The Signet and Seal

The signet makes a deep impression in clay forming an official seal. The imprinted seal carries the full authority of the office it represents and no one dare question it. His design is well known, his symbol without any doubt authentic, his mark indelibly declares the full authority of royal ownership. There is the pain of death to those who violate it. 

Graphics, like drawings on a cave wall, look primitive and now sit safely on shelves in museums, yet were we the ones bearing up under the ancient powers, we would know well the authority of the imprint left in wax. Perhaps we might disguise our tremble when encountering a magistrate able to open an emperor's seal providing him legal right to tax our possessions, drag us to court, or conscript us into his service.

In scripture we find, somehow we are sealed. A metaphor which would ring powerfully to those under Roman rule. Yet God's sealing is never coercive. Never forced. A free will decision is made. An imprint is then formed within us. Our souls bear his mark, His letters, His image, and all powers are duly informed: we belong to God. In His timing, many times unknown to us, He opens us as a scroll, and reads aloud what He has written inside, we become a living decree, a love letter and invitation for others to receive the forgiveness offered in Christ, and to be sealed forever by the gentle all-powerful Holy Spirit of God. 

The Signet is hard and makes a deep impression, but only on soft substances like clay, wax or humility. It cannot leave its mark on stone, or metal or pride. 

In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13