Today’s Reading, Ephesians 1-3
Focal Scripture: Ephesians 1:14 “The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.”
If you have made a big purchase you know what it means to make a down payment. It is a guarantee that you are invested in what you are about to purchase. It means you have thought through the purchase and are willing to put something you have on the line. It is a promise to purchase the item and that you will take ownership of the item at the end of the term. A down payment is a promise to fulfill the terms of an agreement.
In today’s reading Paul explains that the Holy Spirit is the down payment for a believer. Once we receive the spirit it guarantees our inheritance. What is our inheritance? To be with the Lord for all eternity. To be made new and have glorified bodies. To be away from the presence and power of sin. Our inheritance is eternal life in the presence of the Lord. It is our eternal salvation. The Lord knows who belongs to him because the Holy Spirit is given to them. Our down payment is not money but a person.
So the question must be asked for each person who claims to know the Lord. Do you have the Holy Spirit? If the answer is yes, you will receive the eternal reward already discussed. If you don’t have the spirit you will experience Gods wrath. This is why certain denominations have a serious problem when it comes to the Holy Spirit. You either have him or you don’t. There is no middle ground. His presence is confirmation we have been changed.
The Holy Spirit also helps us live the Christian life. Without him we would not be able to live a changed life. We have already discussed how the flesh is at war with the Spirit. The Bible tells us that our victory over the flesh comes from the Spirit. He changes us and makes us into something new. The Spirit is part of the trinity. It means our down payment has God residing in us, which gives us security for our present and our future.
So do you have the spirit? If you don’t, it is time to ask yourself why. He is the evidence you understand biblical salvation. The Holy Spirit gives us confidence in the work of Christ. Be encouraged today that your down payment guarantees your future. It guarantees your eternity.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Ephesians 4-6
