In all the ways the word “seal” is used, at least two common elements are shared. First, the significance of the seal is only as good as the one who sealed it. In each case cited, the highest power in the land placed a seal on something to prove the presence of their hand and involvement. While seals were used by others of inferior rank and power, anyone with less power dares not tamper with it. On the other hand, someone with greater power could break the seal, as in the case of Christ in the book of Revelation. Second, the seal had to be in plain view to provide tangible evidence. If a seal was not visible, it could hardly serve the intended purpose. Further, not just any visible marker was good enough. Any mark or seal that could not be authenticated is of no value. Just like our signatures are our mark of identity, each seal was associated with a particular person and provided the necessary proof of that association. When Paul discussed the collection from the Gentiles being sent to Jews, he called it the seal of their love. In other words, it was the proof of their love. The Corinthians were called Paul’s seal of apostleship for the same reason.
Therefore, if the Ephesians had been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, His powerful presence through earthen vessels was the visible proof of their identity. When the twelve were baptized in the name of Jesus, they began to speak in tongues when Paul laid his hands on them. This was the sign that they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift was demonstrated by the miraculous powers distributed to the saints as the Spirit willed it. They were God’s seal on the Ephesians. To argue that this was the reception of some non-miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit breaks down the meaning and purpose of the seal. The Holy Spirit placed His seal of ownership on first-century Christians to authenticate and prove that they were His children. If they were not visible proofs, they would be left to interpret a subjective feeling that they were God’s children. Further, New Testament Christians became the temple of the Holy Spirit that indwelt them.
Paul speaks of the war occurring in the heavenlies in his letter to the Ephesians. Yet, a visible demonstration of the war is seen in the first century because miraculous powers characterized the last days. To counter the work of Jesus Christ, and His disciples after the coming of the Holy Spirit, Satan had the power to take possession of someone (demon possession). The showdown was concerned about the power of possession. On the one hand, demons could possess a human body. On the other hand, the incarnation of Jesus was a demonstration of deity indwelling a body. Then, when Jesus ascended up on high, he gave gifts unto men (Eph. 4:8), i.e., he empowered his people (the ekklesia) to strengthen one another and go to war against the powers of Satan. This demonstration of God’s power through His children was his seal of possession.
Ephesians 4:8 describes it with the following words, Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts unto men.” The gifts are listed in verse 11 as Jesus empowers his people to war against principalities and powers in the heavenly places (…..). They are sealed, not with wax but with the Holy Spirit, who provided a visible demonstration of divine power. It accomplished two very important things. First, it authenticated that the message from those empowered by the Spirit is from God. This was the 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 identity. 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 visible proof but is highly subjective and open to false claims. Instead, the seal with the Holy Spirit is undeniable proof of God’s hand and authenticates the presence of his power through human vessels.