What Is the Mark of the Beast?

What Is the Mark of the Beast?

In a recent Bible teaching at Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explored the often-misunderstood topic of the mark of the beast, primarily drawing from Revelation chapter 13. The teaching aimed to provide a deeper understanding of this concept within its original historical and theological context, moving beyond common modern interpretations.

Vander Els began by acknowledging the anxiety and fear surrounding the mark of the beast, particularly within evangelical circles, especially during the "satanic panic" of the 1980s and 90s. He recalled a time when everyday secular media, like Pokémon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, were suspected of being satanic, and there was widespread fear of government surveillance and the imminent arrival of the Antichrist. This period also saw the immense popularity of the "Left Behind" book series, which heavily influenced the understanding of eschatology, often focusing on a pre-tribulation rapture and the literal mark of the beast. Vander Els shared his personal experience of being traumatized by these teachings as a child, leading to a faith based on fear of tribulation rather than a genuine desire to serve God.

The speaker emphasized that many contemporary interpretations of the mark of the beast, such as microchips, tattoos, or social security numbers, were not prevalent in the earliest centuries of Christianity. The early church fathers primarily focused on the number of the beast, 666, and understood the mark as a spiritual state of being aligned with the beast rather than Christ. They believed it signified a deep-seated loyalty to the ways of the world and a rejection of God's kingdom.

Vander Els then discussed the historical shift towards a more literal interpretation of the mark, linking it to the rise of pre-tribulation rapture theology in the 19th century with figures like John Nelson Darby and the subsequent popularization through the Scofield Reference Bible. This view suggested that true believers would be removed from a future tribulation, leading to a greater focus on identifying potential physical manifestations of the mark.

Moving into Revelation 13, Vander Els described John's apocalyptic vision of a dragon (Satan) standing on the shoreline, calling forth two beasts. The first beast, rising from the sea, represents the power of worldly empires, their leaders, and the political systems driven by self-serving agendas that oppress and exploit. This beast is depicted with seven heads, one fatally wounded but healed, a parody of the resurrected Lamb (Jesus). The speaker connected this to the Roman Empire and the worship of emperors.

The second beast, rising from the land, is portrayed as having two horns like a lamb but speaking with the voice of the dragon. Vander Els identified this beast as the false prophet, representing the religious influence that deceptively persuades people to worship the first beast (worldly power). This beast performs signs and deceives people into creating an image of the first beast, demanding worship and persecuting those who refuse. The speaker highlighted that Satan often uses religion to empower empires, making people believe they are serving God when they are actually serving worldly agendas. He cited the imperial cult in Rome, where loyalty to Caesar was intertwined with religious worship, as a historical example.

Vander Els also drew parallels to later historical events, such as the Crusades, where religious fervor was used to justify violence and conquest. He further illustrated this with the example of the German Evangelical Church during the Nazi regime, where national identity was dangerously blended with Christian faith, leading to the expectation of pledging allegiance to Germany as a Christian duty.

The core of the teaching addressed the question of what the mark of the beast truly is. Vander Els pointed to Revelation 14:1, which immediately follows the description of the mark in Revelation 13. This verse depicts the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 people who have His name and His Father's name written on their foreheads. This directly contrasts with the mark of the beast being on the hand or forehead, identified in Revelation 13:17 as the name of the beast or the number of its name (666).

The speaker argued that John is intentionally juxtaposing the mark of the beast with the seal or mark of God. Just as the followers of the beast bear its name as a sign of allegiance, the followers of the Lamb bear His name. This concept echoes the Old Testament practice in Numbers 6:27, where God says, "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them." It also relates to the commandment not to take the Lord's name in vain, which, in its biblical context, concerns the reputation of God carried by His people.

Vander Els emphasized that these marks are primarily spiritual and symbolic, reflecting one's ultimate loyalty and ideological commitment. While the mark of God is not a literal tattoo, it is evident in the actions and "fruit" of believers. Similarly, the mark of the beast signifies a deep-seated allegiance to worldly powers and values that stand in opposition to God's kingdom. Revelation itself is presented as a theopolitical book contrasting the politics of God's upside-down kingdom with the politics of worldly empires.

The speaker concluded by urging listeners to examine where their true allegiance lies. Are they more committed to a political party or national identity than to the principles of the Kingdom of God, where the marginalized are lifted up and forgiveness is central? He cautioned against the dangerous idea that God automatically sides with any particular nation or political faction, referencing Joshua's encounter with the commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5:13-15, who declared he was "neither" for Israel nor their enemies. The crucial question is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are on God's side, demonstrated through obedience and loyalty to Him above all else.

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Application for Everyday Life:

• Be vigilant about where your ultimate worship and loyalty lie. Question whether your allegiance to any earthly power or ideology overshadows your devotion to God.
• Exercise discernment when political leaders or religious figures intertwine faith with nationalistic agendas. Be wary of messages that suggest God exclusively favors one nation or political party.
• Focus on embodying the "politics of the Lamb," which prioritize feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and standing up for the marginalized, rather than blindly supporting the "beast" of worldly power.
• Examine your "fruit." Your actions and how you treat others should reflect your allegiance to God's kingdom.
• Resist the urge to put God in a box or assume He aligns with your preferences. Instead, strive to align yourself with His will and commands.
• Pray for all people, even those considered "enemies," reflecting the inclusive love of Christ.
• Remember that your primary citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Engage with earthly politics through the lens of your heavenly allegiance and the values of God's kingdom.
• Be wary of making your national identity synonymous with your faith identity. Your loyalty to God should always come first.

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