“Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession…” (Eph. 1:13-14).
Part Two
Here Paul refers to the Holy Spirit as the “earnest” of our inheritance. This word translated earnest is the Greek word arrhabon (ar-hrab-ohn’). It was the word used in business transactions to indicate a deposit or a down payment.
In biblical days, the earnest was a pledge of property or money as security to insure full payment of a loan or debt. Paul is telling us here that the Holy Spirit is God’s pledge to us of full provision of everything He has promised us. In effect, it is:
- A guarantee of His daily blessings – God did not send His Holy Spirit to us only to withdraw Him later and leave us to face life alone. The daily presence of the Spirit in our hearts is a guarantee of daily guidance, provision and blessings, as well as of future bliss.
- A first installment of future reward – Jesus comes into our hearts by the agency of the Holy Spirit. At the time of our death, this same Jesus is personally waiting to greet us and welcome us into heavenly splendor (Acts 7:56).
This reception is the second installment of God’s salvation pledge to us; the third is introduction into the royal court of the Ruler of the Universe in Whose presence we will spend eternity.
- Security deposit – The Holy Spirit in our lives is a deposit given to assure us of all the good things God has in store for us. We Christians have so much to look forward to. Receiving the Holy Spirit stimulates us to press on to perfection and to all the better things He has promised.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.