anna3b
I realize that my post is a little simple compared to the others but -
On one hand puritan writings are God’s gifts to the Church and I believe they didn’t want to make the sinner feel bad, but to find assurance of faith. There are times however when I think they should be dropped down a shelf or two. Here’s one example. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/hairout.gif" alt="" />


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According to Sibbes and many other Puritans, looking at the role of the Spirit in sealing the soul of believers is very much like examining His work in personal assurance of faith and salvation. Sibbes did view sealing in the Spirit as two distinct matters, however. Sibbes distinguished between the office or function of the Spirit as a seal given in regeneration to a sinner and the work of the Spirit in applying that seal to the believer's consciousness.

In summary, Sibbes's interest in sealing was more pastoral than academic. He knew that true assurance results in an increased desire for holiness and for more intimate communion with God. Sibbes's argument was clear: when the Holy Spirit puts His holy seal on a believer, that person will bear the fruits of holiness. Sealing prompts assurance, and the more assurance we have, the more love we will feel for God and the more we will obey Him. Consequently, all Christians ought to pray for "a spirit of revelation that we may be more sealed," Sibbes said.

Richard Sibbes on Entertaining the Holy Spirit
by Rev. Joel R. Beeke

William