20. The Mark of the Beast

WARNING: The devil does not want you to complete this Study Lesson!
A tattooed number, a computer chip under the skin, or something subtler? It’s one of the most misinterpreted prophecies in all of the Bible—yet it is vitally important to understand it. In studying the mark of the beast, we must address some sensitive issues, naming names and being specific. This is not a popular thing to do, but we must be firm because God loves His people and wants them to know the truth. This message is not from us; it comes from Jesus. And with eternal death facing those who receive the mark, it would be wrong to not help Him deliver this message. So please read Revelation 13:1–8, 16–18, and 14:9–12, and pray for the Holy Spirit to grant you an honest and understanding heart before embarking on this study adventure.

An Urgent Reminder
We learned from Study Lesson 2 that a terrible conflict is in progress between God and the devil. It has raged through the centuries since Lucifer, heaven’s most powerful angel, rebelled against God. With the angels who joined him, he attempted to seize control of the universe. God and the loyal angels had no choice but to eject Lucifer and his angels from heaven. Lucifer, who became known as Satan, was infuriated. His determination to control the universe has only grown since. Amazingly, he has won the support of the majority of earth’s people in his rebellion. The Lord also asks for people’s loyalty and support, but He leaves all free to choose. Soon every person on earth will have aligned with either Satan or God. The final battle between Satan and God is just ahead, and it is described in the book of Revelation. This prophetic book points out that God has an emblem, a mark, that will identify His people. Satan also has an emblem, a mark, that will identify those who support him. As usual, Satan will work through an earthly power—symbolized in Revelation by a beast—to impose his mark. This Study Lesson will reveal the beast’s mark, which every lost person of the end time will receive. Unless you know what his mark is, how will you avoid receiving it?