Mark
of The Beast
Throughout the New Testament Christ warns us about Satan, his mark and being deceived, better known to many as the beast mark, or mark of the beast. Some believe we are to receive some physical mark on our body. Some believe it is an internal mark of deception and works. So how do we avoid this beast mark and what are the consequences to those who receive the mark? Let us begin in the New Testament Book of Timothy.
The Apostle Paul was explaining to Timothy that in the end times there would be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:1-2). What Paul was talking about here is that many will be deceived into believing false doctrines and traditions of men. Were talking about the "minds" of those who listen to these false doctrines and teachings that will be polluted with lies that come straight from Satan. This part of Satan's mark is "in your head." (Revelation 13:16). It also speaks of a mark in your right hand. It won't be a physical mark, but rather a mark of works. How so, many would say? Well, if your supporting a ministry that is not teaching the truth, then your supporting a ministry that is teaching false doctrine and traditions. As stated above, "doctrines of devils."
During the Sermon on the Mount Christ would warn His disciples about false teachers and prophets. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15). During the Olivet Prophecy Jesus would warn His disciples again about the rise of false Christ's and false prophets. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24). These false Christ's and prophets will deceive even those who think they know the truth, because their minds have been seared with traditions and lies.
The Apostle Peter would also speak of these false prophets and false teachers. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:1-3). Peter explains that they will cleverly tell their lies about God, and many will follow their evil teachings. "The truth will be scoffed at." These teachers in their greed will tell you anything to get hold of your money. God knows who they are and their damnation awaits them.
In the Gospel of John, he tells us to test the spirit of those who teachers. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1). We should not believe everything we hear, but check it out with the Word of God as it is written. Believe me, there are many false teachers in the world today. John tells us of one good way to test the spirit. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:2-3). If one teaches that Christ was God in the flesh, his spirit is from God. If one teaches that Christ was not God in the flesh, his spirit is of the antichrist which is coming soon. (The spirit of antichrist is among us now). For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7). There are many in the world today that may tell you Christ did not come in the flesh, but they are just deceivers of antichrist. If you are a true Christian, you know Jesus came in the flesh of a man and was sacrificed for the sake of us all, but He and the Heavenly Father are one in the same. Emmanuel "God with us." (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14).
This is nothing new, back in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah people were warned about false prophets who were not sent by God. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 29:8-9). God wants the people to settle down, and the false priests and prophets want them to be ready to move on. I didn’t send them says the Lord, they dream this stuff up themselves and pass it on to the people. Sound familiar? Christ warned the apostles and His followers about these false prophets, just as He warns us today throughout the New Testament. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:5).
The apostle Paul tells us that many will totally alienate themselves from God and be a perfect mark for the beast. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (Ephesians 4:18-19). Those who ignore God's Word along with those who are deceived by false teachings and traditions of men will all be good candidates for receiving "the beast mark" through their own ignorance, greed and blinded hearts.
So, what happens to those who receive the beast mark? And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 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, 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. (Revelation 14:8-10). Those who let themselves be deceived and receive the beast mark must drink the wine of God's wrath.
But, what about the ones who do not receive the beast mark. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4). They will reign with Christ for a thousand years and help teach through the millennium period. (Those who are part of the first resurrection). But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (Revelation 20:5). This is the first resurrection. There has been no gathering back to Christ before this time and don't let anyone tell you different. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years have ended). We are speaking of the spiritually dead. (Some take part in the first resurrection, and some don't take part till the second resurrection after being tested by Satan). Paul gives a good explanation about the return of Christ, and us being changed to our spiritual bodies at the seventh trump. (I Corinthians 15:50-53).
Now, here is what we want to look for. When does Satan return with his mark? 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. (Revelation 13:18). Satan and his 666 mark come about at the six seal, Revelation 6, six trump, Revelation 9, and six vial, Revelation 16. The sign of his coming, 666! Satan will come as Christ to deceive as many as possible bringing forth the beginning of a tribulation that man has never experienced before. Break the chains of bondage and lies! Do not be deceived... Do not receive his mark of deception, the mark of the beast!
Keep The Faith,Barton