging love.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). Moreover, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30, KJV). This preparation invites us to embrace the divine process fully. Are we ready to receive this seal that marks us for eternal life?

WHAT IS GOD’S SEALING?

The sealing of God’s people is a crucial aspect of the Christian journey, preparing individuals to stand in the final days. It’s like a cosmic exam, and only those who have studied diligently will pass. As explained in SDA Bible Commentary (Vol. 4, p. 1161), “The angel with the writer’s ink horn is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who are separated from sin and sinners.” This solemn work signifies that those who are sealed will be candidates for heaven, without spot or blemish before God. Revelation 14:5 affirms this, stating that those who are sealed must be “without spot.” Scripture reinforces this, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” (Revelation 7:4, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God,—candidates for heaven.” (Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, p. 191, 1922). A passage from Early Writings reminds us, “Satan is now using every device in this sealing time, to keep the minds of God’s people from the present, sealing truth; and to cause them to waver.” (Early Writings, p. 58, 1882). Revealing His role clearly, “And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” (Ezekiel 9:4, KJV). Think of it as a wedding dress; it must be pure and white. The necessity of preparing for this seal is further emphasized by, who calls for personal reflection and diligent study of the Scriptures in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 5, p. 216). This isn’t a casual glance at the Bible; it’s a deep dive, like an archaeologist unearthing ancient truths. To obtain this seal, individuals must attain perfection of character, striving toward the likeness of Christ. Are we examining our lives with a fine-tooth comb, searching for any hidden flaws?

HOW TO STRIVE FOR PERFECTION?

Perfection of character is a central requirement for those who seek to be sealed by God. James 3:2 reminds us that “we all stumble in many ways,” yet the goal of Christian life is to overcome sin and reach the standard set by Christ. We’re all works in progress, like a sculptor chipping away at a block of marble to reveal the masterpiece within. Sr. White elaborates on this in SDA Bible Commentary (Vol. 6, p. 1118), noting that the perfection of character is essential for the reception of the Holy Spirit. Without preparation, any effort toward godliness is in vain. It’s like trying to build a house without a foundation. The inspired pen declares, “Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-around character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ.” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 528, 1977). In The Review and Herald we read, “In his humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through cooperation with divinity human beings may in this life attain to perfection of a character.” (The Review and Herald, June 10, 1902). Scripture reveals that “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48, KJV). Christians are called to press “toward the mark set before us—the perfection of His character” (Vol. 6, p. 1118). This isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon, requiring endurance and perseverance. Revealing His role clearly, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (Philippians 3:15, KJV). When we attain this level of spiritual maturity, the Holy Spirit will fill them, and they will be complete in Christ. As the recording angel declares, “It is finished,” God’s people will be ready for the harvest, representing a church that perfectly reflects Christ’s character, as described in Christ’s Object Lessons (p. 69). This transformation is vital for those who will stand as part of the 144,000 in the final moments of earth’s history. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to mold and shape us into Christ’s image?

WHAT CAN ENOCH TEACH US?

The experience of Enoch serves as a powerful example of the life required to receive God’s seal. Genesis 5:24 recounts how Enoch “walked with God” and was taken to heaven without experiencing death. He was so close to God, it was like they were best friends, walking hand-in-hand. In Patriarchs and Prophets (pp. 88-89), Sr. White highlights that Enoch lived a life of close communion with God, even in a time of moral decay and corruption. His godly character reflects the state of holiness that those who are redeemed must attain in the last days. Enoch’s life is a foreshadowing of the experience of the 144,000, who, like him, will walk in purity and conformity to God’s will. A prophetic voice once wrote, “We can have what Enoch had. We can have Christ as our constant companion. Enoch walked with God, and when assailed by the tempter, he could talk with God about it.” (EGW SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1087, 1953). In The Review and Herald we read, “Enoch’s walk with God was not in a trance or a vision, but in all the duties of his daily life.” (The Review and Herald, April 15, 1909). Scripture reveals that “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5, KJV). These individuals will warn the world of Christ’s second coming, and their lives will serve as a condemnation to the ungodly, just as Enoch’s life did in his time. This is a powerful reminder that our lives should be a beacon of light in a dark world. Revealing His role clearly, “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:14-15, KJV). This state of holiness is not only desirable but necessary for those who seek to be part of the remnant church that triumphs in the end. Are we walking so closely with God that He could take us home today?

DOES CHRIST’S LIGHT SHINE IN YOU?

To be among the victorious remnant church, one must reflect Christ’s righteousness. This righteousness is described in Scripture as being without spot or blemish, and it is the key to receiving the seal of God. 1 Peter 1:18-19 reminds us of the cost of this righteousness, purchased by the precious blood of Christ, who was “without blemish and without spot.” This is a priceless gift, freely given to us. As we strive to reflect Christ’s character, we must understand that His righteousness is not only imputed to us but also imparted through the work of sanctification. It’s not just about what God sees us as; it’s about what we are becoming. The inspired pen declares, “It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinner acceptable to God and works his justification.” (Reflecting Christ, p. 75, 1985). A passage from The Review and Herald reminds us, “The character of Christ is an infinitely perfect character, and He must be lifted up, He must be brought prominently into view, for He is the power, the might, the sanctification and righteousness of all who believe in Him.” (The Review and Herald, Manuscript 27, 1889). Scripture reveals that “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, KJV). The character of Christ, which was pure and undefiled, becomes ours as we walk in obedience and surrender to His will. Revealing His role clearly, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24, KJV). This understanding is crucial for those seeking to receive the seal and stand in the presence of God at His second coming. Are we allowing Christ’s righteousness to shine through us like a light?

HOW DOES LOVE DRIVE THE SEAL?

God’s love is the driving force behind the entire process of sealing. It’s not about arbitrary rules or tests; it’s about preparing us for eternal life with Him. God’s plan for sealing His people is an act of love, designed to purify and prepare them for His glorious presence. God’s desire is not to condemn, but to save. In 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”1 This verse reveals God’s compassionate heart, longing for all to turn from sin and embrace His offer of salvation. The sealing process, with its emphasis on character perfection, is a manifestation of God’s love. In Hebrews 12:10: “For they disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” God’s discipline, though sometimes painful, is always motivated by love, aiming to refine us and make us partakers of His divine nature. A prophetic voice once wrote, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love.” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told, “God’s grace and the law of His kingdom are in perfect harmony; they walk hand in hand. His grace makes it possible for us to draw nigh to Him by faith.” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 249, 1977). Scripture reveals that “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5, KJV). The ultimate goal of the sealing—eternal life with God—is the supreme expression of His love. In John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”2 This verse encapsulates the essence of God’s love, which is sacrificial and boundless, offering us the incredible gift of eternal life. Revealing His role clearly, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9, KJV). The concepts of separation from sin, character perfection, and reflecting Christ’s righteousness, all point to God’s deep and unwavering love for humanity, a love that seeks to purify and prepare us for an eternity of joy in His presence. Are we responding to this divine love in our daily lives?

READY TO ACT ON THIS TRUTH?

The experience required to be sealed by God involves a deep separation from sin, a striving for perfection of character, and the reflection of Christ’s righteousness. We must examine our hearts, asking ourselves: Are there any hidden sins that I/we need to confess and forsake? Are we truly striving to reflect Christ’s character in our daily life? Are we a beacon of light to the world, reflecting the love and holiness of God? Those who seek this seal must follow the example of Enoch, living a life of holiness and communion with God in preparation for Christ’s return. We must support one another in this journey, encouraging and admonishing each other in love. The inspired pen declares, “We are to prepare the way for Him by acting our part in getting a people ready for that great day.” (Evangelism, p. 219, 1946). A passage from The Review and Herald reminds us, “God gives no man a message that it will be five years or ten years or twenty years before this earth’s history shall close. He would not give any living being an excuse for delaying the preparation for His appearing.” (The Review and Herald, November 27, 1900). Scripture reveals that “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13, KJV). By understanding the weight and significance of this sealing, Christians can be ready to stand as part of the victorious remnant church, free from spot or blemish, and sealed for eternity. This isn’t just about individual salvation; it’s about being part of a community who are united in their love for God and their desire to live holy lives. Revealing His role clearly, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, KJV). Let us, therefore, press on toward the mark, that we may be found in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and sealed for eternal life. Are we committing today to this communal pursuit of holiness?

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?