Daniel and Revelation

The Inhabitants of the Earth refuse to follow the Lamb, choosing instead to swear allegiance to the Dragon and his Beast . In the  Book of Revelation,  there are no geographic restrictions on the reign of the “ Beast .” All the “ Inhabitants of the Earth ” take the Beast’s “ Mark ” or “ Number ” and venerate its image. No national government resists the monster from the Sea, for it is granted “ authority over every tribe, people, tongue and nation .” There are no exceptions.

The Inhabitants of the Earth willingly venerate the Beast and take its mark, although believers also are not immune from its allurements . Discussions on the “ Mark of the Beast ” invariably focus on questions about what it is - a medical implant, barcode, or a tattoo – as well as the significance of its “ number ,” ‘ 666 .’ As important as these questions are, far more critical is the issue of how we as believers can avoid taking the Beast’s mark or its  “number.”

Many saints will apostatize when the Lawless Man, the Son of Destruction, seats himself in the Sanctuary of God . As the Apostle Paul explained, the “ Day of the Lord ” will not come until the “ Apostasy ” occurs and the “ Man of Lawlessness, the Son of Destruction ” is unveiled as he seats himself “ in the Sanctuary of God .” He will appear only after the “ Mystery of Lawlessness ” has run its full course, and he will be destroyed when Jesus arrives on that final day – (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9).

Satan and the Rulers of this Age exalt themselves and usurp Divine prerogatives in contrast to the true Servant of God, Jesus Christ . Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the role of the ‘ Suffering Servant ’ described in the  Book of Isaiah . He did not attempt to seize the “ likeness of God ” as Adam did or exploit his position as God’s Messiah to exercise power over others. His sovereignty is radically different than the governments of this fallen world. Rather than subjugate his subjects or kill his enemies, Christ endured a shameful death on the Imperial Cross for friend and foe alike in obedience to his Father; therefore, God exalted him above all things.