The Marks of Christ

Date: 20.05.2025

From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
Galatians 6:17 NIV

The salvation of our souls is an impartation of the divine life in our spirit. It is God’s will that this life resident in our spirit is manifested in our flesh. Though the life we have received is the very glory of God, the manifestation of this glory goes beyond splendor; it extends to enduring the same pain (suffering) as He did.

Though pain (suffering) is not what human flesh desires, we have not truly fellowshipped with God if we have not shared in His sufferings. The early Apostles understood this; men like Apostle Paul expressed a desire to participate in it (Phil. 3:10). When James and John said they could drink from the cup Jesus was to drink (Matt. 20:22), they were expressing a desire to experience the same suffering as Christ. The reason they were eager to share in His suffering was that they knew its value.

The Marks of Christ represent the pain and discomfort we endure in our flesh due to our obedience to Him –  the suffering we endure in the flesh for righteousness’ sake. Those who bear it are those God has chosen for His glory (Rom. 8:17, 1 Peter 4:14). These have become slaves of righteousness, lacking the power to do their will but His only. These have become one with Him, for His life is clearly revealed through them.

Only servants of God bear this Mark, and it is by it that He tells the world, “These are mine.” The bearers of the Marks of Christ are out of the enemy’s reach, and they are spared from further troubles in the flesh, as alluded to by Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:17. The way to receive this mark is by obedience, even unto death.

Like the early believers, let’s desire to bear this Mark. Let’s learn to always choose Him, even if doing so brings discomfort to our flesh.