Bible Question:
Revelation 13:8; 17:8 indicates that those who do not worship the beast will not fall for the deception of the beast or take the mark of the beast. It seems that those of us written in the book of life will not have to worry about getting the mark of the beast. Is this true?
Bible Answer:
Revelation 13:5-8 tells us that the antichrist was given authority to make war against the saints and overcome them. Everyone on the earth will worship him except for those whose names are written in the Book of Life of the Lamb who has been slain. Then Revelation 13:16-17 tells us that everyone who does not have the mark of the beast will not be able to buy or sell. Therefore, the question we are concerned with is, “Must those in the Book of Life refuse to receive the mark of the beast?” If they do, will they die for refusing the mark or will they be protected? Will Christians have to take a stand?
Book of Life
There are four important passages that provide the answer to our question. The first is Revelation 14:9-11.
Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. Revelation 14:9-11 (NASB)
Here we are told that anyone who receives the mark of the beast will “drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” This refers to an act of judgment by God. They will be sent to the lake of fire which burns forever and forever (Revelation 19:15-20). Notice in Rev 14:9-11 that we are told the angels and Christ, that is the Lamb, will see them being tormented forever. The word “receives” in verse 9 is the Greek word lambano. It refers to the receiver accepting something. That is, anyone who accepts the mark will be punished.
Two verses later we are told that the saints, that is, the Christians or believers will not accept the mark of the beast.
Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Revelation 14:12 (NASB)
The Greek for “perseverance” is hupomone. The word literally means to “continue under” such as in a bad situation. That is, Christians will refuse the mark of the beast and choose death rather than worship the beast by receiving the mark. The sign that someone is a believer is that they will refuse to accept the mark on their forehead or on their hand.
The third passage about the mark of the beast is Revelation 19:20.
And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. Revelation 19:20 (NASB)
This verse again teaches us that people will have a choice. They can either receive the mark of the beast or not receive the mark. This verse also reveals that those who receive the mark will be deceived. They will not know that they should refuse the mark.
The fourth passage is Revelation 20:4. This time we are told that believers will not receive the mark.
Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4 (NASB)
We are told that many believers who do not receive the mark will die. We are not told how many Christians will die. We know that some Christians will not be killed and will later enter the millennial kingdom. When Matthew 25:31-46 describes the Sheep and Goat Judgment, we are clearly told that some believers will enter the millennial kingdom. That is, some Christians will not be killed during the tribulation and at the end of the tribulation (Matthew 24:15-22). But faithful Christians will not worship the beast. They will reject the mark.
Three times we have been told that Christians must refuse the mark of the beast. It is a choice they will have to make. No Christian will be automatically protected.
Conclusion:
It is easier to accept Jesus Christ now rather than during the tribulation period. 2 Corinthians 6:2 urges us to be saved from the fiery hell that awaits those who reject Christ.
Behold, now is “The Acceptable Time,” behold, now is “The Day of Salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB)
If you believe that when Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected three days later, He did everything that is necessary for your sins to be forgiven and for you to receive the gift of eternal life, then I urge you to tell Him. Ask Him to forgive your sins and take over your life now. Then you will not have to fear the horrors of the coming tribulation and the consequences of receiving the mark of the beast. Those who become Christians before the tribulation will be raptured before the tribulation begins.
Suggested Links:
Does the mark of the beast come before or after the rapture?When and where does the Goat and Sheep judgment occur?
Will a second chance be given those having the mark 666?
Can people become saved after the rapture?
Can people be saved in the tribulation when the Holy Spirit is not here?
After the rapture do non-Christians go to hell or into the tribulation?
Why is the book of life opened at the white throne judgment?
Can Christians take the mark of the beast and still go to heaven? — John MacArthur’s view