The message of salvation is simple. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. But the effect of salvation is that true believers stay with the Lord. “We are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them who believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39, KJV).
How do we become so anchored in Christ? What is it that enables us, upon salvation, to maintain faith in Christ for a lifetime? This mystery is made possible by three divine works that every believer experiences. “Now he which establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God,” Paul writes in his second letter to the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 1:21, KJV). “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (verse 22).
According to these two verses, God has anointed us, sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit. These divine works are an integral part of salvation. Let’s address each of them separately:
God Has Anointed Us
The word that renders “anointed” means to smear or rub with oil. It denotes consecration for service. When we accept Christ as our Savior, God sanctifies us for His use. We become vessels He works through and uses for His glory. He anoints each of us according to His purpose for our life.
God Has Sealed Us
The word that renders “sealed” used in the verse means to stamp as with a signet or private mark. In the Old Testament, the signet ring was engraved with the king’s name. The decree could not be reversed. For us, God the King has sealed us. His has put His name upon us, certifying that we are genuinely His. No one can reverse this divine decree! Jesus says no one can pluck us out of His hand.
God Has Given Us the Earnest of the Spirit
The earnest is the initial payment of a purchase. It is a token of that which is to come. Upon salvation, God gives us a token of what He has promised. This earnest is in the person of the Holy Spirit (see Eph. 1:13, 14). Through life in the Spirit, we have received a taste of heaven on earth. We are confident God will make good on the fullness of His eternal promises.
Religion vs Relationship
When we observe someone responding to the invitation to accept Christ, we may hear the person making a statement about or affirming his belief in Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross. But the salvation experience is so much more than a religious ritual. It is a life-changing experience. We are born again from above. God anoints us, seals us, and gives us the Holy Spirit, the earnest of our inheritance.
This is not empty religious talk. This threefold experience is what separates mere religion from a genuine relationship with Christ. Without these divine works, none of us can effectively live for Christ or keep the faith until the end.
Copyright © 2023 by Frank King. All rights reserved.