The Seal Of Approval (The Engagement Ring)
Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Introduction:
A. Marriage in Scripture had two parts: Betrothal & Wedding
1) The Betrothal was binding!
Matthew 1:18-20 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
19 ThenJoseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
2) The Betrothal required a "dowry" from the bridegroom to the bride.
3) Isaac sent valuables with his servant who brought back Rebekah
Genesis 24:53 Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.
4) Jacob worked seven years for Rachel
Genesis 29:18 Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter."
B. Engagement, as we know it today, is from this custom.....
1) There is a pledge for marriage
2) An Engagement Ring (endowment) is given
a) The ring also has historical reference in Scripture
b) It was the "seal" of identification and authority
Esther 8:8 "You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can revoke."
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c) The Engagement Ring is placed on the Bride - not the Bridegroom
C. Jesus speaking to the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees
about why His Disciples didn't fast often, referred to the "bridegroom."
Insinuating a "betrothal" relationship between Himself and His
followers!
Matthew 9:15 (also Mark 2:19 & 20; and Luke 5:34 & 35) And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
D. Marriage (beginning with the betrothal) was a covenant:
God speaking of His covenant with Israel in Ezekiel 16:8 "When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine," says the Lord GOD.
1) Written contracts were drawn up and sealed
2) Two became one = "one flesh"
3) "one flesh" represents union and agreement, not just sexual intimacy
Amos 3:1-3 Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying:
2 "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." 3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
E. Marriage of man and woman was to fulfill that which is lacking in each
other.
1) God created Eve as a "help meet" (help suitable for) Adam BEFORE they
sinned and knew that they were naked.
2) The two became stronger as they strengthened each other
Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
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1. Christ Purchased The Seal Of Approval!
A. His Own Blood!
Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
B. It's Value? = Life
C. He, the Bridegroom, purchased it for Us, the Bride!
2. Christ Places His Seal Of Approval On All Who Will Let Him!
A. For Identification......
B. Devil, "I'm not available! I belong to Jesus Christ!"
C. Today, You can have His Seal of Approval....
3. Christ Has A Plan For Those Who Have Received The Seal Of
Approval!
A. Provision and Blessing....
Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.
B. For Authority.....
Mark 16:1718 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
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C. Heaven and Eternity
John 14:1-3
1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Do You Have The Seal Of Approval On Your Life?
Has Christ Betrothed You Unto Himself By His Blood?