Signify/Signification/Signet
From the Pastor’s heart
Hag_2:23 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.1Pe_1:11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
It is evident that God does not do anything among us without first giving a sign that declares His intentions. The word ‘signify’ simply means to declare. A virgin birth was to be a sign of God’s intention to send us Jesus. So what signs should we be looking for concerning the return of Jesus? Today, there are many signs and wonders that are taking place that people are saying is of God. They range from natural disasters to manifestations of gold dust, rubies and diamonds falling in some services. There are other signs like the blood moons and economic failures etc. that signify a certain message that many in the Christian circles are saying; God is speaking to us through signs and wonders and other ways. Apostle Paul says it this way in 1Co_14:10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. So, since there are voices with signification, we must pay attention to what they signify. It is only then that we can deal with the issues they bring. There are many in the world and in the spirit realm of darkness who want to dictate how things are run. Yet, God has chosen His Son Jesus to be on top of the list of voices that speak, whose voice, in the last days is speaking many things that the Church and the world must hear if they are to survive the coming onslaught of the evil one. If you have an ear, listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in these last days.
The world speaks and people listen. The devil speaks and many listen. Jesus speaks and people ask; is that God? God always speaks in ways that signify His plans, intentions and instructions. People will not know what they mean if they do not listen to God’s voice without signification. So, God seals the signs and wonders in the last days which speak volumes of God’s intentions. By approving miracles, signs and wonders God endorses His word. They also carry with them supernatural activity that signify that they are not of this world but God’s world. He seals His word with what He does and this perplexes people because they do not understand His ways. He also seals His word in the sense that He keeps it hidden till such time the seal can be broken because they are for a certain time. That seal can only be broken by one person who paid the price to open the seals. Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Rev 5:3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. Rev 5:4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. Rev 5:5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Rev 5:6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
In order for us to understand the signs of the times and the voices of significance that speak plus the authority or seal of God for the last days, that is to say what God endorses, we have only to look back on history. We see the turmoil of man’s understanding when he was confronted with the word of God. He rebelled at God’s word, violated it and sealed his own doom when he broke God’s commandments. Yet, God broke the seal of death and sin that was upon mankind and unchained him from the effects of all evil. To do this, God sealed man’s righteousness before Him with the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus is the ultimate seal and authority for all mankind. With the advent of Jesus, man has only one way in and out of God’s presence. That way is through the blood of Jesus, which speaks of the Way, the Truth and the Life. Nothing that is subsequently done by man or anybody else without the seal of the blood covering of Jesus has any validity or legitimacy. All evil therefore is eliminated by the seal of the blood. We can now overcome the evil one and all his works by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony as a result of the seal of the blood.
God’s gift to us was eternal life while the promise was, the Holy Spirit. Luk_24:49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Act_2:39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. When the Holy Spirit was given to us, it signified some things that could never be changed.
1. It signified the birth of the Church
2. It signified God’s approval of man for the indwelling of His own Spirit
3. It signified the absolute defeat of the devil because we were given all the power over all the power of the enemy
4. It signified that God had given to us the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
5. It signified that man was no longer a natural being but a spirit being
6. It signified that final transaction between God and man was complete according to the promise to Abraham
I am sure there are many other things that it signified and continues to signify but, we need to come to the understanding that God has made clear to all concerned in every arena of creation both on earth and in the heavens that God has approved mankind who have now become His sons and daughters by faith. Now there is a legitimacy that cannot be denied and the seal of the Holy Spirit proves it. 2Co 1:22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The sealing and signifying of things in the Bible is of absolute importance. I keep speaking of legitimacy because it is only the seal of God that is legitimate. That is why Apostle Paul says; do not receive anything less as far as the gospel is concerned. Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Gal 1:9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. The direct responsibility of the preaching of the gospel and the subsequent use of the word to do miracles, signs and wonders has to have this legitimacy from heaven. Many false prophets and teachers and workers of signs and wonders will all have a go at us to persuade us of another gospel. Let us therefore check for the seal of approval. You might ask; how do I check this? It is quite simple. The Holy Spirit who has sealed you will also seal the word that is being preached and the work that is being done in the name of Jesus. No other work no matter how powerful or clever will be accepted in heaven. This is when these workers of iniquity will be told by Jesus that He does not know them. They will be perplexed because they did it in His name and it worked. Yet, because it did not have the seal of approval of the Holy Spirit, it was not accepted with Jesus.
Let us endeavour to seek God for His approval on all things. That signification is what will save us from falsity in our own lives. Furthermore, it will bring us into a fullness in God that is important beyond measure. We are all striving for more from Christ and even as we strive we expect a result. However, there must be seals of His approval in proceeding to each level of faith. Ordination in the Old testament of Kings and Prophets was done by anointing a person. Subsequently, the legitimacy of an office in the Church was given by Jesus and ordained of Him by a word ( calling) 1Ti_1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; and thensigns following. 2Co_12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Finally, let us seal all our ministries and works by the seal of God through the souls we bring to Christ. 1Co_9:2If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Not everyone will accept our calling and gifting. However, there are some who will accept us collectively and individually as men and women of God. Build on what you have already achieved and the rest will take care of itself by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, remember, the seal of all things that are from God is confirmed by His word; 2Co_13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Let God seal His word to you
Lots of love
Pastor Noble
07/02/2016