December 11
From: Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com
Three and one half years into the Tribulation Period, after the temple in Jerusalem has been rebuilt and after treaties have been executed with the opponents of Judaism, the anti-Christ will announce that all sacrifices at the temple will cease and the temple will be destroyed. To more fully understand this prophecy please read, The Unmistakable Events which Chronicle the Tribulation (Chapter 9 of the www.israelchosenortheenemy.com website).
When the temple is destroyed, the prince (the anti-Christ) assumes world leadership and insists on subservience from all people. He achieves that through immense persuasive power and logical exhortation (not as a lunatic dressed in a devil’s costume). To make sure that all people comply with his leadership, he ordains that every person must receive the “mark of the beast”. Again, he won’t call it that and he will not appear to be crazy but without the mark, persons cannot “buy and sell”. In other words, the mark would function as a scannable imprint, or a chip imbedded under the skin. We have that technology now as implants in animals. Listen to Merriam-Webster’s definition and the idea will be made clear: Scannable: to pass an electron beam over and convert (an image) into variations of electrical properties (as voltage) that convey information electronically. When you go to the market that is how the “scanner” works.
Now listen to how the Bible describes the scenario: “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” Revelation 13:16-18 NKJV
Then, the Bible makes it clear that accepting the mark is a huge mistake: …”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. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11 NKJV
It will not be a simple matter to say “no” to the mark. Listen to the fate of those who refused and then understand what God has in store for His faithful servants: “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.” Revelation 20:3-4, 22:4 NKJV
Since this is an “end times” situation, you may never face the choice of accepting the “mark”. But, do you feel you have the imprint of Christ on your heart now? Have you decided not to follow those who are disobedient? Can people “see” the mark of Jesus on your life? How courageous must your love of God and your neighbors be? Can you withstand temptation, of all kinds, on your own?
Core Christian Value: Choosing to be obedient and faithful to God is a right choice, for eternity. If, in the end, you accept the mark of the beast, in order to buy and sell, you lose. It is God’s mark you want!
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O.Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
