Living Above the Crowd

How to stand firm and face the 'Mark of the Beast'

 

The Lesson:

In our studies so far we have seen that the book of Revelation is a book of striking contrasts. On one side we see a power, which we identified as the Antichrist, striving for the supremacy, and compelling the world to worship him. On the other side we hear a loving call of obedience from our Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We all stand before a decision as to whom we will worship and honour in our lives.

It is wonderful that the Bible gives us such an insight into the character and nature of both the Lamb and the Beast. We have a very fair God that never forces worship. Worship must come by decision, and decision comes by knowledge. Knowledge of both parties is gained when we study the divine visions given to us by the prophet John. Christ Himself revealed the things that would come to pass.

So far we have seen that all that has been said has met its fulfillment in history. There are still some things that pertain to the future, and we will be looking at some of these things in this study. We will again turn our attention to the book of Revelation, chapter 13. We will discover how we can remain faithful to God, though the crowds follow the Antichrist. We will discover how we can live above the crowd and remain loyal to God in the final crisis before Jesus comes.       

The First Beast of Revelation Chapter 13

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” Revelation 13:1-7

In our tenth study we identified this power as papal Rome. We looked at the prophecy of the little horn power in Daniel chapter 7. Then as we turned our attention to the Beast in Revelation 13 we found striking parallels. The very appearance of the Beast is an amalgamation of the beasts found in Daniel chapter 7. The Bible clearly tells us that a beast resembles a kingdom (Daniel 7:17, 23). The Bible often repeats and enlarges upon a certain subject.

According to the prophecy papal Rome would rule for 42 months (Revelation 13:5). When studying prophecy we have seen that we are often dealing with symbols, imagery, etc. Concerning time prophecies we will see that we need to use the Biblical code given us in Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34. Here we learn that a day stands for a year. In other words we are looking at a period of 1260 years. This time prophecy is mentioned seven times in the book of Daniel and Revelation (Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5).

This part of the prophecy amazingly fulfilled as the Roman Church united with the State and ruled for a period of 1260 years. This lasted from 538 till 1798. During this time, it launched a vicious war on those who held fast to the truth from the Bible. Millions were killed during this Dark Age in earth’s history. The Reformation began to break the power of the Papacy until in 1798 it came to its political end. The world thought that the Papacy would never again exert the political might that it had wielded through the centuries, but prophecy had predicted that its “deadly wound” would be healed (Revelation 13:3). Today we are living in the fulfillment of that verse. The influence that the Papacy exerted through the armies of the church is being felt more subtlety through its diplomats in nearly every country on the globe.

“The object of the French Directory was the destruction of the pontifical government, as the irreconcilable enemy of the republic… The aged pope was summoned to surrender the temporal government; on his refusal, he was dragged from the altar… His rings were torn from his fingers, and finally, after declaring the temporal power abolished, the victors carried the pope prisoner into Tuscany, from whence he never returned (1798).

“The Papal States, converted into the Roman Republic, were declared to be in perpetual alliance with France, but the French general was the real master of Rome… The territorial possessions of the clergy and monks were declared national property, and their former owners cast into prison. The Papacy was extinct; not a vestige of its existence remained; and among all the Roman Catholic powers not a finger was stirred in its defense. The Eternal City had no longer prince or pontiff; its bishop was a dying captive in foreign lands; and the decree was already announced that no successor would be allowed in his place.” Rome: From the Fall of the Western Empire, page 439, 440, Rev. George Trevor, Canon of York, London: 1868.

“If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:9, 10

The papal potentate, who through the centuries had led thousands into captivity, was taken into captivity. The power that had killed millions with the sword now received a deathblow. In 1798, this verse met its striking fulfillment. The subject of this end time chapter now transitions. At this time, when the power that had held almost universal sway over the world for nearly two millennia was being led into captivity, another world power was springing up. It was this new power that was to play the most prominent role in the final events. It was this new power who was to lead the world to receive the mark of the beast.

A New Power Arises

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” Revelation 13:11

At the same time that the Papacy was going down, a new power, “another beast,” was arising from the earth. A Biblical symbol used repeatedly in prophecy is the symbol of a beast. It was first introduced and explained in Daniel to be kings or kingdoms. (Daniel 7:17, 23) So this was a new nation arising right around the time of 1798. What nation was arising around 1798 that plays a prominent part in world events? Not only was it establishing itself around 1798, but it was also pictured as “coming up of out of the earth.”

“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Revelation 17:15

In order to understand what the earth represents, we must first understand what water represents. Water is the opposite of dry land, or earth, so we would expect the earth to be the opposite of what water represents. Water clearly is a symbol of nations or civilisations or a populous area. What, then, would dry land, or earth, represent? The opposite, basically an uninhabited, or sparsely populated area. All of the previous beasts of prophecy (Daniel 7:2, 3; Revelation 13:1, 2) came up from the water. They arose from already occupied territory. With the strength of arms bathed in blood, they violently subdued the areas around them, but this new nation was different. It was coming up from an unknown, sparsely populated wilderness area.

It was said to be “coming up” out of the earth. The Greek word for “coming up” is anabaino. Anabaino is translated “to go, come, spring or grow up” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance), but can have the connotation “to grow or spring up as a plant.” (See Matthew 13:7) This new superpower was to grow or spring up like a plant. A plant does not grow and come to fruition overnight. A plant slowly and peacefully grows until it might become a mighty oak or fir tree, but it grows slowly.

It is described as having “two horns like a lamb.” In the other twenty-six times that a lamb is referred to in Revelation it always refers to Christ. This reference then could be considered to represent a Christ-like nation—a peaceful, meek, young nation. It had two horns, but there were no crowns on these horns. This was a power that was to be totally different from the previous powers. It was to be a nation without a king (denoted by a crown). The ruling powers of this nation were to be the great Christ-like principles of Republicanism and Protestantism; the separation of the church from the state, the great principle taught by Christ of religious liberty. (Matthew 22:21)

The five simple points that we have just looked at from this verse suffice to positively identify who this final power of prophecy is. 1) A new nation arising to power in 1798. 2) A nation coming up from a sparsely inhabited wilderness area. 3) A nation that slowly grew into its borders and power. 4) A nation founded upon the Christ-like principles found in the Bible. 5) A nation without a king. It is quite obvious that God’s Word predicted the rising of the United States of America, long before it was even discovered.

It was the United States that was coming into being in 1798. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Revolutionary War that followed was finally won by this new power in contradiction of the political forecasters of the era. On March 4, 1789 the first congress assembled under the newly ratified Constitution. Its first work was to pen the bill of rights, the first ten amendments, nobly setting forth the great principles that have led to the development of the United States as nation. The United States was beginning its slow plant-like growth.

The United States was considered part of the “new world.” It had been unknown to the great civilisations of Europe and Asia—it was a wilderness area. In comparison to crowded Europe, America was indeed sparsely populated. Although there were tribes of Native Americans that lived on this continent, for the most part it was an uninhabited land.

The principles that this nation was founded upon were totally different from any other power. Europe thought that the “grand American experiment” was destined to failure. How could a nation survive without a king? But prophecy had predicted just that and it took place exactly as prophecy had foretold. The separation of church and state, the guardianship of the “inalienable rights” of all were sacredly protected. The government was based upon the principles of Christ as taught in the Word of God. It was a nation with the two horns of Republicanism and Protestantism.

Has the United States of America become the world power that prophecy had foretold? The United States was a young, weak power. America’s military could not even begin to compare with the age old countries of Europe. In 1933, the United States’ army was only the sixteenth largest, but after World War II, things began to change. The United States emerged as a major player in world events, but another power arose rivaling the United States.

Communism was spreading around the world, the United States engaged in several wars with no decisive winner (Vietnam and Korea). Prophecy had foretold that the United States would be the major player in final events, and nothing could stand in the way of the destined nation. When the Soviet Union fell in 1989, the United States emerged as the undisputed superpower, just as prophecy had foretold. The Washington Post, August 29, 1991, commenting on the fall of communism said, “America would now determine all major global events.” Speaking of the United States, Time, July 21, 1991, “This world’s sole remaining superpower, no prospect in the immediate future of any power to rival the United States.” Bible prophecy has been fulfilled before our eyes, but this is not the end of the story.

A Metamorphosis

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Revelation 13:11, 12

This beast with horns like a lamb was to speak as a dragon. A change was to occur. The Christ-like principles espoused by America were to change and it was to speak with the fierceness of papal Rome. With the great principles of separation of church and state at the cornerstone of the United States’ government and greatness, a reversal would be seen. No longer do the lamb-like horns appear, now is heard the voice of the dragon. Protestant America will actually be instrumental in forcing the world to worship the first beast—the Papacy. How will the change take place? How will the world be led to worship the Church of Rome?

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 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: 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.” Revelation 13:13-17

America, pictured as a powerful nation of prophecy, will lead the world to receive the mark of the beast. Although almost unfathomable, the latter part of this prophecy will be fulfilled just as in the first part every aspect has taken place. Through measures, mild at first but growing more oppressive, the United States will lead the world to receive the mark of the beast. When the mild measures fail, through its economic strength the world will be led to bow before the Papacy. The mark of the beast is not 666—that is the number of the beast. The mark of the beast is the mark of the Papacy. By acknowledging the mark of the Papacy, the world will be bowing before the Pope of Rome instead of the God of heaven. But before we identify the mark of the beast let us have a look at the seal of God. Remember that Revelation is full of contrasts. By understanding God’s special seal for His people, it will not be hard to identify what the mark of the beast is. And most importantly, by receiving the seal of God, we escape the terrible mark of the beast. 

The Seal of the Living God

“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Isaiah 8:16

“Moreover I also gave them My Sabbath, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them… Hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:12, 20 

“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,” Romans 4:11

God’s Word declares that the Law including the Sabbath is the sign that we are God’s people. Then, as can be seen from Romans 4:11, sign and seal are used interchangeably in the Bible. The Sabbath is the sign, or it is the seal, that we are God’s people. The keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath is the seal of the Living God. 

With any law, that which gives it force is the fact that it is sealed. A law does not go into effect until it has been signed. The signing or the sealing of the law is what makes the entire law binding. Without the sign or seal, the law is merely another piece of paper in the stack.

A seal contains three essential characteristics—the name, the title, and the dominion. The name states: who is making the law, the title gives the authority for making the law, and the dominion states where the law is in effect. Without these three essential elements, a law is meaningless.

God’s Word states that God’s Law is sealed. What is the seal in God’s Law? What is the only commandment that has all three essential elements of a seal? The Sabbath commandment is the only commandment in the entire Law that contains the elements of a seal. In the fourth commandment is seen the name: “the Lord thy God”. The Lord’s title is given: “the Lord made”— He is the Creator, the Maker, and that is His authority and why He can give the Law. The Lord’s dominion is also given: “heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them”. (Exodus 20:10, 11) The Sabbath commandment is the very commandment that contains the seal of the Living God. If we are going to receive God’s seal, if we are going to be saved from the coming destruction, if we are going to refuse the mark of the beast, we will be keeping God’s seventh-day Sabbath.

As we have seen in one of our last studies (History’s Greatest Cover-up) the Sabbath was given from creation as a precious gift to humanity. It was for our good, and the Lord knew that we needed special time with Him each week. We also saw how the Sabbath is a sign of our loyalty to God. Will we choose to worship Him on the day He has appointed? He appointed the seventh day, and we saw that this is Saturday as we call it today. Both the Bible, history, language, etc. show us this very clearly.

Many say: What does it all matter? Why the big deal? It’s only a matter of a day? - Is that true? Is it just a matter a day? We have seen that the issue is more then just a matter of a day. It is a matter of worship. Who will we follow and obey? When God says something, He means it. The devil has attempted to attack the Word of God. Remember the prophecy in Daniel chapter 7. The Papacy would attempt to change times and laws (Daniel 7:25). Will he succeed in changing it for you? Or will you follow your Creator and His way? Will you live above the crowd? 

The Mark of the Beast

“Sunday is our mark of authority. The church is above the Bible and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.” Catholic Record, September 1, 1923.

“It was the Catholic Church which, by the authority of Jesus Christ, has transferred this rest to the Sunday in remembrance of the resurrection of our Lord. Thus the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the [Catholic] church.” Plain Talk About the Protestantism of Today, Mgr. Segur, page 213.

“The Bible says, remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. The Catholic Church says, No! By my divine power I abolish the Sabbath day, and command you to keep holy the first day of the week. And, lo! The entire civilized world bows down in reverent obedience to the command of the holy Catholic Church.” Father T. Enright, C.S.S.R., President of Redemptorist College, in a lecture given in Hartford, Kansas, February 18, 1884.

“Reason and sense demand the acceptance of one or the other of these alternatives: either Protestantism and the keeping holy of Saturday or Catholicity and the keeping holy of Sunday. Compromise is impossible.” Catholic Mirror, December 23, 1893, James Cardinal Gibbons.

The mark of the beast, seen in Scripture and verified by history is the attempted change of God’s holy Law from the Sabbath to Sunday. This is the mark that the beast power claims as the mark of its authority. It is the proof that they use to show that Protestants are worshipping the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrine. Prophecy has foretold the time that the United States will lead the world into worshipping the Papacy through their mark, Sunday observance. The time is coming, sooner than many think, that the populace will urge their rulers to enforce Sunday observance. These laws will begin mildly, but become stricter and more stringent until the decree will be issued that those who honour God must choose between their lives or their faith. When law enforces Sunday observance, it will become the mark of the beast. At that time, all who surrender their convictions to the oppressive powers will receive that mark of distinction.

Does that seem impossible? Sunday laws have been enforced in the past. Could it happen again? Bible prophecy has been right on every other point. It will not be wrong on this point either. Behind the scenes, a movement is gaining ground for the fulfillment of this prophecy. As natural disasters and terrorist attacks wreck our world, a cry will rise that we must “get back to God.” Stronger and stronger it will grow until it is enacted as a law.

“Christians will naturally strive to ensure that civil legislation respects their duty to keep Sunday holy.” Dies Domini, March 31, 1998, the holy Father, Pope John Paul on keeping the Lord’s day.

The final part of Revelation 13 is still future prophecy, but it will not be much longer. Are you prepared for that day? Do you realise that you are determining which side you will stand on right now? The choices and decisions that you are making today will determine whether you receive the seal of God or the mark of the beast. You can make the decision today to be loyal to Gods Law and He will protect and seal you before He comes. This privilege can be ours but it takes a full hearted commitment. It takes an effort to live above the crowd!

The Second and Third Angel’s Message

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9, 10

In study 11, History’s Greatest Cover-up, we studied the first angel’s message, which was a call to worship the Creator. It was a call to fear God and give glory to Him (Revelation 14:6,7). The first angel carried the everlasting gospel which would sound in the entire world, calling people from all nations to worship God. John sees in vision the first angel with this message, but as he is contemplating the scene the second and third angels pass by, both with important messages.

The second angel’s message is a message of warning. After the first angel has told us who to worship, the second angel tells us what not to worship. Remember in the days of the prophet Daniel, Babylon ruled over Israel. Babylonian worship included sun worship and many other pagan rites contrary to God’s Word. Throughout the Bible Babylon has been the symbol of religious apostasy.  

Again, the third angel’s message is a warning. The warning is given against the mark of the beast. God is a God of love and He does not want anyone to receive this mark. The message is strong, but it is given by a Father who cares for His children. When you witness a child that is about to walk on the street where many cars are passing in full speed, you probably won’t say with a soft voice: please be careful… “No,” you will shout: “Look out!” The third angel’s message is given with a loud voice! God does not want anybody to receive the mark; He wants them to respond to the loving call of the first angel. He wants people to accept the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ who came down from heaven to die for our sins. Jesus died a terrible death on Calvary so that you and I can be saved. He made it possible for you to overcome as He overcame (Revelation 3:21). His loving arms are extended to you. He has promised to live in us, so that we can represent Him here on earth. Jesus gives His followers the power to live victorious lives so they can receive His seal.

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12

We have the promise that there will be a group of faithful believers that will be loyal to their Maker. Here again is a striking contrast with those who  receive the mark of the beast. The battle between the Lamb and the Beast is intensifying and the question is: On which side are we?

You don’t need to wait to make this important decision. Decide today to accept your Saviour Jesus Christ who is revealed in the everlasting gospel. He has promised a life of superior quality. By following and obeying Him our lives will have true meaning, and in times of distress and difficulty we can have peace and joy. Though the majority may choose another way, Jesus can give you the strength to live above the crowd and experience His peace that passes understanding.