What is the Mark of the Beast and Why Does It Matter?

The book of Revelation is full of mysterious symbols and visions that describe the end times and the final conflict between God and Satan. One of the most intriguing and controversial topics in this book is the mark of the beast, a seal that the false prophet, who serves the Antichrist, causes people to receive on their right hand or forehead. The mark is either the name of the beast or the number of his name, which is 666. Those who have the mark can buy or sell, but those who do not have it will be slain or afflicted with painful sores. Those who worship the beast and his image and receive the mark will also drink of the wrath of God and be tormented with fire and brimstone.

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But what does this mark mean and how will it be implemented? How can we avoid receiving it and remain faithful to God? And what are the implications of this mark for our present and future life? In this blog post, we will explore these questions by looking at some biblical definitions, commentaries, and scriptures that shed light on this mysterious topic.

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Biblical Definition of the Mark of the Beast

According to a Bible Dictionary 1, the mark of the beast is a sign that identifies those who worship the beast out of the sea, who is usually identified as the Antichrist. The mark is imposed on humanity by the beast out of the earth, who is the false prophet who serves the Antichrist. The mark is placed on the right hand or the forehead and it is either the name of the beast or the number of its name, which is 666. The mark of the beast symbolizes a person’s actions and choices that show their allegiance to the beast rather than to God. Those who have the mark of the beast can buy or sell in the economic and political system set up by the beast, but they will also face God’s wrath.

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The Greek term for “mark” (charagma) was most commonly used for imprints on documents or coins. It was also used for an imperial seal of the Roman Empire used on official documents during the first and second centuries. The term “beast” (therion) means a wild animal, especially a dangerous or venomous one. It is used figuratively for a brutal, savage, or ungodly person or power. The term “name” (onoma) means a person’s reputation, character, or authority. It also signifies ownership or belonging to someone. The term “number” (arithmos) means a fixed quantity or value. It also implies calculation or reckoning.

Commentaries on the Mark of the Beast

Many Bible scholars and expositors have offered their interpretations and insights on the meaning and significance of the mark of the beast. Here are some examples from three renowned Bible commentators:

Matthew Henry, a 17th-18th century Presbyterian minister and author of a famous commentary on the whole Bible, wrote that “the mark of those devoted to antichristian idolatry was set in their right hand, signifying their readiness to perform all acts of obedience to him; or in their forehead, signifying their open profession of subjection to him; whereas those devoted to Christ had his Father’s name written in their foreheads (Rev. 14:1), signifying both their open profession of faith in him and their sincere dedication to him.”
John MacArthur, a 20th-21st century evangelical pastor and author of a popular study Bible and commentary series, wrote that “the mark will be an indelible sign identifying those who give their allegiance to Antichrist; it may be visible or invisible; it may involve an actual tattooed symbol or an implanted microchip with personal information encoded into it; it may be related to some form of biometric identification such as fingerprints, iris scans, voice recognition, etc.; whatever form it takes, it will be required for all commerce.”
Dr. David Jeremiah: Dr. David Jeremiah, a contemporary Bible expositor, interprets the mark of the Beast as a symbol of allegiance to the Antichrist's regime. He underscores the spiritual and moral implications of accepting this mark, emphasizing that it represents a choice between loyalty to Christ and submission to the world's powers.
Supporting Scripture: Revelation 13:16 - "to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads."

Scriptures on the Mark of the Beast

The mark of the beast is mentioned in several passages in the book of Revelation, such as:

Revelation 13:15-18: “He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.”
Revelation 14:9-11: “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, 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. 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.’”
Revelation 15:2: “And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.”
Revelation 16:2: “So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.”
Revelation 19:20: “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Revelation 20:4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

Conclusion

The mark of the beast is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly by anyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ. It is a sign of rebellion against God and submission to Satan. It is a choice that will have eternal consequences for those who make it. It is a warning that we should heed and avoid at all costs.

As followers of Christ, we should not be afraid or anxious about this mark, but rather trust in God’s sovereignty and grace. We should also be vigilant and discerning about the signs of the times and the schemes of the enemy. We should be faithful to God’s word and His will, no matter what. We should be ready to suffer for His sake, if necessary. We should be hopeful for His return and His victory over all evil.

We should also be compassionate and courageous in sharing the gospel with those who are lost and deceived by Antichrist. We should pray for their salvation and deliverance from his power. We should show them God’s love and truth through our words and deeds.

We should remember that we have a different mark on us - not a visible one on our hand or forehead, but an invisible one on our heart - a mark that identifies us as God’s children, redeemed by His blood, sealed by His Spirit, called by His name. A mark that guarantees our inheritance in His kingdom, our fellowship with His people, our likeness to His Son. A mark that no one can take away from us.

May we live in light of this mark until we see Him face to face.