What is the Seal2

 What is the Seal?

 (2^nd Attempt)

So, what is the seal? This phrase (“what is the seal”) appears five times in all of the Shepherd’s Rod message. Who better to explain what It actually is than the one responsible for proclaiming “the sealing message,” the messenger himself Victor T. Houteff in the Spirit and Power of Elijah.

I’m not here to overturn what is written, neither to add nor to take away from the message but rather to magnify more clearly what is already written on the subject. We may have covered this area of the message many times over but not in such a detained way. We will challenge each of our points of view and push ourselves to validate rather than making the usual assertions based on a previous common understanding never having been taken to task to prove them. I hope in the process we will have a greater appreciation.

At this time I would also like to bring to all of our conscious attention openly so that we can take a few deep breathes and go over these points in a calm and deep blessed assurance that Jesus is ours and His Holy Spirit is claimed by us to lead us into all truth. “No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation.”—CW:35.2

     “Our people individually must understand Bible truth more thoroughly, for they certainly will be called before councils; they will be criticised by keen and critical minds. It is one thing to give assent to the truth, and another thing, through close examination as Bible students, to know what is truth.”—1888:39.2

By way of observation based on our several word exchanges during our worship and without pointing fingers at anyone I want you all to know that when we focus and “isolate” on any one particular idea, concept, or truth that my aim is not to dissect or divide it away from the context or the harmonious usage given to it by the prophet. But rather to carry it and let it have its proper weight for what it is saying before closely relating it to another point where we cannot see the fine edges of the feather. Yes, “each component part of the entire symbolism dovetails” but as they do each “feather” has two sides that make up the whole. To isolate one of the feathers should not be equated with being divisive and destructive.

We want to arrive at every point of truth where we can discuss this multifaceted, factual, prophetic event with zero ambiguity, no clouds nor room for itching theories that have the potential to create violence within the message itself. I do not wish to be outstanding nor did I actively seek out to see what I see before the time is necessary. But I was pushed ahead onto this “operating table” because of the controversy over whether the Harvest of Matt. 13 has indeed begun since 1929; that the Investigative Judgment of the Living is already on the way since 1929.

We are going to examine “What is the seal,” “the sealing” and that portion which deals with “settling into truth” and how does it relate to the actual “mark.” Are these interchangeable? Are they one and the same thing? So without further ado let’s jump right into it.

What is the Seal?

The first time this phrase, “What is the Seal,” appeared in the Rod was in 1941 in the July-December Symbolic Code issue Vol. 7 Nos. 7-12. This Code was specifically published with the intent to liberally flow beyond the then current believers of the Rod’s message. It was intended for “every one grass in the field.” Thus the reason I believe it was called “Code to the Laodiceans.” This is also the first of two occasions an entire Code was specifically subtitled and aimed at reaching a wider audience than the usual supporters. The Rod however is no stranger to the term seal for it is the sole reason and purpose for which the message of Elijah is published.

Before we get into “what is the seal” let’s define the word seal. We want to be on the same page attempting to see eye to eye.

This definition is coming from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary.

Seal, (noun)

4.  Any act of confirmation.

5.  That which confirms, ratifies or makes stable; assurance. 2 Timothy 2:9.

6.  That which effectually shuts, confines or secures; that which makes fast. Revelation 20:3.

Seal, (verb)

1.  To fasten with a seal; to attach together with a wafer or with wax; as, to seal a letter.

2.  To set or affix a seal as a mark of authenticity; as, to seal a deed. Hence,

3.  To confirm; to ratify; to establish.

     And with my hand I seal our true hearts' love. Shak.

    When therefore I hace performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you in Spain. Romans 15:28.

5.  To make fast.

     So they went and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone and setting a watch.   Matthew 27:66.

8.  To mark as ones property, and secure from danger.

9.  To close; to fulfill; to complete; with up.

10.  To imprint on the; as, to seal instruction.

11.  To inclose; to hide; to conceal.

12.  To confine; to restrain.

[If none of these definitions selected to articulate the meaning in the correct context are valid please produce your strong reasons and best dictionary meaning.]

This question comes on the heels of establishing that the Law given to Moses on two tables of stones on Mt. Sinai are still in effect especially as it relates to the Seventh-day Sabbath. The question asked in 7SC7-12:20.16 is again preceded by two previous questions which relate to the Law of God. Now keep in mind whom is Bro. Houteff’s audience at this time. Is it not a “Code to the Laodiceans”? If not, produce your strong reasons. If it is say so clearly and with confidence without wavering.

Now that you are filling out the frame of the subject and understanding what is going on the next step to progress is to enter into the mind of the typical “Laodicean” who would have asked Bro. Houteff, who claimed Inspiration, What is “the seal of God”? Are not All SDAs taught in Bible prophecy that the Sabbath is “the seal of God”? Is this true? If it is say so, if not produce your strong reasons why it is not.

Listen keenly to the Question No. 244:

What is “the seal of God” upon the foreheads of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3)? Is it the Sabbath seal or some other?

Bro. Houteff’s Answer:

   “Being sealed in Christ ‘with that Holy Spirit of promise,’ after having ‘heard the word of truth’ (Eph. 1:13; 4:30), the Christian, consequently, is sealed by Present Truth.

   Hence the Sabbath, the seal of the ten-commandment law, plus the judgment of the dead, plus all kindred truths since 1844, along with all previously revealed truth, in addition now to the message of the hour, Present Truth,—all together the whole Truth,—are the seal today.”—7SC7-12:21.3, 4

Now please take special note of the distinction made between these two paragraphs and the one that follows:

   “‘The seal of the living God,’ however, by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev. 7:2), is a special seal, being the same as "the mark" of Ezekiel 9.  (See Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 267; Id., Vol. 5, p. 211.)  Demanding one's sighing and crying over the abominations not only in himself but also in the church (Ezek. 9:4), it is placed upon him just before the Lord slays the wicked in the church, so that the angels may pass over them.  It is the antitypical Passover seal—the blood on the door post today.  ‘The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel will follow, to slay utterly both old and young.’—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 505.”—7SC7-12:21.5

This here is an open and shut case. I should not need to go any further. But some, still anchored relentlessly by their former understanding, may still seek to protect an indefensible cherished view. This might be the case because you may have never been taken to task to verify every minute detail that begins to be covered in the answer. Thus the reason for the super emphasis and bolding to assist our understanding upon what the prophet has written and left for us to determine now if we have never before seen it correctly.

Again, I’m not here to argue or to change your mind but only seeking to spotlight, highlight and magnify “each component part of the entire symbolism.” In this way we are seeking to do justice to worship God not only in spirit but in ¹spirit and in ²Truth. Two separate and distinct things all together, combined with the ³worshiper making it three essential and necessary things in total for those who are counting.

Now its time to go to town with what is written here. Let’s go on a shopping spree because my Father which is in heaven owns it all and is able to give it to us if we are meek and lowly of heart. Because “the spirit in which you come to the investigation of the Scriptures will determine the character of the assistant at your side. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. But if the Bible is opened with irreverence, with a feeling of self-sufficiency, if the heart is filled with prejudice, Satan is beside you, and he will set the plain statements of God's word in a perverted light.”—TM:108.1

What is the Seal today? The prophet says: “The Sabbath…plus the JOD, plus all kindred truths since 1844, along with all previously revealed truth, in addition now to the message of the hour, Present Truth,—all together the whole Truth,—are the seal today.”—7SC7-12:21.4

If this was all that the seal is upon the foreheads of the 144,000 then nothing else would be necessary to have been written. But as witnesses of the truth and what is written you can visibly see that this is not the case and we need not shy away into a nebulous cloud of uncertainty. What we need here is High Definition so that we can speak authoritatively, justifiably repeating the words of the prophet, understandingly in their context.

Again, if all of 7SC7-12:21.4 is the seal described then pray tell what is the need of the angel with the writer’s ink horn afterwards to place or affix anything else upon what is already there?

The prophet continues and I quote the proceeding paragraph.

   “‘The seal of the living God,’ however, by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev. 7:2), is a special seal, being the same as "the mark" of Ezekiel 9.”—7SC7-12:21.5

What does this sentence mean? Is it one and the same thing as the preceding two paragraphs indicate? It could not be. Why not? You may ask. Because what makes up all together the whole Truth, the Seal today is not the same as the mark. “A” special seal is not the same as “the” seal today. Grammatically they could not be referring to one and the same thing. The word ‘however’ is also being used in the sentence. Please do not make me look up the word ‘however.’ You know it cannot be referring to the same thing thus the use and the meaning of the word ‘however.’

Now the prophet directs you to visit three inspired references to solidify what he just finished making a distinction between two things. Which two things? “…Present Truth,—all together the whole Truth,—are the seal today” AND “‘The seal of the living God,’…by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev. 7:2), is a special seal.”

     “Those that overcome…will be the favored ones who shall receive the seal of the living God.…Only those who, in their attitude before God, are filling the position of those who are repenting and confessing their sins in the great anti-typical day of atonement, will be recognized and marked as worthy of God's protection.…
     This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision.”—TM:445.1, 2

“…No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God's sealing approval.…Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those ‘that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done’ in the church.
     But the general slaughter of all those who do not thus see the wide contrast between sin and righteousness, and do not feel as those do who ¹stand in the counsel of God and receive ²the mark, is described in the order to the five men with slaughter weapons…”—3T:267.1, 2

    “The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands…”—5T:211.1

To save time and space the most important parts are excerpt of all three references as they relate to the fine analysis we are conducting over what VTH has written in comparison to EGW to come and make a determination if all the truths comprise the seal or is it more than “Present Truth.” Here we see what happens after an SDA believer has settled into truth by their respective sealing message for their day. When we become settled into any sealing truth for the hour this is what “seals” us technically for life eternal and commends us for the special resurrection. But it is God who comes and affirms what is already there at a particular prophetic point in time that affords His approval and His divine protection over the 144,000 because the time for “the end of the wicked” [15Tr:89.2; 2Ans:37.2] has come, first in His church.

You will be surprised to know that the phrase “settling into truth” is not utilized once in the Shepherd’s Rod message. Are we capable “prophets” then to impose this idea over and against which the prophet (VTH) did not apply nor blend together what he clearly makes a distinction between two separate things? This means that although it is understood what and how the SOP uses it Bro. Houteff does not employ this language to explain what is specifically being placed upon the foreheads of the actual, every living member of the 144,000. So while 4BC:1161.6 is a valid understanding in its proper context it is never utilized in the Shepherd’s Rod message as far as answering the same question No. 244 in 7SC7-12:21.2 which is also asked in 4BC:1161.5. Therefore, these two concepts are not one and the same thing in the same context. Clearly they are distinguishable if you want to see and acknowledge the difference.

So I beg of all of my brethren not to add to nor diminish from what is contained in the Golden Bowl, that which the Rod by the Prophet did or did not do. No longer combine what the prophet did not combine. And that which VTH distinguishes through the leading of the Holy Spirit we too must also distinguish.

The first time this phrase was published was in July-December, 1941 in 7SC7-12. The second time this phrase is discussed is in The Answerer, Book 2 published in June, 1944.

In the Answerer, book 2 I find the prophet less explicit in the first two paragraphs. However, the thought remains unchanged and everything I have written regarding 7SC7-12:21.2-5 is still applicable with the additional orientation that once again supports the difference between those who died believing this SRod message and those who will never taste death. See for yourself. I supply it here with this document for your convenience.

   “So, the former seal enables the receiver to rise from the dead in the resurrection of the just, while the latter seal enables the sighing-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God.”—2Ans:32.3

For all of those die-hards still holding on to their former understanding, which by now can be demoted to a theory (based on the clear cut evidences presented herein), If what is contained in this document is not convincing enough then I will need to continue in a separate part building upon the prophets writings and his explanations with the questions that follow in The Answerer, book 2 that do not appear anywhere else. But know of a surety that we will not be applying shady, ambiguous definitions and foreign applications the prophet never made or intended. We will be solidly building on what has been demonstrated here. If what is contained herein is not solid enough then you are under a divine obligation to come forward and produce your strong reasons and evidences. You need to show what has been stated here is not true and does not harmonize with the whole tenor of the Rod.

Take your best shot. There is still more evidences where this came from, saving the best for last. But I’m confident that with the aid of the Holy Spirit and the reverential approach to this study it will not need to come to that.

Oh well…let’s just add two more nails to this coffin and add the R.I.P. wreath to this theory.

1.      How many angel’s came from heaven, when did they all come together, before or after JOD?
(Eze. 9:1-4)

2.      How many years passed between the blood on the doorpost and the destruction of Angel in Egypt? (Ex. 12:1-13)

     “We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.”—CW:37.1

Eze. 20:37, 38—“And I will cause you to pass under the rod, AND I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:

 38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.”

Written By: Neftalí Garay  [ 02/15/18 ]