The Apostles' Creed - Pt. 22

 

As surely as God is faithful, hour word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:18-22 ESV).

 

When we say, with the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” we assert that the Holy Spirit is our guarantee (v. 18). “Guarantee” is a legal term more comprehensive and of higher import than either warranty or "security". It most commonly designates a private transaction by means of which one person, to obtain some trust, confidence or credit for another, engages to be answerable for him. We’re somewhat familiar with this concept, though if you are much like me, you are wary of the genuineness of the offer. When we buy electronics, cars, and many other things, they often come with a warranty. This is sort of a guarantee, a promise that the item can be repaired or replaced if it doesn’t work right. There are always certain conditions to be applied in order for these “guarantees” to actually benefit us. Thus we have come to “reading the fine print.”

 

Well, that is not what the Scripture teaches about the “guarantee” given to us for our eternal life. As our reading asserts clearly, God will keep every promise he has ever made. Most importantly, God has promised that he has forgiven our sins through his Son, Jesus. God has also promised that he hears and answers our prayers and that that he will never reject or abandon us. To prove that, He has given us His presence in the Holy Spirit. God’s children have an eternal guarantee, and it’s been purchased for us through the blood of Jesus. After ascending to heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our living guarantee. Now the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, assuring us in all circumstances that we belong to God.

 

Doubts and temptations will come. When they do, listen for the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit in your heart. The Spirit is our unshakable guarantee that God loves us. Listen and follow him.