| |
Bible Question: Does
the mark of the beast come before or after the rapture?
Bible Answer: The
next major event in human history, from God's perspective, is the
preaching of the gospel throughout the entire world (Matt. 24:14),
and then comes the rapture. We are awaiting the spread of the gospel
throughout the entire world. When
the rapture occurs all the Christians will be removed from the earth.
The illustration below provides an overview of the order of future
events. The rapture comes first (saints are removed) followed by seven
years of tribulation (a period of suffering), the kingdom (1,000 year
period), and then an eternal life in heaven or hell.
 |
The mark of the beast occurs during the tribulation period. In the
Tribulation, two very powerful individuals come to power. Both are
empowered by Satan. The first one is a political leader (2 Thess 2:1-4;
Rev. 13;1-10) who is called the Antichrist. He is the leader of the
revived Roman Empire.
The second beast is called the false prophet (Rev. 13:11-18; 19:20-21).
He is a religious leader. This is the one who forces people to receive
the mark "666" in order to buy or sell (Rev. 13:16-17).
Who are these individuals? Who will be these beasts? The world will
not know for sure until it happens at the middle of the tribulation
period. But
when he does appear he can be identified as the one . . .
| |
.
. . who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god
or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple
of God, displaying himself as being God. (NASB) 2 Thessalonians
2:4 |
Conclusion:The
rapture comes first at the beginning of the Tribulation and the mark
of the beast, "666," occurs after the rapture and sometime
after the middle of the tribulation. Christians will not be present
during the tribulation period but many will be saved as they search
to understand what has happened. We can only assume that they will
listen to past recorded sermons, read books about Jesus, and watch
recorded videos. Many will have their sins forgiven as they believe
in Jesus and depend on Him. Many will also die as a result of disbelief.
Now is the time believe in Jesus and
let him take over our life. |
|
