Once again, we struggle to find application to sealed and guaranteed promises that were not made to us, today. As a result of seeking to squeeze us into this same context, some believe His indwelling will manifest itself in miraculous powers but they struggle to provide any proof that what is witnessed today even resembles the miraculous powers of the first century. They certainly are not comparable. Many feelings and emotions run high and we can claim the presence of the Holy Spirit, but it’s open to conflicting interpretations and subjective feelings. The seal that was given to first-century Christians, however, was undeniable evidence of miraculous power from the Holy Spirit that “guaranteed their inheritance until they acquired possession of it” (Ephesians 1:14, NASV).
Because we cannot justify the undeniable presence of miraculous powers, others claim a non-miraculous indwelling of the Spirit. This is a natural progression of thought from the following passages:
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Rom. 8:14-17, ESV)
AND
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Cor. 6:19, ESV)
Once again, the same mistake that is made in interpreting John 14-16 is made regarding these passages. One text applies to the guidance of the Spirit for the Apostles, while the others apply to the spiritual gifts promised all New Testament Christians of that era. It was promised in the last days upon accepting Jesus as the Christ, to be received upon the laying on of the apostles’ hands. The Spirit did bear witness through miraculous powers that they were the children of God as promised by Peter in Acts 2:28-29 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
As an example of this common mistake being made, consider this quote,
“Romans 8:9 says, he is not a Christian. So if you are a Christian you possess the Holy Spirit. Paul says your body is the temple of the Spirit of God. When you became a Christian God took up residence in your life. That’s why the change has taken place. That’s why there’s something new in your life. The Spirit of God is there. And He is there not only to empower you, and not only to fill you for service, not only to equip you for ministry, not only to function through the gifts that God has given you but He’s there to guarantee your inheritance. He’s there to give you confidence. Like Romans 8 says; ‘As we have the possession of the Holy Spirit, and are led by the Spirit we know we are the sons of God.’ You see, He has a confirming work. The Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are the children of God. He is a securing force. He is a guarantee.”[1]
He explains that the “Spirit has taken up residence in your life and that’s why the change has taken place.” Applying this “change” should be as miraculously observed as the signs and wonders performed in the first century. In other words, if this is the proper interpretation, then, there is little room for growth and development in a new disciple of Christ. They would demonstrate the miraculous transformation immediately. The change of this new birth should have the same effect as that of any miracle of the first century. We should not be witnessing improvement in their lives, but the complete recovery that is immediate, instantaneous, and observable. Also, their changed life should have the effect of wonder and amazement by those who know them best. It is true that some who have been buried in the miry clay of iniquity, have a great support group that helps them make new commitments and changes do occur. They may read more of the Bible and gain a better understanding. They may have erased some bad habits and demonstrate a genuine intent to change as a new motivation has been added to their lives and they feel good about their new direction.
While some radical changes can be made, they do not fit the description that we just offered. The change is usually slow and gradual and while the intent to do better is present, their lives do not reflect the power of a spirit-filled soul. Changes are expected to come from people with a new relationship and commitment, just like changes take place in a recovering alcoholic who has been going to AA meetings. They may not even follow Jesus, but they are freed from the terrible chain of alcoholism. The commitment to one another, the sharing, and the encouragement of the group is a powerful motivation. Should we claim that they have the Holy Spirit? In some cases, atheists and agnostics demonstrate as much or more patterns of godly behavior and moral fortitude than many professed Christians. Do they have the Holy Spirit? The obvious difference or change to which Fee refers is the power of a new association and fellowship with a group of believers that extends hope and support. The visible signs of change are that they may now “go to church” where they can continue to get encouragement. On occasion, they are convicted from a sermon that reminds them that they are still flawed and struggle with sin. Their moral character is not any different than many unbelievers who choose to live very comparable lives. Where’s the change expected from the indwelling Holy Spirit? If the Spirit has taken up residence, I’d expect some tremendously clear changes that explain the presence of divine power. In their absence, therefore, those who claim this kind of indwelling of the Spirit cannot demonstrate any tangible proof or guarantee that they are a child of God as was given in those last days.
Besides, we are reminded that the miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit was no guarantee of personal perfection or sinlessness. Corinth was “behind in no gift” but characterized carnality, selfishness, and immorality. Even an apostle of Christ could demonstrate hypocrisy (cf. Galatians 2:11-13). There is no indication that the gifted men that God gave his people in those days (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) guaranteed flawless behavior or that it was directly linked to a changed character.
Given the use of the word “guarantee”, we must realize that first-century Christians were dependent on something or someone to guide them and to confirm the authenticity of the message they were preaching to others. Without the seal with the Holy Spirit and the evidence of miraculous power seen through them, they would not have made any more impact in the world than other movements that Gamaliel said, “came to nothing” (cf. Acts 5:34-39). Imagine not having a copy of the gospels or letters written by an apostle of Jesus Christ. Imagine living at a time when all that was foretold had not yet been fulfilled. Add to it the animosity and tension between Jews and Gentiles, the persecutions that accompanied their faith in Jesus. God provided needed assurances, guidance, and guarantees that would give them confidence and power to hold on through it all.
Today, we are the result of promises fulfilled. We have a Savior and King who has guaranteed our resurrection and victory over death. He has given us the confidence to enter the Holy of Holies with boldness (cf. Hebrews 4:16) and the assurance that fellowship with Jesus can continue (1 John 1:7-9). But, unlike them, we have so much more evidence from fulfilled prophecy, the fullness of revelation, and the image of Jesus. If Peter could write, “And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts:” (2 Pet 1:19, cf. Ephesians 3:4), then what about the word of fulfilled prophecy that we have in our possession, today.
Jesus Christ is King, but he’s not given the seal of the Spirit that guarantees that we are his child. Once God made good that promise and fulfilled his word, the seal that guaranteed it doesn’t continue to guarantee it as it has already been accomplished. The expectation is that a guarantee is returned in exchange for receiving a blessing. It’s not kept as a first-installment because it was never intended to be part of a payment. It was only intended to be a guarantee or pledge of a blessing.
Essentially, our confidence and assurance are wrapped in the total character of a God that has demonstrated “rich mercy” and “great grace” by the provision of every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies (cf. Eph.1:3). He has kept his word and fulfilled his promises, even at great sacrifices. I have to admit that it would be exciting to see a miracle as a guarantee, today. For me to demand it or require it would be paramount to the Jews seeking a sign from the Lord to prove his authority. We don’t doubt his power/authority, but it is not a matter of whether or not God could grant miraculous powers, today. I have all the confidence that I will see His glory and stand amazed in His presence or bow to my knees in praise. When Jesus told Thomas that he believed because he saw, but “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29), we must understand that what was written is offered as eye-witness testimony “that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name” (John 20:31). The more testimony of the word we read and understand, the more evidence we are given. With every fulfillment of a promise that has been guaranteed, there is more confidence that we can place in the one who gave it (cf. Hebrews 10:23, Romans 4:21).
In the last days, God promised the Messiah, the kingdom, the Holy Spirit, and His return to destroy Jerusalem, the city of the Jews. All of them serve as “faith builders.” It is a tragic misinterpretation of Scriptures to take what was promised to those of the “last days” and apply it to us as unfulfilled prophecy. Instead, we are the rich beneficiaries of a God who has accomplished what he has promised. Some are still looking for a coming kingdom and a literal king arriving in the literal city of Jerusalem. Others are looking for a second coming in judgment. Still, others are looking for the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, give them miraculous healing, and empower them to speak in tongues. Friends, God has fulfilled his promises and the agnostic who laughs at people for believing in a fairy tale that has never been fulfilled have no justification for their derision. Our God has fulfilled His promises and will again fulfill the events foretold in Revelation 20:7-15, after His reign, when Satan is allowed a brief period of deception. He will again put an end to his work and consign him to the abyss, eternally.