Installments

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. (NLT)

When we purchase a new car or a house, the seller expects us to make a down payment. He expects a sizable first installment. When he receives it, he turns possession of the car or house to us, but we are expected to make payments monthly until we have paid for all of it.

Father God sent Jesus to live amongst us and show us the way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was crucified for our sins, for all our shortcomings. He rose from the dead and after a short while ascended to heaven to be with the Father.

When we are teaching our children to eat all their dinner, we might bribe them by telling them what to expect for desert if they finish their dinner. It is like the first installment is the dinner, but the promise is the desert.

Once Jesus Christ was seated on the right side of the Father, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to reside in all believers. But that was only the first installment of what He has for us. When we have it, then we have everything else God has promised us. First we must have the Holy Spirit.

How do we know we have the Holy Spirit? There is evidence of Him working in our lives. Scripture tells us speaking in tongues is evidence. Other evidence more visible to others is the fruit of the spirit working out in our lives. We are changed and others can tell the difference.

God's promises are there for all to read, but those possessing the first installment are ready to obey and receive those promises for their lives.