This is the summary of the lesson 11 for the 2nd Quarter 2023.
The topic of this lesson. The seal of God and mark of the beast: Part 1.
The memory verse is Revelaton chapter 72 verse 2 and 3. “Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads”.
The message of the third angel is the longest one. It’s a warning against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark, as well as a message about the patience, or perseverance of the saints.
The “saints” are those who remain faithful to God in the context of the conflict between good and evil. This message must be studied in the context of the events in Revelation 13. This message must be studied in the context of the events in Revelation 13.
In this lesson we will cover following points: The perseverance of the saints: Keeping the commandments. Keeping the faith of or in Jesus.
The issues the saints will face: Not receiving the mark. Following the Lamb and Opposing the blasphemous power.
The perseverance of the saints. Keeping the commandments. This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands. Revelation 14 verse 12.
Why do the saints need endurance? Jesus warned us that we would be “hated by all” for His name’s sake. We must stand firm when that time comes.
Why will they be hated? According to Revelation 14 verse 12, because they obey God’s commandments as written in Exodus 20 verse 2 to 17. The beast teaches altered commandments. Worshipping the beast involves following its commandments and accepting Sunday as the day of worship instead of the Sabbath. Saints will be persecuted and taken away from society in that time if they keep worshipping God. Therefore, endurance is particularly important.
Another perseverance of the saints is in keeping the faith of Jesus. “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14 verse 12.
This Greek expression can be translated both as faith in Jesus and the faith of Jesus. Having faith in Jesus involves accepting His grace and forgiveness, and being transformed by Him. Keeping the faith of Jesus means to live our faith as He did. What was the faith of Jesus? Jesus kept His focus in His mission during His time on earth. He stood firm when facing doubts. He felt abandoned by the Father on the cross, but He kept His faith and gave His life away for us. Now is the time to prepare so we can keep the faith of Jesus and have faith in Him.
Let us see some of the issues the saints will face.
First issue: Not receiving the mark. In the book of John chapter 16 verse 2 we read this. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
What will happen after faithful people don’t receive the mark of the beast?
The dragon Satan gives its power to the beast . The whole earth worships the dragon thanks to the beast . A second beast , a false prophet, applies the power of the beast and moves everyone to worship it.
Besides, it makes an image that is also worshipped. Then everyone believes that they’re worshipping God by worshipping the image, the false prophet, or the beast! However, they’re actually worshipping the source of that power: Satan. The beast will impose its mark and will force everyone to worship on Sunday. Then, economic measures will be taken, and the death decree will be promulgated eventually. The good news is that God will protect His faithful children. Amen!
The 2nd issue the saints will face is following the lamb. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Revelation chapter 14 verse 4.
Those who will remain faithful during the final conflict follow the Lamb. However, all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life follow the beast. Who or what is that beast?
Satan used the Roman Empire to persecute Jesus. Then, gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. The throne of this beast is located in Rome, and it has used its authority to persecute the faithful people of God for a long time. There will be no neutral zone in the final conflict. We will follow either the Lamb or the beast that all inhabitants of the earth will follow.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Last Point.
Opposing the blasphemous power. And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies. Revelation chapter 13 verse 5.
Jesus was accused of two types of blasphemy: Forgiving sins and making himself God. Jesus was not blaspheming, because He was God. However, anyone who claims to do both things without actually being God is blasphemous.
The Roman Church teaches that priests can forgive sins. Besides, they teach that their most important leader takes God’s place on Earth. In the book of The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo 13, Page 193 we read this. We, the popes, hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty. This blasphemous power will force everyone to worship them. God doesn’t request a forced worship but a sincere one.
Dear listeners. There are two great principles, one of loyalty, the other of disloyalty. We all need greater Christian courage, that we may uplift the standard on which is inscribed the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The line of demarcation between the obedient and the disobedient must be plain and distinct. We must have a firm determination to do the Lord's will at all times and in all places.
This is the end of this lesson. God Bless you!