“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.” Revelation 13:16-17 NKJV
As most of us know, the freedoms we enjoy by living in a country where those same rights are guaranteed is something most of us understand should not be taken for granted. There are many places in the world today where people do not have the choice as to what they can do or not do according to the powers that be. Lately the overriding conversation in this country has been whether or not to take the “shot”, and the consequences some believe should be meted out to those who choose to refuse the vaccination.
While for the time, at least, we have the option to
refuse what many believe to be a violation of our freedom to choose, the Word
of God tells us of a coming time where refusing to take a mark will have dire
consequences. A subject I have spoken of often in the past concerns those
believers who, at this point in time, are reluctant to embrace the life God has
chosen for them. These are those who wish to believe, but remain anonymous to
the world by choosing to live as the world lives and not let their
"light" shine as God desires. While that is an unfortunate privilege
of living in the Church age, after the rapture God has said that there will be
nowhere to hide for those who truly believe.
Many are familiar with what is known as the "Mark of the Beast",
often identified as the number "666". We are introduced to this mark
in the book of Revelation where we are given a description of the beast, told
of some of his powers, and also shown the plan he has for the world. What we
are told in the passage above is that at the mid-point of the 7 year
tribulation period, the man of sin, or the anti-christ if you prefer, will
institute a law which says that no one will be able to buy or sell without
having this mark on their hand or forehead. Now at first glance, this may not
seem to be all that "intrusive" considering what the world will be
like at that time. There is, however, much more to it than that.
The Greek word for "mark" here is "charagma" which literally means a brand or a seal (of ownership). You see, people are forced to choose to be "owned" in a way by taking the name of the anti-christ (666) on their bodies. In a sense, those who choose to take the mark will be pledging their allegiance to the anti-christ. This obviously is no small decision because although some believers might be tempted to take the mark just to survive, and not really "believe" in him, that decision is not, I repeat not an option. Take a moment to look at another passage from the book of Revelation.
“Then
a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “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
I don't believe it can be made any clearer than that. Anyone who chooses to
receive that mark is condemned by God for eternity. So you see, although right
now many believers think they can get by with going to church once in awhile,
and never really changing the way they live their lives, a time is coming when
no believer on earth will be able to hide. They will be forced into making the
choice to be open about what they believe, and either taking or refusing the
mark. How difficult a choice will it be? Look at the following passage which
reveals the penalty for NOT taking the mark.
“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.” Revelation 20:4 NKJV
So this then is the choice that soon will come to those on this earth who are
left behind after the rapture of the Church. If they decide to believe in Jesus
Christ, their choice will be to publicly declare that they worship God and be
beheaded or worship the anti-christ and receive his mark which then will
condemn them to Hell for all eternity. There will be nowhere to hide, no way to
camouflage what they really are, and no way to escape declaring what they truly
believe. At that time, the consequence for choosing to refuse will be death by
beheading.
While we have the freedom to make choices at this time without penalty, there is a coming time where that will certainly not be the case. At this point in time, anyone can choose to escape what is going to come by making the choice to accept the gift of eternal life provided for us by the death and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. If you have never made the decision to accept that free gift I encourage you to do so today. Simply ask God to forgive you of your sin based on your belief that Jesus died to pay the price for your sin, and turn over control of your life to Him. You can do that right now by praying a prayer just like this one;
"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen."
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