Earnest: The Spirit is the earnest of the believer's destined inheritance
(2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14) The word thus rendered is the same as that
rendered "pledge" in
(Genesis 38:17-20) "indeed, the Hebrew word has
simply passed into the Greek and Latin languages, probably through
commercial dealings with the Phoenicians, the great trading people of
ancient days. Originally it meant no more than a pledge; but in
common usage it came to denote that particular kind of pledge which
is a part of the full price of an article paid in advance; and as it
is joined with the figure of a seal when applied to the Spirit, it
seems to be used by Paul in this specific sense." The Spirit's
gracious presence and working in believers is a foretaste to them of
the blessedness of heaven. God is graciously pleased to give not only
pledges but foretastes of future blessedness.
