Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Mark of the Beast



The importance of understanding the Mark of the Beast
&
Exploring misconceptions about the Mark of the Beast





 Understanding the Mark of the Beast

The goal here is not to address the subject the Mark of the Beast nor to identify the beast, or to influence a particular belief system but rather to discuss the importance of understanding the Mark of the Beast.
There is a fearful condemnation pronounced on any man who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.

It is for this reason it is important for each individual to understand the Mark of the Beast. The word teaches whosoever receive the mark of the beast will be on the receiving end of the wrath of God.

 (For a good understanding of the Mark of the Beast get a copy of this book)                                                      


Often times most Christians even devout Christians do not read the book of Revelation. They find the imageries expressed in the book are too graphic and not readily understood.

It is frightening to conceive of a beast having seven heads and ten horns. The beast is like unto a leopard, and his feet as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion:









It is terrifying to think of a beast that speaks as a dragon and can rain fire from heaven on the earth.

This imagery have spawn the many misconceptions about the Mark of the Beast.



We will explore some of these misconceptions as it relates to the mark of the beast.









The Bar Code
  
Norman Joseph Woodland, invented the bar code in 1952 — that collection of lines and numbers used to ring up your groceries every time you visit the supermarket.

No reasonable  thinking person would come to the conclusion that the bar-code is the mark of the Beast unless you were told so in church.



 However today, there are many theologians who theorize that the bar code is the mark of the beast, and will be placed on your forehead or on your right hand.  

 Another misconception about the mark of the Beast is the Great Tribulation

Many Bible scholars believe that the tribulation spoken of in Matthew 24 is connected to the Mark of the Beast and will occurs just prior to the return of Christ.  The majority of Christians have been taught that they will escape the wrath of God in what is called the rapture.

The Rapture
There are three basic theories among believers of the rapture. Though they all believe in the rapture, they cannot agree on the timing of the rapture.

1.                   Pre-Tribulation Rapture

2.                  Mid-Tribulation Rapture

3.                  Post-Tribulation Rapture


Then there is the Antichrist theory
The Antichrist theory teaches that the final conflict will be over worship. All the inhabitants of the earth will be divided into one of two groups; those who worship the Beast and those who worship the Creator. Everyone will have to make a decision as to whom they will worship. Those who refuse to worship the Beast will be economically sanctioned  and eventually sentenced to death.  

The National Sunday Law Theory
Those who adhere to the National Sunday Law Theory believes the same as the Antichrist theory accept that they point directly to the Pope the head of the Catholic Church as having the number of the Beast and therefore the Roman Catholic system is the beast. Since Sunday worship is the mark of the Church –The Beast, then Sunday worship will be enforced on all mankind.

The Question is:
1.      Why is it important to understand the mark of the Beast when there are so much confusion?
2.      How could anyone know what to believe when there are so many theories and all claim to be the truth!

Many Christians concludes, I am a Christian I love the Lord and that is all that matters. I do not need to understand all these confusing prophecies to be saved. They say this with great piety. 

Fearful Condemnation
However, there is a fearful condemnation pronounced on all those who receive the mark of the Beast.
This is of utmost importance because there are consequences and the consequences are severe; therefore it should not be taken lightly. To worship the beast, would mean the receiving of the wrath of God.

John said, if any man worship the beast, 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… (Revelation 14:9–10 KJV)
It is for this reason it is important for each individual to understand the Mark of the Beast.

I repeat: If any man worship the beast, 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. (Revelation 14:9–10 KJV) 


 (For a good understanding of the Mark of the Beast get a copy of this book)  



No comments:

Post a Comment