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Sealed

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (II Timothy 2:19) 

            In college, I had a friend who introduced me to several things that touched my romantic heart: letter openers, sealing wax and calligraphy pens. The only one I don’t use now is the sealing wax, because I don’t write physical letters and somehow, sealing a utility bill envelope doesn’t seem quite right. There was a time when each of these gestures were popular. Before that, the sealing of documents wasn’t a flourish, it was a batter of good business. Anyone could sign a name, and I suspect there were times when any of several officials might sign a document with the name of their employers. A seal, however, was the sign that the contents were official.
            The seal on God’s teaching to man has two inscriptions. One is God’s part. He knows those who are His. The other is man’s part: turning away from wickedness. Both are required. There are those who try to accomplish the turning from evil, thinking that it is sufficient to cause God to know them. Others claim that God knows them, but they don’t turn from evil. Both these are false teachers. 
            There are people who claim to be Christians, who can quote Scripture at length (especially the verses about not judging) but who live in ways contrary to the teaching of Scripture. They want you to believe that they are just as spiritual as the next person. We may not be able to tell whether or not that person is sealed with the first inscription, but the second, if we take the time to look.
            We don’t like this sort of inspection, but it is necessary. If we don’t examine our own lives and don’t make progress, we have reason to be concerned. Equally, if the life of the person speaking to us doesn’t show any signs of turning away from evil, that person is not someone we should follow. Their salvation is a matter between them and God, but their lives become our business if we are going to follow their guidance.

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