22. THE CHRISTIAN'S EARNEST
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Inspired writers are exceedingly intent on impressing their thoughts on others. They seize on anything that will aid them in their work. They speak of breaking up fallow ground, of sowing and reaping, of building and journeying, when by these things they can unfold or explain what they mean. Paul sees an altar inscribed "To the Unknown God". He immediately proposes to tell them of that very God. Sometimes buying and selling with their various terms and usages serve their turn. Nor do they care whether a usage or idea is heathen or Jewish, so that it is pertinent to the matter in hand. Paul often refers to racing, wrestling, and fighting to elucidate his meaning. So, also, Paul borrows a word from trade among the Phoenicians, Arrabon, to teach a very important truth.
This word Arrabon is always rendered earnest, in the sense of a pledge, a token of something yet to come. It occurs thrice in the New Testament, and only in the writings of Paul: "Now, He who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; who has also sealed us, and given us the EARNEST of the Spirit in our hearts." "Now He who has wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also has given us the EARNEST of the Spirit." "In whom also, after you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the EARNEST of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory" (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14).
In many ways does God comfort His people. Sometimes it is by sacraments, which are signs and seals of His covenant. Sometimes it is by promises and oaths, that by these two immutable things His saints might have strong consolation. Sometimes it is by tokens for good, some visible evidence of Divine regard such as is noticed in Ps. 41:11: "By this I know that You favor me." Compare Ps. 86:17. Sometimes it is by giving us an EARNEST.
But what is an earnest? Brown defines it as "Something given in hand to give assurance that what more is promised shall be given in due time. It differs from a pledge, as it is not taken back when full payment is made." Burrill says that "An earnest is part of the price paid for property or goods sold, or money given in token that a bargain is ratified, or to bind a contract; often called earnest money." It seems that the merchants of Phoenicia either first or most extensively resorted to the arrabon, the earnest. One who disregarded the solemnity or obligations of the earnest, would have been infamous.
Now the earnest God gives His people is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Sanctifier, and Guide of His redeemed people. Peace of conscience, assured to us by the Blessed Spirit of God, is a sure forerunner of life and peace beyond the grave. He who has the fruits of the Spirit, has the Spirit himself. And he who has the Spirit of God, is the temple of God, and is thus devoted, consecrated, and marked out as one belonging to the Most High. His spot is the spot of God's people. His light is not darkness. His heart is the home of all that can ennoble human character. As David's first anointing by the command of God gave a sure pledge that he should yet reign over Israel, so the anointing of the Christian by the Holy Spirit infallibly betokens his coming greatness, his everlasting bliss. The graces of God's Spirit in our hearts, infallibly assure the people of God that in due time their rest shall be glorious.
The title of believers is found in the righteousness of Christ. The faith of believers surely appropriates the merits of the Redeemer. Faith is the fruit of the Spirit, the gift of God—a gift never bestowed on any who remain in the bond of iniquity or in the gall of bitterness.
And he who has living faith, has all the other graces of the Spirit—love, hope, joy, patience, meekness, gentleness, courage, charity, brotherly kindness, and perseverance. In the new birth there are no monstrous productions. Fear without hope, or hope without fear, would present to us a very sad character. Confidence without reverence, or joy without humility, is not the type of a soul born from above.
In this way a beautiful symmetry of character is secured. The people of God are an honor to God. They adorn the doctrines of God their Savior. They are His witnesses in this wicked world. They are god-like just so far as they are godly. They know whom they have believed. They are known of God, and men take knowledge of them—that they have been with Jesus.
In due time, and by God's favor, such prove that the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. They see that nothing can harm them, because they are followers of that which is good. They know that they are of the truth, and shall assure their hearts before Him.
The admission of such into glory is indeed a great event. Yet they had a right to expect it. Having on the wedding garments, it is right that they should go into the marriage supper. They walked with God on earth—and so they walk with Him in glory!
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