#301 - 🇺🇸 The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast

This episode presents a quick review of this important issue, focusing on one reason why some professed Christians will receive the mark of the beast. It was originally presented during the General Conference worship service on June 13, 2023. (Based on Finley, Mark, “The Three Angels’Messages”, lessons 11 and 12 (Sabbath School Quarterly, 2nd quarter 2023). Content summary (not all content bellow could be presented): The Seal of God: What is it that seal?  Is 8:16 - (Not only the Ten Commandments but all God's injunctions are implied here. The Sabbath commandment is the distinctive part of God's law that will differentiate those who submit entirely to Him and those who counterfeit Christianity. Most of the other commandments will also be obeyed by the counterfeit Christians). Ps 112:1 The Agent of sealing:  Ezk 36:26-27 Eph 4:30 Who are the Sealed? Rev. 14:12 (All God’s commandments are implied, not only the 10 Commandments) The Mark of the Beast Who is the Beast? Little Horn (Dan 7) The Beast (Rev 13 and 14) The Lawless One (2 Thess. 2) Duration of its Domination time Rev.    13:5 - 42 months Rev. 12:6, 14 - 1,260 days Dan 7:25 - time, times, half a time It would be mortally wounded, but healed: Rev 13:3 Where is the mark placed? Rev 14:9  Who will receive its Mark? Rev 14:9 ... anyone worships the beast and his image... Rev 13:8 …whose names have not been written in the Book of the Life of the Lamb… 2 Thess 2: 9 ... among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.  How to receive the love of the truth and avoid the Mark of the Beast? Ps 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts… Honesty and sincerity are not replacements for truth I must read what I don’t like (Spirit of Prophecy books, for instance):  “That which you will be least inclined to receive is the very part most needed.” 2TT, 288. “Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in them, to be unbelieving and to question and quibble.” 2 TT, 289. Risk of rejecting truth: “... gospel truth hardens when it does not save… The soul that refuses to listen to the invitations of mercy from day to day can soon listen to the most urgent appeals without an emotion stirring his soul.” 2 TT, 291 Why Some do not Read the Testimonies (of the Spirit of Prophecy)? Because “In the testimonies are specified the very sins of which they are guilty; hence they have no desire to read them… [they] would not be corrected.” 1 SM, 46. “In some cases the very faults of character which God would have His servants see and correct, but which they refuse to see, have cost these men their life.” 1 SM, 47. Reasons for the Sifting 1. Lukewarmness - Rev. 3:14-17. 2. Differences / false teachings – 1 Cor. 11:19; Eph. 4:14. 3. Persecution - Matt. 13:20-22; 24:9, 10. 4. Rebellion against straight witnessing - Isa. 30:8-17. What happens when the pointed truth is rejected? (Prov 1:24-26, 28-33) Be careful and suspicious (not proud) about your own objections to the pointed testimony (of the Spirit of Prophecy) “Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in them, to be unbelieving and to question and quibble.” 2 TT, 289. Examine yourself (2 Cor 13:5) In the light of the prophetic word I must be determined to know the worst aspect of my case Not invent excuses for my sin I should not be proud of being easily offended Conclusion: Ps 119:165; Isa 48:18; Jer 6:16