Ezek 9:4-5 And the LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst.” 5 But to the others He said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity, and do not spare.NASB

I. The penitent are to have a mark upon their foreheads.

“The men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations” are to be marked on the forehead by the man with the inkhorn. God looks for confession of sin and repentance. He does not expect primitive innocence, because we have all lost that fair grace of Eden; but he desires to see our admission of guilt and our sorrow for sin. The penitent publican is accepted (Luke 18:13). The woman who washed Christ’s feet with her tears is forgiven (Luke 7:37-48). Such a condition involves certain experiences.

1. A recognition of the fact of guilt. We are often just blind to sin. It is one great step gained when we abandon excuses and admit the charges God has against us.
2. A sense of sorrow for sin. These men “sigh.” It is worse to admit guilt and to pride ourselves in it, or regard it with indifference, making light of sin, than to be ignorant of its enormity.
3. A public confession. These men “cry.” They are known among their companions as penitents. Such are the men whom God marks.

Source: The Pulpit Commentary via Biblesoft

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II. The penitent are to be saved by the mark on their foreheads.

III. The mark of the penitent is typical of the grace of Christ.