The Seal of God & the Mark of the Beast
In the Bible, two distinct yet invisible marks exist, each signifying devotion to a particular master. Though unseen, those who bear these marks align themselves with the desires of their respective masters. In the following article, we will shed light on the differences between these puzzling symbols and why a particular mark is assigned and, in doing so, gain a deeper understanding of their significance.
Since the mark of the beast frequently commands the spotlight in discussions, owing to its widespread and pervasive influence over much of the human population, we will begin by clearly defining this symbol. If you are unfamiliar with the beast systems, please click the link for Revelation 13:1-22 to refresh yourself on these passages before continuing. These verses provide us with valuable insight into the major enforcers of the mark of the beast.
The Seal of Satan
Revelation 13 offers a comprehensive representation of the beast system, composed of the dragon (Satan) and the two entities he empowers, represented by the two beasts. The first beast emerges from the sea, embodying a coalition of multiple nations, symbolized by its ten horns and seven heads. The second beast, though resembling a lamb, speaks with the voice of a dragon; this is the Antichrist or lawless one.
It is evident that the mark of the beast is intrinsically linked to acts of worship, as those who refuse to worship the beast face dire consequences. Conversely, those who pledge allegiance to it retain their lives and the privilege of participating in society after receiving the mark of the beast. Additionally, Revelation 13:4 also highlights these same people worshiping the dragon, Satan, who grants the beast its authority.
Revelation 19:19-20
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
This verse undoubtedly identifies the false prophet, who deceived the world into bearing the mark, as the same "second beast" that earlier emerged with the appearance of a lamb speaking like a dragon in Revelation 13:11-12
2 Thessalonians 2:3-12
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
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.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
In this section of his letter, Paul draws a parallel to the events foretold in the Book of Revelation, focusing on the shadowy figure known as the lawless one, who is also identified as the second beast, antichrist, and false prophet. In Revelation 13, we encounter the second beast, a character whose initial façade is innocent, described as having "two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon." However, behind this deceptive exterior lies a sinister purpose: the promotion of idolatry and the diversion of worship away from the true God.
The insidious nature of this second beast becomes evident as it actively advocates lawlessness, leading people astray from the divine laws of God. It is this essential truth that the unrighteous fail to embrace, as they become entangled in the web of deception spun by the lawless one.
Matthew 24:12-13
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
In this context, Jesus responds to inquiries about the unmistakable signs indicating an era's end. This discourse in Matthew aligns closely with the themes in 2 Thessalonians, where a surge in lawlessness is foretold. The reference to lawlessness prompts a critical question: What laws are at stake here? It is mandatory for us to grasp the essence of God’s law and the meaning of lawlessness to ensure that our actions do not mirror those who succumb to the allure of this forbidden mark.
1 John 3:4
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
Matthew 7:19-23
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'
23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Within these two scriptures, a revelation emerges: sin is synonymous with lawlessness, and those who persist in transgressing God’s laws find themselves outside the Kingdom's gates. Notably, in this context, this principle extends even to those who refrained from accepting the mark of the beast.
Moreover, a striking implication surfaces in Matthew 7:22, suggesting that even those who claim to follow Jesus but persist in lawlessness may also find themselves excluded from the Kingdom of God. Hence, it becomes evident that a deep understanding of God's law and unwavering faith in the Lord stand as inseparable facets of our journey toward His Kingdom.
The Law
Romans 7:12
Therefore, the law is holy, and the commandment holy and righteous and good.
Psalms 119:7
I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Deuteronomy 6:22-25
22 and the Lord showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household.
23 Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers.
24 And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.
25 Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.
When allowing the pages of the Bible to define the word “righteous”, we get a slightly different understanding than what is commonly believed to be accurate. These verses affirm the sacred nature of God's laws, portraying them as holy, righteous, and virtuous guidelines for behavior. The people of Israel attest that their righteousness is contingent upon the meticulous observance of God's commandments. The task of upholding God's laws may appear daunting, but consider the encouraging perspective in Luke 1:5-6 and 1 John 5:2-3.
With the exception of Jesus, who perfectly adhered to the commandments throughout his life on earth, we are reminded of the importance of practicing righteousness (obedience through the commandments), as outlined in 1 John.
1 John 2:28-29
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 Peter 2:21
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"
In both 1 John and 1 Peter, we find two compelling witnesses attesting to the fact that genuine followers of Christ are bound by a duty to cultivate righteousness, illuminated by the laws of God. Christ's sinless nature underscores his flawless obedience to these commandments. By wholeheartedly embracing his perfect example, we, too, endeavor to walk in the way of God's laws and distance ourselves from sin and lawless behavior.
The Mark YHWH
Much like the mark of the beast, God's mark is also symbolically placed upon the hand and forehead. Yet, the stark opposition between God's mark and the mark of the beast is unmistakable. God’s mark is a testament to unwavering obedience and steadfast allegiance to His ways. In contrast, the mark of the beast is associated with servitude to the first beast and Satan. The book of Romans provides an excellent allusion to this truth:
Romans 6:16
16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?
The following few verses will shed light on the meaning of God’s mark. As we will soon read, the tie between God’s mark and the law spans beyond simply honoring the Ten Commandments. The following verses all outline God’s mark.
John 6:27-29
27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.
2 Timothy 2:19
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Ephesians 1:12-15
12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints
Exodus 13:6-10
6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord.
7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters.
8 And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt.'
9 It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord's law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt.
10 You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.
Deuteronomy 6:1-8
1 "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess,
2 that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you--'a land flowing with milk and honey.'
4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
Deuteronomy 11:18
18 Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
Exodus 31:16-17
16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.
17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.
Ezekiel 20:11-12
11 And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, 'which, if a man does, he shall live by them.'
12 Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.
When considering the information in these verses, we discover that God's mark encompasses several essential aspects:
Belief in Jesus and Turning Away from Sin: Embracing faith in Jesus and renouncing iniquity (sin).
Observing God's Laws, Commandments, and Statutes: Committed adherence to God's divine laws, commandments, and statutes.
Sabbath Observance: Dedication to observing the Sabbath, mirroring God's rest on this sacred day.
Honoring God's Appointed Feast Days: Reverence for and observance of God's designated Feast Days to the best of our ability.
Sealed with the Holy Spirit: Marked by the Holy Spirit, serving as a divine assurance of our eternal inheritance.
When we synthesize this knowledge, it becomes clear that God bestows His seal upon those who love Him and obediently follow His guidance. This love extends to placing trust in Jesus, whom God sent to redeem humanity. This trust translates into the observance of God's commandments as an expression of love and obedience toward our Creator. We understand that faith alone, as mentioned in James 2:26, is insufficient; true faith in God and Jesus is demonstrated through our actions. As an integral part of God's seal upon His devoted followers, the Holy Spirit is given, symbolizing God's promise and guarantee of our redemption.
Those Sealed in Tribulation
Revelation 12:17
17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
In this verse, we encounter a powerful image: the dragon's fury directed towards the woman and her descendants. These descendants are the very individuals who bear the seal of God's mark. During the tribulation period, God's mark serves as a protective shield, safeguarding His people from His impending judgments. However, it's important to note that God's chosen ones may still experience persecution in end-times events. They may also experience other trials and tribulations, sharing in the challenges faced by the rest of the world. This echoes the historical parallel seen with the famine in Joseph’s time and in the plagues that descended upon Egypt, where the Israelites, too, felt the impact of the initial three plagues alongside their Egyptian counterparts.
Revelation 9:3-4
3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
Revelation 7:2-3
2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,
3 saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.
In these verses, we witness plagues and trials under the direct control of God, selectively avoiding His faithful followers. The angel in Revelation 7 holds the authority to unleash harm upon certain regions and their inhabitants. Additionally, formidable creatures emerge to afflict those who lack God's protective seal. Nonetheless, God's people remain untouched during these trials.
Matthew 7:13-16
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Revelation 20:12
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
We've explored the intricate concepts of God's mark and the contrasting mark of the beast. As unveiled in the Scriptures, these spiritual symbols illuminate the path of righteousness and the perils of embracing sin. The Bible emphasizes the significance of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to God's commandments, and the observance of days of significance like the Sabbath and Feast Days as attributes connecting us to God and His mark.
On the flip side, the mark of the beast symbolizes allegiance to a deceptive power that leads people away from God's truth and into the darkness of sin and idolatry. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of forsaking God's path.
As we navigate the terrain of faith and obedience, it's crucial to heed the warning of false prophets who may disguise themselves as righteous but bear fruit that reveals their true nature. Ultimately, judgment awaits us all, and our works will be scrutinized according to the divine record.
So, in conclusion, let us strive to bear the mark of God in our hearts and actions, living in faith, obedience, and the pursuit of righteousness, knowing that this is the narrow path that leads to eternal life, as opposed to the vast and destructive road that may seem alluring but ultimately leads to spiritual peril.
May these insights guide our spiritual journey and help us stay on the path that leads to God's eternal presence.