RESPONSIVE READING: II Corinthians 5
5. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
In looking up “earnest” in the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the word meant more than what I had thought:
EARNEST, adjective ern’est.
1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain; having a longing desire; warmly engaged or incited.
They are never more earnest to disturb us, than when they see us most earnest in this duty.
2. Ardent; warm; eager; zealous; animated; importunate; as earnest in love; earnest in prayer.
3. Intent; fixed.
On that prospect strange
Their earnest eyes were fixed.
4. Serious; important; that is, really intent or engaged; whence the phrase, in earnest To be in earnest is to be really urging or stretching towards an object; intent on a pursuit. Hence, from fixed attention, comes the sense of seriousness in the pursuit, as opposed to trifling or jest. Are you in earnest or in jest?
EARNEST, noun ern’est. Seriousness; a reality; a real event; as opposed to jesting or feigned appearance.
Take heed that this jest do not one day turn to earnest
And given in earnest what I begg’d in jest.
1. First fruits; that which is in advance, and gives promise of something to come. Early fruit may be an earnest of fruit to follow. The first success in arms may be an earnest of future success. The christian’s peace of mind in this life is an earnest of future peace and happiness. Hence earnest or earnest-money is a first payment or deposit giving promise or assurance of full payment. Hence the practice of giving an earnest to ratify a bargain.
This sense of the word is primary, denoting that which goes before, or in advance. Thus the earnest of the spirit is given to saints, as a pledge or assurance of their future enjoyment of God’s presence and favor.
By giving us “the earnest of the Spirit” God has given us the “promise of something to come” so that we can, in turn, be “eager to obtain” all that the Spirit has to offer us, but also what we need to be “really intent or engaged” through the process as well. What a wonderful blessing this is!
I am so grateful for these lessons, all the Forum posts each week, and every discussion that helps me to gain more insight into each lesson, but also gives the tools so I can begin finding the spiritual meaning of each new lesson on my own. Everything this church offers makes the process a joy. Thank you!