ISB ~ 2 Corinthians 1 v22

his seal:An inward stamp of divine ownership. Seals in the ancient world were often impressed in clay or wax by a king, queen, or royal official as a sign of authority, identifying the owner of property or the sender of a letter (1 Kings 21:8; Esther 8:8-10; Dan 6:17).

• Paul’s teaching points to the indelible “character” imprinted on souls who receive Baptism and Confirmation. This spiritual mark entitles t

hem to God’s grace and protection, while its permanent effect makes it impossible to receive these Sacraments of Initiation more than once (CCC 1272-74, 1296). guarantee: A commercial term for a “pledge” or “first installment” given in advance of full payment. On earth, believers share in the “first fruits” of the Spirit (Rom 8:23) as they await the full inheritance of divine life and blessing in heaven (2 Cor 5:5; Eph 1:14) (CCC 735, 1107).