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| The Holy Spirit is God’s deposit of guarantee to you |
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Rev. Samuel M. Boodle
Published: Jul 19, 2012
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of His glory. — Ephesians 1:11-14.
You have a great future, which is in Christ. Many of you plan for a different future through the various plans that financial planners offer you. Your plans for the future may include life insurance, stock portfolios, pension plans, real estate holdings etc. These are good because they come in handy when you are too old and not able to work or able to generate an income. However, a volatile economy, or questionable investment practices can cause your investments to evaporate. Unfortunately, your financial planners cannot provide you with a guarantee that your investments will be there when you need them. The cross of Jesus Christ is the best investment plan you can make. Trust in God for your future. While there is no guarantee that you or your family will be around to enjoy the benefits of your investments, I can guarantee you that you will need God’s future plan in Christ Jesus. God’s plan for all members of the human race to be with Him in heaven was made before the foundation of the world. That plan is referred to as our election. There are those who will tell you that in God’s plan of election, some are predestined to go to heaven while others are predestined to go to hell. That is a misconstruction. God’s plan is that all human beings end up in heaven. That is why He sent Jesus Christ to die for the sins of all humans. In Christ Jesus, we all become a part of the family of God. Hell was made for the devil and his angels, not mankind. The devil and his angels cannot be redeemed. Many people get extremely comfortable in this world and carry on as if it is their destination. We are all travelers journeying through this life. Our ticket does not say destination earth. We are like passengers waiting to transit to our destination. The psalmist says we are like new grass that springs up in the morning but by evening is dry and withered. He writes, “The length of our days is 70 years — or 80, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Ps. 90:10). Brothers and sisters don’t get too comfortable down here. Heaven is your home. You were marked in him with a seal. You are all aware of the importance of a seal. Whether it is on a legal document, or on a container of food, or medication, it is imperative. A seal is used to provide protection. Nonetheless, constantly you become aware of lawyers trying to dance around documents which are protected by a seal. Food and medication are sealed to protect the consumer, yet criminals raise them and contaminate the contents. In contrast, the seal of God protects you. God’s plan is fool proof. No one in the earth, under or above the earth can tamper with God’s seal. No lawyer can find a way to get around it. No devil or demon can deprive you of God’s blessings. Your seal from God is for all eternity. The Holy Spirit is God’s deposit of guarantee to you. He will keep you safe until the Lord calls you home to your resting place, your destination. Amen.
• Rev. Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas, or telephone: 323-4107; E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com, Website: www.Nassaulutheranchurch.org. |
