Who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

 A pledge (engagement ring):

 

2 Corinthians 1:22

22     who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

     

Ephesians 1:13-14

13     In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

     14     who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

     

 

            First we heard the Word about our need for salvation. This brought about a belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. After we believed in Jesus, the Father Himself sealed us with the Holy Spirit. The Greek denotes that He took a special interest in this sealing. It wasn’t just some rubber-stamping. The Holy Spirit was given as God’s pledge that He would fully redeem us. This was just the down payment. In Modern Greek, the word translated pledge is used for an engagement ring. The Holy Spirit is God’s engagement ring to us! If He is the engagement ring, what will the wedding band be?

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "I have promised you many things. As a token of My pledge, I have given you My Spirit. I have sealed you with My signet ring through His indwelling you. You are My own special prize, and I long to visit with you. Do not take it lightly that I have done this. I have sealed you not only to protect you but also to stake My claim to you. When anyone sees My seal, he knows that you are Mine and that no one should attempt to harm you.”

 

            53. The Holy Spirit of promise was given in my heart as an engagement ring. The Father, Himself, took a special interest in sealing me as His special possession!