"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who (or which) is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory."(Ephesians 1:11-14)
In the index, 'guarantee' (v.14) is noted as 'a down payment', or 'earnest'.
earnest (noun) - a portion of something, given or done in advance as pledge of the remainder; anything that gives pledge, promise, or indication of what is to follow (Webster's)
Most have purchased something with a down payment. Expensive things (cars, houses, etc.) are usually attained this way. When the buyer comes to agreement with the current owner, a down payment is made as an indicator of the ability to complete the purchasing of the item. From that point, payments are made until the redemption is complete.
Paul states that the Ephesian saints "have faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints" (v.15). They have trusted in Christ, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation; in whom having believed were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. These are blessed building blocks, yet not the completion of the work.
Paul states, "WE have obtained an inheritance, that WE who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory". YOU have received the guarantee by the Holy Spirit, the earnest, the down payment and are well positioned to obtain what Paul knows: the mystery of Christ; the fellowship of the mystery.
The guarantee empowers YOU to "run in such a way that you may obtain it". (1 Corinthians 9:24)
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