[§229] Rev 13:16: The Wicked Receive the Mark of the Beast

This podcast explains the meaning of the images used by John the Revelator to describe events that will occur as people worship the Second Beast in Revelation 13 in the modern world. In Revelation 13:16, John tells us that the “[Second Beast] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” The mark is analogous to a brand placed on animals, as well as slaves in the ancient Roman Empire. Today, people receive the symbolic mark as they become like the Second Beast through the form of their worship. The mark they receive of their own accord, identifies them as the property of the Second Beast. John identified three pairs of wicked people who receive the mark of the Second Beast for a total of six groups. The number six symbolizes evil because it is one short of the perfect and sacred number seven. The three pairs of people in this verse identify people from all walks of life as worshipers of the Second Beast. The placement of the symbolic mark in either the right hand or in the forehead is also symbolically significant. People who receive the mark in their right hand serve and strengthen the Second Beast, while people with the mark in their forehead are fully devoted to the Second Beast with all their heart and mind. The mark of the Second Beast in the forehead is the mirror opposite of the seal of the Living God that people receive when they have their calling and election made sure to exaltation. (Rev 7:1-3) Therefore, people who receive the mark of the Second Beast in the forehead are some of perdition. Wicked people who serve the Second Beast without the same degree of devotion as sons of perdition receive the mark of the Second Beast in their right hand to indicate that they qualify for the telestial kingdom.