Ephesians 1:13–14 states that in Christ we “were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” A seal in the ancient world did three things: it authenticated, it secured, and it marked ownership. All three elements are probably in view here. The seal of the Spirit authenticates us as true believers, secures our eternal safety, and marks us out as belonging to God.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The work of the Holy Spirit is the means by which all that Christ accomplished comes to benefit the elect. The Holy Spirit does (at least) seven things in and for our salvation.

1. The Holy Spirit Convicts

The word often translated “convict” (elegcho) is used in John 3:20 with the sense of bringing sins to light: “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed [elegchthe].” The Holy Spirit acts like a giant searchlight, exposing the world’s wickedness, calling people to repentance, and convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8–11).

2. The Holy Spirit Converts

As Jesus famously told Nicodemus, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Titus 3:5 calls this work “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” There is no Christian life without the converting work of the Spirit. He enables us to understand and spiritually discern the things of God (1 Cor. 2:12–14). He grants us repentance that leads to life (Acts 11:18). He pours God’s love into our hearts so we can be assured that in Christ God is for us and not against us (Rom. 5:5). The Holy Spirit enables us to believe in the promises of God (John 1:12–13; 3:36; 6:63–65).

3. The Holy Spirit Applies

Calvin begins book 3 of the Institutes with a question: “How do we receive those benefits which the Father bestowed on his onlybegotten Son—not for Christ’s own private use, but that he might enrich poor and needy men?” The answer: “The Holy Spirit is the bond by which Christ effectually unites us to himself.”1 This is the logic of Romans 8:9–11. When we have the Spirit, we have Christ. And when we have Christ, we have the Spirit. The Holy Spirit applies to the believer the benefits won by Christ, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ.

4. The Holy Spirit Glorifies

“He will glorify me,” Jesus told the disciples, “he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). This truth can help us avoid the common mistake of pitting the Spirit against Christ, as if we dishonor the Spirit by putting a relentless focus upon Christ. The Holy Spirit is a serving Spirit. He speaks only what he hears (John 16:13). He declares what he is given (John 16:14b). His mission is to glorify another (John 16:14a).

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