The Earnest Deposit

"Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." (II Cor. 1:21,22 -- KJV)

The word "earnest" is known in real estate transactions. People, when they contract to buy real estate, will give the seller a downpayment, or "earnest money," a deposit. Thus the NIV translates the verse as - "He...set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

A deposit or earnest is a kind of guarantee, on the part of the buyer, that he will faithfully perform his promises made to the seller, to fully purchase the property. The earnest is a partial payment and shows "good faith." The giving and receiving of the "earnest money" is that which "seals the deal." The seller now has reason to be confident in the promises of the buyer, and in the strength of the contract.

The gift of the Holy Spirit, together with his graces, constitute this heavenly "earnest." Christians have been given the downpayment of a future possession. They have now a "partial payment"; how exciting it is to know that they have a deal! They have the escrow as proof!

Wrote Paul:

"...in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Eph. 1: 13,14 KJV)

"Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory." (Eph. 1: 13,14 NIV)

Both translations are given again in order that it might be clearly understood what the apostle is discussing and alleging. Again, Christians, those who have believed the gospel and trusted in Christ, are such who have been promised an eternal inheritance, a heavenly city and property, "everlasting habitations" (Luke 16:9), everlasting possessions.

The presence "in hand" of this earnest deposit, together with a knowledge of the one who is making the promises, brings great joy and assurance to the believer in Jesus. We have a signed, sealed and delivered contract and it is guaranteed both by the promise and the security pledged by the Lord. The earnest is the Lord's "pledge-penny," and we are therefore confident of our future prospects. So Paul wrote again:

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 1:6 NIV)

The presence of the Holy Spirit of God! Precious deposit! The gifts! What an earnest! Faith, love, joy, peace, assurance!

Friend, have you "closed" with Christ? Have you made covenant with God in Christ? Do you have the "earnest" of a glorious future inheritance?