In every generation, there is a truth that matches to their specific need. It is called Present Truth. In the time of Noah, they were told to enter into the ark, that was the truth for that time, only eight people heeded to the message. In the time of Elijah, it was a call to turn away from Baal worship, many of the Israelites did not listen. In the time of Jesus, it was the announcement that the Messiah has come, but many rejected Him; in fact, they crucified Him. Thus it has been that the multitudes have turned away their ears from present truth and have loved fables, erroneous doctrines. Is there a truth for this generation? Yes, most assuredly. If it is there, what is it about?
The truth for this time, is contained in the third angel's message, in the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. It states:
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand , The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall 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 ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Rev 14:9-12.
Thus far we have been able to identify the beast in part one as the papacy and the image of the beast in part two as the apostate protestants. We also identified the second beast in part two as the United States of America. What remains to be identified is the "mark of the beast". This is the mark of authority of the papacy. Remember that the papacy is the same power identified as the little horn in Daniel 7, and one of its chief characteristics is that "He shall think to change times and laws" Daniel 7:25. This we have seen previously is that he has removed the second commandment forbidding Idolatry, and has changed the fourth command so as to authorize Sunday worship instead of the seventh day Sabbath as God commanded. Having done thus, He has set himself as above God.
God's sign between Him and His people is the Sabbath, that is the seal of God. The mark of the beast is the exact opposite, observance of the first day of the week. For when we honor a day which has no higher authority than that of the Roman Catholic church, we are in essence paying homage to the papacy, the man of sin, the son of perdition, the beast spoken of by the third angel.
Do the papists agree with this? Yes.
Let us ask them, what is the mark of authority for the Roman Catholic church? They answer:
Sunday is our mark of authority… The church is above the Bible. Catholic Record September 1, 1923.
How blasphemous that remark is! It is the spirit that has always characterized the anti-Christ. He exalts human traditions, church doctrines above the Word of God. Jesus declares "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" Mark 7:7.
A question then arises, if Sunday observance is the mark of the beast, what does it mean that "He causeth all, both small and great, …to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads" (Revelation 13:16). How do people receive the mark in the right hand or in the forehead? The right hand signifies occupation, the work we engage in, while the forehead is the seat of the intellect, it is whereby we make our decisions. Therefore, receiving it in the right hand means that men are not to engage in any work on Sunday, while on the forehead signifies that with their minds men are to acknowledge Sunday as the Sabbath.
Has anyone received the mark of the beast?
No one has yet received the mark of the beast. Not until Sunday keeping is passed as a law and men are forced to keep Sunday will it be that men will receive the mark of the beast. That time has not yet come, but we know that it is near. The whole world is to be warned of the impending Crisis. The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness, the law will first be passed in America enforcing Sunday worship on penalty of death, no one will be able to buy or sell save he that honors Sunday as a day of worship; the child of the papacy.
The Sabbath will be the test of loyalty, for it is the sign between God and His people. Everyone will be enlightened concerning their duty towards God in observing the Sabbath, because God wants everyone to make an intelligent decision, no one will be condemned for light that they have never received. And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive "the mark of the beast."
It's serious friends, it is not just about a day, it is about worship. Choose you this day whom you will serve, will you keep on holding unto traditions of men, observing Sunday; the child of the papacy? Or will you stand under prince Emmanuel's banner and keep holy the Sabbath day? The decision is yours, your eternity is at stake. If the believers in the truth are not sustained by their faith in these comparatively peaceful days, what will uphold them when the grand test comes and the decree goes forth against all those who will not worship the image of the beast and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands? This solemn period is not far off. Instead of becoming weak and irresolute, the people of God should be gathering strength and courage for the time of trouble. May we be found faithful, when the mark of the beast will be enforced and the time of trouble such as never was opens before us.
The Seal of God