2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NRSV)
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Verse 18As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been "Yes and No." Verse 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not "Yes and No"; but in him it is always "Yes." Verse 20For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God. Verse 21But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, Verse 22by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.
Devotion
It's rare to close a transaction with just a verbal promise and a handshake any more. The realtor, car dealer, banker and business partner all want down payments and a signed document or two. Too often human beings have made promises and agreements and then broken them.
What a risk God has taken! God has committed to love us unconditionally without first soliciting some kind of "faith seed" from us. God's "yes" to us in Jesus is without conditions and is completely dependable. In fact, even before we have proven to God we are dependable, God has delivered a first installment on this incredible gift of a totally new life.
God gives to us the guarantee that the rest will follow. What’s the guarantee? God's own Spirit. God's own self! How do I know I am accepted by God? Not because I am so faithful, but because God is!
Prayer
Lord, teach us to live with confidence in your promises. Amen