A Symbol Of Promise And Commitment
On July 28th, 2023, I had the honor of saying yes to marrying the man I had prayed that the Lord would bring into my life. This wonderful man had planned a complete surprise for me, as I was headed to Wisconsin from South Carolina. My parents and I drove up and we made a stop in Tennessee on the way. Little did I know that my future husband would be at the most breath-taking spot, waiting for me! After a long and hard summer of being apart, I was overjoyed to see his smiling face. Together, we walked out onto a rocky ledge and had a beautiful view of the mountains and a clear blue river in the valley. He had a question to ask and a ring to give me as a symbol of the promise and commitment that he made to me on that beautiful day! The ring is a beautiful reminder of his guaranteed love for me. It`s a silver band with a heart shaped diamond and blue topaz gracefully laying on each side of the heart. Along the silver band, little diamonds go up each side and it is now hugged by two plain golden wedding bands on the outside. The golden bands give the illusion that they are being held together by the lovely silver band in the center. A beautiful picture of how our relationship with the Lord holds us together. I often can`t adequately describe just how much I love my husband and treasure his dedication and commitment to me as his wife. He spent long hours planning this surprise which made it an incredibly special and memorable moment! It`s a moment I`ll always cherish. Every time I see the ring that He gave me, I am reminded of the commitment that our precious Savior has made to us.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
The Bridegroom And His Bride
A biblical marriage is meant to be a picture of Jesus and His beloved Church. Christ lovingly sacrificed Himself for the Church and the Church should joyfully submit herself to His loving authority and care. The submission of the Church to Christ and His Word is always a safe place for her. Just as I was given an engagement ring as a reminder that I belong to my husband, the Lord gave believers the Holy Spirit as reminder that we belong to Him.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” -Ephesians 4:30
Every believer has the Holy Spirit living inside of them. The Holy Spirit is given upon the moment of salvation. He gives us wisdom and understanding regarding God`s Word. (Ephesians 1:17-18; 1Corinthians 2:10-13). Warren Weirsbe says it well when he writes, “We know that He [Jesus] will come and claim His bride because He has given us His promise and His Spirit as the “engagement ring.” What greater assurance could we want?”
Eternal Life
Just like a God-intended marriage relationship, the relationship between believers and the Father is secure (Romans 8:38-39). God loved us so much that He gave us His Son. Jesus` death, burial, and resurrection fully dealt with all the believer’s sin (Titus 2:14). We need only to trust in His finished work on the cross for our Salvation, and can then rest securely in His promises (Heb. 6:19).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” -John 10:27-30
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”-1 John 5:14
Resting In His Promises
At Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we seek to grow closer to the Lord through a deep and thorough study of His Word. God gave us His word, so that we can know Him. EBI is a two-year program where you will go through the Bible chronologically. As you grow in your knowledge and relationship with the Lord you will learn of His heartbeat for all nations and His desire for people to know Him and rest in His promises.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” -Jude 1:24
Resource: Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.
