THE SEAL OF GOD by J. Q. Fox

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 24, 1878

THE SEAL OF GOD.

By J. Q. Fox

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim. 2:19.

As to what constitutes the foundation of God, there seems to be little room for controversy, inasmuch as the foundation of every government is its laws, that by which its authority is shown and enforced. Hence to destroy the law of any government is to destroy its foundation—to destroy the government itself.

Ever since the fall of Satan, it has been his studied plan to overthrow the government of God. In what more effectual way could he do this than by doing away with that law which enforces God’s authority? In various ways has he attempted this.

In the minds of some, though the number of those holding this opinion is comparatively small, that law has been abolished; but this is a supposition not entertained by the apostle when he penned the language above quoted.

Another class, far more numerous, unwilling to admit this, still claim that in this law of which the psalmist says, “The law of the Lord is perfect” (Ps. 19:7), a change has been effected. This, as all must see, is essentially the same thing; for to change a perfect law, is, manifestly, to make it imperfect; and to admit this of the law of God is to yield the point; and Satan’s object, so far as such are concerned, is gained. Not content, however, with merely changing that law, and thus rendering it imperfect, Satan, seemingly to place the matter beyond all question, has attacked the fourth commandment, which alone defines the God whose authority is shown by this law, and which therefore constitutes the seal of that law.

It will not be denied that a law without a seal—a law that does not clearly define its author—is of no value. It may, however, be questioned whether the fourth commandment—the one claimed to have

been changed—does sustain this important relation to the law of God. A careful reading of the ten commandments will make this point clear to the minds of the candid, as the fourth alone plainly points to the Creator of the heavens and the earth as the author of the ten commandments, which constitute the law of God (Deut. 4:13; Ex. 24:12); whence it follows that in the minds of those who claim that this commandment has been changed, the law of God is without a seal.

Is it true that the Sabbath ever was a sign (or seal, see Rom. 4:11) between God and his people? Reference to Ex. 31:16, 17 will show this to be a fact, and further, that it will remain so forever—as long as Israel exists, which will be to all eternity; for the apostle assures us that all Israel will be saved. Rom. 11:26. By carefully reading this chapter it is easy to determine who are Israel. Compare verse 1 with Gal. 3:29. We learn from Rev. 21:12 that the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed on the gates of the city of God; and from Isaiah we learn that both Israel and the Sabbath are to exist in the new earth. Chap. 66:22, 23.

“Nevertheless [in spite of all the efforts of Satan and his agents to destroy] the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his.” How? From Rev. 14:1, we learn that they are to have his name in their foreheads, and by reference to chap. 7:2–4, we learn that this is the seal of God, the distinguishing characteristic of his people. Should the query arise in the minds of any, Is it necessary, in order that the Lord may know his people, that they be thus marked? it is perhaps sufficient to say, We have the assurance that they will be. Rev. 22:4. Chap. 3:12 asserts not only that they will bear the name of the one to whom they belong, but that the name of the city of God—their destination—will be inscribed upon them. Thus labeled, who can doubt but they will be safely delivered?

“And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” In these days it is very common to hear people say, “We have nothing to do with the law; we must believe, and trust in Christ.” To such the apostle here administers a severe rebuke. Iniquity is sin; sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4. Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, every professed follower of the meek and lowly Jesus, cease to transgress that law. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5. J. Q. Fox.