DAY 13 - MARKED BY CHRIST

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DAY 13 – Marked by Christ by Pastor Dick

In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. — Colossians 2:11–12 (NIV)

What Marks Us?

We all have something that makes us unique—maybe it’s a twinkle in our smile, a birthmark hidden under the shirt, or that goofy way we dance at a family party.

For the Jewish people, circumcision was their “mark” — a sign that they belonged to God’s chosen people. It said, “Hey, I’m His.”

But Paul tells the Colossians—and us—that now, through Christ, we have a brand-new kind of mark. One that’s spiritual, powerful, and way deeper than skin-deep.

From Old Covenant to New Covenant

That old, physical circumcision wasn’t the end game. It was a sign pointing forward to something bigger.

Paul explains that the true “cutting away” now happens in our hearts. Christ’s circumcision is spiritual—it cuts off our old, flesh-ruled self and makes us new creations, set apart by the Spirit’s power.

This mark isn’t just for show—it’s lasting, deep, and life-changing.

Baptism: A Picture of New Life

Paul uses baptism to paint this new picture.

Imagine being buried with Christ in the water—your old self, full of old habits and failings, goes under.

Then, raised with Him — alive and renewed by faith in God’s mighty power. Just like circumcision once told the world, “These people belong to God,” baptism now declares, “I belong to Christ.”

Together, these powerful images remind us that in Christ, we’re cleaned, forgiven, renewed, and adopted as God’s very own children.

Our True Mark

So friends, the real “mark” isn’t religious rituals, rules, or outward signs. It's Christ in us.

Because of Him:

• Our sins are cut away.

• Our old self is buried.

• We rise as new people.

• The Holy Spirit seals us as God’s own.
  

That’s the mark that truly sets us apart.

Living It Out

Our calling is to live so that others see this mark of Christ working inside us. Not with flashy signs but with the gentle transformation of love, grace, and holiness.

May our lives show that changed hearts belong to the King of Kings.

Reflection Questions

• Why do you think Paul uses circumcision and baptism to describe what Christ does in us?

• What does it mean for you personally to be “set apart” as God’s child?

• Can others see Christ’s mark working in your life? Ask the Spirit to enable you live in a way that reflects Him.

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544