The seal of the Holy Spirit accomplished two very important things. First, it authenticated that the message from those empowered by the Spirit, was from God. This was convincing proof that was necessary to produce faith. For example, Acts 14:2-3 reads,
But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
Second, it provided proof of their identify. Peter said, Repent and be baptized, and you’ll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Upon receiving the promised gift, the signs and miracles verified the promise of God and assured them of God’s approval.
The application of this sealing both in the broader context of the Scriptures and the particular context of the Ephesian letter points to the same promise that God had made through Peter in Acts 2:38-39 (cf. Acts 5:32?). God placed his seal upon those who obey him that proves whose they are and authenticates the hand of God, the highest power in heaven and earth. Yet, this seal is not a non-miraculous assurance of God’s presence based upon emotions and how one feels. This isn’t a visible proof but is highly subjective and open to false claims. Instead, the seal with the Holy Spirit is an undeniable proof of God’s hand and authenticates the presence of his power through human vessels.
On the other hand, the reader must keep in mind that this promise was given at a specific time and purpose that is no longer present. As already noted on pages, the promise of the Holy Spirit was a promise of the last days of the Jewish era that gave evidence that the time of the end was upon them all and that the gospel preached by the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers was authentic, and therefore, must be obeyed to “save themselves from that perverse generation” (Acts 2:40).
Some are very defensive concerning their claim of miraculous power, today. Seeing that they have bought into the idea that all the contents of the Bible are applicable today, they must be able to perform miracles in the name of Christ. It’s a cheap imitation of the power of first-century disciples. It would be paramount to fabricating a signet ring that intended to look like the real one or making counterfeit bills to pass for the real ones. To claim miraculous powers today and not provide the visible evidence of such power has caused unbelievers to verify their doubt, and believers to question their faith when they don’t have the same power. Others have acknowledged their awareness of the absence of a real miracle being performed, but believe that the effect of the hype and level of energy in praising God is the goal. It becomes the vehicle upon which we may ride that brings the human spirit to an ecstatic experience. Anything less would show the absence of God in their midst. Of course, there’s no need for this fabrication, today. God has completed his plan for human redemption.
Not all of those professing miraculous power has such wicked intent as had Simon, the sorcerer. Yet, they exist when someone knows they do not have the power of God but learns the use of certain tricks and sleight of hand to dupe the people. You can expect that some individuals may believe that they are great men of God. Carefully note the passage below and notice the change in Samaria when Philip came to town.
Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. 13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.
(Acts 8:9-11). Without people like Philip coming to town, we have many communities believing that certain men have the same power of God. Yet, the genuine seal is not there and the proof of God’s hand in those imitations are absent.
Some interpreters have proposed a view of this sealing that doesn’t fit the context of Scripture. They proclaim that the sealing is the security of today’s believer that can never be altered, once they are saved. It would be similar to getting a tattoo, today. In this way, they claim that the transaction is finished as God places his seal of ownership. However, this text cannot be offered as a proof-text for the doctrine of the eternal security of the believer or once saved, always saved. The problem with the view is that it cannot be tested with any objective criteria. How is one to prove that they have been sealed? The better felt than told approach is open to subjectivism and doesn’t provide the visible proof that a seal implies. The miraculous powers, on the other hand, provided the visible evidence of God’s power and verified the message which the miracles had accompanied, as being from God. These conclusions do not negate the need for faith. Instead, it confirms the need for faith with the understanding that faith is based upon evidence (Hebrews 11:1).
The beauty of the chapter is the break in verse 13 because up to that point, the “us” is focused on the Jew who has been given the blessings in Christ.