Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes of the Holy Spirit: Earnest

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In the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is often depicted through various symbols and similitudes that convey His nature and work in the life of believers. One such symbol is the "earnest," a term that signifies a pledge or guarantee of what is to come. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the believer's life as a foretaste and assurance of eternal inheritance.

The term "earnest" is derived from the Greek word "arrabōn," which refers to a deposit or down payment that secures a future transaction. In the context of the Holy Spirit, it signifies the assurance of the believer's future redemption and inheritance in Christ. The Apostle Paul uses this term in his epistles to the Corinthians and Ephesians, highlighting the Holy Spirit's role as a guarantee of the promises of God.

In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 , Paul writes, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." Here, the Holy Spirit is described as a seal and a pledge, emphasizing the security and certainty of the believer's salvation and future glory. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart is a divine assurance that God will fulfill His promises.

Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 5:5 , Paul states, "And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come." This passage underscores the Holy Spirit's role as a preparatory gift, equipping believers for their eternal destiny. The Spirit's indwelling presence is a constant reminder of the hope and glory that await those who are in Christ.

Ephesians 1:13-14 further elaborates on this theme: "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." The Holy Spirit is depicted as both a seal and a pledge, affirming the believer's identity in Christ and guaranteeing their future inheritance. This passage highlights the Trinitarian work of salvation, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit collaborate to secure the believer's eternal destiny.

The concept of the Holy Spirit as an earnest is deeply significant for the believer's spiritual life. It provides assurance and confidence in the promises of God, fostering a sense of security and hope. The earnest of the Spirit is a reminder that the current experience of God's presence is only a foretaste of the fullness of joy and communion that will be realized in the age to come.

In summary, the symbol of the Holy Spirit as an earnest encapsulates the assurance and guarantee of the believer's future inheritance in Christ. Through the indwelling presence of the Spirit, believers are given a foretaste of the eternal glory that awaits them, serving as a divine pledge of God's unwavering promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 1:13,14
In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
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Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption.
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2 Corinthians 1:22
Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
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Library

Of the Sacraments.
... These similitudes are applicable to the secondary reason ... is called), or resigns his
office to external symbols? ... God by invisible grace through the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

An American Reformer.
... age of thirty-four, the Holy Spirit impressed his ... great joy, that the prophetic symbols
could be ... various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc., were ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... age of thirty-four the Holy Spirit impressed his ... great joy, that the prophetic symbols
could be ... various figures, metaphors, parables, similitudes, etc., were ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm