The Epistle of Second Corinthians
Lesson Number 7
TRANSLATION LEGEND: ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949), DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), KJV=King James Version (1611), NKJV=New King James Version (1982), NAB=New American Bible, NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New American Standard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=New International Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible, NLT=New Living Translation, NRSV=New Revised Standard Version (1989), RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj (1985), Webster=The Webster Bible 1833, YLT=Young’s Literal Translation (1862).
LEXICON LEGEND: FRIEBERG=Friberg Lexicon, UBS=UBS Lexicon, LOUW-NIDA=Louw-Nida Lexicon, LIDDELL SCOTT=Liddell Scott Lexicon, THAYER=Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
HELPERS OF YOUR JOY
“ 1:21 Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” KJV (2 Cor 1:21-24)
INTRODUCTION
The Epistles were letters 1 to the churches (Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi. Colossae, Thessalonica), 2 clusters of brethren (“strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” – First Peter; the scattered twelve tribes – James; the seven churches of Asia – Revelation), 3 all who have obtained like precious faith (Second Peter), 4 all who are sanctified (Jude), or 5 specific brethren in Christ Timothy, Titus, Philemon, the elect lady (Second John), Gaius (Third John).
These Epistles assist us in identifying the nature of spiritual life. In them we find matters that drive a wedge between men and God – issues that must be resolved. The proper focus of spiritual life is also declared. Exhortations and admonitions are given to stimulate the saints to avail themselves of the benefits of the New Covenant, and avoid the various ensnarements that lurk in the dark place of this present evil world.
The Epistles identify both areas of vulnerability and of advantage, of good and of evil. They commend what is good and condemn what is evil. They also provide a proper assessment of the various churches.
All of this might seem quite apparent – and, indeed, on a scholastic level, it is very evident. However, the power of spiritual life is not found on the scholastic or pedant level. If you are familiar with the general content of the Epistles – which are addressed to believers, or those who are in Christ – you know they are in sharp conflict with the thrust of most of Christendom. The things that are held in high regard by the “growing church” are not even mentioned in God’s word to the churches – what the Spirit is saying “to the churches” (Rev 2:7, 11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). Ponder what is NOT mentioned in the Epistles.
CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT
☛ Reference to the size of any of the churches.
☛ Reference to the “church staff.”
☛ Any reference to the involvement of the churches in the community in which they were found.
☛ Reference to the property held by the church.
☛ Any reference to specialized “ministries” of the church.
☛ Reference to the church’s involvement governmental affairs.
☛ Any reference to the facilities of any of the churches.
☛ Reference to any special literature used by any of the churches.
☛ The mention of any special programs for youth, seniors, etc.
☛ Reference to any special outreach programs.
More could be added to this list. However, this will suffice for the point I wish to make. I am by no means suggesting that any of these things are unlawful or to be criticized. Rather, I want to point out that these are generally the sole means through which modern churches are evaluated, commended, or criticized. If you were to remove these things from your consideration of the average church, what would be left to say? Those of us who have been around for a while find this to be a most arresting consideration.
Ponder what IS said of the churches in the Scripture.
CONSISTENT REFERENCES
☛ Who we are in Christ Jesus (the called of Jesus Christ, beloved of God, saints, heirs, joint heirs, sanctified in Christ, partakers of the heavenly calling, brethren, fellow citizens, etc.).
☛ General Kingdom responsibilities (put off the old man, put on the new man, run the race with patience, fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, make your calling and election sure, walk as dear children, quench not the spirit, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ etc.).
☛ What God has done (delivered us from the power of darkness, translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son, called us to glory and virtue, accepted us in Christ, made Christ to be sin for us, called us to peace, called us to holiness, etc.).
☛ What Jesus has done for us (redeemed us from the curse of the Law, made us free, given us an understanding, made peace, washed us from our sins, is interceding for us, is mediating the New covenant, is shepherding the sheep, etc.).
☛ The Ministry of Holy Spirit (the earnest of our inheritance, strengthens the inner man, leads us in the crucifixion of the flesh, causes us to abound in hope, produces fruit within us, brings joy, intercedes for us, etc.).
☛ Pivotal considerations (the coming of the Lord, the passing of this world, the day of judgment, the inheritance reserved for us, reaping what we sow, obtaining a reward, the earnest of our inheritance, etc.).
The point is that there is certain thrust in the words that are spoken to the churches.
AN OBVIOUS THRUST
☛ It comes across that provision has been made for believers to ready themselves for the coming of the Lord, the obtaining of the inheritance, and the receiving of rewards.
☛ In view of this, sin is totally unacceptable, and must be dealt with to the glory of God.
☛ Salvation makes no provision for a lack of involvement on the part of the ones being saved.
☛ Divine provisions are to be received and maintained.
☛ Gifts have been given to the church that are designed to implement the purposes of God.
PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS
Whatever interferes with the development of these things is to be cast out of the church. Individuals are to wage war against such intrusions. Whatever assists in the maturation of these things is to be received and cultured.
WHY SAY THESE THINGS?
Why is it necessary to say these things? They are very obvious to the intellect. However, you will be hard pressed to find a group of people having an emphasis that remotely resembles these thrusts. Churches that accentuate such things are not generally held out as noble examples of success.
The text before us will, speak of things that are relatively unknown in the average church. It will address the following matters:
☛ Spiritual establishment – “He which establisheth us with you in Christ.”
☛ Anointing – “He . . . hath anointed us.”
☛ Sealing – “Who also hath sealed us.”
☛ The earnest of the Spirit – “Who hath . . . given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
☛ Helping our joy – “Not that we would have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy.”
☛ Standing by faith – “for by faith ye stand.”
All of these have relevancy within the context of Divine purpose. None of them have relevancy in an institutional environment. Men cannot capitalize on any of them, nor can any of them accrue to the glory of man or the implementation of purely human objectives. Yet all of them are essential to being saved.
☛ Who can conceive of a salvation that does not provide for establishment in a temporal and erratic world?
☛ Of what value is a salvation that does not include the favor of God that is evident in His anointing?
☛ Who is there among us who would desire a salvation that did not include a down payment of the inheritance to which we have been called?
☛ Is there a person who does not see the need for our joy being helped – since it is our “strength” (Neh 8:10)?
☛ Is there an insightful person who does not see the need for standing firm, and not being moved away from the hope of the Gospel?
Yet, there are a significant number of assemblies who never hear so much as a syllable concerning these Kingdom realities! There are some who would charge you with being sectarian if you suggested there was an anointing to be had from God, or that the Holy Spirit is given to us as a pledge of the glory to come.
AN ESSENTIALITY
I want to impress upon you that we are speaking of something that God is doing through Jesus Christ – establishing us! It is God who has “sealed” us, and “given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” It is God who enabled Paul to be a helper of the joy of His people. It is God who has determined that we will stand by faith.
It is essential that those who come in His name join with Him in this work. If we are, in fact, “laborers together with God” (1 Cor 3:9), we cannot afford to be at variance with Him in His revealed agenda. Let it be clear in your mind, if what we are doing is not in strict harmony with what God is said to be doing, our labor is in vain. Not only that, we will be judged for daring to have adopted an agenda that He has neither revealed nor approved. God has revealed what He is doing in Jesus Christ, and it is to be taken seriously. His objective is not simply to turn people from darkness, but to turn them to the light. It is not only to deliver them from the power of Satan, but to turn them to God. His purpose is not only for them to obtain the forgiveness of sins, but to also secure the inheritance that is reserved for those who are sanctified by faith (Acts 26:18).
I say these things because of their absolute importance. There is not the slightest indication that God has ever given gifts to the church that specialize in a part of what he is doing, to the neglect of other parts. For example, there were no Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers, who turned people from darkness, but left it to others to turn them to the light. No spiritual endowment is calculated to turn people from the power of Satan, leaving it to someone else to turn them to God. No ordained office brings people to the point where they can receive remission of sins, but fails to enable them to obtain the inheritance.
While this may sound a bit radical, the very text with which we are dealing confirms this is the case. The same Apostle who turned them from darkness, exercised himself to turn them to the light.
☛ This is why, after they had turned the Gentiles to the Lord, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do” (Acts 15:36).
☛ It is why Paul, after leaving Ephesus, “went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23).
☛ This is also a work in which Barnabas engaged: “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22).
☛ Judas and Silas did the same: “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them” (Acts 15:32).
☛ Paul and Silas also engaged in this work: “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them” (Acts 15:32).
This is what the Epistles are all about: strengthening, confirming, establishing, and edifying. This is what Jesus means when He said to Peter, “Feed My lambs . . . Feed My sheep . . . Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17). It is why Jesus, after sending His disciples to “preach the Gospel to every creature,” said, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:20). When Jesus “gave gifts unto men” (apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors/teachers), they were all given “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph 4:16).
It simply is not acceptable that the modern church has not done well in this area. Stable and consistent believers are the exception, and rarely, if ever, the rule. The remarkable success of false teachers, erroneous emphases, and institutional gurus, confirm this to be the case. But God will have none of this miserable failure. He has said too much on the subject. Terms such as “sanctification” (1 Thess 4:3-4), “heirs” (Tit 3:7), “joint heirs” (Rom 8:17b), “heirs of God” (Rom 8:17a), “salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13), “light of the world” (Matt 5:14), and“laborers together with God” (1 Cor 3:9) indicate a condition that is not being accentuated in the modern church.
Furthermore, the purpose for which we are being cultured in Christ Jesus demands a change “from glory unto glory, even as by the Spirit of our God” (2 Cor 3:18). We have been delivered from the Lord in order that we might be “married” to Christ, and “bring forth fruit unto God” (Rom 7:4). The future of the saints involves reigning with Christ (2 Tim 2:12), and “the world to come” will be in their care (Heb 2:5-8). None of these conditions justify a weak, uncommitted, and uninformed people. In the vestibule of spiritual life there are certain characteristics that necessarily attend being “babes.” However, these traits are not to continue. Rather, we are to “grow up into Christ in all things” (Eph 4:15).
Where spiritual infancy is perpetual, and due growth is not realized, there is only one explanation for the condition. The Word has neither been desired nor ingested (1 Pet 2:2). The Holy Spirit has been both grieved and quenched (Eph 4:30; 1 Thess 5:19). The fellowship of Christ, into which we have been called (1 Cor 1:9), has been spurned in favor of other things. The individual has been pulled away by “the cares of this world,” “the deceitfulness of riches,” or the “lusts of other things,” and thus the Word of God has been choked and become “unfruitful” (Mark 4:19).
This is true because salvation is calculated to produce growth and spiritual maturation. The Holy Spirit has been sent into the hearts of believers to assist in this process. The fellowship of Jesus lends itself to spiritual development. The Word of Christ, when dwelling richly within us (Col 3:16), moves us toward spiritual manhood, where we “put away childish things” (1 Cor 13:11).
I realize these words are strong. However, we are living in a time that requires strong words. There is a sort of spiritual stupor that has enveloped the professing church, so that there is hardly any awareness of God, Christ, or the Spirit. The purpose of God is virtually unknown, and the uninformed appear to constitute the majority of most congregations. Our text will confirm the seriousness of this condition. It is simply not an acceptable one, and is attended by great jeopardy.
ESTABLISHED IN CHRIST
“ 1:21a Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ . . .”
Paul now engages in some sanctified reasoning. He will bring to mind Kingdom realities that bear directly upon the newness of life. He will affirm what IS. Only then will he comes to grips with what SHOULD be.
HE
“Now He which . . . ” When establishing the verities of life in Christ Jesus, the emphasis is not what is done, but WHO has done it. It ought to be noted that NONE of these verities have been accomplished, or can be accomplished, by men. I will comment further on this later.
ESTABLISHMENT
“ . . . stablisheth us . . . ” Other versions read, “stand firm,” NIV “makes our faith strong,” BBE “confirmeth us,” DOUAY “gives us security,” NAB “a sure place,” NJB and “the ability to stand firm.” NLT
The word “establish” comes from a unique Greek word – bebaiw/n (beb-ai-on), which means to “make firm, establish, confirm, and make sure.” Combined with “in Christ,” the word means “causing us to be steadfast in our fellowship with Christ.” THAYER The word used here is translated “confirm” (Mk 16:21; Rom 15:8; 1 Cor 1:6,8; Heb 2:3). To “confirm” means to “make firm or firmer: strengthen.” MERRIAM-WEBSTER Texts in which the word is translated “confirm” are as follows.
☛ THE WORD CONFIRMED. “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20). Here the word does not have to do with stability, but with ratifying the reality of God’s already stable word.
☛ THE PROMISES CONFIRMED. “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers” (Rom 15:8). The promises were not made more stable, but were confirmed, or corroborated to the ones for whom they were intended.
☛ THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CONFIRMED. “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you” (1 Cor 1:6). Here the Gospel, or testimony of Christ, was confirmed to be true in the lives of those who embraced it. That is, its truth was made known through their conduct – their manner of life. It was actually lived out.
☛ THE SAINTS CONFIRMED. “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 1:8). Here the point is not the establishment itself, but its duration – “unto the end,” or the coming of the Lord.
☛ THE WORD OF SALVATION CONFIRMED. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Heb 2:3). This parallels the text in Mark that declares God confirmed the word spoken by the Apostles with appropriate “signs.”
The word is translated “establish” in some other texts.
☛ “Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col 2:7). Here, the people themselves are the point. They are the ones who are made firm in Christ, established, or made strong.
☛ “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein” (Heb 13:9). Once again, the saved themselves are the point. It is their hearts that are made firm, dependable, and unmoveable.
The Necessity of Establishment
Here is a fact that is so little acknowledged that it is mind boggling! The percentage of unstable Christians is at such a staggering level, none even dare to attempt its estimation. Of all the boasts that are being made within the Christian community, you will not hear many concerning stability, being constant, or being firm in the faith. However, this is a priority with the Living God, and where establishment is not found, “falling” is sitting on the front steps.
The Parable of the Seed
Jesus taught that those who are not rooted, and do not bear fruit, are ultimately rejected. The parable of the sower presents four classes of people who are exposed to the Gospel.
☛ THOSE WHO HEAR BUT DO NOT UNDERSTAND. “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side” (Matt 13:19). Luke writes, “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).
☛ THOSE WHO HEAR, RECEIVE THE WORD WITH JOY, BUT OBTAIN NO ROOT, AND THUS FALL AWAY. “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matt 13:21). Luke writes, “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13).
☛ THOSE WHO HEAR, YET ARE OVERCOME BY COMPETING INTERESTS. “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matt 13:22). Luke writes, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).
☛ THOSE WHO HEAR, UNDERSTAND, AND PRODUCE FRUIT. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matt 13:23). Luke writes, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15).
What was the difference in these four categories. If you consider it from the conclusion of the matter, the first three were all in the same category. None of them brought forth fruit – which was the real reason for sowing the seed in the first place. It was not enough to occupy the field, as anyone familiar with agriculture knows. People of God are not like flowers, grown to be seen. They are like branches on a vine, or branches grafted into as tree, to bring forth fruit. If you look at this from the standpoint of the people themselves, the first three classes were not established, and the last one was. Three groups were not firm, and one was firm. Three of them were not established, and one was established.
The Book of Hebrews
The necessity of establishment is not a vague point in Scripture. There can be no justification for the prevailing ignorance of this need necessity within the professed church. The gravity of the subject is confirmed in the book of Hebrews, written to a spiritually retrogressing people who needed to have the position and superiority of the Lord Jesus declared once again with power.
After affirming the marvelous High Priesthood of Christ, the Spirit chides the people for their lethargic ways. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb 5:12). Any insightful and honest believer knows that this condition exists all around us. Churches are filled with people who are in this condition – still needing to be taught the elemental principles of the Kingdom. Satan has even fabricated distorted message that declares the church is really a place for sinners, not saints. Within this emphasis messages are tailored for the uninformed in such a way as to keep them in that state.
However, the Spirit addresses this matter in quite another way. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” (Heb 6:1). He states the case in such a way as to provoke fear and trembling in those who insist on remaining near the shoreline, or in the entrance way to eternal life. “And this will we do, if God permit” (Heb 6:3). That is, if the people had not remained too long in an undeveloped state. There really is no guarantee of recovery held out to those who are content to remain babes.
The Spirit then provides the reason for such strong words. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Heb 6:6).
Those who were actually “added to the church” (Acts 2:47) – all of them – started with remarkable advantages.
☛ They were “enlightened” – enabled to see their condition, their need of a Savior, and the very real salvation that was obtainable in Him.
☛ They received “the heavenly gift,” which I take to refer to “the gift of righteousness,” conferred upon those who believe the record God has given of His Son (Rom 5:17; Phil 3:9).
☛ They were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, as He was sent into their hearts because they were sons (Gal 4:6).
☛ They have tasted of the Word of God itself (Lk 4:4), by which they were begotten, and by which men live (James 1:18).
☛ Heavenly influences were brought to bear upon them, as they tasted of “the powers of the world to come.” From angelic hosts to “the spirits of just men made perfect,” advantages have been given to the believer that transcend all human thought.
Precisely what is there about these six realities that could possibly produce anything but spiritual stability? Every one of them not only was effectual in the beginning of spiritual life, but were designed to carry that life forward to maturity.
If, however, men choose not to “go on to perfection,” there is only one alternative – falling away. It is not that the person who is not moving on to maturity might fall away. The argument is that he will, in fact, do so. The only way to avoid that dreadful and cursed condition is to “go on to perfection” – or, in the words of our text, be “established.”
Now, I do not believe the average churchman has any idea of this requirement. It also appears, by judging from the drivel that drips from the pulpits of the land, that countless preachers are also ignorant of this need. But there is no excuse for any of this. God has not only said much on the subject, He has provided the means through which establishment can be realized.
Does anyone still doubt the need for establishment? Let the Word of God speak to your heart.
☛ “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established” (Rom 1:11).
☛ “And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlaburer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” (1 Thess 3:2).
☛ “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein” (Heb 13:9).
☛ “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” (Eph 3:18).
☛ “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col 2:6-7).
☛ “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard . . .” (Col 1:23).
It is sufficiently clear that establishment is not a mere option. It is a necessity. We have also been given spiritual advantages to assist us in this fulfilling this requirement.
WITH YOU
“ . . . with you . . . ” What Paul is writing about is not an Apostolic requirement, or one that is intended only for certain leaders within the body of Christ. Be clear about this in your mind. God is not establishing only Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers. Establishment is a common need that all of the saints have, and thus is a common work fulfilled in them.
Recall that Peter spoke similarly when he wrote to those who had “obtained like precious faith” (2 Pet 1:1). That is, those to whom he wrote had obtained the same faith that he himself possessed. Other versions read, “a faith of the same kind as ours,” NASB “a faith of equal standing with ours,” RSV “with us have a part in the same holy faith,” BBE “obtained equal faith with us,” DOUAY “a faith of equal value,” NAB and “who share the same precious faith we have.” NLT
When it comes to covenantal benefits, they are for all of the people of God. The Apostles had a different ministry, but they did not have a different salvation. Maturity was required in them as well as it is in us.
IN CHRIST
“ . . . in Christ . . .” The spiritual environment in which we are established is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. God has nothing to give that does not come to us through Him. No Divine requirement can be met outside of Him. It is ever true, as Jesus said, “for without Me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Called into Christ’s Fellowship
The newness of life was accompanied by a call into fellowship with Jesus – a call that came from God Himself. It is written, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:9). The nature of salvation requires this fellowship – a fellowship that is participation, partnership, and personal involvement with Jesus Christ.
This “fellowship” is not a mere formal identity – like being put on a sort of sectarian roster. This is a vital union in which we become “one spirit” with God’s Son. As it is written, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Cor 6:17). That means we participate in His nature (2 Pet 1:4), His mind (1 Cor 2:16), His joy (John 15:11), and His peace (John 14:27). We share in His death (Rom 6:3), His burial (Rom 6:4), and His resurrection (Col 3:1). We participate in His sufferings (Phil 3:10a) and the power of His resurrection (Phil 3:10b). We are “joint heirs” with Him (Rom 8:17), will “reign” with Him (2 Tim 2:12), and will be glorified together with Him (Rom 8:17).
It is not surprising, therefore, that we are established in Christ Jesus. He is the locus in which stability and maturity are realized. If this is the case – and there is no question that it is – then those who are not being established are not in fellowship with Christ Jesus. If this is denied, then it is necessary to prove that God does not, in fact, work in some who walk with Jesus and live in Him. A person who espouses such a thing is a fool – and that is a gross understatement!
It is not possible to believe on the Son of God, fellowship with Him, and walk in the light as He is in the light, without becoming established in the faith. There can be no doubt about this! The means of grace, when embraced, cannot possibly fail in their appointed ministry. They will accomplish what they have been given to do!
ANOINTED
“ 21b . . . and hath anointed us, is God.”
Not only are we established in Christ, we are also “anointed” in Him. This is something that accompanies being “in Christ.” It falls into the category of “things that accompany salvation” (Heb 6:9).
ANOINTED
“ . . . and hath anointed us . . . ” Other versions read, “He anointed us,” NIV “has commissioned us,” RSV “and has given us of His grace,” BBE and “did anoint us.” YLT
The word “anoint” means “to consecrate, furnish with necessary power, endue Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” STRONG’S Other lexical meanings are, “to appoint, assign, give a task.” FRIBERG Most references say the word simply means “anoint.” THAYER,UBS,LOUW-NIDA,LIDDELL-SCOTT
The primary use of this word relates to sanctification, or being set apart to God. It was introduced and defined under the Law, where people and things employed by God were formally set apart to Him. Thus the High Priest was anointed (Ex 29:29; Lev 4:3), priests (Num 3:3), the sacred vessels of the tabernacle (Ex 30:26), the altar (Ex 29:36), the tabernacle (Ex 30:26), and the laver (Ex 40:11). Kings were anointed (1 Sam 15:1; 1 Kgs 1:34), together with prophets (1 Kgs 19:16).
To confirm the importance of anointing, the anointing oil of the tabernacle was a very special compound. It is outlined in Exodus 30:23-25, and was called “the holy anointing oil.” The components are provided in the following table.
The importance of this oil can be seen from at least two perspectives. First, the centrality of serving the Lord was established. It was something attended with the greatest sobriety, and thus was initiated by a holy anointing, or consecration. Second, the anointing would serve as a type of the still greater anointing that would take place in Christ Jesus – the anointing to which our text refers.
This anointing is common to all believers: “Now He which stablisheth US with YOU in Christ, and hath anointed US.” This is not a special benefit for some of the children of God, but a grace given to all of them. It is not something that is obtained by special prayers, or the laying on of hands. If that was the case, which it emphatically is not, this line of reasoning would be wholly inappropriate. Paul is addressing all of the saints, reasoning with them as “the saints.” He has already told them that God’s comfort and consolation are for them all, just as surely as they share in Christ’s sufferings (1:7). Now He reminds them that God is establishing them, as well as Himself, and has anointed them.
The Unction
The Apostle John makes a special point of this anointing, affirming it to be the means by which we remain in Christ Jesus – which equates to being “established” in Him. “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things” (1 John 2:20). Other versions read, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things” (1 John 2:20). This is not a special anointing, but a common one. It is not one that can occur, but that has already occurred for those who are in Christ.
Know All Things
This does not suggest that believers are omniscient. Rather, the idea is that they have access to all knowledge pertinent to our identity with the Lord. It is something like living with the teacher. Through the Spirit, John elaborates on this anointing in verse twenty-seven: “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him” (1 John 2:27). Notice the poignant statements in this remarkable verse.
☛ The anointing has been received by those in the Son.
☛ It has been received from the Architect of our salvation.
☛ There is no need for any man to teach us – particularly of the implications of the truth. This teaching has to do with the “how-to” aspect of spiritual life – something with which many believers have great struggle. Much of this struggle is owing to the Christian academic community, who has exploited man’s propensity to live by routine and discipline.
☛ The “anointing” is not a sensation, or a fleshly feeling. It involves being taught “of,” or “about all things.” NIV
☛ The teaching brought to us by “the anointing” is “truth, and is no lie.” It will stand the test of life, repel the powers of darkness, and establish the heart.
☛ The objective of the teaching accomplished by “the anointing” meets the objective of God and need of man: “you will abide in Him.” NKJV
This “anointing” is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. His role is to facilitate the salvation of God within the believer. He sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts (Rom 5:5). He causes us to abound in hope (Rom 15:13). He produces the joy that is integral to the kingdom of God (Rom 14:17). He intercedes for us in needful matters concerning which we are ignorant (Rom 8:26-27). He leads us in the mortification of “the deeds of the body” (Rom 8:13). There is also “the fruit of the Spirit,” the evidence that we do, indeed, “participate in the Divine nature” NIV (2 Pet 1:3).
In all of these things, the saints of God are being taught – “taught by God” (John 6:45).
IS GOD
“ . . . is God.” The establishing and the anointing are both the work of God. He is the One who establishes, and He is the One who has anointed us. He has done these things “in Christ,” who is the only acceptable environment for such marvelous workings.
The perception of the working of God is fundamental to the enjoyment and comprehension of His great salvation. The overall view is this: Salvation is the outworking of His “eternal purpose.” Before the foundation of the world, He chose us in Christ Jesus, “that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Eph 1:4). Before the world was ever planned, the objective for the saved ones was established. It was that they would ultimately be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom 8:29). From the standpoint of personal involvement, these people would be “made the righteousness of God” in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21). God’s own righteousness would be “imputed” to them upon the basis of their faith (Rom 4:22-25).
The Divinely appointed means for the accomplishment of His purpose was the person of Christ Jesus, also “foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1 Pet 1:20). Therefore GOD set Christ forth, or “presented Him,” NIV “to be a propitiation through faith in His blood” (Rom 3:25). It was GOD who chose “the foolishness of preaching” to save those who believe, delivering a Gospel that is called “the record” He gave of “His Son” (1 Cor 1:27; 1 John 5:10). It is GOD who has prepared marvelous things for those who love Him (1 Cor 2:9), and it is GOD who has “revealed them unto us through His Spirit” (1 Cor 2:10). It is GOD who has “set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him” (1 Cor 12:18). Ultimately, it was GOD who “sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts” (Gal 4:6). In Christ we are, in fact, HIS workmanship, “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which GOD hath ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). However men may choose to react to it, this word has come down from heaven to us: “GOD hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2 Thess 2:13).
When it comes to salvation, GOD is the ultimate consideration. HE sent Christ, delivered Him up, raised Him, and exalted Him (1 John 4:14; Rom 8:32; Eph 1:20; Phil 2:9). Through Christ we are “reconciled to GOD” (Rom 5:10), have “peace with GOD” (Rom 5:1), and are being brought “to GOD” (1 Pet 3:18). This is an overview of His great salvation.
It should not surprise us, therefore, when we read that GOD is establishing us in Christ Jesus – making us firm and unmoveable. This point is made over and over in Scripture, ensuring that it does not escape the attention of those living by every word of God.
☛ “Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” (Rom 16:25).
☛ “To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1 Thess 3:13).
☛ “Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2 Thess 2:17).
☛ “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thess 3:3).
☛ “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Pet 5:10).
The announcement of our text is that this is what God is doing. He is establishing, and has anointed. He is making us stable, and has equipped us for involvement in the work. This is what will happen to those who abide in Christ Jesus. This is what they are to expect – establishment. This is why they have been “anointed” – establishment. God is working to this end, and is doing so in the Son, by the Spirit, and through our faith. The point of vulnerability is certainly not God Himself, His will, or His power. It is not the Son of God, who is the One through whom all things are accomplished. There is no weakness in the Holy Spirit, who knows even “the deep things of God” (1 Cor 2:10), and faithfully executes His ministry. If there is a weak link, it is on the human side – the side where faith must be found, and the Spirit must not be quenched or grieved. There is no question about what God can do! There is no question about what the Son of God can do! There is no question about what the Holy Spirit can do! The questions are “Do you believe?” “Are you abiding in the Son?” If you are, the work is being done. If you are not, the work cannot be done. It is just that simple. It is our business to recognize this.
It is not possible to abide in Christ and establishment not happen. This is something that God has determined and that He does. The issue is not the work itself, but the means through which it is done. Jesus has provided a just reason for Him to do this work, and our faith has linked us with Him.
One of the difficulties of our time is that we are living in a day of shallow profession. People claim identity with the Son of God who show no evidence of such an affiliation. Because we are living in peaceful times, such empty professions can be made freely without any supporting evidence. For this reason, a clear statement needs to be made about the real nature of spiritual life. It is not possible to abide in Christ without becoming established in Him. It is not possible to fellowship with Christ without the promises of God being fulfilled in you. It is not possible to live by faith and yet come short of God’s appointed blessing.
SEALED
“ 22a Who hath also sealed us . . . ” Other versions read, “set His seal of ownership upon us,” NIV “putting His seal upon us,” NRSV “It is He who has put His stamp upon us,” BBE “marked us with His seal,” NJB and “He has identified us as His own.” NLT
THE MEANING OF THE WORD
The word “sealed” means “to confirm, authenticate, place beyond doubt,” THAYER “confirm, attest, certify,” FRIBERG and “affix to be true, acknowledge, prove.” UBS It also carries the idea of making secure. LOUW-NIDA
The preceding picture is of various seals used in ancient times. They were like the official signature of dignitaries. They were absolutely unique, providing a guarantee of the approval of that individual. It could be on a document, some piece of furniture or other item. If official documents were sent, they were secured in a container, with hot wax in which the seal was imprinted. Without that seal, the documents were not considered valid.
There are two modern-day parallels to the “seal” mentioned in Scripture.
A SIGNATURE. First, the simplest form of a “seal” is one’s signature, affixed to official documents. If that document is a critical one, whether of a financial nature, or of an official proclamation, the signatures affixed to it validate it. The Declaration of Independence is an example, as well as papers relating to financial loans or other such transactions. A Scriptural example of such a seal would be Paul’s signature and salutation on his Epistles (2 Thess 3:17).
AN IMPRESSION. Second, a unit that affixes a special mark on a document, thereby validating it. The most common would be the notary seal, which serves to corroborate the validity of the document on which it is placed. There are also special seals for local, state, and federal governments. A Scriptural example of this kind of seal would be Ahab’s seal, which was affixed to official letters (1 Kgs 21:8). King Ahasuerus, associated with Esther, had a ring bearing his official “seal” (Esth 8:8).
SECURITY. Third, there was a “seal” that secured a physical area or container. This was used to prohibit unlawful entry, the removal, or the corruption of the contents of the container. A modern day example would be the sealing of space capsules, in which selected items from a special generation were placed. A Scriptural example would be the dealing of the tomb in which Jesus was placed (Matt 27:66).
We will find that the sealing of our text incorporates all of these ideas. The fact is that God has placed His personal signature upon us. He has placed His impression upon our real persons. He has also secured us in Christ Jesus for His own glory.
THE SEALING OF JESUS
The importance of sealing is seen in the person of Christ Jesus Himself. He said to His disciples, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27).
This was the seal of DIVINE APPROVAL, designating Jesus Christ as the One who distributed the food that would keep the people from perishing. God placed His signature, as it were, upon Him when He was baptized: “This is My Beloved Son” (Matt 3:17). He placed an impression upon Him when it pleased Him that in Jesus should “all fulness dwell” (Col 1:19). He was the One “approved of God” (Acts 2:22), anointed “with the Holy Spirit and Power” (Acts 10:38). He was the One Divinely sanctioned and commissioned to lay down His life, take it up again (John 10:17-018), make intercession for them (Isa 53:12; Heb 7:25), and bring the sons home to glory (Heb 2:10).
The sealing of the Son of God involved Him being equipped for His mission, and supported by heaven in its fulfillment. Because of these factors, as Isaiah prophesied, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged” (Isa 42:4).
THE SEALING OF THE SAINTS
Here, the point is not what constituted the seal – that will be developed in the next clause. The point here is that the sealing has taken place, and that God Himself has done it. This is not something believers anticipate, or that comes at a certain stage in spiritual life. This has already occurred, and we are being apprised of it.
There are certain implications of this sealing that are affirmed in Scripture – things that delight the soul and make for a strong confidence as we fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim 6:12).
Satan Cannot Touch the One Who Is Born of God
This is not mere conjecture, but is affirmed by the Word of the Lord – the word by which we live. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (1 John 5:18). Other versions read, “cannot harm him,” NIV “he is not touched by the Evil One,” BBE “cannot touch him,” NAB “has no hold over him,” NJB and “cannot get his hands on him.” NLT
For some, this seems too wonderful, and thus their hearts tremble in fear that it is not really the case. They reason that the circumstances of life do not justify such a statement. However, after all of the reasoning has taken place, the affirmation still stands. Satan cannot touch the one who is born of God! Generally, that applies to you who are in Christ Jesus. Specifically, it applies to the “new man,” which is the part of you that is “born of God.” This is the result of being “sealed” by God. In Christ you have been designated as belonging to Him. You are among those in whom He has chosen to work (Heb 13:20-21).
Even Satan recognizes this seal, and cannot contend with it. Before Christ Jesus – even before Moses – Satan knew those whom God had approved and protected, and could not touch them. The record of Job confirms this to be true (Job 1-2). Jesus told Peter that Satan had requested to have him, to sift him as wheat (Luke 22:31-32). Although in both cases Satan was given permission to touch God’s saints, yet he was restricted in what he could do. At first he could only touch what Job had, but not his body. Then he was granted permission to touch Job’s body, but not take his life. Although the devil did, indeed, sift Peter on that awful night when he denied Jesus, yet the Savior had prayed for him, that his faith “fail not” – and it did not!
The point is that our adversary is under the dominion of our Lord, and cannot operate according to his own will. He cannot put a single finger on any child of God without the approval of the One who keeps and strengthens them. That is involved in being “sealed” by God!
Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God
Again, this is a point concerning which there can be no question. The Lord has spoken! “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38-39). The love of reference is “in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That is, it is directed toward those who are joined to the Lord, or in fellowship with the Son – those who are abiding in Him as they live by faith.
Do not think of separation in terms of human experience alone. That is included, to be sure. In fact the extremities of our experience are mentioned: “death” and “life.” Neither can drive a wedge between God and those He has sealed. Ponder the scope of our protection! There are lofty and more powerful personalities with which we contend: “angels,” “principalities,” and “powers.” They cannot “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!” And when it comes to experience, much more is involved than day-to-day normalities. There are “things present,” and “things to come.” Yet none of them, regardless of their complexity or seeming power, can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. There are also spheres of human experience that transcend the normal – domains in which unusual things occur that can have unusual effects upon our spirits: “height,” and “depth.” Yet as high as the heights may be, and as low as the depths may be, they cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
That is all part of being “sealed” – and the sealing has already taken place for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Kept by the Power of God
The mighty God is devoted to those He has “sealed” and “anointed.” They are in a hostile world, housed in a frail body, and stalked by a fierce adversary. There are forces aligned against them that are superior to them. If they rely upon their own strength and wisdom, they will quickly be overcome.
However, even though all of these things are true, salvation has altered life’s arena. Here is how the situation is stated. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:3-5).
The “power” that keeps us is not resident in our faith, but in the God in whom faith is placed. While faith is, indeed, “the victory that overcomes the world,” the enabling power is in God Himself. Faith lays hold of the power, but is not the power itself.
If you have ever wondered if you will be able to be “faithful unto death” (Rev 2:10), by faith take hold of this word regarding God’s keeping power. God is “able” to “keep you from falling” (Jude 24), and He will surely do it through your faith. You have His word on that.
Therefore, when we speak of God establishing and sealing us, we have opened an exceedingly large area for consideration. There is no question about the validity and actuality of being established and anointed by God. That is a matter that has been affirmed, and is beyond all controversy. Now, it is our business to take hold on that word, and go on our way rejoicing. We must live in the power of this reality.
GIVEN THE EARNEST
“ 22b . . . and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
The fact of the anointing was mentioned previously. Now the substance of it is delineated.
GIVEN
“ . . . and given . . . ” Other versions read, “gave us,” NASB “put,” NIV “giving us,” NRSV and “placing.” NLT
The word from which “given” is translated is a very weighty one (dou.j, verb form of di,dwmi). The word means, “to give, to give something to someone, of one’s own accord to give one something to his advantage, to bestow a gift.” THAYER Other lexical definitions are, “appoint, assign, entrust, grant, put,” FRIBERG and “give; grant, allow, permit; place, put; appoint; establish; give out, pay; produce, yield, cause; entrust.” UBS
The word, then, contains the following ideas.
☛ A gift.
☛ Something given because the giver desires to do so.
☛ A gift that brings certain advantage.
☛ Something that is conferred, or bestowed as an official gift.
☛ An appointment.
☛ Something entrusted to the person.
We are speaking of something God gives, bestowing it upon the individual. Because the Lord “is righteous in all of His ways” (Psa 145:17), and “in all His works” as well (Dan 9:14), this is a wholly appropriate gift. It has a just basis, or foundation, for its bestowment, and therefore brings glory to Him and advantage to the receiver. This is not something that is purchased or earned by the one receiving it – it is a gift. All of the children of God receive this gift, and none are excluded. This is because it is conferred because of Christ, and therefore all who are in Him receive the gift. About this there can be no question.
THE EARNEST
“ . . . the earnest of the Spirit . . .” Other versions read, “a guarantee,” NKJV “as a pledge,” NASB “a deposit,” NIV “a first installment,” NRSV and “the sign.” BBE
The Holy Spirit is the “anointing” that has been conferred upon all of the children. Here, He is appropriately referred to as “the Earnest.” That is, He Himself is not the whole of the blessing, but is the introduction, as it were, to the fulness that is yet to come.
An “earnest” is defined as “a pledge, an earnest,” THAYER “a down payment, first installment, pledge,” FRIBERG “a guarantee of what is to come,” UBS “the first or initial payment . . . as a guarantee for the completion of the transaction or pledge.” LOUW-NIDA
A Fresh Perspective
Here we gain a perspective of the Holy Spirit that is rarely heard these days. He is a pledge, or first installment, of the marvelous inheritance that is reserved in heaven for us (1 Pet 1:4). That inheritance is comprised of “the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Cor 2:9). In spiritually primitive times David exclaimed, “Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!” (Psa 31:19). Long before that, even before the Law, there was a man who had a similar view.
Abraham’s Experience
Abraham also sensed the greatness of what God has to give. After he had arrived in the promised land, he sojourned there “as in a strange country,” living in temporary dwellings while “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God” (Heb 11:9-10). He sensed by faith something that relatively few professing Christians know: that what is upon the earth, regardless of its magnitude and seeming beauty, is an inadequate representation of the fulness of God’s blessing.
The Earnest
This is not the only place the Holy Spirit is referred to as an “earnest.”
☛ “Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit” (2 Cor 5:5).
☛ “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Eph 1:13-14).
Elsewhere “the earnest” of the Holy Spirit is referred to as “the firstfruits of the Spirit” (Rom 8:23). The presence of the Spirit within is our confirmation that we are the Lord’s, and have a part in the inheritance. Our perception of that inheritance will be directly proportionate to our perception of the Spirit and His indispensable ministry. If we are not sure about Him, we cannot be sure about the inheritance of which He is the pledge, or earnest.
The “earnest,” “pledge,” or “firstfruits” is God’s provision for us while we tabernacle in the body in this world. This is categorically said to be until “the redemption of the purchased possession,” which is our body, or “mortal flesh” (2 Cor 4:11).
Do Not Grieve Him!
It ought to be abundantly clear to us that grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit is a sin of the greatest magnitude. If He is the down payment of the inheritance, stifling His work equates to a loss of the inheritance. Thus it is written, “He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb 10:28-29).
This sheds more light on the word spoken by Jesus, which has generated no small amount of confusion among professed believers. “And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven” (Luke 12:10). Matthew adds, “shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matt 12:32).
In our day, all manner of erroneous emphases have been placed upon the Holy Spirit. Some relate the Spirit to strange and exhilerating sensations in the flesh. Some associate Him with supernatural expressions that cannot be understood. Still others limit His work to that of empowerment – making the individual adequate for the challenges of life, the oppositions of men, and the encroachments of the devil. Indeed, there is something to be said for all of those areas. This text, however, gets more to the root of the matter.
The Nature of Salvation
Salvation is essentially a call out of this world, involving a preparation for the world to come. Jesus told His disciples that He had chosen them “out of the world,” and that the world hated them because of it (John 15:19). When praying to His Father, the Lord said He knew the Father had given the people to Him “out of the world” (John 17:6). Jesus affirmed, “I am not of this world” (John 8:23). He declared His kingdom “is not of this world” (John 18:36). Apostolic doctrine affirms that Jesus “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal 1:4). James said that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4), and John wrote, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
These things being true, the bulk of our salvation is on the other side. While we await the day when the “salvation that is ready to be revealed” will be realized (1 Pet 1:5), we are given a foretaste of the coming glory. That foretaste is the Holy Spirit. Whatever your view of the Spirit, and however you are persuaded that He works in you now, the real blessing of His ministry is that He brings to you some sampling of the glory to come – like Israel ate some of the grapes from the land of promise (Num 13:23-24).
If our eyes are turned toward the earth, it is not because of the ministry of Holy Spirit. He is the “Holy Spirit sent down from heaven,” and does not expend His effort to anchor us to a world that is passing away. This should be so apparent that nothing more needs to be said about it. To view the “bottom line,” so to speak, the Holy Spirit is presently leading you in ridding yourself of fleshly tendencies, while appropriating things that will transfer from this world to the next.
IN OUR HEARTS
“ . . . in our hearts.” Every version reads the same: “in our hearts.”
In corroboration of this, we are provided the reason for this marvelous transaction – that is, the Lord giving us “the earnest of the Sprit in our hearts.” This has taken place because we are the sons of God. As it is written, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Gal 4:6).
Our “hearts” are the most inmost part of our persons, even as our bodies are the most external part. Even though our bodies are referred to as “the temple of the Holy Spirit,” the Spirit is not primarily associated with our bodies. The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in the same way that the Temple was called “the temple of the Lord” (2 Kgs 11:10). Actually, the Lord is said to have dwelt “between the cherubims,” which were upon the mercy seat (2 Kgs 19:15). The heart is to man what the Most Holy place was to the Tabernacle and the Temple. That is where the Spirit dwells, or resides, thereby sanctifying the whole man.
Much is said about the Lord giving His people His Holy Spirit. Because of confusion on this subject, it will be good to consider just how God speaks about this.
☛ “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us” (Acts 15:8).
☛ “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32).
☛ “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (Rom 5:5).
☛ “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Cor 2:12).
☛ “Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit” (2 Cor 5:5).
☛ “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 4:8).
☛ “And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us” (1 John 3:24).
☛ “Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13).
The Holy Spirit is the possession that identifies the children of God. In fact, it is affirmed, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom 8:9). Some might attempt to distinguish between the “Spirit of Christ” and “the Holy Spirit,” or “the Spirit of God.” The Spirit, the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of Christ are one and the same. The very verse just cited confirms this to be the case. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.”
A STRONG POINT
Remember, Paul is defending his Apostleship, which some of the Corinthians had questioned. Here his point is uncomplicated and straightforward. The Corinthians had received the Spirit, together with a number of gifts. None of the Corinthians doubted this. In fact, they appeared to be boasting because of that circumstance. Paul’s point is that they received the Spirit because they believed the Gospel that he preached.
There is no such thing as an Apostle with a powerless message, or a God-sent preacher with an impotent word! Further, the effects of the message delivered confirms if the messenger was sent from God – as seen in Paul and Corinth. Conversely, a powerless message cannot yield powerful results.
CALLING GOD TO RECORD
“ 23a Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul . . . ” Other versions read, “I call God as witness against my soul,” NKJV “I call God as witness to my soul,” NASB and “I call God as my witness.” NIV
Paul now explains more fully and precisely why he did not come to Corinth as he had purposed. To undergird what he says, he calls upon God to bear witness to the truth of his words. By saying “upon my soul,” or “against my soul,” he means that, should he be lying, God may strike him down for misrepresenting the case. However, if he is speaking the truth, which he is, the summons is for God to cast down the lies that have been spoken against His servant.
Paul used a similar expression in the eighteenth verse: “But as God is true.” He will appeal to God again in the eleventh chapter: “Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth” (11:11). He again states, “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not” (2 Cor 11:31). He spoke in the same way to the Galatians, who also suffered from some delusions about Paul: “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not” (Gal 1:20).
AN UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCE
It is lamentable that Paul had to defend who he was, and the message he declared. One might suppose such a defense was not necessary – that the Gospel will more or less defend itself. However, such a view is too simplistic, and does not take enough into consideration. There are imaginations that need to be cast down (2 Cor 10:4-5), and mouths that need to be “stopped” (Tit 1:11).
When pretentious Diotrephes spoke against the beloved brother John, the Apostle boldly confronted the situation. Concerning the circumstance, he wrote to Gaius, “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church” (3 John 1:10).
When some slandered Paul, they charged him with preaching a false gospel. Paul strongly defended what he had preached, making mention of these reports. “For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just” (Rom 3:47-8).
There are some lies that need to be refu