Stay sealed: Knowing the Word for Yourself
Lately, I have been working on eliminating so many distractions from my day to day so I can be fully present and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Yesterday, I went for a walk and left my phone at home and just took my apple watch. You know whats crazy, lol, I actually was like “oh em gee what if something happens…how would someone know?,” as if there wasn’t a time we ripped and ran outside for hours and our parents measure of our safety was us walking through the door as the street lights came on. I’m sealed because the Holy spirit dwells in me, I’m safe because I’m covered by the blood of Jesus! Which brings me to my point, while on my walk, I was stopped on the street by two young women inviting me to a Bible study. One of them started talking about the seal of God in Revelation 7 and how that is what will save us in the last days. When I told her that I am already saved because I believe Jesus died for me, she quickly added, “That’s true, but there are also works you have to do.”
I’m so glad I was fully aware and present in that moment because the Holy Spirit reminded me of something Jesus warned us about in Matthew 7:15. He said to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Not everyone who comes with a Bible and a smile is preaching the true Gospel. Sometimes what sounds like Bible talk is really a twisting of God’s Word and a full on eisegesis.
What this young lady was talking about was in Revelation 7:1–8. Which describes God sealing His servants on their foreheads before judgment falls. This is not a mark that comes from a group or a ritual or works. It is a symbol of God’s protection, His ownership and the presence of the Holy Spirit in those who believe. The 144,000 listed from the tribes of Israel is not about some elite group of “extra saved” people. 144,000 is a symbolic number that points to the complete, perfected people of God or the remnant. It is God’s way of saying He knows His people by name and that not one of us will slip through the cracks. Which reminds me that if I leave my house without my phone, I’m not suddenly forgotten and unsafe, I’m still covered and protected and actually more vigilant! The phone doesn’t keep me and neither does some misinterpreted seal.
False teachers often add a “but” to the Gospel. They will say, “yes, Jesus died for you, but you also need to keep these feasts.” Or, “yes, you have faith, but you also need our rituals.” Or, “yes, salvation is free, but only if you join us.” The Bible makes it clear that we are saved by grace through faith. It is not by works, not by special knowledge and certainly not by some membership in a “bible study group.”
This is why it is so important to know God’s Word for yourself. When you are rooted in Scripture, you can spot the counterfeit. Just like bankers learn to recognize fake money by studying the real thing, we recognize false teaching by studying His word and being grounded in the truth. The seal of God is not something you need to receive from strangers on the street. The Holy Spirit dwelling in you is your seal because you belong to Jesus and His blood made this possible.
I’m not an “end times” gal lol but in these last days, deception is everywhere. Do not just take my word or anybody else’s word for it. Go to the Word of God yourself. Read it, study it, pray over it and let the true seal, the Holy Spirit, confirm truth in your heart.
Love Always,
Ashley
