Earnest is a fascinating word. In Paul’s day it meant “the down payment to guarantee the final purchase of some commodity or piece of property.” Paul used the term in writing to the Ephesian Christians: “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:13-14). Even today you will hear a real estate agent talk about “earnest money.” The
Holy Spirit is God’s first installment to guarantee to His children that He will finish His work and eventually bring them to glory. The “redemption of the purchased possession” refers to the redemption of the body at the return of Christ (Romans 8:18-23; 1 John 3:1-3).

The word translated earnest also means “engagement ring.” In Greece today you would find this word being used that way. And isn’t an engagement ring an assurance—a guarantee—that the promises made will be kept? Our relationship to God through
Christ is not simply a commercial one, but also a personal experience of love. He is the Bridegroom and His church is the bride. We know that He will come and claim His bride because He has given us His promise and His Spirit as the “engagement ring.” What greater assurance could we want?

Today’s Scripture: “Having believed, you were marked in Him [Christ] 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 1:13-14, NIV).
Other Scripture: Romans 8:18-23; 1 John 3:1-3; Ephesians 1:7.

Action assignment: Share the truth of this reading with someone today. If you are a woman—and especially if you are single—you might mention that you have an “engagement ring” from God.