Word of the Day – (The Mark: Part 1) In the last days each of us will receive a mark. Some will receive the seal of God, while others will receive the mark of the beast. May the scriptures open our hearts to His perfect love. Did you know that God’s techniques really don’t change? The rules (and ways He accomplishes things) tend to stand the test of time. Therefore, let us look at the Theology of “the Mark”!!!
It did not take God long to place a mark on a person in scripture. We can find the story in the 4th chapter of Genesis. Cain had murdered Abel and was worried that anyone who would come across him would kill him because of the curse that God had placed on him. In response, God said, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him. Gen 4:15
Here we see that the mark (or seal of God) was to protect Cain from experiencing vengeance. Even though Cain did evil in the eyes of the Lord, this mark protected him from others. This same terminology of a seal can be seen throughout the New Testament as it refers to those who are in Christ.
We all like to assume that everyone who goes to church is “in Christ” and going to heaven, yet as history repeats itself. There will always be those in every level of Christian service whose hearts keep them from receiving the proper mark. Therefore, how does one really take on the seal of God?
There is only one way to receive the seal of God. That is by believing in Christ and His holiness. Moreover, God has made a tangible way to know if that seal remains on our foreheads. Ezekiel writes, “4 The LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst.”
In the last days, the seal of God will do just that. It will cause those who have received it to mourn over the horrible things that are taking place in the world and in the church that are outside of His holiness. That is why the scripture says, “Blessed are those who mourn.” For mourning is the fruit of the Seal of God. Just as God mourns for those who resist His grace, we also mourn as His same loving-kindness fills our hearts.
So what took place after the mark was given in Ezekiel’s story? God commanded the angels saying, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare. 6 Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. Ezekiel 9:4-6
We live in a time where a growing number of elders in the sanctuary no longer mourn at the abominations of this world. In their attempt to justify sinful actions in love, they have made a grave error. For it is not by doctrine or by household that the mark will be given in the last days. It is a matter of looking up with new eyes of love and mourning a world that needs a savior. Therefore, if by mourning we know that we possess the seal of God, how does one take on the mark of the beast? I look forward to exploring that with you in the future…