What is the Mark of the Beast?

What is the Mark of the Beast?

The subject of the  “mark of the Beast” seems to be on a lot of people’s minds these days due to the anxiety and uncertainty about the Covid-19 vaccines; and the prospect of them becoming governmentally mandated.

The references to the “mark of the Beast” are documented in chapter thirteen of the apocalyptic book of The Revelation.

Revelation 13:15 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.

Revelation 13:16 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:

Revelation 13:17 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.

Of course, these three verses concerning the Beast have long been a source of much eschatological discussion. Insights into any solutions regarding this “mark” involve at least three differing theological views of the entire Tribulation scenario. 

In Revelation 13:16-18, the Apostle John speaks of an apocalyptic pair of beasts who will rule the earth with vengeance, cruelty and animosity. Their severe manner and harsh rule will inflict pain and grief on all those on the earth at the time. Their sovereign reach will require that all those who desire to transact commerce or business, buying or selling anything, to bear the mark of the beast.

Let it be noted that this prophetic chapter centers around, not just one, but two beasts, an image of the first Beast, a number, and a name and finally a “Mark” that is specifically related to the Beast.

These three identification mechanisms all deal with commerce and worship! The word “mark” as utilized in these verses originated from the Greek word “charagma.” Charagma refers to a graven stamp or etching on the body. 

This “charagma” is etched or imprinted either in a persons right hand or in their forehead. This is the best definition of the “mark of the Beast.” 

Revelation chapter fourteen further states that all those who (no exceptions) take the mark of the Beast will be forever spiritually doomed. 

So then, the question of unnerving relevance in today’s chaotic world with its pandemic and health fears follows: Is the COVID vaccine the “mark of the beast”? 

The simple short answer is a definite NO! The vaccines, and their subsequent booster shots are not the Mark of the Beast! 

Of course, holy Scripture says absolutely nothing about vaccinations since they were not available when the Bible was written. 

A vaccine supposedly stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly as it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first.

At least, that is the ideal in the designs of most vaccines. Albeit, in today’s world, it seems that the manufacturers of these vaccines may have either rushed their products; or have as yet been able to produce a truly effective vaccine. 

So then why all the concern about the vaccines and the impending governmental mandates for universal vaccinations? These type of concerns are of principle concern to most Christians and to the many protectors of civil liberties. 

Whereas our culture has abandoned God, there has also been a growing lack of trust in the government and now in the medical field, and this fact is a driving force behind the "mark of the beast" anxiety. 

Another concern many Christians have about these vaccines is the way that they have been developed by pharmaceutical companies using cells derived from aborted fetuses.

Christians, rightly, oppose abortion, and so are concerned that using these vaccines (and perhaps other vaccines and therapies as well) make us complicit in abortion or approving of abortion. It is a serious concern.

Now, back to our original theme and the question that it posed. What is the Mark of the Beast? Is the Mark in anyway connected to the vaccines? Also, are these the Last Days in which we should expect the Mark of the Beast to be enforced upon the worlds population? 

• 1-The “Mark of the Beast” cannot ever be enforced upon the world until after the Antichrist has first arisen to World Power!
• 2-Ten Kings will arise to reset the world into a New World Order leading to the rise of the Antichrist, who will be empowered by the Beast.
• 3-The “Mark of the Beast” is primarily implemented for the sake of universal worship of the Image of the Beast; not as a vaccine for health emergencies! 
• 4-The vaccines could possibly be a means by which the Globalist powers seeking to erect the “empire of the future Beast” can by using a “step-by- step” method gradually assume more and more control of the whole world!
• 5-We are definitely in the “Last Days,” but we have not yet entered into the climactic era of the Tribulation, wherein the two Beasts and the Antichrist will finally emerge!
• 6-Church Age Christians will not be present on the earth during the time when the Beast and the Antichrist emerge. So they would have no experience with the Mark of the Beast. However, Tribulation Saints will be subjected to and need to avoid Satan’s entrapment! 
• 7-These points are all logical deductions of the pre-tribulation rapture perspective! (The other 3 other theories about the timing of the rapture would necessarily negate all my assumptions about the vaccines and the timing of the prospective implementation of the Mark of the Beast.)

Finally, in summation; the mark of the Beast will be a pledge of absolute loyalty to the Antichrist, and an absolute rejection of Jesus Christ! 

Therefore no one would be subjected to taking the “mark of the Beast” unknowingly. 

Revelation 14:9-12 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: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

The “Mark of the Beast,” whatever it is, and whenever it is sprung upon the world will be a “testing means” by which people will be forced to make a “witting and willful” choice about whom they prefer for their Souls full allegiance!

Conclusion: The time for the Mark of the Beast is not here yet! Any vaccines, shots or other medical needs of humanity will not be the mark of the Beast. The “Mark” although used for power over the economic system of the world is ultimately about enforcing Worship of the Beast! It will be a willful and “knowing” choice! 

Furthermore; "God would  not doom people to Hell for taking something unwittingly; and God has already planned ahead for his people by providing a “Seal” to reserve them from the “Beast’s Mark” of condemnation! (Revelation 7:3)

Focus on Jerusalem

by; Darrell G. Young

October 28, 2021