The mark of the beast is often times discussed in theological circles. To the point where mentioning it conjures up images of post apocalyptic worlds wherein there is a type of resistance against a Star wars like empirical force of evil that has taken the place of the most High God in the Temple. Immediately the question is asked: “Will you take the mark?” This question is to be taken very seriously, because you see, if you take the mark, then it is tickets for you.
Obsessed Much?
I might be a young man, but I have heard a lot of warnings against this mark. It seems like the concern of the church, in regards to this matter is so set on what this mark is. We need to know EVERYTHING about this mark. We need to know how it looks, how it’s used, how it tastes, how it smells, because we need to know what to avoid you see. And because of this many theories have emerged. From barcodes to RFID chips to energy drinks (no seriously).
So many things have been labeled by the church as the mark. It is easy to see why the world paints us as lunatics who seek evil at every turn and corner. Why is it that Hollywood constantly depicts Christians as “the end is nigh” crazy people with signs on the corners screaming and screeching things that makes no sense? Could it be that the world’s view of us is shaped by our continuous paranoia, disguised as vigilance?
Could it be that the world’s view of us is shaped by our continuous paranoia, disguised as vigilance? “
The Mark of ______________?
The funny thing, to me, is we are so fixated on this mark, that we miss the qualifier the Bible gives. “Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.” (Revelation 13:16 – 17). The Bible gives this qualifier : this is the mark of the beast. This is the beast’s mark. Hence those who are marked by this specific mark belongs to the beast.
Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.”
Revelation 13:16-17
Take note that the mark of the beast is one of many marks in Scripture. That’s why I emphasize here, this is the specific mark of the beast. See, what we need to recognize is that, throughout Scripture God also marks people. The best example I will give is that God “marked” the people of Israel as His people, though the meditation and practice of the law, symbolized as a mark on the forehead and the right hand (Exodus 13:9, Deuteronomy 6:8, Deuteronomy 11:18) another mark that God used to mark people with, was for the purpose of protection (Genesis 4:15, Ezekiel 9:4). The point I am trying to make is this: Don’t be anti mark, be anti mark of the beast.
Which Mark will you wear?
We, as Christians, walk around with a mark. This mark is the mark of the Father, which is the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:23). This is the mark that sets us aside from those in the world. We have been marked. I have been marked, and I will walk proud of the mark I have received because the mark I have received is the mark of the Father, and not the mark of the beast. Ultimately every single person will be marked, and there is no way of escaping it. The difference is, who’s mark will you wear? Will you wear the mark of the beast, and be lost? Or will you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, call on Him and receive the mark of the believer, that is, the Holy Spirit?
I have been marked, and I will walk proud of the mark I have received because the mark I have received is the mark of the Father”
The last thing I wish to say is this. The way of knowing what the mark of the beast is, is to already be a wearer of the mark of the Father. One cannot wear both marks, so by wearing the mark of God, one is able to know and escape the mark of the beast.
You, dear reader, will be marked. Which mark will you wear?