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