Mark of the Beast

A tattooed number, a computer chip under the skin, or something subtler? It’s one of the most misinterpreted prophecies in all of the Bible—yet it is vitally important to understand it.

The final battle between Satan and God is just ahead, and it is described in the book of Revelation.  This prophetic book points out that God has an emblem, a mark, that will identify His people. Satan also has an emblem, a mark, that will identify those who support him.

In the simplest of terms, those who decide to follow the false teachings of the Beast (Satan) will receive his mark. Those who follow Jesus and obey His truth receive His mark.  It is comparable to having your name recorded in the Book of Life. 

It is not literal.  Following Jesus is important and will be recognized. God will know those that are His. Belonging to Jesus or the Beast is not to be confused by having a number assigned to us by a government, whether a Social Security number which we all already have, or a DL number, or some other number assigned in the future.   Advancements in technologies, like bar codes periodically trigger "mark of the beast" concerns for those who take seriously the prophecy.    While I am not  worried by how the government chooses to identify me, I believe it certainly is a slippery slope.  I think we should be cautious about allowing that measure of control or surveillance into our lives. 

Each person must know God for themselves. If we don’t know God ourselves, we will not have the power to resist Satan’s temptations. It is only when we hide God’s Word in our heart that we will have the ability not to sin against God. We can not depend on others. No one else will be able to save us. Those who have chosen to obey God fully are those closely connected with God. When we do, we are His. He knows us.

“If anyone has an ear to hear, let him hear.” This is a clue from the Book of Revelation that what is to follow is very important. If we be led into captivity, we will go into captivity. It is important that we are to completely trust in the Lord. We must stand strong against Satan with patience and faith. How do we win the battle?   “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” We must not go against God and His instructions. That is how to overcome Satan.

Revelation is confusing and hard to understand. But, to me, it just tells us that the battle against Satan is real, and Satan seeks to steal you and to capture you. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” We must know the Bible so that we can tell truth from error. Keep God’s word in our heart.  Those with the mark of the Beast are those who have placed themselves in opposition to God.