As global events progress and the prophecies given in the Bible are increasing, the “mark of the beast” is receiving increased attention. Anyone who has become aware of this very serious danger should also correctly assess the nature of this mark and the surrounding “accessories”.
Inhalt / Content
Three chapters describe the mark of the beast
As relatively well known as the “mark of the beast” is, it is often misunderstood (Info). The mark of the beast first appears in Revelation chapter 13. It explains who or what ensures that this mark is accepted.
This serious challenge affects all people. In chapter 14 there is a strong warning against accepting this mark of the beast and in chapter 15 those who have overcome this mark and thus did not accept it are highlighted. (Info).
When the consequences are considered for those who accepted the mark of the beast, it should be clear that this is not a trivial anecdote, but nothing less than the difference between salvation and destruction. It should therefore be taken seriously.
A common copy and falsification
As in (almost) all other cases, the great adversary also copies the sign of God for His faithful followers. The Lord Himself clearly defined what His sign is, Exodus 31:13:
“Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.“
Ezekiel 20:12:
“Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.“
Ezekiel 20:20:
“And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.“
The Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11), observance of the 7th day of the week, is thus the clear sign of God. While in Exodus 20 the Sabbath confirms God as our Creator, in Deuteronomy 5, in which the 10 Commandments are listed again, the focus of the Sabbath is on the liberation of His people from slavery in Egypt. A symbol of redemption from (not “in”!) sins.
The adversary chose his own day, as a copied counterpart. He chose the “traditional” first day of the week, which is today Sunday. On this day, the ancient pagan peoples, especially Egypt and Babylon, worshipped their “sun god”. A tradition that is continued to this day, especially by the Roman Catholic Church. (Info).
The mark of the beast is therefore the observance or sanctification of the day determined by the adversary, i.e. the 1st day of the week (“Sunday”), while simultaneously disregarding the Fourth Commandment given by God, i.e. the observance of the 7th day of the week (Sabbath, “Saturday”). By choosing the day to be observed, one expresses nothing less than whose authority is recognized. God’s authority or the (supposed) authority of the adversary, represented and implemented by the papacy (Info).
Mark is not the only characteristic
The statements in chapters 13, 14 and 15 of Revelation show that the mark itself is not the only criterion with which people will be confronted, and in fact soon.
Revelation 13 says in verses 16 and 17 that the beast from the earth (Info) accomplishes the following:
– Acceptance of the mark
– Acceptance of the name of the 1st beast
– Acceptance of the number of his name (the 1st beast)
Revelation 14:9-11 warns that the wrath of God will fall on anyone who:
– worships the 1st beast and its image
– has received the mark (on the hand or forehead)
– has received the mark of his name
Revelation 15:2 highlights those who have overcome:
– the 1st beast
– the image of the beast
– the mark
– the number of his name
The descriptions “name of the beast, mark of his name, image of the beast, number of his name” indicate that the “mark of the beast” alone is not enough.
Number – Image – Name
A definition of the “number of the name of the beast” can be found in Revelation 13:18:
“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.“
If you look at the original Greek text, it is clear that the representation of this number is not “six, six, six”, but “six hundred and sixty-six”, or “six hundred, sixty, six”. The name behind it is quickly identified with the papal title “Vicarius Filii Dei”. (Info).
The “image of the beast” stands for that which represents or represents the state structure (beast). In Revelation 13 it is described that the second beast carries out the will of the first beast, or even copies the nature of the first beast. An image of the first beast. The papacy itself, in the succession of the once imperial Rome, with the emperor at the top and the Christian-looking church in tow, considers itself worthy of worship. And this worship will be demanded again, as in the “Dark Ages”. The self-image of this church, itself the “divine representation on earth”, is no great secret (Info).
Challenge is a package
The great package with which people will be confronted in the foreseeable future thus includes the false observance of Sunday, the disregard of the true Sabbath (“Saturday” – Info), the worship of a false earthly authority in the form of a person and also his recognition by carrying his number. This also includes the practice of a form of spiritualism and the worship of false deities.
Anyone who refuses all of this will be economically excluded as a result, as buying and selling will no longer be possible. A powerful means of pressure. The Bible also says clearly on this point in Revelation 14:12:
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.“
It is clear that the false authority, however sweet and pleasant its teachings may sound, can only be recognized as a devilish deceiver if one knows God’s true will. How can one find out God’s will? By taking the Bible in one’s hand and studying it! In the modern hustle and bustle of everyday life, this certainly requires a shift in priorities. Reading the Bible instead of watching TV in the evening (“switch off your brain”) is a very good approach.
After the “obstinate” who do not want to be unfaithful to God have still not been bowed or broken, a death sentence is even issued. Martyrs are even to be expected, as Revelation 14:13 indicates:
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.“
This will be the last straw and God will intervene.
And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Revelation 14:16
Bible verses from King James Version (1611)
