The Mark of the Beast

A few weeks ago, I stopped at McDonald’s after spending part of the afternoon passing out gospel tracts. Because the cashier line was long, I used a self-serve kiosk to pay for my food. I was a bit surprised when noticing the order number on my receipt was 666. Just about everyone knows that number is associated with the Antichrist as mentioned in Revelation 13…

16 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, 

17 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.

18 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.

While many Bible prophecy followers believe the mark will be a microchip, it could also be a tattoo. Until a generation ago, tattoos in Western countries were mostly seen on military men. Nowadays, both men and women from all walks of life have them. It’s possible the mark could be a bar code or some other symbol permanently stamped on people’s hands and foreheads. As a “pre-trib” believer, I don’t expect to be around when the actual Mark of the Beast becomes mandatory. 

Some Christians have tried “pinning the tail on the Antichrist.” During World War II, many were convinced Adolf Hitler was the Antichrist especially since Germans used money called “marks.” When Ronald Wilson Reagan was president, some suggested he was the Antichrist since his first, middle, and last names all had six letters each. Others have claimed King Juan Carlos of Spain (who’s no longer in power) or Barack Obama will be the Antichrist. The identity of the Antichrist won’t be revealed until he signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

There used to be a well-known highway numbered 666 located near the Four Corners section of the southwestern United States. Route 666 was often referred to as “Devil's Highway.” That highway has since been renumbered 491 mainly because people kept stealing road signs numbered 666.

During the early 1990s, I was in a Toastmasters group that met at a hospital. People using the parking lot needed to enter the code “6606” to exit an automated gate. Occasionally someone would jokingly say, “Don’t forget the zero.” 

One shouldn’t be worried if they receive a piece of paper that happens to bear the number 666. The mark of the beast indicates worship of the Antichrist only if stamped on someone’s right hand or forehead. If I was issued a phone number or license plate with three consecutive sixes, I’d probably request a change. Either way, my faith in God is greater than any number.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

Inherit the Earth

Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most difficult people to witness to. The Watchtower has indoctrinated them with false interpretations of Scripture. One of which is only 144,000 people will get into heaven. All other Jehovah’s Witnesses will supposedly live forever in an earthly paradise. This is a gross misinterpretation of God’s word.

Revelation 7 identifies the 144,000 as Jewish evangelists, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel that will minister during the seven-year tribulation period. Verse 9 from that same chapter refers to “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” standing before God’s throne clothed with white robes. In case you have doubts as to where this is taking place, Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord’s throne is in heaven.” The Bible clearly shows there is room for more than 144,000 people in heaven.

To defend their paradise doctrine, Jehovah’s Witnesses often quote what Jesus said in Matthew 5:5; “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Yet there are verses in this same chapter that promises eternity in heaven. Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Verse 10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

Wherever the Bible appears to contradict itself, it’s helpful to look up Scripture in other translations. The Message paraphrase of Matthew 5:5 reads, “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.” The phrase “inherit the earth” is basically a slang term meaning people who live for the Lord will receive blessings in this life. Psalm 25:13 and Psalm 37:9, 11, 22 also talk about inheriting the earth. Both the American Standard Version and the English Standard Version use the term “inherit the land.”

While God wants us blessed on earth, we should be more concerned with heavenly rewards. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The New Living Translation of this verse reads, “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.”

There is coming a time when God’s people will literally inherit the whole earth but not before the tribulation. During which, I’ll be enjoying the marriage supper of the Lamb up in heaven. What about you?

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.” - 1 Samuel 2:8

Signs in the Sky

This past Monday, portions of the United States got to view a rare total solar eclipse. Later that day, my hometown newspaper ran an article on their web site that caught my attention. The Fargo Forum spotlighted two long-bearded brothers claiming the eclipse represented “a seven-year judgment on America.” My first thought was to dismiss Dean and Dennis Johnson as religious wackos. Then I decided to watch the accompanying video to hear what they had to say.

I agree with Dean and Dennis Johnson’s exhortation of our country’s need for repentance. However, they also stated that unless America repents, “another one [eclipse] is coming in seven years.” Astronomers have already determined the next solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024. I don’t see how national repentance will stop that from happening.

Now I do believe God uses signs in the sky to get our attention such as the wise men being led by a star to Bethlehem in Matthew 2. The rainbow in Genesis 9 was a sign that God will not flood the whole earth again. Acts 2 mentions signs of the end times prophesied by Joel…

19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

There’s another celestial spectacle scheduled to occur next month. On September 23rd (which happens to be on the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah), a combination of constellations and planets will come together that some prophecy buffs believe resemble the Woman, the Child, and the Dragon in Revelation 12. Regardless if any noteworthy event happens then, we should not allow phenomena in the heavens to be a sole source of guidance. 

Until the Lord comes back, let’s focus on fulfilling the Great Commission and show the world the powerful signs He wants to manifest here on earth.

“How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” - Daniel 4:3

The Fig Tree

One sign often cited by Bible prophecy teachers that we are living in the last days is Israel becoming a nation again. This is interpreted through Jesus’ Parable of the Fig Tree in Matthew 24 (also mentioned in the gospels of Mark and Luke)…

32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 

33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 

34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away

People have differences regarding how long a generation is in Scripture. Some have defined that as 40 years, 70 years, or 100 years. One fellow prophecy buff suggested it could last as long as the man’s lifespan during a particular time period.

Other Old Testament passages associated God’s people to fig trees…

“And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” - 1 Kings 4:25

“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans.” - Jeremiah 24:5

“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, and separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.” - Hosea 9:10

“For a nation has come up against My land, strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the fangs of a fierce lion. He has laid waste My vine, and ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white.” - Joel 1:6-7

Another passage in Matthew 21 mentions a fig tree that Jesus cursed…

18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 

19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”

21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 

22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

The main lesson we can learn from the withered fig tree is that our words have power in the spiritual realm. It can also be pointed out if our lives aren’t fruitful, it will eventually be exposed. Fig trees are unique in that they normally produce fruit before the leaves appear. It’s interesting that Adam and Eve tried using fig leaves to cover up their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:7). In other Bible verses, figs symbolize prosperity, wellbeing, and security.

What fruit are you bearing for the Lord? One of them should be a supportive attitude towards the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.’” - Psalm 122:6-7

Last Days Scoffers

Last Sunday night I saw the latest blood moon in the sky. I couldn’t get a decent picture of it with my phone or camcorder but saw photos taken by Facebook friends. I also noticed friends posted mocking comments because the Apocalypse didn’t happen.

The recent blood moon tetrad plus a total solar eclipse on March 20th of this year were simply signs that we are living in the last days. As Acts 2:20 says, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” The lunar and solar eclipses were never meant to signify the exact day of the Lord’s return. 

Ministers like John Hagee brought attention to the blood moons because three previous tetrads also coinciding on Jewish holidays occurred around the time significant events happened involving the Jews...

• In 1493 and 1494, total lunar eclipses occurred on the Jewish Passover and the Feast of Trumpets both years. This was after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain ordered all Jewish people to leave the country in 1492. That same year Christopher Columbus discovered America, which today is home to more than 5 million Jews outside Israel.

• In 1949 and 1950, another four total lunar eclipses occurred on the Jewish Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. During that time, war was happening between Jews and neighboring Arabs after Israel declared itself a nation in 1948.

• In 1967 and 1968, four more total lunar eclipses occurred on the Jewish Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. In the midst of that, Israel recaptured Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.

This past week after the last blood moon occurred, two significant events happened. The Palestinian flag flew at the United Nations for the first time. In addition, Russia sent troops into Syria. It’s possible the fulfillment of the Russian-led war against Israel prophesied in Ezekiel 38 may happen soon. 

Either way, I remind everyone reading this not to become a scoffer like what 2 Peter 3 talks about...

3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 

4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

The Greek word for scoffer is empaíktēs (emp-aheek-tace'), which Strong’s Concordance also defines as “mocker.” That same Greek word is also used in Jude 18, “how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.”

We are definitely not living in a time of “business as usual.” Regardless of when the Second Coming happens, we should use whatever time we have left on this planet to get the gospel out.

Jesus is coming back soon. Will you be ready?

“Now therefore, do not be mockers, Lest your bonds be made strong; For I have heard from the Lord God of hosts, A destruction determined even upon the whole earth.” - Isaiah 28:22

The End of the World...Two Years Later

Remember the hoopla about the end of the world that was supposed to occur on December 21, 2012 (according to some people’s interpretation of the Mayan calendar)? Of course that didn’t happen. Those of you reading this are still alive and breathing.

Three years before that, the motion picture “2012” was released. It was well produced but biblically inaccurate since the movie showed the whole earth flooded by a great tsunami. God promised in Genesis 9:11, “...never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” In addition, the world will suffer through a seven-year tribulation period before the return of Jesus Christ. Some believers think we are in the tribulation right now. That won’t begin until the antichrist signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

One noteworthy event happened for me on “doomsday.” I had returned to my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota for the holidays and stopped to see my mother who was recovering from a stroke. For over 20 years I had prayed for her to come to know the Lord. After talking with Mom for a while, she agreed to let me lay hands on her and pray for her health to improve. Then I got to lead my mother in a prayer to receive salvation. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Later that afternoon I went evangelizing in downtown Fargo. I walked the streets offering gospel tracts to people while wishing them a Merry Christmas. Most of them accepted a tract from me. Three men took time to pray to receive the best Christmas gift of all...eternal life through Jesus Christ!

The Lord has tarried His return because He wants more people coming into the kingdom of God. So until we die or go up in the rapture, let’s continue to be about our Father’s business.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” - Matthew 24:36 

Majoring on Minors

I have a friend who for a long time was a “pre-trib” rapture believer and talked of debating an outspoken “post-trib” minister he allows to have meetings in his home. Having been to one of those meetings, I kept discouraging my friend from trying to correct this minister who wasn’t apologetic after I pointed out the inaccuracy of one of his claims.

Then last month following a church service, my friend announced he now believes the church will be raptured “mid-trib.” When I gave a reason why I cannot agree with him on that, he got out his cell phone and was about to call someone to help defend his newly-embraced doctrine. Fortunately that got interrupted when my friend was called forward by two altar workers to receive prayer. I then quietly slipped out of the church.

It’s one thing for Christians to reason together so we can all grow in knowledge of the Scriptures. Unfortunately, some focus on promoting doctrines that have no effect on people’s eternal destinies. Occasionally when I’m out evangelizing, individuals ask questions like “How were you water baptized?” or “Which Bible translation do you use?” Most of these people are already set in their beliefs and not open to correction. As a result, they try wasting my time if I don’t share their viewpoint. It reminds me of what Jesus called the Pharisees in Matthew 23:24: “Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”

One motivational speaker gave this key to success: “We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend minor time on major things.” Let’s keep the main thing the main thing and focus on preaching the gospel. 

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” - 1 Corinthians 2:2

Rapture Bashers

In response to this weekend’s release of the “Left Behind” remake starring Nicholas Cage (which I haven’t seen yet at the time of this writing), my Facebook News Feed has been flooded with negative comments. Many of which were posted even before the movie hit the theaters! 

The criticism of “Left Behind” has mostly been about it depicting the aftermath of the rapture. Some Christians believe there won’t be a rapture at all. One Facebook friend went so far as to label those who preach a pre-tribulation rapture “heretics.” That’s a strong accusation considering that would include Tim LaHaye (the co-author of the original “Left Behind” series), Perry Stone, John Hagee, Hal Lindsey, Jack Van Impe and numerous other men of God.

For the sake of time and to discourage online debates on the subject, I will avoid explaining in this article why I believe in a pre-trib rapture of the church. However, I need to point out a few things to any rapture bashers reading this. First, not all pre-trib believers are passively waiting around to escape the tribulation. Jesus said in Luke 19:13 (KJV), “Occupy till I come.” We should expect the Lord to return at any moment but be prepared to live out the rest of our lives on this earth. 

Secondly, belief in a pre-trib rapture is not an endorsement to live an unconsecrated lifestyle. If anything, the pending rapture should motivate Christians to pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14). Imagine how embarrassed you would feel if the Lord returned while you were getting drunk in a bar or sleeping with someone that wasn’t your spouse. Those sins might cause professing believers to miss the rapture.

One of the weakest reasons critics denounce the catching away of the saints is because the word “rapture” isn’t found in the Bible. The word “trinity” isn’t in Scripture either yet most Christians agree the Godhead is a three-part being (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The word “Bible” is also not part of God’s word but can be found on the cover and added notes by the translators.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” The word rapture originated from the Latin word “raeptius”, which was translated from the Greek word for “caught up” (“harpazo”) in verse 17. Harpazo means "to carry off," "snatch up," or “take away.”

Another popular argument against the rapture is that Christians in years past have suffered and been martyred for their faith. That’s poor reasoning when you consider there are believers today (mostly in the 10/40 Window) being imprisoned, tortured, and even beheaded. Whether or not the Lord continues to tarry, I believe we will see increased persecution in the U. S. and other Western nations. 

For those of you who strongly feel the modern-day church should go through the tribulation, why not set an example right now? You could move to a Muslim-controlled country and show the rest of us how we should respond to real persecution. 

As for myself, I will not let rapture bashers rob me of the crown available for those who long for His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). In the meantime, I will continue preaching the gospel here in America and wherever else the Lord sends me until I die or hear the trumpet call to heaven. I also pray the new “Left Behind” movie will be used as a tool to bring many sinners to salvation before the Second Coming. 

Maranatha!

“looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” - Titus 2:13

The Antichrist is Coming

Not long after committing my life to the Lord in 1991, I developed an interest in end-time prophecy. One thing that helped me learn more about the subject was a series of films produced by Mark IV Pictures. The first of which was the 1972 release “A Thief in the Night.”

As I’ve become friends with Christians from different denominations, I found out about the varying beliefs out there on how end-time events will pan out. Among the doctrines I’ve heard taught is that we are either in the tribulation, it’s already happened, or there is no tribulation. Yet the Bible talks about a world ruler who will emerge before the return of Christ. Even non-believers know about this man called the Antichrist. 

1 John 2:22 says, “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” The Greek word for antichrist is antichristos which means “the adversary of the Messiah.” Other verses in John’s epistles make it clear the Antichrist and the spirit of the antichrist are two separate entities...

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” - 1 John 2:18

“and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” - 1 John 4:3 

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” - 2 John 1:7

The Antichrist is referred to by other names in Scripture. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 calls him “the man of sin” and “the son of perdition.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 identifies him as “the lawless one.” Many verses in Revelation refer to him as “the beast.” Among the most well known are in chapter 13 verses 16 and 17...

“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.”

The identity of the Antichrist won’t be revealed until he signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27). Nevertheless, some Christians have tried pinning the tail on the Antichrist. One woman I know believes Barack Obama is the Antichrist. While I don’t agree with her assertion, I do agree some of the President’s policies such as ObamaCare are setting the stage for the Mark of the Beast system. There are reports that a microchip connected with this health care plan will someday be inserted in people’s right hand or forehead. As a “pre-trib” believer, I don’t expect to be around when the actual Mark of the Beast becomes mandatory. 

Regardless of your eschatological beliefs, I exhort you to focus on fulfilling the Great Commission instead of defending end-time doctrines that might differ from mine. Jesus said in Luke 19:13 (KJV), “Occupy till I come.” The only thing we can take with us to heaven is souls.

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” - Matthew 12:30

The Day of the Lord

While in New York City late last year, I saw other preachers there passing out tracts, open air preaching, and displaying banners. It’s encouraging to see more of God’s people reaching out to the lost. Unfortunately, some of them are really off with their doctrine. At a subway station, I encountered one woman with literature claiming God’s judgment was coming upon the world on May 21st, 2011. When she tried handing me a brochure, I asked her, “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘No man knows the day or hour of the Son of Man’s return?'” This woman replied, “That was for the church age” and wanted to debate doctrine with me. I opted to walk away. As Titus 3:9 says, “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”

Two days ago I read an Associated Press article about other Christians led by a radio broadcaster named Harold Camping proclaiming the rapture of the church will happen on May 21st. One follower named Allison Warden (pictured here) said, “We're hoping people won't take our word for it, or Harold Camping's word for it. We're hoping that people will search the scriptures for themselves.”

I’ve already done so, Miss Warden. While we are to recognize the signs of the end times, Scripture make it’s clear the Lord’s return will happen unexpectedly…

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” - Matthew 24:42

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” - Matthew 24:44

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” - Matthew 25:13

“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:2

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” - 2 Peter 3:10

The rapture could happen any day including May 21st of this year. But don’t be surprised if there are many disappointed believers still on earth on May 22nd. Miss Warden went on to say, “If May 21 passes and I'm still here, that means I wasn't saved.”

Miss Warden, we are saved solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by predicting the date of His return.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9