The Guarantee of Eternal Life Through Christ
The Bible describes the Holy Spirit's residence within a believer as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance – His presence is the promise of what is yet to come (2 Cor 1:22, 5:5; Eph 1:14).
The Guarantee of Eternal Life
Eternity in heaven is secure if we continue to walk with Christ (Act 14:22; Jas 1:12; 1 Jn 2:24-25). The Bible makes a clear distinction
between those who have eternal life and those who do not: "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have
life" (1 Jn 5:12). It is those who accept Jesus' sacrifice as the payment for their sins, who believe in His resurrection and intentionally
follow Him who will be in heaven (Jn 1:12, 3:18).
The Holy Spirit is a down payment of what is to come
Being a Christian is no guarantee of freedom from problems, trials, or sickness in this world though we can live secure in the knowledge of His sovereign hand on our lives at all times. We can claim healing and His provision, confident that "All things work together for our good" with the purpose of "conforming us to the image of Christ" (Rom 8:28-29).
God's Faithful Promises
The promises and blessings in God's Word are guaranteed provided we do not break our agreement with Him. If we fail to honour our part of
the deal God is not obligated to keep His and so the promises no longer apply, and might even be used against us in judgement because we
have known the right way and yet rebelled against them (Rom 1:18-32, 2:5-8; Jas 4:17).
He keeps His word, do I keep mine?
"God is not a man that he should lie...does He promise and not fulfill?" (Num 23:19; 2 Pet 3:9). "Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave" (1 Kgs 8:56). It is sure to happen – 100% definite!
Trusting God's Perspective
God's over-arching perspective is vastly superior to our limited and distorted view. David couldn't comprehend the fact that people who do evil and do not love God appear to get away with it, until he considered their end (Ps 73:17). Bad things happen to good people too, as Job's story bears out, yet things turned out well for him in the end (Job 1:8-2:10, 42:10-16).
Many people, from biblical times to the present, have not been rescued from persecution but died as martyrs because of their faith in Christ but "Blessed is the man who perseveres for he will receive the Crown of life" (Heb 11:35-40; Jas 1:12). We can confidently be assured of God's promises to be with us always, forgiveness when we truly repent and His continual love – no matter what we do – as this is His nature (Mt 28:20; 1 Jn 1:9, 4:8,16).
The Bible warns against being a guarantee for another person's debt (Prov 22:26-27).
Reflection and Application:
- Am I walking with Christ daily, knowing the Holy Spirit guarantees my inheritance?
- Do I trust God's perspective when circumstances seem unfair or confusing?
- Am I keeping my part of the covenant with God, or have I broken it?
- How can I live in the assurance of His promises despite trials?