By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Marked by Christ

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“When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”
Ephesians 1:13b – 14a New International Version

Just a few weeks ago our church had her parking lot resealed, a process involving a thorough cleaning of the old, worn asphalt, a filling of any cracks, and then a protective, beautiful seal put over the whole surface.  The new surface is clean and strong and enduring.

So it is when you are sealed by the Holy Spirit.  When you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are cleansed by His blood on the cross, removing all your sins.  Then the Holy Spirit seals you to Christ by faith in Him, creating a deposit, a mark, a down payment on the inheritance that has been given you in eternal glory in Jesus Christ.

This deposit marks you as one of the Lord’s very own and protects you from the Evil One who would draw you away from Him.  As you and I hear and meditate upon God’s Word and promises, the Holy Spirit works in you to provide an ever tougher and more beautiful protection of your soul.

This sealing by the Holy Spirt is clean and strong and enduring.  It cleanses you from your sin, it protects you against temptation, and this sealing by the Holy Spirit lasts forever!  Praise God that the Holy Spirit is with you continually, wherever you may go and whatever may happen to you.

I don’t know about you, but I need this sealing of the Holy Spirit every day.  I need the cleansing of Jesus, the strength of His Word, and the eternal promise of the Holy Spirit.  Then no matter whatever the devil may throw at me, I am protected by the Lord, never alone.

Lord, thank you for your sealing of the Holy Spirit on the day that I believed.  Cleanse me, strengthen me, and protect me until the day of our Lord Jesus’ returning.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado