Sealed with the Holy Spirit

These verses conclude what was one long sentence in the original Greek.

Stress is laid on the eternal security of the believer in this section by pointing out the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation as the seal and guarantee.

All of the spiritual blessings given to the believer are made available by being "in Christ." Being "in Christ" means being identified with Christ and in a personal relationship with Him. This relationship is entered into by hearing and believing the gospel about Him. Upon hearing and believing, a person is permanently sealed by God the Father, in Christ, with the Holy Spirit, for salvation. The Spirit, who is the seal, indicates security and ownership by God.

Emphasis is added to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in setting believers apart and marking them as God's possession. This relates to the believer's position.

The Spirit is also provided as a pledge or down payment that the remainder of the inheritance promised by God.