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THE SACRAMENTS AS SEALS (I)
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Romans 4:1-11
Genesis 17:1-11
 
“He received the sign of circumcision.”
 
THE SACRAMENTS AS SEALS (I)
 
The Sacraments are seals of the Covenant of Grace. The word, “seal,” designates a visible mark that proves the validity of the arrangement, covenant, or promise, which it is understood to signify (see Gen 38:18, 25; Exod 28:11; cf. 1 Kings 21:8; Neh 9:38; Esther 8:8; Job 38:14; Jer 22:24; 32:10, 44; Dan 6:17). Even in our modern culture, an official seal is often used to authenticate an agreement or a testimony.
 
In the New Testament the word “seal” is used metaphorically for a firm testimony (John 3:33). Christ referred to the evidence of the genuineness of His claims as the “seal” of the Father upon Him (John 6:27). The stone at the door of the tomb where Christ was buried was literally “sealed” with the official Roman seal (Matt 27:66). The statement that “The LORD will shew who are his” (Num 16:5), is said to be the “seal” upon the foundation of the truth of God (2 Tim 2:19). The Corinthian Christians are the “seal” of Paul’s apostleship (1 Cor 9:2). The missionary offering collected from the Gentile churches is the tangible evidence (a “seal”) of the genuineness of their faith (Rom 15:28). The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is the “seal” or evidence of their regeneration (Eph 1:13; 4:30; 2 Cor 1:22).
 
The custom of speaking of the sacraments as the seal of “Christ and the benefits of the new covenant,” is based upon the fact that Paul refers to the sign of circumcision as the “seal” of the justification by faith which Abraham had when he was still in the state of uncircumcision (Rom 4:11). Paul refers to baptism as “Christian circumcision” (Col 2:11-12). The Lord’s Supper is equally an outward act of testimony, showing forth “the Lord’s death” (1 Cor 11:26). The sacraments are therefore the “seal” or outward sign of our relationship with Christ in regeneration.
 
THOUGHT: A sign does not save, it merely points to the Saviour.
PRAYER: (Praise the Lord for how He has saved you from your sins.)

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