Signed, Sealed, Delivered
A devotional thought from Joey Jernigan for “Pentecost”
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created in 1933 by the federal government as a guarantee to insure against loss up to $2,500 dollars of a bank account’s deposits—a number that has increased over time, up to $250,000 in 2010. The guarantee of this promise is the “full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.” If the government fails to live up to its obligation, then its own faith and credit would be in jeopardy.
In an even more powerful way, the Holy Spirit acts as God’s promise to redeem everyone who believes the gospel. If the promise of salvation is not fulfilled, then the full faith and credit of God Himself is at stake. Because salvation is the gracious promise of God received through faith, God takes upon Himself the sole responsibility of carrying out His Word!
The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is one of the most beautiful gifts of Christ’s saving work. Every believer receives this gift, just as they receive forgiveness of their sins. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is evidence that you are truly a believer. Because God dwells in us, the Holy Spirit acts as the deposit, the guarantee of our final salvation.
Pause and Reflect
• If God has given His Spirit as the guarantee of His promise, how does this underscore that our salvation is completely by God’s grace?
• Why does God take upon Himself the sole responsibility of fulfilling His promise to save?