6.3.3.1 Liturgical position

Holy Sealing takes place after the absolution and prior to the Eucharistic prayer, and can be introduced by way of a musical contribution. If several acts are planned before the celebration of Holy Communion, they are to be performed in the following sequence:

• Holy Baptism with water
• adoption
• Holy Sealing
• confirmation.

6.3.3.2 Execution

Holy Sealing is dispensed exclusively by the Apostle ministry. The act is performed in front of the altar.

Address at the sealing of children

The following content is recommended:

• the gift of the Holy Spirit is dispensed, which means that the Spirit of God makes His permanent abode within the person.
• this act completes that which was begun in Holy Baptism with water: the rebirth out of water and the Spirit is now complete, and childhood in God has been bestowed.
• the child receives the prerequisite for becoming a firstling and belonging to the bride of Christ.
• the parents bear responsibility for raising their children in the New Apostolic Faith.^[59]

Address at the sealing of adults

The following content is recommended:

• the gift of the Holy Spirit is dispensed, which means that the Spirit of God makes His permanent abode within the person.
• this act completes that which was begun in Holy Baptism with water: the rebirth out of water and the Spirit is now complete, and childhood in God has been bestowed.
• the believer receives the prerequisite for becoming a firstling and belonging to the bride of Christ.
• those who have been sealed are now numbered among those whom God prepares for the return of Christ through the Apostle ministry. They are to allow themselves to be guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

Vow

As witness to the dispensation of the sacrament and the vow of faithfulness, the congregation is asked to rise. The Apostle asks the parents of the child to vow that they will raise their child in the New Apostolic faith, or in the case of adults, asks them to profess this faith and vow to follow Christ.

Holy Sealing of a child

Liturgically binding text of the question to parents where both are New Apostolic:

“Dear parents, I now ask you before God and the congregation: Is it your wish to raise your child in the New Apostolic faith, as it comes to expression in the Creed, and will you teach your child to remain faithful to the Lord and prepare for His return through word and sacrament? Then vow this with a clear yes.”

If one of the parents is not New Apostolic, this can be supplemented as follows:

“…raise your child in the New Apostolic faith and support this upbringing…”

Holy Sealing of adults

Liturgically binding text of the question:

“I now ask you before God and the congregation: Do you profess the New Apostolic faith as it comes to expression in the Creed, and do you wish to follow Jesus Christ and allow yourself to be prepared for His return through word and sacrament? Then vow this with a clear yes”.

Prayer following the vow

A prayer follows after the vow. It should contain the following elements:

• the plea for God’s blessing upon this vow.
• the plea for the triune God to bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• the plea to God the Holy Spirit to accompany those who are to be sealed and to fill them with the strength to allow the gift of the Spirit to become active.

6.3.3.3 Act of Holy Sealing

The proper dispensation of this sacrament requires the gesture of the laying on of hands as a visible sign. While laying his or her hands upon the forehead of the person being sealed, the Apostle dispenses the gift of the Holy Spirit with the following words:

“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

This can be followed by statements with the following content:

• the triune God is the one who now acts upon you.^[60]
• He loves you and has drawn you to Himself.
• God seals you for the day of the return of Christ.^[61]
• you receive the seal of God as a sign of your deliverance.
• hereby you have been called to serve at the side of Christ in the kingdom of peace.
• Jesus Christ writes your name into the Lamb’s Book of Life.^[62]
• the gift of the Holy Spirit has the following effects:
  • it establishes your childhood in God
  • it makes you an heir of eternal life and a joint heir with Christ.^[63]
  • it also gives you the prerequisite for becoming a firstling in the kingdom of God and for belonging to the bride of Christ
• it is the pledge of future glory.^[64]
• through Holy Sealing, the Spirit of God makes His permanent abode in a human being. God Himself grants him or her a share in His nature: “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“^[65]
• with this act you become fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone".^[66]
• the Holy Spirit will comfort, strengthen, and protect you.

Mandatory conclusion:

“The blessing of God accompany you. The peace of the Risen One be with you. Amen!”

6.3.3.4 Introduction of Holy Communion

After the officiant has conveyed congratulations to those who have been sealed, they return to their seats. If no other acts are planned, the congregation remains standing and the celebration of Holy Communion follows.