The word that we translate with “guarantee” is the Greek word arrabon. It is a very interesting word that can be translated in different ways to give us insight into the power of God’s promise to us. We read about this promise yesterday, but we will explore the idea further in today’s devotion.

 

In the days of the Bible, it was the custom to pay a first instalment or arrabon. We can, in a sense, compare it with what we today would call a deposit on something that we want to buy.

 

The biggest difference between arrabon and a modern-day deposit is that in modern times, you may decide not to make the purchase. In such an instance, you can lose your deposit or, in some circumstances, even get it back. In biblical times, you were legally bound to eventually pay the full amount. The arrabon was a guarantee to the seller that you will, without fail, pay the outstanding amount. Interestingly, the word in modern Greek is also used for an engagement ring.

 

In this sense, the Holy Spirit is seen as the first instalment that is given to us by God as a guarantee that he will fulfil his promise. What the full promise entails, we can read about in Ephesians 1:13, where Paul tells us that through Christ, we became members of God’s people. By his sacrifice on the cross, he bought eternal life for us. When we receive the Holy Spirit as the first instalment, we know that God will never revoke his promise or guarantee. We never have to be afraid that we will not receive the final instalment – eternal life with God. As Ephesians 1:14 tells us, it is guaranteed by no less a person than the Spirit of God himself.

 

Prayer: Lord, we praise and worship you for the deposit that has been paid on the cross, and that we can now look forward to the final instalment when we will share eternal life with you. Amen