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THE MARK OF THE BEAST - IT's ALL ABOUT WORSHIP - THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!
I need you right now to really think and pray about what you are going to read here, because the information is of vital importance. Pray for the teaching of the Spirit of God. Please
cast off any preconceived ideas and any teaching of men you have had concerning the mark of the beast and let the Word of God open your understanding. So many people are focused on the
mark of the beast being a literal mark like an RFID chip, and they are missing the deeper truth concerning the mark and are going to fall right into Satan's trap!
Many people, when looking at the mark of the beast read Revelation 13:16 on its own. They see the words ... "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" ... and they think, "the word MARK means a literal mark, so it must be a literal mark they are going to enforce upon us." - That verse is divorced from the rest of the context, which stops them gaining a proper understanding. Well, guess what? The BEAST of which the mark is, in the original Greek means a literal ANIMAL. So are we going to be forced into accepting the mark of an animal? Of course not! Revelation is full of symbolic language. The beast is symbolic of a kingdom (Daniel 7:23) and therefore it's mark is also going to be symbolic.
So let us look at some of the context dealing with the mark of the beast. Do not miss this point.
Revelation 13:4,8,12,15,16 ...'And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast ... And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb ... And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast ... 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. 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.'
Revelation 14:6,7,9,10 ...'And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters ... 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, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God ... 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.'
Not only is this clearly about worship, but we are told in Revelation 13:14 that the 'second beast' DECEIVES the world with 'miracles', 'signs and wonders.' Now where is any 'deception' in a literal mark like a microchip? There is no deception in that. Also, where do we see 'miracles' and 'signs and wonders' performed? THE CHURCHES. Just keep that thought for a moment.
Now there are many speculations and pure guesses out there as to who the first and second beasts of Revelation 13 are. But when you study this out properly, using scripture and historical facts, then there is only one conclusion you can come to - that the first beast is none other than Papal Rome and the second beast is America. To save turning this study into a massive long page, you can see the evidence of the Papal Church of Rome (Roman Catholic Church) being the first beast on our page - WHO IS THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST OF REVELATION? And our page AMERICA IN BIBLE PROPHECY to see that the second beast of Revelation 13 is America.
There are a couple of important points you need to see regarding the verses above from Revelation 13 and 14. First of all, you can see that the context is talking about 'WORSHIP.' Secondly, in Revelation 13:8 it says "all that dwell upon the earth shall worship" the first beast. And then in Revelation 13:16 it says "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads." I hope you see the connection.
Those who receive the mark of the first beast, are those who worship the first beast and its image. Mark equals worship!
Do you see? We know a 'law' is going to be enforced around the world because Revelation 13:15 says the image of the beast, which the second beast (America) creates (an image of the Papacy - church state union in America) is going to "speak and cause" the world to worship the image and take the mark. What does 'speak and cause' mean? Legislation! So a law is going to be enforced around the world, enforcing us to take the mark of Papal Rome. Now if the mark is connected directly to worship, as we discovered above, then what kind of law are we going to see enforced upon the world? A religious law concerning WORSHIP.
So the mark of the beast is the mark of the Papal Church of Rome and it is going to be connected with worship. Hence the 'miracles' and 'signs and wonders' performed BY THE CHURCHES to deceive the world into taking the mark!
Now please pay careful attention. Revelation 13 contains the enforcement of the mark of the beast. And Revelation 14 contains the ANSWER to the mark of the beast deception, with a three fold message - the three angels message. So let us find out what the ANSWER to the mark of the beast deception is, and this will help us find out what the mark itself is.
Revelation 14:6-7 ...'And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.'
This is the first of the three angels message of Revelation 14. And if you dig deep into the message (SEE OUR PAGE HERE), you will find a treasure that will guard you in these last days. Over what part of the earth is the mark of the beast enforced according to Revelation 13? ... "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb ... 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." ... ALL the earth. So over what part of the earth does the first angels message need to go according to Revelation 14? Naturally "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
Now let's look at the details of the message. But before we do, I want to include something else. The second and third angels message contain a warning of the 'fall of Babylon' (the fall of the various churches) and the warning of receiving the mark. Isn't it interesting that God includes in the warning message the fall of the churches? Again, pointing to the fact that this mark of the beast deception is to do with WORSHIP. But look at what is also included in the FINAL part of the third angels message:
Revelation 14:12 ...'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'
Remember, the three angels message is the ANSWER to the mark of the beast deception. So let us look at the details of the above. The first angels message tells us to "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." What does it mean to 'fear God'? Proverbs 8:13 and Psalm 34:11-14 tell us that the 'Fear of the Lord' is to hate evil - hate sin. Which means we should love righteousness. But what did the apostle John tell us sin is? ... "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4). So to 'fear God' is to seek righteousness, which means to KEEP God's holy law summed up in the ten commandments. This we can NEVER do ourselves due to our fallen nature. But through surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing His Spirit to work in us, then HE will lead us into keeping God's law.
See our page JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH IS VICTORY OVER SIN for more.
But please notice this important point. The ANSWER to the mark of the beast deception, according to Revelation 14 is to be keepers of God's commandments. Therefore the mark of the beast is something that goes against God's commandments, as we have seen it is all to do with worship. But praise God, He has given us more details for us to get even more specific.
Let us read again what we are told to do in the first angels message ... "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." ... Where have we seen those words before about God creating the "heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."? The 4th commandment!
Exodus 20:8-11 ...'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.'
What is the first angels message pointing us to? The Creator and creation itself. And what is wrapped up in and part of creation itself? The seventh day Sabbath. The ONE DAY that God set aside at creation to be a 'Sabbath rest' for holy use.
Why did God set aside the seventh day as a holy day for us? Well, we all need rest each week from our labours, but there is more. In Exodus 31:13 God says "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." So by keeping the 7th day Sabbath, we acknowledge that Jehovah is our Creator, redeemer and sustainer. So it is a WORSHIP issue.
And remember what the answer to the mark of the beast deception was? Keeping God's commandments! (Revelation 14:12) Not in our own strength, but by the faith of Christ. And yet it goes even deeper than the Sabbath. Did you notice that the first angels message told us to 'worship God' as 'HIM'? Who is the 'Him'?
John 4:22-24 ...'Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship HIM. God is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.'
So we see that the 'HIM' in Revelation 14:7 whom the world is being directed to worship is God the Father. But why? Isn't Jesus God? Yes, as God's own Son, Jesus is also fully divine, fully God. But the Father is the source of ALL life, including the life of His Son Jesus (John 5:26), which makes the Father the 'only true God.' Take a look at the following:
Ephesians 1:17 ...'That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM.'
John 17:1-3 ...'Father ... this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.'
1 Corinthians 8:4-6 ...'As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.'
John 20:17 ...'Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.'
1 Corinthians 11:3 ...'But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.'
2 John 1:3 ...'Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.'
As we can see, God the Father is that 'one God' (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the 'only true God' according to Jesus and our 'one God' according to the apostles. So the first angels message is also a call for the world to turn back to the one true God - the Father. Again, it is an issue of WORSHIP.
So what is the answer to the mark of the beast deception? Let us read Revelation 14:12 again ... "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." .... Let us read that in the right order - Having the faith of Jesus and as a result, keeping the commandments of God. And which specific commandment points us to the Creator, as the first angels message points out? The 4th commandment, concerning the 7th day Sabbath. And who is the true God who we are directed to worship? God the Father, the 'only true God' whom Jesus Himself directed us to worship (John 4:22-24, John 17:3).
So if the warning and answer to the mark of the beast deception is concerned with the God we worship and acknowledging Him as our Creator, by keeping the day HE set aside for holy use (the 7th day Sabbath). And the mark of the beast is connected directly to worship. Then what is the mark going to be? A 'religious' law that is in opposition to God's 7th day Sabbath and in opposition to the Father being the 'only true God.'
Now take a look at what king Nebuchadnezzar did as recorded in the book of Daniel:
Daniel 3 1- ...'Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold ... Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image ... Then an herald cried aloud, to you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that AT WHAT TIME ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image ... And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.'
Wow! So what did Nebuchadnezzar do? He sets up this image and gathered ALL the kingdoms officials, then a 'loud herald' was given to all 'peoples, nations and languages,' and a SPECIFIC TIME was SET ASIDE for all people to WORSHIP the image. The three angels messages of Revelation 14 are given as 'loud cries' to all 'nations, kindred, tongue and people' as a warning herald from God due to the worship of the beast and image to be enforced upon the world. And what did Nebuchadnezzar do? He set aside a SPECIFIC TIME for the people to worship his false god.
Jehovah has set aside a SPECIFIC TIME to keep holy (the 7th day Sabbath - Saturday), which we keep to show our allegiance to Jehovah and worship HIM as the only true God. The Papal Church of Rome has set aside a SPECIFIC TIME to keep (1st day of the week - SUNday), which is in honor of their FALSE TRINITY GOD!
"This feast, which falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost, should make us mindful that actually every Sunday is devoted to the honor of the Most Holy Trinity, that every Sunday is sanctified and consecrated to the triune God." (Catholic Culture - source)
So just as Nebuchadnezzar set aside a SPECIFIC TIME for the people to bow to his image and false god, the Catholic Church has also set aside a specific time in honor of her false god, in opposition to the specific time that Jehovah, the one true God, gave us to keep holy. And an IMAGE of Papal Rome is being set up in America (church-state alliance) which will cause all to worship the image of the Papacy and take the mark of Papal Rome. The image of Nebuchadnezzar was a literal statue image. Whereas the image being set up in America is an image to the Papal Church of Rome. This isn't going to be a literal statue, but rather an image of what the Papacy is - a church state union, with the church directing the state power (harlot woman riding the beast).