ESTABLISHED, ANOINTED AND SEALED
“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)
In these days of economic uncertainty and the talk of a “double-dip” recession, people of every persuasion are searching for some sign of stability, at least in their own little world. In the writings of the Apostle Paul we are able to identify three great certainties that can strengthen and support us even in these uncertain days. May we consider, with praise and thanksgiving to Him, three great assurances available to every believer.
ESTABLISHED: “made firm or stable”; “set on a firm basis.”
“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV)
ANOINTED: “consecrated”; “designated as having authority or power”.
John writes of the anointing of the Holy Spirit on the believer.
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you.”
1 John 2:27 (NKJV)
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever---the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (NKJV)
Jesus said to His disciples: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
SEALED: “made secure or safe”; “guaranteed”; “assured”.
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are Him.” 2 Timothy 2:19 (NKJV)
