What is this mark of the beast? Is it visible? Is it permanent? Is it clearly understood? In Revelation 13 we read that no one could buy or sell without this mark. How would the remnant survive? Well, many will not, as they are killed for their beliefs.
But, the world we currently live in has numerous examples of refugee camps, concentration camps, death camps, FEMA camps, internment camps, and cordoned off ghettos.
Living on the minimum of government handouts or welfare would sustain some level of life during these times. But, how many would take the mark to keep their standard of living intact?
Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; 14:7 and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."
Even as Satan attempts the world to receive his mark, God sends out an angel to give the final gospel call to a darkened, sinful world. What mercy, long-suffering, love, and compassion.
14:8 And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality."
Don’t miss the clear declaration that all the nations are together. This is not just communist China or Russia, not just the Nazi Germany of WWII, or Venezuela, North Korea, and any other socialist country.
14:9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Here we once again read an interesting fact, the mark of his name. In Revelation 13 we read that the mark is either his name or number. This makes it clear that everyone should know what this mark represents. No one can claim ignorance or innocence.
14:12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them."
For all the devout pre-trib. rapturists, who are predominantly in the U.S., this should be challenging. Their are saints being killed for denying this mark, for refusing to bow to Satan, and for persevering in the faith. God’s promises always include a warning and conditions.
Matthew 10:32 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 10:33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
Mark 8:34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
The cross is the symbol of a horrific death and an amazing sacrifice. Are we ready?