204. Earnest of Inheritance
Ephesians 1:14 [Spirit of promise] is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
We have an inheritance: it is the eternal kingdom of God; 1 Peter 1:4: “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” The eternal inheritance is kept in heaven for you. It is guaranteed unto us that we will surely receive it to live in and enjoy forever.
Jesus Christ purchased this inheritance for us by His blood as our possession. We have obtained it, we have it, and we own it. But it is still awaiting redemption when it will be ours to enjoy in real life. One Day we will see what we have now by faith.
But for now, while we live in this tent, sojourning in a foreign world, we have an earnest, or guarantee, of that inheritance. That earnest is the Spirit of promise who rules within our spirit. This inheritance of eternal life is as certain and sure as death and taxes. The Christian can live in confidence and joy because we know there is another life alongside this one, and after it. We look to the things that are not seen.
This spiritual, invisible, and eternal life is the only life that is real, because it does not end in death; it does not end. Everything else that we see will pass away, with some violence, even the very physical universe. The First Creation was made very good and meant to be enjoyed forever, but Sin entered into it and destroyed it by bringing in corruption and death. But the Lord will have His way and He will accomplish His purpose, creating a people that will love Him and enjoy Him forever.How wonderful it is that we the earnest of our inheritance right now!