The Anointing of the Spirit, the Sealing of the Spirit, and the Pledge of the Spirit

 

The Anointing of the Spirit, the Sealing of the Spirit, and the Pledge of the Spirit

1 John 2:20, 27 "You have received an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things... This anointing will teach you all things"

2 Corinthians 1:22 "Who hath sealed us, and given the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee"

Ephesians 1:13 "After you heard the word of truth...you were marked in it with a seal, the Holy Spirit of promise"

2 Corinthians 5:5 "Now it is God who has prepared us for this, and who gave us the Spirit as a guarantee."

 

Aspect	Spiritual Anointing	Spiritual Sealing	Spiritual Pledge
Definition	The Holy Spirit's operation and teaching in believers' lives, enabling them to understand truth and receive power	The Holy Spirit's marking of believers as belonging to God, confirming their salvation status	The Holy Spirit's indwelling as a down payment and guarantee of future inheritance
Core Functions	• Teaching truth • Imparting power • Guiding ministry • Renewing life	• Confirming salvation • Marking identity • Preserving believers • Witnessing sonship	• Guaranteeing salvation • Ensuring inheritance • Confirming promises • Giving hope
Time Dimension	Present Progressive	Present Perfect	Future Assurance
Key Scripture	"But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and teaches you concerning all things." (1 John 2:27)	"Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." (Eph 1:13)	"Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption." (Eph 1:14)
Overall Significance	Represents the Spirit's continuous indwelling work through teaching, guidance and renewal for growth and ministry	Establishes the believer's relationship with God, confirming salvation and marking divine ownership	Guarantees future glory and inheritance as assurance of complete redemption and hope

 

This table compares in detail the three important concepts of "blowing out", "sealing" and "pledging" in the Bible. Each concept has its own unique spiritual meaning and practical application:

 

l   "Anointing" mainly emphasizes God's work of forgiveness and cleansing

l   "Seal" focuses on God's ownership and protection of believers

l   "Pledge" refers to God's guarantee of future promises

 

Although these three concepts are different, they all reflect God’s complete plan of salvation for believers: from the forgiveness of sins (blotting out), to the establishment of identity (sealing), to the guarantee of future promises (pledging).

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 18 God’s Grace and the All-Inclusive Spirit