RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-09-21	Can A Christian Accidentally Take The Mark of the Beast? (Rv.13)
		As things become more unstable around the world the question concerning the Mark of the Beast comes up often. When we talk about the Mark of the Beast what we are referring to is the Mark of the Antichrist. The Antichrist as he is commonly called will be a future world leader empowered by Satan. He will rule for 42 months or 3 1/2 years (Rv.13:5). There will also be another future figure called the “Beast” or False Prophet who will demand everyone worship the Antichrist (Rv.13:11-18). In Rv.5:1-2 we are introduced to a seven sealed scroll. It is asked who could open the scrolls, and Jesus is worthy to open the seals (Rv.5:5) John watched as Jesus opened the first seal (Rv.6:1-2). Most Christians understand the first seal refers to the Antichrist who rides out to conquer. Chronology this first seal refers to the Antichrist at the beginning of the final 7 year period (called Daniel's 70th Week) as he makes a covenant with Israel (Da.9:27). It appears that this covenant will include some type of provision for the Jewish people to restart animal sacrifices in a Jewish Temple. So Antichrist will come diplomatically at the beginning of the 7 year period. Sometime just prior to the mid-point of the 7 year period, it will appear the Antichrist will be killed (Rv.13:3). Rev 13:3  And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. Then it will appear the Antichrist rises from the dead. Many people of the earth will believe the Antichrist actually rose from the dead. Daniel 9:27 says in the middle of the 7 year period the Antichrist will put a stop to the sacrifices and do some abomination at the Temple (Mt.24:15). At this mid-point of the 7 year period will begin “great tribulation” (Mt.24:15-21). So when the Antichrist enters the Temple in Jerusalem at the mid-point will begin the greatest persecution of believers ever! Paul also describes this same event that will occur at the mid-point of the 7 year period (2Th.2:4). 2Th 2:4  who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. So at the mid-point the Antichrist will enter the Temple and demand to be worshipped. The Beast or False Prophet will exercise “all the authority” of the Antichrist (Rv.13:12). This False Prophet will perform miracles and will deceive those on the earth (Rv.13:13-14). The False Prophet will demand the people to make an image of the Antichrist who was dead, but now is alive (Rv.13:14). Jesus warned ahead of time “Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it.” (Mt.24:23). He further said, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Mt.24:24). Antichrist and the False Prophet will even try to deceive believers (“the elect”, v.24). But notice the phrase, “if possible”. This implies it is NOT possible. Then the fifth seal will bring the death of believers (Rv.6:9). They were slain for the Word of God, and their testimony of Jesus (Mt.24:9, “My name's sake”). The martyrs in heaven cry out for revenge (Rv.6:10-22). This is at the mid-point of the 7 year period which Jesus called “great tribulation” (Mt.24:21; Rv.13:7). Rev 13:7  It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. So it will be right here at the mid-point of the 7 year period that Antichrist will demand people to take the “mark” or die (Rv.13:15). Taking the Mark of the Beast will be connected with worship of the Antichrist (Rv.14:9-11). These happen at the same time. This mark will be given on the right hand or on the forehead (Rv.13:16). Rev 13:16  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, Rev 13:17  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. Rev 13:18  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. Christians will know about the Mark of the Beast before they are told to take it. They will understand taking the Mark is the same as worshipping the Beast. Notice the following conditions for the actual Mark of the Beast.    1. It will be ordered by the False Prophet.    2. It will be placed on the right hand or forehead.    3. It will have the name of the Beast, or the number of his name, 666.    4. It will be required to buy and sell.    5. It will be required at the mid-point of the 7 year period. If it does not have all these elements then it is not the Mark of the Beast. The short answer of whether a Christian can take the Mark of the Beast accidentally is, “No”. But we must be prepared to be martyred for refusing to take the Mark (Rv.13:15). Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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