Ephesians 1:14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Which {G3739} is {G2076} the earnest {G728} of our {G2257} inheritance {G2817} until {G1519} the redemption {G629} of the purchased possession {G4047}, unto {G1519} the praise {G1868} of his {G846} glory {G1391}.

who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.

who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Commentary

Ephesians 1:14 concludes a profound declaration of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. This verse builds upon the preceding thought of being sealed with the Spirit, emphasizing His function as a divine guarantee of future blessings.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening doxology (Ephesians 1:3-14), a rich theological exposition praising God for His spiritual blessings in Christ. After detailing how believers were chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), adopted through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5), and redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7), Paul turns to the role of the Holy Spirit. Verse 13 explains that those who heard the word of truth and believed were "sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Verse 14 then elaborates on the purpose and function of this sealing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Holy Spirit as a Divine Guarantee: The central message is that the Holy Spirit is the "earnest" or down payment of our future inheritance. This provides profound assurance to believers.
  • Future Inheritance: Believers have a guaranteed inheritance in God's kingdom, a future glorification and full communion with Him that is yet to be fully realized.
  • Complete Redemption: The phrase "until the redemption of the purchased possession" points to a future event—the full and final liberation of God's people (the church) and even creation itself from the effects of sin and death. This is the ultimate fulfillment of God's salvific work, often referred to as the redemption of our body.
  • God's Ultimate Glory: The entire process, from election to final redemption, culminates "unto the praise of his glory." God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to display His magnificent attributes and receive all honor.

Linguistic Insights

The word "earnest" in Greek is arrabōn (ἀρραβών). In ancient commerce, an arrabōn was a first installment, a pledge, or a down payment that legally bound the payer to complete the full payment. It was not merely a symbol but a tangible, legally binding guarantee. This powerfully illustrates that the Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life is God's irrevocable promise and assurance that He will complete the work He began, delivering the full inheritance. Similarly, "redemption" is from apolutrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις), meaning liberation or release secured by a ransom, emphasizing the price Christ paid for our freedom.

Related Scriptures

The concept of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee is also found in other Pauline epistles. For instance, Paul states in 2 Corinthians 1:22 that God "hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." Likewise, 2 Corinthians 5:5 speaks of God giving us "the earnest of the Spirit." The inheritance itself is described in Colossians 1:12 as "the inheritance of the saints in light" and in 1 Peter 1:4 as "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you."

Practical Application

Ephesians 1:14 offers profound comfort and security to believers. Knowing that the Holy Spirit within us is God's personal guarantee of our future inheritance should instill confidence and peace, even amidst life's challenges. It assures us that our salvation is not dependent on our fluctuating performance but on God's unchanging faithfulness. This truth should lead us to live lives that reflect the glory of God, anticipating the day of our full redemption and the ultimate praise of His magnificent glory. It encourages a life of hope, gratitude, and steadfastness, knowing that the best is yet to come.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 1:22 (25 votes)

    Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:5 (25 votes)

    Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

  • Ephesians 4:30 (20 votes)

    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

  • Galatians 4:6 (15 votes)

    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

  • Romans 8:15 (15 votes)

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • Romans 8:17 (15 votes)

    ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

  • Romans 8:23 (11 votes)

    And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.