Sealed

Eph 1:13-14
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of {God's own} possession, to the praise of His glory.(NAS)

The promise found in this passage is amazing. Upon believing in the gospel of Christ, we are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used for sealed here means "to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation...(Strong's Greek/Hebrew Dictionary)". We are His. He has put His "royal stamp" on us. On top of that, we are promised an inheritance. The Holy Spirit seals us in Christ and guarantees that coming inheritance. The word translated "pledge" roughly means an advance payment for security purposes. To my limited understanding, it's sort of like collateral, but a little different. The most amazing thing is that the purpose of the inheritance we are promised from God is for God's glory. This works with all of God's gifts. He gives us salvation, we share it with others and point them to Him. He gives us righteousness, we live in a manner that glorifies Him. Our spiritual gifts are definitely intended for His service. etc, etc.