²¹ Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm^(A) in Christ. He anointed^(B) us, ²² set his seal^(C) of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.^(D)

²³ I call God as my witness^(E)—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you^(F) that I did not return to Corinth.

⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan^(A) and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,^(B) so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.^(C)

¹³ And you also were included in Christ^(A) when you heard the message of truth,^(B) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(C) the promised Holy Spirit,^{(D) 14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance^(E) until the redemption^(F) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.^(G)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus^(H) and your love for all God’s people,^(I)