"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Philippians. 3:3

GOD has purposed not to give us a sinless nature on this side of glory, much like the promised land was not perfect in which the children of Israel entered, Exodus 23:26-33. It was the land which the LORD gave them, and yet in entering they were called upon to do battle in the name of the LORD, ever leaning upon His Word and promises. What God has given us, His redeemed and justified children, is His Spirit as an ‘earnest,’ 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14, whereby He has sealed everyone of those for whom Christ shed His precious blood, Romans 8:1.

They are sealed for two reasons:

1. As a sign of approval of them as chosen in Christ, and redeemed and justified by Him at the cross, 2 Tim. 2:19.

2. As a protection to keep them from ever falling away or being taken away by Satan, sin, self, or the world, Jude 24.

The Spirit is an earnest in that He is a Guarantee or Witness of all that God has promised to accomplish as the fruit of the FINISHED work of Christ. The word ‘earnest’ is a reference to money deposited by the purchaser, which in men’s courts may be forfeited if the purchase was not complete. Here, however, it is not an earnest made by men, but God Himself,and that after our LORD Jesus ALREADY PAID the full payment of the sin debt of His people, and put it away forever. Therefore, it is more like an official seal put on a legal document of acquittal, and God’s own assurance that what HE has purchased through the blood of His Son, He will indeed realize in their full, final, and everlasting glorification. In Modern Greek it is an engagement ring, given after all of the requirements have been satisfied between the Father of the bride and the proposed spouse.