Ewald Schmidt

“When you 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.” Ephesians 1:13b-14 (NIV)

How do we know if we can really trust somebody? When we do any kind of business transaction, we want to have a guarantee that the seller and the product are trustworthy. The concept of a guarantee was already found in ancient trade between the Greeks and the Phoenicians. When a customer bought something from a seller that he could not pay for immediately, it was customary to leave an object of greater worth that was kept in pawn until the money due was paid. The same word as “deposit” in this verse is also used for an engagement ring. A man promises his heart to a woman with a ring, the ring symbolises that he will keep his word.

Jesus promised in John 14:2-3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Paul also referred to our earthly life as being in a temporary shelter, but that our heavenly dwelling with God will be permanent. “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 5:5

The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that God will keep his promises. Our future is secure in God. The Holy Spirit was given to us as a deposit for this to be true.  The Holy Spirit has given us a new identity in Christ, and he guarantees our future, filling us with hope when our earthly life is difficult. He promises us that God will redeem us, and keep us forever.

How should we answer the love of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into a hopeful future while transforming our lives today? We should lead a life filled with praise!

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you are God’s guarantee that God will honour every promise in my life. Thank you that my future is secure in you. May my life be filled with praise to glorify you! Amen