The moment that we accept Christ as our Savior, a deposit is made on our behalf. This deposit is priceless and good for a lifetime —for those who so desire it. It is a deposit that keeps on growing, and brings great dividends. The deposit we are referring to is the Holy Spirit, given in full measure at the time of our conversion and subsequent baptism.
There are many Christians who struggle with the fear of losing their salvation. I know this to be the case—for I used to be one of them. We buy into the lies of the enemy—especially when we sin—that we have gone too far from God's reach, that we are lost, and that we have lost our inheritance in God's kingdom. All of these are demonic suggestions, and couldn't be farther from the truth; God is just a prayer away, always lovingly convicting us of our sins, and offering us the solution: Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.
The only way to lose our salvation would be to continually reject God's Holy Spirit, or to completely disregard God's will for our lives —as found in the Bible. Otherwise, as our verse clearly expresses, having the Holy Spirit guarantees that we will receive our inheritance at the time of our redemption.
In another of his letter the apostle Paul wrote: "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). It is at this precise moment (Jesus' second coming) that His followers will receive the promised inheritance, and an ultimate makeover that will not fade away.
Therefore, how can we make sure the Holy Spirit dwells is us each day, and that we remain as God's special possession? —The key is found in the clothes we wear. In the letter of Paul to the Romans, the apostle tells us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh..." (13:14a). The same way that we clothe ourselves at the beginning of each day, we must also clothe ourselves with Christ and His Spirit. This can only be accomplished as we surrender to Christ daily, crucifying self (Galatians 2:20), and keeping heaven's prayer hotline open and constant (Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:23) at all times.
We have been given a deposit, but soon we will receive the full amount. In the mean time, let us not lose heart nor doubt His promises. Instead, let us praise God for His providence and the guarantee that soon we will be reunited.
Your friend,
Abner E. Aguilar
Prayer: Most loving Father, I thank you for making a deposit in my name in the person of the Holy Spirit. Allow me to believe in your promises, and the fact that I am part of your special possession. Let my life bring praise and honor to your name. In the name of Christ, I pray —amen.
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