By Whenever uncertainties arise and bizarre occurrences are very dominant around, anyone would cling to anything that would give them assurance of safeties. This restlessness attitude can lead one to succumb to anything offered to them at any cost. The more if signs of the end times are everywhere, even their faith will be shaken. Haven’t you wonder what spadework you must be minding to? Whose mark are you possessing right now? Wonder if you already received the precious mark of God before end times took place?
The Mark or Seal of God:
Seals are type of identifying marks that is typically affixed to documents such as letters contracts and other writings. It was common practice in ancient times to affix a seal to a cattle in order to identify the proprietor of the animal. People would be dissuaded from stealing them if they were marked with a seal because it would be visible on them. The seal in the Bible conveys ownership protection and certification of the relationship between the parties involved. In the Bible being marked by God are chosen by Him it is like a spiritual stamp that shows one belong to Him and under His care. It’s not a mark of bondage but of freedom, not of shame but of honor.
The SEAL or MARK of the Holy Spirit:
“in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were SEALED with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory”.Ephesians 1:13-14 ASV
This passage speak of a spiritual mark, a seal which is not a physical inscription, but the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit in those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A DIVINE MARK that signifies that a person belongs to God. It is an assurance of salvation. A promise of eternal inheritance, and a testament to God’s faithfulness. The ultimate expression of this redemption is found in Jesus Christ: His life, death and resurrection opened the way for humanity to be restored to a right relationship with God. When a person hears, believes and accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior he then is filled with the Holy Spirit and grows deeper in His relationship with Him. It’s not a physical sign but the presence of the Holy Spirit within them.
This MARK …. SET US APART AND GUIDES in living a life that reflects God’s love and principles. It’s signifies that you are not just a random creations but a part of God’s plan and have a purpose in this world. This mark is a constant reminder of who we are in Christ: redeemed, called and set apart for His glory.
This MARK… AS OWNERSHIP. Ownership begins with the creation of humanity. God created humans to be in a relationship with Him ,you live in harmony with His will. The Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life is God’s authentication that they are His, protected and cherished. It’s a down payment, so to speak on the eternal life and blessings promised. It is God’s way of saying: “You are mine.”
This MARK… It’s a REMINDER that you’re no longer of your own but have been bought with a price by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 6:20: “for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body.” Therefore this mark calls us to live in a way that reflects our identity in Christ as people who are cherished, protected and eternally loved by the almighty God .
The MARK … as PROTECTION in judgement. The concept of God’s mark is an evocative symbol of divine protection in times of judgment This full idea of God’s protection comes to life in Ezekiel 9:4-6 the mark of God serves as a SHIELD for the faithful in a period of great trials and tribulations.
“And Jehovah said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a MARK upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.” Ezekiel 9:4 ASV
The MARK OR SEAL OF GOD AND THE TRIBULATION:
“saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have SEALED the servants of our God on their foreheads.” Revelation 7:3 ASV
What is the seal of God and what it means for you and me? Not only that the antichrist will put a mark on his followers but the mark of God shows up during the tribulation. The seal of God is like a special sign from God. It shows that God is protecting certain people that they belong to Him and that they are a genuine followers. The tribulation is a future three and a half years period when God finalized His judgement of the unbelieving world. The tribulation is associated with the Day of the Lord which refers to the period of time when God will directly intervene in the course of History to bring about the fulfillment of His plan. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of agony and anguish. It will be a day of trouble and devastation. A day of darkness and gloom . A day of trumpet and battle cry. The tribulation period will be characterized by a variety of divine judgments turmoil in the heavenly sphere natural calamities and horrific plagues. Daniel 9:24-27 gives the reason and time of the tribulation.
The MARK OF GOD VS THE MARK OF THE BEAST:
The book of Revelation shows a difference between good and evil, and between God’s power and the power of the world. The seal of God mentioned in Revelation 7:2-3 represents divine protection and ownership. It’s given to His faithful followers marking them as a zone in a spiritual sense. The mark of the beast talked about in Revelation 13:16-17 is a sign that shows loyalty to the beast. A bad character against God. It means turning away from God and choosing to follow the power of people in the world. Revelation 16:2 and 19:20: The mark of the beast is a symbol that distinguishes those who worship the beast. A mark will be given to everyone under the government of the beast and his associates. This mark is necessary to participate in the economy and those without it will not be able to buy or sell anything. Only those bearing a special number on a visible part of their body hand or forehead will be allowed to trade and the number will only be marked on those who engage in imperial idolatry. The number 666 is a coded name of the dictator.
“And the first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth; and it became a noisome and grievous sore upon the men that had the MARK OF THE BEAST and that worshipped his image.” Revelation 16:2 ASV
“And I heard the number of them that were SEALED, a hundred and forty and four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:” Revelation 7:4 ASV
There will be 144,000 people who are sealed by God. It’s a mixed of mystery, symbols and promises about the end times. Being specially chosen and marked for protection. These servants come from the 12 tribes of Israel. The act of sealing, as described in Revelation signifies a divine mark of protection and ownership. Rev.7:4 this sealing process not just a literal markings but symbolizes spiritual preservation during times of tribulation. Each of the 12 tribes of Israel contributes 12,000 members signifies completeness and perfection in God’s selection.The 144,000 is seen by some as symbolic rather than literal representing the totality of God’s people both Jews and Gentiles marked as faithful servants.
The seal of God represents divine authority and protection, while the mark of the beast signifies submission to worldly corrupt power. The seal of God is a spiritual mark denoting faith and obedience to God, whereas the mark of the beast is often interpreted as a physical or visible sign of compliance with evil forces. The seal of God signifies eternal salvation and alignment with God’s will, while the mark of the beast represents temporal gain at the cost of spiritual condemnation.
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone:” Revelation 19:20 ASV
What is the fate of those that have the mark of the beast? Revelation 14:9-11 there is a relationship between worshipping the beast and his image and obtaining the mark on his forehead or on his hand. The mark will not be taken carelessly or by accident there will be sufficient clarity regarding the connection between worshipping the beast and taking the mark . Although receiving the mark may seem innocent enough to those who dwell on the earth it is possible that in their minds it may not appear to be much more than a simple promise of allegiance and dedication to the antichrist and his administration at the same time . Those who worship with the antichrist will be compelled to consume the wine that is the result of God’s INTENSE WRATH. This cup of God’s wrath is comparable to wine that has not been diluted and has been seasoned with spices to make it even more potent full strength. God is clearly not happy with those who take the mark.
“Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this SEAL, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” 2 Timothy 2:19 ASV
God has done everything for you and me. This end times let us then claim His promises by doing our part as well. Let’s submit to His Lordship to let Him fill us with the Holy Spirit, as Jacob did: “let’s wrestle with Him” until we’re all SEALED! Sealed to be Shielded!
“And because ye are sons, God sent forth the SPIRIT of HIS SON INTO OUR HEARTS, crying, Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6 ASV
“Now he that establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also SEALED us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ASV
References:
Blue Letter Bible Commentary
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