Mark of the Beast: A clash of the world and the word

According to the Apostle John, a Beast will arise towards the end of the age. The Beast will initially appear to address serious human challenges, but his rule will gradually turn ruthless, with a strict demand for worship. To ensure enforcement, everyone will be required to receive a Mark on their right hand or on the forehead. It is the fear of unknowingly receiving this Mark of the Beast that has caused great apprehension among many across the globe whenever there is a mass registration of any kind by governments. But, is it possible to know if and when one is receiving the Mark of the Beast?

There are at least three basic principles – Revelation, Relevance, and Requirement – that one can use to determine whether or not they are taking the dreaded mark. The principle of Revelation is founded on the fact that God does nothing without first revealing it to His people. Whereas in human justice, ignorance is no defence, in God’s system, ignorance is great defence. God therefore always reveals His demands before He can punish anyone for negligence or disobedience. At creation, God made it absolutely clear to Adam and Eve which tree they were not to eat from. Before the flood, Noah announced to the people about the coming destruction. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was announced beforehand. Accordingly, the principle of Revelation implies that when the Beast appears, it will be revealed so that no one takes the Mark accidentally or out of ignorance.