Lesson 12 Review: The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast: Part 2

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:10, NKJV).

‘The “mark of the beast” prophecy is about the final link in an ungodly chain of religious persecution that goes back through the ages.’ These persecutions are designed to force everyone to conform to a certain set of beliefs and an approved system of worship. As the Waldenses who were steadfastly loyal to Christ and persecuted, we too should expect persecution as the “mark of the beast” explains. However, we are not to capitulate, but to be steadfast to God.

How long would this power dominate the religious landscape in the previous centuries?

1260 days. In the fourth century, the Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity throughout the empire. When he moved his capital in A.D. 330 TO Byzantium to unite the eastern and western parts of his empire. The medieval church exercised great influence from A.D. 538 to A.D. 1798, including in the terrible persecution mentioned in the introduction of this week’s study. Napoleon’s General Berthier took the pope captive in A.D. 1798, in exact fulfillment of the prophecy in Revelation 13:5 about 42 months (1260 days i.e. 1260 years).

What does Paul predict about the last days?

The apostle Paul warns the Christian community of a “falling away” from the truth of God’s word.

Who is the man behind this apostasy?

Satan is the one who is behind this apostasy. He is the true “man of sin” who desires to exalt “himself above all that is called God” and sits in the “temple of God” (2 Thess. 2:4).

Who/What exactly does the prophecy rebuke?

The prophecy is a rebuke to the apostate religious organizations that have departed from God’s word, and not necessarily the people in them (Rev.18:4).

What is the message to those who are being deceived by the apostate religious organizations?

Though deceived, these people are much loved by Christ. Hence, the message is for these people to come out of Babylon (the apostate system).

What three significant points does John make in Revelation 17:12-14?

‘The political powers have “one mind” and give their power and authority” to the beast. Second, this conglomerate of error makes war against Jesus the Lamb. Third, in earth’s last war, Christ and His followers are triumphant. The beast does not win, Jesus does.’

What exactly do you think is Satan’s final strategy?

‘At a time of great crisis, when all the world is scared, hurting, and fearful, people will be desperate for someone to bring some stability and protection. This is how tyranny has arisen in the past, and there’s no reason to think it could not happen again.’ Satan’s final strategy should be the union of the church and state. The authority of the church and state can be the very instrument to unite the nations.

What does the placements of the mark of the beast signify?

The mark of the beast is placed on the forehead and on the hand. ‘The forehead is a symbol of the mind, where conscience, reason and judgment are located; the hand, in contrast, symbolizes actions and deeds.

What predictions do we see in Wednesday’s lesson?

‘The day is coming, and possibly sooner than we think, that laws will be passed restricting our religious liberty. Those who conscientiously follow the Word of God and keep the true Sabbath of the Lord will be labeled as opposing unity and the good of society.

How does the church of Rome claim Sunday?

‘The church of Rome claims that Sunday is the “mark” of its ecclesiastical authority.’

What does Revelation predict about the future?

‘Revelation predicts that in the future, at a time of international crisis, our world will face some kind of radical political, social, religious, and moral transformation, in which Sunday keeping will be enforced and then will become “the mark of the beast.”’

What is the great controversy going to be centered on?

The great controversy will be centered on worship. Worship of either the beast or the Creator and the Sabbath will play a central role.

What kind of test should we expect in the future?

Sooner or later, laws will be passed, and those who conscientiously follow the Word of God and keep the true Sabbath will be labeled as opposing society’s best interests.

What were seals used for in ancient times?

Seals were used in ancient times to attest to the authenticity of official documents.

What elements of the Biblical seal do you find in the Sabbath commandment?

The fourth commandment contains three elements of an authentic seal. First, there is the name of the sealer: “ ‘The LORD your God’ ” (Exod. 20:10, NKJV). Second, there is the title of the sealer: the Lord who “made” (Exod. 20:11), or the Creator. And third, there is the territory of the sealer: “ ‘the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them’ ” (Exodus 20:11, NKJV).

How can we understand the fact that the seal of God is placed only on our foreheads?

Jesus respects our freedom of choice. Hence the reason why the seal of God is placed on our foreheads, Jesus invites us to let Him shape our minds through His Holy Spirit so that we cannot be moved from the anchor of our faith in the Word of God (Eph. 4:30).

Who are the faithful?

The faithful are those who “keep the commandments of God, and [have] the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12).

In Conclusion,

It is either the reception of the seal of God or the mark of the beast. You do not receive any of them in an instant. Daily compromises, sins cherished, hidden idols in the heart retained, un-Christlike attitudes fostered-all lead to the reception of the mark of the beast. The reception of the seal of God takes place over a period of time in which our minds are daily conformed to the image of Christ. I pray that as we meditate on the life of Christ, the Holy Spirit works in our lives to “seal” within us the principles of God’s kingdom in preparation for the final test over the Sabbath commandment in Jesus’ name.