Mark of the Beast

by

Anthony Valasek

In this paper, I would like to study from the scriptures, the mark of the beast. This mark is of great debate as to what it is and is a significant piece of the puzzle during the time of Great Tribulation. There are many different theories right now as to what this mark is. Some say it is a tattoo of the numbers 666. Others say that it is a computer chip implant that is placed under the skin, eliminating the need for cash. When Social Security Cards first came out, many preachers thought that this was the mark of the beast. Some say it is the Smart cards that are coming out that are coincidentally called the MARC card. All of these theories are possible, but I would like to add another one that is even more deceiving and easily overlooked. I propose that it will be merely an act of worship. With that said, let us move on to the scriptures. The Bible clearly tells us about the results of having this mark, or not having it. Let us look at Revelation 13:16-17.

Revelation 13:16-17
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

The he in verse 16 refers to the Antichrist that will be over the world during this time. This mark, will enable those who follow him to buy and sell, while those who do not have this mark will be left to fend for themselves. All we know is that they will not be allowed to buy or sell anything. Carefully notice though where this mark is placed, in the forehead or right hand, this will prove to be very significant as we will see further on.

I would like to lay some ground rules, by saying that all should know that Satan is out to deceive everybody he can, and take as many to the lake of fire with him as possible. The way in which he tries to have people follow him, is by the act of imitation. He tries to imitate anything and everything that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit have done, and will do. From this, we can know that whatever signs or distinguishing events that the Bible tells us are from God, we can expect to see a close facsimile of this event derived from Satan. With that said, I will try to fit this established pattern of deception, with the mark of the beast. I guess the first question should be, Is there anywhere in the Bible that teaches us about a mark or sign placed in people's foreheads?

The answer to this question, is remarkably yes! There is not only one, but many places in scripture that we can find this event. The first place we can find such a mark is in Genesis 4:15. This is just after Cain slayed Abel, and Cain was "banished".

Genesis 4:15
And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

Now most people, including myself believe that this mark was not a physical sign, but a spiritual one. Keep in mind while we go through this the word IMITATION. Paul told us in Romans 16:17 about the marking of men, and we can further see in Psalms 37:37, that this marking of a man, is more in line with spiritual than physical. This mark can also be a mark of remembrance. Yes, God will remember (mark) those who serve him. Have you not ever heard the phrase "Mark my words"?

Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Psalms 37:37
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

In Revelation 17:5, we can prove without a doubt that this mark is not physical but spiritual.

Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Now, how could you possibly tell me that this is actually written on her forehead? That would be ridiculous, indeed! Further study in the book of Ezekiel, shows an incredible insight to this mark. In chapter 9, we see that Ezekiel was in a vision, and he saw six men with weapons of war, and one man clothed in linen with an inkwell, who was to "mark the foreheads" of those who cried for the abominations taking place . We can see from verse 6, that this was a mark of protection, because all of those without this mark were slain, men, women, and children. I believe this is a vision of the Tribulation, and if it is, we can see that God will have a mark placed on his people. We can prove this out by looking at Revelation 7:3. Here we can see that the 144,000 people of God were sealed with a mark of God in their foreheads, for protection. This mark of God can also be seen in Revelation 22:4. Please keep in mind, that there are two different marks, the mark of the beast (Satan) and the mark or seal of God. This mark is not physical in either instance, but spiritual. Remember the word IMITATION.

Ezekiel 9:4
And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 9:6
Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

In Leviticus 13, we can see a bit of symbolism with regard to signs in the foreheads of those who are unclean. If a person was to have a sore in his forehead, he was considered unclean. I believe this symbolically tells where the mark of the beast is placed upon those who are unclean (unsaved). Now I want to ask you to carefully consider what I am about to show you. I have addressed this issue before, but not in this context. This has to do with the Sabbaths of God. When the children of Israel, were about to leave Egypt, on the first Passover, we can see an astonishing thing happening. As the firstborn were slain, we all know that those who "marked" their door posts with the lamb's blood, were spared. What I want to show you however, that this act was then to be remembered every year, by the act of keeping the Sabbath. We can see that in Exodus 13:9, that by keeping the Passover, we receive a mark, or sign between our eyes (foreheads), from God. The weekly sabbath is also a sign between us and God as we can see in Exodus 31:17 and Ezekiel 20:20. Couldn't this also be a sign between our eyes? Thus we can see that by keeping the sabbaths, we are giving God a sign that we are his, and in return, receive a sign (mark) in our foreheads.

Exodus 13:9
And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

Exodus 31:17
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Ezekiel 20:20
And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.

I hope that by this paper, we can see that this mark of the beast could quite possibly be a simple act of worship. This act of worship, may be keeping the sabbaths. Looking at the world, I see that only the Israelites as a whole, keep the sabbath holy. When the antichrist comes to power over the whole world, he could make it against the law to worship on the sabbath. Most Christians, though they might be against this law, would not fight it since they believe that the sabbaths were abolished at the cross and would obey this law, thus being deceived by Satan. Remember, that imitation is the key to unveiling Satan's deceptions. If keeping the sabbaths are a sign to God, then not keeping them would be a sign to Satan. Remember that we can not serve to masters (Matthew 6:24), you are either God's or Satan's. Choose well.

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for he will either hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The last thing I want to mention is that this is not preaching saved by works, for we can only be saved by the grace of God. I do want you to know that to receive this grace, one must show a little faith, belief in Jesus Christ. By definition, faith is belief in something you can't see nor understand. Faith in the sabbaths, is this kind of faith I think. All I understand about them are that they are a designated day of rest. I will not try to pretend that I understand why the breaking of it is sin, I just trust God.

I pray that this mystery of the mark will be fully revealed before the time of the tribulation.