The term "arras" is a significant biblical concept that represents a pledge, guarantee, or security for a future promise. In the Bible, this concept is closely related to engagements, covenants, and the Holy Spirit as a deposit of God’s promises.
Understanding the meaning of arras in the Bible provides insight into how God establishes His relationship with humanity and assures believers of their eternal inheritance.
The Meaning of Arras in the Bible
The word "arras" comes from the Greek word "arrabà³n", which means a pledge or deposit given as a guarantee. It was commonly used in ancient times to refer to a down payment that assured the full payment in the future.
In the Old Testament, arras was often used in financial and legal agreements, especially in marriage customs. In the New Testament, it takes on a spiritual meaning, referring to the Holy Spirit as God’s pledge of eternal life for believers.
â Bible Verse:
"Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge." – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Arras in Biblical Times
1. Arras as a Symbol of Engagement and Marriage
In biblical times, arras was often associated with engagement or betrothal. When a man wanted to marry a woman, he would give a deposit or dowry as a sign of commitment. This payment was a legal guarantee that he would return to complete the marriage.
â Example in the Bible:
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Jacob and Rachel: Jacob worked seven years for Rachel as a form of "arras" to secure her as his wife (Genesis 29:18-20).
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The Parable of the Ten Virgins: This story in Matthew 25:1-13 symbolizes a bride waiting for the groom, much like the Church waiting for Christ.
2. Arras in Legal and Financial Transactions
In biblical times, arras was also used in business agreements. A deposit was given to ensure that a transaction would be completed. This concept is similar to modern earnest money or collateral.
â Example in the Bible:
- The Purchase of Land by Jeremiah: When Jeremiah bought a field, a legal agreement was made to confirm the transaction (Jeremiah 32:9-10).
The Spiritual Meaning of Arras in the Bible
1. The Holy Spirit as God’s Pledge
In the New Testament, the concept of arras is used to describe the Holy Spirit as God’s deposit in the hearts of believers. This means that the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee that God will fulfill His promise of eternal life.
â Bible Verse:
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession." – Ephesians 1:13-14
â Key Points:
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The Holy Spirit is God’s arras, assuring believers that they belong to Him.
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It is a down payment of our future inheritance in heaven.
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Just as an engagement ring is a promise of marriage, the Holy Spirit is a promise of our eternal union with Christ.
2. The Church as the Bride of Christ
The Church is often described as the Bride of Christ, and Jesus as the Bridegroom. The Holy Spirit, given as arras, represents the engagement period before the final union with Christ at His second coming.
â Bible Verse:
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." – Revelation 19:7
â Key Points:
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Just as a groom gives arras as a promise, Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to assure believers of His return.
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The final wedding feast will take place in heaven when Christ returns for His Church.
The Role of Arras in Christian Life
1. Assurance of Salvation
The Holy Spirit as arras is a confirmation that believers are saved and will receive their full inheritance in Christ.
â Bible Verse:
"Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." – 2 Corinthians 5:5
â Key Points:
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The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is proof that God’s promise of salvation is real.
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It is a security deposit that ensures our future redemption.
2. The Power to Live Righteously
Since the Holy Spirit is God’s pledge, believers are expected to live in a way that reflects their heavenly calling.
â Bible Verse:
"Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." – Galatians 5:16
â Key Points:
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The Holy Spirit guides believers to live according to God’s will.
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It helps in spiritual growth, conviction of sin, and transformation.
3. Hope for the Future
Believers live with the assurance that God will fulfill His promises, just as an arras guarantees the completion of a contract.
â Bible Verse:
"For we were saved in hope; but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?" – Romans 8:24
â Key Points:
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The Holy Spirit reminds us that our real inheritance is in heaven.
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It encourages us to remain faithful as we wait for Christ’s return.
The concept of arras in the Bible is deeply connected to God’s promises, engagements, and eternal security. In the Old Testament, it was used in marriage and legal transactions. In the New Testament, it takes on a spiritual meaning, referring to the Holy Spirit as God’s pledge of salvation.
Just as arras in a wedding symbolizes commitment, the Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that believers will one day receive their full inheritance in Christ. This truth gives Christians assurance, hope, and strength to live for God while waiting for the fulfillment of His promises.