The Earnest

           I have not inherited very many things that could be of any material value. I have two Argus C3 cameras, one of which was my Father's and a tool box in the basement that contains more tools than I will ever use mainly because I don't know how or when to use them except for the usual screwdriver of socket wrench. One tool has an interesting feature, the nose of the pliers looking device opens when you squeeze the handles instead of closing. I was told that it was for the removal of break shoe springs. You know I will never use that one. One other item is a German Bible that is from the 1800's. I probably will never read it as I don't speak German. The covers were made of wood and covered with leather. It contained the usual amount of pressed flowers from funerals, a “rest in peace” ribbon from a casket, some obituary notices and a lock of reddish blond hair that was not described as to who the owner was. That is pretty much the complete list of things that I have inherited. Fortunately, the best is yet to come. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: 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.”       

        In this passage, the Apostle Paul speaks about our inheritance. One of things that stand out is that a guarantee has been issued that you will receive this inheritance. The passage remarks about the fact that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise and that it is what is called an “earnest” of that fact. The word that is used for “earnest” is one that can also denote a pledge such as an engagement ring. It is a promise of something that is to come. I learned of this fact once I purchased my first house in Alexandria, Virginia. I had to put up a “pledge” or “earnest” of a certain amount of money that I would lose if I backed out of the deal. It was a considerable amount that I could not afford to just throw away, so it showed that my intent was to purchase the home. Two fact are astounding. The Earnest in this example is the Holy Spirit Himself. How great is that! The second if, if the Holy Spirit is the Earnest, how great is the inheritance itself. Now, I ask you, “What will you inherit once you leave this earth?” All you have to do is read the final chapters of the book of Revelation. In that passage, you will learn about what is going to be in heaven and what is not going to be in heaven. Jesus Himself also remarked in John 14:1-6 that, He is making a place for each and every believer, a dwelling place, that will far outshine any setting that you have seen on this earth or will ever see in all the ages to come. You will have for the first time perfect vision and perfect hearing in your new body. Most of all, you will be in the presence of the Savior Himself for all eternity. All of this is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit Who is the Earnest of our inheritance. Do you need anything else to praise God for today? Praise Him for the inheritance that is to come and the indwelling Holy Spirit.