The Mark of the Beast vs. The Seal of God pt. #1
The Mark of the Beast vs. The Seal of God
Dear Friends,
We are living in very perilous times. The crisis that has been foretold is very nigh upon us. We have no time to lose. The condition of our world indicates that great changes are taking place rapidly. These changes will test men’s souls. Are you thoroughly grounded on the word of truth? Has your soul found an anchor, yea a shelter in this time of storm that is coming upon us?
For years I had been taught that Jesus is Coming and that I need to be ready to meet Him. And there is no question that preparation for His coming is of utmost importance. Yet, before He comes there is this great crisis that is to break forth upon this world. The Bible tells us that this crisis centers on the controversy of the Mark of the Beast vs. The Seal of God. There can be no preparation for His return without bringing this subject matter to the fore.
Notice what the Bible says in Revelation 13 in regards to what is at stake if you do not receive the mark of the beast, “
(Rev 13:15) And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast SHOULD BE KILLED.
(Rev 13:16) And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
(Rev 13:17) AND THAT NO MAN MIGHT BUY OR SELL, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
In direct contrast to those verses notice what happens from God’s perspective if you do worship the beast by receiving his mark or worship his image, “
(Rev 14:9) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
(Rev 14:10) The same shall drink of the wine of the WRATH OF GOD, WHICH IS POURED OUT WITHOUT MIXTURE INTO THE CUP OF HIS INDIGNATION; AND HE SHALL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ANGELS, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAMB:
(Rev 14:11) AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH UP FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
It seems to me “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 The bible shows the contrast to help humanity see the gravity of the decisions that are going to be made in this FINAL CRISIS. God is making plain the weight of the decisions that are going to be made during this time.
Now here is the curious thought. Why does not God just out right tell us who the beasts are in Revelation 13 or even what the mark of the beast is? Could it be the same reason why He spoke in parables when He was here on earth? Notice what Matthew 13 states:
(Mat 13:10) And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
(Mat 13:11) He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
(Mat 13:13) Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
(Mat 13:14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
(Mat 13:15) FOR THIS PEOPLE’S HEART IS WAXED GROSS, and THEIR EARS ARE DULL OF HEARING, AND THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
(Mat 13:16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Now if you have only read these verses one time please read them again. This passage is highlighting the idea of why God speaks in parables, yea in symbols. The reason is very simple. It is to hide in plain view the realities of the kingdom from those who do not have receptive hearts. The lack of clarity indicates a lack of nearness to God.
Jesus disciples did not have this problem with many of the messages of Jesus. Yet, even they could not bare the plain words of Christ at times because their minds were blinded by traditions or long held opinions. Even when Jesus told them that He was going to die several times over, they were so shocked that He died they forgot He would rise as He foretold.
“Wherever hearts are open to receive the truth, Christ is ready to instruct them. He reveals to them the Father, and the service acceptable to Him who reads the heart. For such He uses no parables. To them, as to the woman at the well, He says, “I that speak unto thee am He.” {MH 28.2}
As we investigate the truths of this last day message we must first make sure that our hearts are open to the teachings and leadings of God’s word. If not, no matter what we study, our conclusions will not be correct. If we do not get a correct understanding of the beast, its mark, the seal of God, etc. we will be lost. Beloved Jesus desires to teach us, let us make sure our hearts are open to His voice.
