OUR DOWN PAYMENT

"One hundred . . . two hundred . . . three hundred," counted the man as he placed the money on the table in front of Jacob's dad . "I'll pick up the car on Thursday."

The man left, and Jacob's father put the money away. Jacob was curious. "Dad," he said, "that man is buying our old car, isn't he?" Dad shook his head yes. "You sold it for only three hundred dollars?" asked Jacob. "Is that all it's worth?"

Dad smiled. "The money Mr. Gary gave me isn't the total price of the car," he explained. "It's a down payment. He'll bring the rest when he gets the car."

Jacob nodded. "But what if he changes his mind and decides not to buy it?"

"Then he'd lose the $300," said Dad, "and I'm sure he wouldn't want to do that. A down payment is proof that a person really means it when he says he wants to buy something. It's like a guarantee that he's going to buy it." Dad grinned at Jacob. "Do you know that God has given all of us who accept Jesus as Savior a down payment on our inheritance on heaven and all that it holds"? "The Bible calls the Holy Spirit the guarantee of our inheritance."

"Cool Dad," said Jacob.

"In old English, it's something like a name," said Dad. "People used to call a down payment earnest money.'"

"Really?" Jacob said .  "But what if you change your mind, Dad? What if you decide you really don't want to sell the car to Mr. Gary?"

"That wouldn't be honest. When I accepted the down payment from Mr. Gary, I gave up my right to own the car". "I'm afraid we're not always that honest with God, though. Even after we've given ourselves to Jesus and received His Holy Spirit, we sometimes try to take our lives back and have our own way."

Jacob nodded. "I'm like that sometimes".

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Have you given your life to Jesus Christ? If so, God has given you eternal life and promises you a home in heaven where you will live with Him for all eternity. He has given you His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of that wonderful inheritance, and God won't back out on His promise to you. Be sure you are honest with God, too! Don't try to take over the control of your life again. With the help of His Spirit, live each day in a way that is pleasing to Him. 
 (Ephesians 1:13-14)
You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.