An Amazing Fact: Imagine being in a battle with thousands of soldiers and not knowing who was friend or foe. At the beginning of the American Civil War, there were no set uniform colors for either the Union or Confederate armies. This led to chaos and confusion on the battlefield—with soldiers often shooting at troops on their own side. Eventually, standard uniform colors were established: navy blue for Union soldiers and gray for Confederate soldiers.
Did you know that the Bible tells of a cosmic battle in the last days of Earth’s history—and of a mark that will clearly identify which side you are on?
This conflict between good and evil began long ago when Lucifer, a powerful angel, rebelled against God and His kingdom. Scripture says that “war broke out in heaven” (Revelation 12:7) and that Lucifer became “that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” (v. 9).
Eventually, Satan “was cast to the earth, and his angels … with him,” and ever since, he has pulled every human being into his deadly conflict. Now, as we near the end of this cosmic war, the Bible teaches that you have a choice to make: to either receive or reject the mark of the beast.
But what is this mark? Who is the beast? And what does all of it have to do with you?
Here are five facts that you need to know about the mark of the beast!
The beast symbolizes a political-religious power.
The beast and his mark are foretold in Revelation, a book of the Bible that reveals the future through visions of mysterious symbols.
Thankfully, the Bible decodes these symbols for us. According to Daniel, a book of the Bible closely connected with Revelation, “beasts” represent kingdoms, nations, and ruling powers (7:17).
This beast in Revelation is a nation that is distinguished by both its political and its religious influence: It has “power, [a] throne, and great authority” (Revelation 13:2) while commanding worship from “all the world” (v. 3).
This beast is also known by another name: the Antichrist.
The mark of the beast symbolizes the beast’s authority.
A second beast, another influential nation also spoken about in Revelation, will work with the first beast to “[cause] all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads” (13:16). This mark will be compelled on people through a combination of deception and the threat of economic sanctions and death (vv. 12–17).
And here’s another important fact: Behind all this is the dragon—Satan (12:9; 13:4).
The mark of the beast centers on worship.
Let’s now look at how God calls us to obey His laws: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds” (Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV). To illustrate this, He said, “Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” In other words, worship God through your hands; that is, by what you do—and by your thoughts; that is, by what you think.
Do you see the parallels with Revelation 13:16? That is exactly how the mark of the beast is described! Thus, this mark is not a literal physical mark on or inside the body; it’s not a tattoo or computer chip. It is a symbol that reveals a person has accepted the beast’s command to worship Satan, whether that is through one’s beliefs (forehead) or through one’s actions (hand).
The seal of God also centers on worship.
Did you know that God also has a mark? It is called the seal of God. In the final battle, God’s seal is given to all those who heed this message: “Fear God and give glory to Him, … and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Revelation 14:7).
This language comes straight out of the Ten Commandments—and the only one that addresses both worship and creation: the fourth commandment. (See Exodus 20:8–11.) This identifies God’s seal as the seventh day, His special day of worship: “I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me” (Ezekiel 20:12). (See also Exodus 31:17; Isaiah 56:1–8.)
Those who love God, acknowledging Him as Creator and the only One worthy of worship, will receive “the seal of God on their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4) and be protected from the deceptions of the beast. (See Matthew 4:8–10.)
If God’s mark is a day of worship, what do you think the beast’s mark is?
Receiving the mark of the beast is a choice.
A critical message in Revelation 14, one especially given for this last battle, presents you with a choice:
If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation (vv. 9, 10).
The message says, “If anyone ...” This means that receiving the mark is a choice. Will you choose to receive the beast’s mark by worshiping Satan? Or will you stand for God’s commandments—and worship the Creator?
One path leads to destruction; the other leads to salvation. The choice is yours!
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
“The Mark of the Beast” study guide is full of Biblical truths about this puzzling mark! Download your free digital copy at Beast20.AFTV.in