Our Down Payment

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

If you have ever purchased a car, house, or made any other type of large purchase, you are probably familiar with the term “down payment.” A down payment is the up-front payment made to not only secure the purchase but also serve as a commitment to complete the purchase at the appropriate time. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he states that God has made a down payment on something that we can have assurance of. But unlike humans who may not follow through, God’s down payment gives certainty that He will complete the specific commitment related to believers. 

As Paul is drawing to a close the first chapter of 2 Corinthians, he reminds them of what the Lord has already done in their lives. This should stir them toward unity and peace rather than division and bickering. This should cause the same response in the believer of every age. So what has the Lord already done? First, by faith in Christ, the Lord has already established their union in Christ. Next, He anointed each of them and sealed them with the Holy Spirit.

“The ancient seal was an impress on wax or clay that denoted ownership and security. This sealing also was provided by the gift of the Holy Spirit to believers, making them as God’s own and protecting them until the final phase of redemption.”[1] 

Finally, he concludes by indicating that the Lord also gave the believer the Holy Spirit in their hearts. For what purpose? It serves as a pledge or down payment. Paul uses the word “arrabṓn” to indicate that the Holy Spirit serves to assure the believer in the present what they will inherit one day in the future. Paul also uses arrabṓn in 2 Corinthians 5:5 and Ephesians 1:14. Because God can be trusted, we know that this will come to fruition.

“What we now enjoy in the way of spiritual life and enlightenment is just a foretaste of what is yet to come.”[2]

A recent study showed an increase in mortgage delinquency and default rates in the United States. The reported rate increase was 3.99 percent of all loans outstanding at the end of the third quarter of 2025.[3] While there are many factors often involved with these situations, it does remind us that human promises are often broken even when intentions are sincere. On the other hand, when God makes a promise, it is guaranteed that He will fulfill it. What a reassurance this is! We are reminded in this passage that what the Lord has promised, He will surely complete. Amazing grace!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.[4]

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] Homer Kent, A Heart Opened Wide: Studies in 2 Corinthians, p. 34.

[2] Ibid., p. 34.

[3] https://www.mba.org/news-and-research/newsroom/news/2025/11/14/mortgage-delinquencies-increase-in-the-third-quarter-of-2025. Accessed February 2026.

[4] “Blessed Assurance,” Fanny Crosby.