by Desiree Bustamante

We are marked as Christ’s children by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1: 13-14 New International Version

We often see cows on farms or ranches with tags in their ears. These tags may be different colors to show vaccination history, identify the ranch they came from, or indicate ownership. If a cow wanders off, becomes lost in a snowstorm, or is stolen, the tag clearly identifies which farmer it belongs to, confirming that the animal is truly his. Since cattle are valuable to the farmer, he rejoices at the return of his cow.

When we first believed the truth of God’s love for us, our hearts were tagged by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit serves as a seal and a deposit within us, assuring us that we have been purchased by Him, claimed as His beloved children, and placed in a special, secure relationship with Him. This seal protects us from anything that seeks to steal us from His side.

It is deeply comforting to know that even in the most turbulent times, we will never be separated from Him, for we hold an eternal inheritance in Christ.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado