Published on Jul 4, 2014 (Great Controversy 1888, Appendix, Note 13. p.605, 613 media2.egwwritings.org/swf/en_...) The word seal is used in the scriptures in various senses, even as in common life. The definition given by Webster, the most comprehensive, is as follows: that which confirms, ratifies, or makes stable; assurance; that which authenticates; that which secures, makes reliable, or stable. The terms mark and sign, also given by him, are used in the scriptures as synonymous with seal, as in Romans 4:11. In the covenant with Noah it is used in the sense of assurance, or evidence of stability. The bow in the cloud was given as a sign or token that God would not again destroy the earth by a flood. Genesis 9:13. In the covenant with Abraham, circumcision was the token or sign. This ratified, or made sure; for they who had not this token were cut off. Genesis 17:11, 14. This sign or token was an institution, a rite. Gesenius gives a memorial as one definition of the word found in the original of these texts. But a memorial, in the sense of a reminder, or a remembrancer, is a token or sign. In Exodus 31:17 and Ezekiel 20:12, 20, The Sabbath of the Lord is called a sign. It is a memorial of the Creators work, and so a sign of his power and Godhead. Romans 1:20. This is also an institution, as was circumcision; but there is this distinction: circumcision was a sign in the flesh, while the Sabbath is a sign in the mind. Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Ezekiel 20:20. In Ezekiel 9:4 the word used in the original is translated mark. Gesenius says, a mark, sign. The Septuagint gives the same word in this text that is given in the Greek of Romans 4:11, rendered sign. Thus the words sign, mark, and seal are applied to the same things, or used as of like signification, in the scriptures. In Ezekiel 9:4 and Revelation 7:2, 3, the mark or sign is said to be placed in the foreheads of the servants of God. Both these scriptures refer to a time when utter destruction is coming on the ungodly. The seal is placed upon Gods people as a safeguard to preserve them from the evil impending. But the forehead is evidently used as a figure, to denote the intellect or mind, as the heart is used to denote the disposition or affections. To mark or seal in the forehead is the same as to write in the mind. Hebrews 10:16. The Sabbath is the sign of God; it is the seal of His law. Isaiah 8:16. It is the token of His authority and power. It is a sign whereby we may know that He is God, and therefore it is appropriately said to be placed in the forehead. The worshipers of the beast (Revelation 13) are said to receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. As the forehead represents the intellect, the hand represents power, as Psalm 89:48, Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Compulsory worship is not acceptable to God; His servants are sealed only in their foreheads. But it is acceptable to wicked powers; it has always been craved by the Romish hierarchy. (See chapter 25 for proof on the nature of this mark.) The sign or seal of God is his Sabbath, and the seal or mark of the beast is in direct opposition to it; it is a counterfeit Sabbath on the day of the sun. According to Revelation 14:9-12, they who do not receive the mark of the beast keep the commandments of God; and the Sabbath is in the fourth precept; they keep the Sabbath of the Lord; they have his sign or seal. The importance of this sign is shown in this, that the fourth commandment is the only one in the law which distinguishes the Creator from false gods. (Compare Jeremiah 10:10-12; Acts 17:23, 24; Revelation 14:6, 7, etc.) and it is that part of his law for keeping which his people will suffer persecution. But when the wrath of God comes upon the persecutors who are found enforcing the sign or mark of the beast, then they will realize the importance of the Sabbath,—the seal of the living God. They who turn away from that which the Lord spoke when his voice shook the earth, will confess their fatal error when his voice shall shake the heavens and the earth. Hebrews 12:25, 26; Joel 3:9-16, and others. (See also pages 639, 640 of this book.) media2.egwwritings.org/swf/en_..
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 11:11:02 +0000
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