Mark Of The Beast: Or Jesus?

[BlessedMan]

[Kevin H]

I feel uncomfortable in how we use the mark of the beast as an advertising tool for church membership, and lag behind where Mrs. White was with this issue. 

[BlessedMan]

I will be posting more on this soon.

[B/W Photodude]

10 hours ago, Kevin H said:

I feel uncomfortable in how we use the mark of the beast as an advertising tool for church membership, ...

One of the problems is that the "world" and many SDAs focus on the mark of the beast. Forgotten is that there is a mark of God. I was sitting in my favorite fast food restaurant studying once and this guy noticing I was reading my Bible came up and launched into a discussion of the mark of the beast. (Not just Adventists are focused on the mark of the beast.) So, I asked him after he was done with his expository of his beliefs of the mark of the beast, "So, in Revelation there is a mark of the beast and there is a mark of God. What is the mark of God?!" He appeared stunned and was silent for a minute and then he said, "I don't know"! He disappeared real quick after that, but I bet he hasn't stopped think of what the mark of God is and perhaps has gone to study it.

[BlessedMan]

12 hours ago, B/W Photodude said:

What is the mark of God?!"

Yes; I agree. Why so much focus on the "beast?"  The thing about "the mark of God" tho is it has less to do with the seventh-day than it does with the character of the people who profess it. The gospel, as in "the everlasting gospel" is nothing short of changed lives and hearts to reflect the heart and mind of Christ. "Let this mind be in you..." But most of the professing Sabbath-keepers who have the right day, have the wrong Lord. Its important to see that the three angels message is a whole message, not three "different" ones; and when they are taught to people as a message, rather than messages, then we can see better why Rev 14:6-12 begins and ends with JESUS, NOT the mark of the beast.

Quote

Rev 14:6  Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—
Rev 14:7  saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
Rev 14:8  And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Rev 14:9  Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Rev 14:10  he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Rev 14:11  And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

The more we behold Christ, talk of His merits, and tell of His power, the more fully we shall reflect His image in our own characters and the less we shall submit our minds and affections to the paralyzing influences of the world. The more our minds dwell upon Jesus, the less they will be enveloped in the fog of doubt, and the more easily shall we lay all our trials, all our burdens, upon the Burden Bearer. . . .  {HP 127.4}

Day by day we must talk with God, day by day following on to know the Lord, entering into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, laying hold on the hope set before us. If we reach heaven it must be by binding our souls to the Mediator, becoming partakers of the divine nature. Leaning on Christ, your life being hid with Christ in God, is your trust. And led by His Spirit, you have the genuine faith. Believing fully in the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice, we shall be laborers together with God. Trusting in His merits we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  {3MR 36.1} 

The Three Angel's MESSAGE is in every book of the Bible. (more later)

[JoeMo]

I don't think people will be given the Mark of the Beast or the mark of God without making a conscious informed choice.  Those alive at the time those marks are given will have be after the third angel's message if clearly given to the world.  Receiving the mark of the beast is an "unpardonable" sin - all who have it will be cast into the lake of fire.  IMHO, for a sin to be unforgivable, a person must make a conscious informed decision to rebel against the Lord, knowing full well the consequences. Plus, the mark of the beast takes place in the marketplace as well as the spiritual realm.  without the mark, people will not be able to buy or sell goods.

 

See the attached article for one "reason" to get a "mark".

https://www.sciencealert.com/an-invisible-quantum-dot-tattoo-is-being-suggested-to-id-vaccinated-kids

Sure, the article talks about "kids"; but what is stopping them from using the same technology on adults?

[B/W Photodude]

Quote

Then let no more time be lost in dwelling on the many things which are not essential and which have no bearing upon the present necessities of God's people. Let no more time be lost in exalting men who know not the truth, for the time is at hand." There is no time now to fill the mind with theories of what is popularly called "higher education." The time devoted to that which does not tend to assimilate the soul to the likeness of Christ is so much time lost for eternity. This we cannot afford, for every moment is freighted with eternal interests. Now, when the great work of judging the living is about to begin, shall we allow unsanctified ambition to take possession of the heart and lead us to neglect the education required to meet the needs in this day of peril?

In every case the great decision is to be made whether we shall receive the mark of the beast or his image, or the seal of the living God. And now, when we are on the borders of the eternal world, what can be of so much value to us as to be found loyal and true to the God of heaven? What is there that we should prize above His truth and His law? What education can be given to the students in our schools that is so necessary as a knowledge of "What saith the Scriptures?" 6T-130

I think that the mark of the beast or the seal of God really is "are we saved or not?" And these two things are the rewards to be given out. "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12

[BlessedMan]

On 4/13/2020 at 2:53 PM, JoeMo said:

I don't think people will be given the Mark of the Beast or the mark of God without making a conscious informed choice.  Those alive at the time those marks are given will have be after the third angel's message if clearly given to the world.  Receiving the mark of the beast is an "unpardonable" sin - all who have it will be cast into the lake of fire.  IMHO, for a sin to be unforgivable, a person must make a conscious informed decision to rebel against the Lord, knowing full well the consequences. Plus, the mark of the beast takes place in the marketplace as well as the spiritual realm.  without the mark, people will not be able to buy or sell goods.

 

See the attached article for one "reason" to get a "mark".

https://www.sciencealert.com/an-invisible-quantum-dot-tattoo-is-being-suggested-to-id-vaccinated-kids

Sure, the article talks about "kids"; but what is stopping them from using the same technology on adults?

I agree with what you posted. I think I would further distinguish what "the mark" is, both of the beast, and of God. Its impossible for said mark (either one) to be forced upon anyone. getting "the tattoo" or whatever else similar could not possible be the literal mark, for the simple reason that said marks can be forced on anyone and everyone. The mark, or the seal of God, for example would be ludicrous if it was something that could be forced upon us. That is the very reason we cannot go along with any church or denominated source that attempts to force "God's mark," because it cant be done - not even by God. This is why the Bible says things like "to them that RECEIVED Him, gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God."  The Bible uses the exact same word for those who RECEIVE the mark of the beast. OT prophets agree by saying things like "CHOOSE ye this day whom ye will serve..." we always have choice. The power to choose, in our heart, cannot be taken away.

[BlessedMan]

On 4/10/2020 at 6:16 PM, BlessedMan said:

As I have talked about before, in this and similar topics, there is a counter-narrative in the Three Angel's Message; that runs in direct, express opposition to "the everlasting gospel. To be clear; the Three Angel's MESSAGE is not plural. The Bible says "MESSAGE."   There are three different speakers/angels giving the message, but no one part can be separated/isolated from the whole MESSAGE.

In verity, The Three Angel's Message is well-described in the following:
 

Quote

 

The Sermon on the Mount

Mat 5:1  And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

The Beatitudes

Mat 5:2  Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
Mat 5:3  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4  Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5  Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7  Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Mat 5:10  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11  "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Mat 5:12  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

THIS sermon that Jesus GAVE US is THE TESTING TRUTH that many are refusing.  The "testing truth" has very little to do with BEASTwatching. It has everything to do with JESUS Watching.

Quote

Joh 1:29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Make no mistake:

Quote

This is our washing and ironing time--the time when we are to cleanse our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb. John says, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." . . . Shall we not let Him take them away? Shall we not let our sins go (GCB April 6, 1903, p. 89)?  {5BC 1131.10}

 

Edited April 25, 2020 by BlessedMan

[BlessedMan]

1 hour ago, BlessedMan said:

THIS sermon that Jesus GAVE US is THE TESTING TRUTH that many are refusing.  The "testing truth" has very little to do with BEASTwatching. It has everything to do with JESUS Watching.

Even the Old Testament Prophets were well-aware of, and taught "the verlasting gospel, as spelled out in The Sermon On The Mount:

Quote

Eze 36:25  Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
Eze 36:26  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

HOW can anyone benefit of this message without JESUSwatching as the major portion of their "testing truth?"

THIS is what EGW calls "cutting truth." The testing truth of end time prophecy is not determined by the BEASTwatchers or by "the beast."  It is only determined by Jesus; and His children being like Him. THAT is what "cuts" people away from the church in the end of time and for all time. We want to reserve the fouled alleged "rights" we think we "must have" and NOT be like this with "certain people."

In conversing with Nicodemus, Jesus put it like this:

Quote

Surprised out of his self-possession, he answered Christ in words full of irony, "How can a man be born when he is old?" Like many others when cutting truth is brought home to the conscience, he revealed the fact that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. There is in him nothing that responds to spiritual things; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned.  {DA 171.4}

WHY talk so much about the beast when its all about Jesus?