The Earnest of The Spirit

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 5:5

    It is our Sovereign Lord who has chosen, redeemed, and called us to glory and immortality. We can be sure of that inheritance; for God, in his unchangeable purpose, has determined to populate the new heaven and new earth with a people conformed to the image of his Son. He has provided for them a perfect righteousness and has given us his Holy Spirit as a pledge of that promise. We know that we are sinners saved by his grace, and all of us have feelings of carnality of flesh and are dissatisfied with ourselves but:

Is there not a trust, faith, and confidence in Christ?

Is there not always a rejoicing in his promises and word?

Is there not often a blessed assurance of his grace?

Is there not a love for Christ? His gospel? His people? Surely!

    There is no perfect faith here, but there is "The earnest of the Spirit."