Guarantee

18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

When we buy electronics, cars, and many other things, they often come with a warranty. This is sort of a guarantee, a promise that the item can be repaired or replaced if it doesn’t work right.

When we say, with the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” we assert that the Holy Spirit is our guarantee.

The Bible declares that God will keep every promise he has ever made. Most importantly, God has promised that he has forgiven our sins through his Son, Jesus. God has also promised that he hears and answers our prayers and that that he will never reject or abandon us.

These are wonderful promises. Yet we can sometimes have doubts. Do you ever doubt what the Bible teaches? Do you ever wonder if you’re real­ly saved? Do you wonder if God really hears and answers your prayers?

God’s children have an eternal guarantee, and it’s been purchased for us through the blood of Jesus. After ascending to heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our living guarantee. Now the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, assuring us in all circumstances that we belong to God.

Doubts and temptations will come. When they do, listen for the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit in your heart. The Spirit is our unshakable guarantee that God loves us. Listen and follow him.

Holy Spirit, thank you for living in our hearts. Assure us of God’s love, and lead us in following and serving Jesus. Amen.