Have you let the Beast deceive you into already receiving the mark?

DISCLAIMER AND BASIC CLARIFICATION!

THIS ARTICLE IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A DETAILED STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION.  THIS ARTICLE IS LIMITED TO THE SINGLE ISSUE OF THE "MARK OF THE BEAST."

In this article you will read of the "Harlot" and the "Beast."  Though they are technically not one and the same entity, they are nonetheless intimately bound together in their determined opposition to God and His Truth.  Many will correctly argue that the various "Beasts" within Scripture refer to Kingdoms or governments that opposed God and His people; however, the "Harlot" is so intertwined with the "Beast" discussed in this article that the two cannot be separated.  They are - as the saying goes - "joined at the hip" in terms of their combined efforts to destroy mankind.  When God destroys one, the other will likewise soon perish.

The relationship between the "Beast" and "Harlot" is a Satanic marriage between the Kingdom (Beast) and the spiritual power of that Kingdom (the Harlot).  Additionally, MUCH historic and Scriptural support can be found that defines the "Beast" as the physical manifestation of the spiritual "Harlot" - the "Harlot" being the ancient Babylonian mystery religion that continues to this day as the primary opponent of God's Truth.  The "Harlot" is NOT something that only arrived on the scene after John penned Revelation.  Proof that this "Harlot" has existed for ages and has perpetually sold herself as a Satanic spiritual whore to the nations is proven by the quote from the prophet Nahum that I include in this discussion.  Nahum's prophecies predate Judah's Babylonian captivity!  The fact that the Great Harlot of Revelation 17:5 is described with the phrase "... upon her forehead a name was written, a mystery, 'BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.' ... " proves her to have originated in Babylon at least as far back as the times of Nimrod.  So, because of their inseparable nature I use the terms "Harlot" and "Beast" interchangeably and feel I am not breaking from truth by doing so.

I respectfully disagree with those that wish to define the Beast using modern concepts and futuristic speculation.  I feel such people create unnecessary confusion, thereby unintentionally assisting the "Beast" and "Harlot" in preventing mankind from discovering the TRUE definition of the "mark of the Beast," which I will define in this article.  If more people would present them as a union of evil instead of dwelling on trivial details regarding their distinction much confusion would be eliminated, many more would see the truth regarding the "mark of the Beast," and therefore more poor souls would be set free from the Harlot's wicked, damning embrace of spiritual seduction.

In short, this article is intentionally limited to ONLY the issue of the "mark of the Beast" and any other necessary issues related to that study.

Introduction

In this article I will discuss an issue for which numerous sensational and enticing scenarios exist.  It is one of the most often discussed subjects in the entire Bible among traditional Christians and Messianics.  Of course, the subject is the "Mark of the Beast."

There are many varying opinions as to what this "mark" is.  Most limit the definition to the last days and promote it as being some sort of literal or visible mark, logo, stamp, implant, identity chip, or sign.  Most also seem to feel it is necessary to understand the mysterious meaning behind the number 666, which is mentioned in a single passage within the context of the discussion regarding the "mark."  Of course, since some manuscripts have the number as 616, it is unwise to focus on the number as one seeks to understand the mark since there is no absolute agreement as to whether 666 is the correct number.  Regardless, It is NOT necessary to understand the nebulous and widely varying concepts of the number 666 in order to determine what is the mark of the Beast; therefore, though I could present evidence that the number 666 backs up my claim as to the meaning of the mark, I will refrain from presenting that evidence since it is not required and will only confuse the issue.  Of course, since the Beast hopes you remain confused, he thrives on promoting speculative arguments surrounding the 666 reference.

Rarely do those defining the "mark" derive their understanding solely from Scripture, even though the true nature of the mark is VERY easily obtained without ever having to leave the pages of the Bible.  Instead, they prefer to theorize about all manner of crazy and exciting scenarios that are defined beyond the safe boundaries of the pure truth of God's eternal instructions.

Common sense suggests God would not leave absent from the pages of His Holy Word the meaning of this immensely important symbol of end-time importance.  I will trust my God - the ONE and ONLY God - by having faith that He clearly reveals in His Word what this mark is, and as you will see, He most certainly does reveal it.

I first came upon the obvious realization I will share within this article some years ago during my personal reading of YHWH's (God's) Written Torah (Genesis - Deuteronomy) and was shocked at how such an easily recognized truth could go unnoticed by Christian leaders!  Or, perhaps it isn't unnoticed?  Perhaps the fact that it IS noticed by high ranking Christian leaders is the reason for the effort put forth to confuse the issue by sowing deceptive decoys with the hope the truth will not be discovered.

As my studies continued, traditional Christianity's avoidance of the obvious Scriptural meaning of the "mark", as well as their endless promotion of theological false targets, began to make sense.  I will show in this article that traditional Christianity has good reason to avoid and direct us away from a purely Scriptural search as we seek to know of this mark.  Unlike them, I will present a definition that does NOT require decoys to steer us away from Scripture, and in the process, expose a heinous conspiracy of falsehood within traditional Christianity!  Unfortunately, since most may have ALREADY accepted the mark of the Beast, my warning will go largely ignored, unheeded, or angrily condemned.

I will present my argument as follows:

1. I will define what is meant by the Greek word charagma (khar-ag-mah), which is translated as "mark" in virtually all English Bibles.
2. To assist in finding the meaning of the "mark of the Beast," I will show what Scripture unmistakably defines as the "mark of God."
3. I will briefly prove why some of the more common concepts regarding the "mark of the Beast" are incorrect.
4. I will show how easily the true meaning of mark of the Beast can be determined by comparing it to the mark of God and how this determination can show whether or not you or others have already received the mark of the Beast.

What is meant by the term "mark?"

Most traditional Christians and Messianics are familiar with the following passage found in Revelation, which discusses the Beast's mark.

Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

¹⁶ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

The importance of understanding the true definition of this mark is obvious from other passages in Revelation.  If we do not grasp the actual SCRIPTURAL meaning we may unknowingly accept the mark of the Beast and find ourselves in opposition to God when He pours out His wrath upon mankind at that time when His limit of mercy is reached and necessary justice is finally administered.  Therefore, it is fair to say there are few issues for which a clear, Scriptural understanding is more crucial.  The following passages illustrate the seriousness of this issue as we read of the fate of those that choose to accept the "mark of the Beast."

Revelation 14:9-11 (KJV)

⁹ 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, ¹⁰ 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: ¹¹ 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.

Revelation 16:2 (KJV)

² And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Revelation 19:20 (KJV)

²⁰ And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

The context of Revelation from which these passages are found discusses the "Beast," and how that Beast will cause many to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads (Rev. 13:16).  Before continuing, let's first grasp the meaning of the Greek word charagma (khar-ag-mah), which is here translated as "mark."

The Enhanced Strong's Lexicon (Strong's # 5480) shows that in the Authorized Version (KJV) the Greek word charagma is translated as "mark" eight times and "graven" once.  Strong's further defines charagma as:

1. a stamp, an imprinted mark.
   • of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist [there is a traditional error here that I will shortly describe]
   • the mark branded upon horses
2. thing carved, sculpture, graven work.
   
   • of idolatrous images.

Interestingly, with one exception, the ONLY place in the New Testament where the Greek word charagma is used is with reference to the "mark" of the Beast!

The New Strong's Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words defines charagma as:

charagma, a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue):- graven, mark.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament states the following with regard to this Greek word:

charagma [mark, stamp]
Marking is common in antiquity (cf. slaves, and the branding of devotees with the marks of deities).

The Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains gives us crucial insight into the meaning of charagma when it states:

A strictly literal translation of 'the mark of the beast' might imply 'a picture of the beast' or 'a mark made by the beast.' A more satisfactory indication of the relationship between 'mark' and 'beast' would be 'a mark showing one's relationship to the beast' or 'a mark of loyalty to the beast' or 'a mark of the party of the beast.'

A further insightful note can be grasped from another comment in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament with regard to this mysterious mark.

In Rev. 17:5 the harlot, who personifies all worldly abominations, whether concretely as Rome or abstractly as a demonic power, bears on her forehead the mark of her true nature in a mysterious allusion to Babylon.  The basis is the modish custom of Roman harlots, who had their names on bands round their foreheads.

What religious organization is most closely associated with Rome?  What religion originated from this Roman empire?  Also, note in Revelation this great harlot is called the mother of harlots; thus, clearly implying many other harlots sprang from her and still promote the foundational false teachings which she established.  Who is the great Harlot?   Who are her daughters and thus harlots themselves?  Think on these things.  They may very well set you free from the harlot's embrace if you allow sincerity and truth to guide you instead of your own wishes.

The earlier definition in Strong's presents a slight error.  Sadly, this error appears in other sources and is commonly promoted from pulpits worldwide.  It is with regard to the mention of the "Antichrist."  Why does Strong's imply the "mark of the Beast" is given by the "Antichrist?"  The term "antichrist" is completely absent from the Biblical context in which we find the "mark of the Beast" mentioned.  In fact, the term antichrist is found ONLY in the epistles of John; therefore, obviously the term "Antichrist" is nowhere found in the book of Revelation!  So, I ask again, why mention the "Antichrist" as being the one that allegedly gives out the mark?

The reason Strong's and other sources imply the "mark of the Beast" is the mark of the "antichrist" is because of the traditional decoys of deception Christian leaders hope to plant in the minds of sincere seekers of truth.  They hope that by planting an antichrist decoy (one of many such tricks), you will be drawn off the path that leads to discovering the TRUE meaning of the mark - a discovery Christianity and her counterfeit Messianic offspring struggle to prevent.  Their intent is to misdirect the sincere student of Scripture into accepting false concepts of both the antichrist and the Beast.  I discuss the TRUE meaning of antichrist in a separate article.  Oddly, Strong's is actually unintentionally revealing partial truth by bringing antichrist into the discussion, since it is the antichrist/anti-messiah promoters (those promoting the spirit of delusion) that are lead by - and represent - the Beast.  Therefore, even though the "antichrist" is not the one giving out the mark, the Beast that promotes the antichrist deception is. (NOTE: antichrist means anti-Messiah, which is a teaching that promotes a replacement Messiah deception.)  So, Strong's accidentally provides us valuable insight, or perhaps he was more aware of truth than Christian leaders realize.  The result of this insight will become apparent as we continue in our discussion of the "mark of the Beast."

An important consideration most miss is the rendering of the Greek word epi (ep-ee'), which the King James Version translates as "in" in Revelation 13:16 - "... in their right hand, or in their forehead ...".  The Enhanced Strong's Lexicon (Strong's # 1909) shows epi can be rendered as "on," "in," "upon," as well as other possible renderings.  Other versions render the word as "on;" however, the point to remember is that it can be "in" or "on."  So, don't allow yourself to stubbornly cling to an understanding that the mark is applied ONTO something.  It can just as well be applied INSIDE something.

So, summarizing the information gathered from these sources we can state the following with regard to the deeper meaning of the Greek word that is translates as "mark" in Revelation:

1. This mark is almost certainly a symbolic stamp or sign and is not to be taken literally as many zealously and blindly claim.
2. This mark will be SYMBOLICALLY placed on - OR INSIDE - the forehead and/or right hand.
3. The mark historically symbolizes servitude or allegiance to the one from whom the mark is received.
4. The mark symbolizes the relationship existing between those that decide to receive it and the Beast (or his agents) from whom it is received.  It shows the recipients of the mark to be loyal to the Beast and among his willful followers.
5. The harlot of Revelation 17:5, historically and almost universally accepted as representing Rome and the evil Babylonian mystery religion that has continuously opposed the true faith, "bears on her forehead the mark of her true nature in a mysterious allusion to Babylon."
6. Though I did not specifically discuss it, the verb translated as "receive" in Rev. 13:16 is in the subjunctive mood, which implies uncertainty.  One cannot "receive" something unless they "accept" it, which implies willingness.  Thus, the mark is not forced, though there may be various levels of persuasion used.  Ultimately, those that receive the mark do so of their own free will.

The overwhelming implication from all sources referenced clearly shows "mark of the Beast" is NOT a physical mark.  Instead, by compiling the available information the clearest meaning of the mark is as a FIGURATIVELY SYMBOLIC sign that distinguishes those having it as being followers of the Satanic Beast.  In short, it is a spiritual mark, which exposes the hearts and minds of those receiving it.  It shows to whom they willingly give their allegiance.

Is there a mark of God?  If so, what is it?

Now, let's look at other passages of Scripture that traditional Christian and counterfeit Messianic leaders seem to purposely overlook and hope you never discover.  As you will see, these passages remove the shroud of mystery they hope remains in place.

Within the Torah, which is Genesis through Deuteronomy (Hebrew word Torah means "instruction" or "teaching") we read the following:

Exodus 13:9 (NASB)

⁹ And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:16 (NRSV)

¹⁶ It shall serve as a sign on your hand and as an emblem on your forehead that by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 6:8 (NRSV)

⁸ Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead,

Deuteronomy 11:18 (NRSV)

¹⁸ You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead.

Most Christians are not even aware of these verses since they rarely or never read the Torah or the Tanakh (Older Testament), which Messiah Yeshua and ALL his followers considered to be THE Holy Scriptures!  (Of course, they rarely read it because they have been deceived by the servants of Satan into believing that study of the Tanakh is unnecessary or "legalistic".)

What is the obvious fact one should immediately notice from these passages?  What figuratively leaps from the pages as we discuss the issue of the mark of the Beast?  Allow me to again present the passage from Revelation.

Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

¹⁶ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Almost the exact same phrase is used with respect to a mark - or sign! However, the passages from Torah show the mark to be the mark of God, whereas the passage from Revelation refers to the mark of the Satanic Beast.

The Hebrew word rendered "sign" is presented by the Enhanced Strong's Lexicon to be a sign, a distinguishing mark, an omen, a token, etc.  The root word from which it derives implies "to consent" or "to agree." This is almost certainly the word John was considering when he penned Revelation, since John was a Hebrew man that spoke Hebrew as his native tongue and lived, thought, and wrote entirely from his Hebraic world view.  So, what we have here is the equivalent word used in Revelation.  They both mean exactly the same thing! The word translated as "mark" in Revelation and "sign" in Torah are the same word that has simply been written in the separate languages of Hebrew and Greek and translated into English.

Now let's look more closely at the verses quoted from Torah.  Unlike the mark of the Beast, the mark (sign) of God is easily grasped from the direct reading of the passages in which it is mentioned.  I will show later that although Torah presents more than one "sign" or "mark" they can actually be considered as one; thus, I will refer to these signs of God in a singular form as representing an all encompassing sign (mark).

There is no need for speculative theories to determine the unambiguous definition of the sign or mark of God.  I will let the ONE and ONLY YHWH Elohim - the Almighty Creator - tell us from His ETERNAL Torah what the mark (sign) is that those devoted to Him will choose to accept of their own free will.  God's mark - or sign - is obvious.  All that is required for one to determine the meaning is a simple reading of Scripture.

I will first examine Exodus 13:9,16 then Deuteronomy 11:18, and lastly (and most importantly) Deuteronomy 6:8.

To limit the size of the article, I will not quote the context of Torah from which these verses were taken.  You can easily verify what I will say by simply reading Exodus yourself.  When you do so you will see there is no argument that the sign to which God is referring is Passover.

Exodus 13:9, 16 (KJV)

⁹ And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, (alternate rendering of "on your forehead") that YHWH's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath YHWH brought thee out of Egypt. ... ¹⁶ And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes (alternate rendering of "on your forehead"): for by strength of hand YHWH brought us forth out of Egypt.

So, here in Exodus 13 God presents us with a sign (mark) that we may choose to accept or reject. However, as you will see with your continued study of this topic, Passover is actually a sign WITHIN a much broader and central sign or mark of God.

Next we will look at Deuteronomy 11:18. To further impress upon you the full meaning of the sign of God I will include the crucial context in which Dt. 11:18 resides. To make it appear slightly more readable I will quote from the New King James Version; however, every version I checked says the same thing in slightly different words. I will enclose explanatory comments in parenthesis ( ).

Deuteronomy 11:18-28 (NKJV)

¹⁸ Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (alternate rendering of "on your forehead")
¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
²⁰ And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, (God's Torah - teachings - shall be the focus of your life)
²¹ that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.
²² For if you carefully keep all these commandments which I command you to do - to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways (obedience is the test of true love for God), and to hold fast to Him -
²³ then the Lord will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves.
²⁴ Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.
²⁵ No man shall be able to stand against you; the Lord your God will put the dread of you and the fear of you upon all the land where you tread, just as He has said to you.
²⁶ Behold, I set before you today (God gives you a choice) a blessing and a curse:
²⁷ the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today;
²⁸ and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. (note I have a separate article that discusses if you are being lead to worship "other gods.")

The true context of these passages is Deuteronomy chapter 5 through chapter 11. I very much advise you to read the book of Deuteronomy and plead with you to do so. At the very least read chapters 5 through 11.

Friend, the sign of God, which He tells us to bind as "a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes" (or "emblem on your forehead" in other versions) is TORAH - the very Torah traditional Christianity and even counterfeit Messianism teaches is abolished, unnecessary, or optional!  So, here we see a verse which shows Torah (Hebrew for instructions or teachings) is THE SIGN OR MARK ACCEPTED BY THOSE THAT ARE TRUE CHILDREN OF GOD! But I'm not through yet.  There is more proof that Torah is the mark of God!

Let us now continue to the verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6.  As with the verse just studied, I will quote a portion of the local context and comment where necessary within it.  I will again quote from the New King James Version; however, as before, all versions agree.  Read them yourself if you doubt me.

Deuteronomy 6:1-17 (NKJV)

¹ Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess,
² that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
³ Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you - a land flowing with milk and honey.
⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! (alternate renderings: "The Lord is our God, the Lord alone,", or "The Lord our God is one Lord," or "The Lord is our God, the Lord is one.")
⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (THE TEST OF LOVE FOR GOD IS OBEDIENCE TO HIS ETERNAL TORAH!)
⁶ And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (alternate rendering of "on your forehead")
⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (God's Torah - teachings - shall be the focus of your life)
¹⁰ So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build,
¹¹ houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant - when you have eaten and are full -
¹² then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
¹³ You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name.
¹⁴ You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you
¹⁵ for the Lord your God is a jealous God among you, lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth.
¹⁶ You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah.
¹⁷ You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you.

How can anyone with the ability to read (or hear) not see the obvious message presented in these verses. The mark of God is unmistakably and repeatedly stated to be HIS Eternal torah (Law)!  Furthermore, this mark or sign is clearly shown to be ALL of Torah, not just scattered portions some wish to obey.  There is also no hint that Torah observance is "optional", as most counterfeit Messianic and Nazarene leaders teach, for those wishing to accept God's mark!

In both contexts of Deuteronomy, which define the sign (mark) of God, we find:

1. GOD GIVES US A CHOICE!
2. we are to obey the Torah
3. we are to teach the Torah
4. we are to talk of the Torah
5. we are to show that we love God through obedience to Torah
6. we are to LIVE the Torah by sincerely striving to obey the God we claim to love.
7. we are given the chance to accept the Mark of God, which is undeniably the Eternal Teachings given through Moses - THE TORAH!!!
8. Despite this, there is literally a hatred of Torah - or at the very least apathy - within Christianity!

NOTE:  With both the mark of God AND the mark of the Beast we are given a choice.  Ultimately - indeed ever since the dawn of time - the exact same choice has existed.  The "mark of the Beast" is actually nothing new!  The choice was, is, and will be whether to choose and accept the mark of God or the mark of the enemy (Beast).

We have within the just quoted verses a passage that Yeshua the Messiah stated as being THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL COMMANDMENTS!   Note the very words of Yeshua in the following passage as he quotes Deuteronomy 6:4,5.

Mark 12:28-30 (NASB)

²⁸ And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" ²⁹ Yeshua answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; ³⁰ AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'

A parallel passage from Matthew 22:36-40 presents the second most important commandment.

Mt 22:36-40 (KJV)

³⁶ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷ Yeshua said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Most Christians do not have the slightest notion of the importance of the "Shema" Yeshua is quoting in Matthew chapter 22 and Mark chapter 12 or that this very same Shema is inseparable from and included within the mark of God!  The Shema that Yeshua quoted here is from the verses previously quoted from Deuteronomy, which is itself part of Torah (Torah is Genesis through Deuteronomy).

Deuteronomy 6:4,5 (NASB)

⁴ "Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Many a Jew and True Monotheistic Messianic (vs. today's counterfeit Messianics) have died with this verse on their lips or have resisted the murderous tortures and condemnations of the church as "Christians" tried to force acceptance of Yeshua as God.  Instead of violating the Shema and faith in the ONE and ONLY YHWH, these courageous believers chose death or persecutions (and we still are).  The Shema - in the Hebrew - actually emphasized that YHWH A-L-O-N-E is the Eternal Elohim (God)!

The Shema is THE foundational element of the "mark of God".  Since traditional Christianity and counterfeit Messianism have forsaken the truth of the One YHWH, most reject, through their promotion of another god, this "foremost commandment".

Here Yeshua is elevating the Shema - the recognition of the One and ONLY YHWH - to the status of the most important commandment of all.  Most Christians miss this entirely because of their failure to understand the exalted importance Yeshua (as shown here) places upon the recognition of ONE (not 3 in 1) God.  Sadly, Christians often violate this "foremost" commandment.

There are those that twist and stretch the Hebrew word for one - echad - {ay-kod'} - into being a "compound unity".  However, this desperate attempt at word games to "prove" the Trinity has been abandoned by many.  I have a separate article that discusses the word games many play with the Hebrew words Elohim and Echad, which exposes the deceit behind their wicked attempt to distort truth.

More support for the ONE God is found in this small sampling of the MANY other Scriptural passages:

Deuteronomy 4:35; 39 (NKJV)

³⁵ To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him. ... ³⁹ Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.

1 Corinthians 8:4 (NKJV)

⁴ Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV)

⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

It is proven elsewhere on this site that this ONE God is NOT a Trinity God and is NOT the Messiah!  This God is, instead, the very God Yeshua the Messiah worshipped, promoted, obeyed, and died serving so that we can have the hope of a resurrection to eternal life by the very same ONE God that resurrected him.

The "second" most important commandment according to Yeshua is from Leviticus 19:18, which is also within Torah; therefore, it is also a component of the mark of God.

Leviticus 19:18 (NASB)

¹⁸ You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

It is always amazing to me to find so many Christians that do not even realize Yeshua was quoting and honoring Torah (Lev. 19:18) when he said, "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself".  They seem to feel this was a "new" Christian teaching Yeshua was promoting.  Instead, as with virtually everything Yeshua taught, it came straight from Torah, since Yeshua - more than anyone in human history - gladly chose to accept the mark of God by devoted obedience to TORAH!

Summarizing what we now know regarding the mark of God, we can state the following:

1. The "mark of God" is very clearly defined - in no uncertain terms - to be Torah!  To say otherwise is to ignore some of the clearest passages in all of Scripture.  Despite this, traditional Christianity DOES say otherwise!
2. Yeshua fully endorsed and obeyed Torah; thus accepting the mark of his God and ours. Anyone claiming to follow Messiah that fails to endorse and/or obey Torah, is NOT a follower of the TRUE Messiah!
3. THE foundational aspect of the "mark of God" and THE most important passage in all of Scripture according to Yeshua is the Shema, which declares God to be ONE and ONLY One - NOT a Trinity God - not a Binity God - and not a man-God Messiah!

So, what now begins to become obvious regarding WHO is the Beast and WHAT is his mark?

Why common concepts of the "mark of the Beast" are incorrect

At this point I will point out why some of the common definitions for the mark cannot possibly be correct - or at the very least find very little support from Scripture.  Some of the common sensationalized concepts of the mark present it as being:

1. an implanted ID chip
2. an ID card
3. a common currency or some other "global" object of trade or identification.  Some consider the "cashless" society to be the means by which mankind will receive the mark through the exclusive use of credit cards or debit cards.
4. There are numerous variations of these common themes.

There is a common problem shared by all such concepts, which proves them to be incorrect.  That problem is that NONE of these imply rebellion against God!  How does the use of a debit card show one to be sinful?  How does accepting an ID card indicate spiritual rebellion?  How can it be shown that an implanted chip proves one to be practicing willful disobedience to God?  Frankly, these common concepts are outrageous and do NOT, in any way, show one to be disobedient!  There is NOTHING about these concepts that implies one is willfully casting off the instructions of God!  Those promoting concepts such as these show themselves to be grossly ignorant of the true meaning of the mark.  ALL of these concepts are decoys to misdirect others away from the TRUE "mark."  I invite anyone to demonstrate to me how any of these concepts shows one to be sinful and rebellious.

As you continue in this study, you will see that the ACTUAL mark of the Beast very much does show those receiving it to be making a freewill choice to rebel against God!

The primary contributing factor leading to most traditional and erroneous definitions of the mark is the ONE verse of Revelation 13:17, which I will here quote from the King James and the Updated New American Standard Versions of Scripture along with verse 16.

Revelation 13:16, 17 (KJV)

¹⁶ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: ¹⁷ And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

From the NASB we read:

Revelation 13:16, 17 (NASB95)

¹⁶ And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, ¹⁷ and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.

It should be noted that one MUST interpret verse 17 in ONLY a strictly literal sense to find support for most of the common definitions of the "mark" that traditional Christian and counterfeit Messianic leaders hope you will accept.  From verse 17 those deceived will conclude that the mark will be something that will allow ONLY those that possess it to "buy and sell."  They feel this refers to a LITERAL "buying and selling" of goods or services; thus, the common "mark of the Beast" concepts share the common idea that it applies to the "merchandising" of goods.  But, are the mark, the "buying and selling", or even the merchandise that is bought and sold to be taken literally?  Can those that promote such concepts PROVE them to be literal?  Are most other marks within Scripture literal?  What is the most consistent understanding - literal or figurative (non-literal) - of most marks we see in Scripture?  What else could be meant by the phrase "no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name?"

I will address this issue as follows.

1. I will present additional information that suggests the mark is NOT literal.
2. I will later present another meaning - A MEANING THAT HAS APPLIED FOR CENTURIES AND STILL APPLIES TODAY - for the phrase "no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name."
3. I will show that the meaning of the phrase "buy and sell" is best defined to be BOTH figurative (non-literal) and literal!  However, this partially literal aspect of the phrase "buy and sell" does NOT apply to the clearly non-literal nature of the "mark".

Although I have already shown the mark is NOT to be taken literally, let's look at a few other examples in Scripture where we find types of marks, signs, or names mentioned.

Revelation 3:12 (NRSV)

¹² If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

In the verses just quoted we see:

1. The name of God will be written on the forehead of those that are saved.
2. The name of Jerusalem will be written on the forehead of the saved.
3. The name of Messiah will be written on the forehead of the saved.

Since Revelation 13:17 indicates the name of the Beast is synonymous with the mark, the literal or non-literal meanings of Revelation 13:17 and Revelation 3:12 can be assumed to imply a similar understanding of the how the marking of the name(s) mentioned in each of them should be interpreted.  Revelation 3:12, just like the verses that address the mark of the Beast, describes something that will be written on (or in) the forehead of those that are the true children of God.  I will not waste time here.  CLEARLY we are not to take LITERALLY Revelation 3:12.  Likewise, if we are sincere and consistent in our interpretation of Scripture, we are not to take literally Rev. 13:16,17.  Both discussions of a mark (or name written on/in the forehead) imply the mark to be a spiritual indicator that shows to whom the one receiving the mark (or name) gives their devotion.

Next, we will look at another set of passages from Revelation.

Revelation 17:1-6 (NASB)

¹ And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I shall show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, ² with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality." ³ And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ And the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, ⁵ and upon her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." ⁶ And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered greatly.

These passages refer to a name that is written on the forehead of the Great Harlot, the MOTHER of Harlots, which of course means there are other harlot daughters.  Just as before, all with common sense and basic understanding recognize that neither the harlot nor the name written on her forehead are to be taken literally.  We also see another example of figurative (non-literal) meaning with the description of the woman "sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns."  Are the literalists wanting us to believe a literal beast with seven heads and ten horns will be ridden by woman?  The Harlot is clearly a figurative representation of the age-old opponent of the true faith - the mystery Babylonian religion, and the name written on her forehead represents a set of doctrines, which have a name, title, or description.  This description will be revealed as we continue our study of the "mark of the Beast."  Of course, as many of you know, this woman (the great Harlot) has long been equated to the church of Rome, which promotes the same age-old Babylonian faith and sorceries that Satan has always promoted as part of his "attempt to change the sacred seasons and the law" (Dan. 7:25 NRSV).  Some of the Harlot's earlier work is spoken of in the following verses.

Nahum 3:1-7 (NASB)

¹ Woe to the bloody city, completely full of lies and pillage; Her prey never departs. ² The noise of the whip, The noise of the rattling of the wheel, Galloping horses, And bounding chariots! ³ Horsemen charging, Swords flashing, spears gleaming, Many slain, a mass of corpses, And countless dead bodies -  They stumble over the dead bodies! ⁴ All because of the many harlotries of the harlot, The charming one, the mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations by her harlotries And families by her sorceries. ⁵ "Behold, I am against you," declares the Lord of hosts; "And I will lift up your skirts over your face, And show to the nations your nakedness And to the kingdoms your disgrace. ⁶ "I will throw filth on you And make you vile, And set you up as a spectacle. ⁷ "And it will come about that all who see you Will shrink from you and say, 'Nineveh is devastated! Who will grieve for her?' Where will I seek comforters for you?"

Strangely, most that accurately promote this understanding of the Harlot seem to cleverly ignore the fact this woman (Roman Babylonian false religion) has other harlot daughters.  ??  Could this be because ALL Christian denominations were ultimately birthed from the church of Rome, promote the Harlot's primary foundational doctrines (the antichrist deception and that Torah is abolished or unnecessary), and are ,therefore, CLEARLY her harlot daughters?  Hmmm??

Finally, let's look at one more passage from Revelation.

Revelation 22:3,4 (KJV)

³ And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: ⁴ And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

As with the others, we are obviously not to assume a name will be literally written on the foreheads of the saved.  Instead, by their freewill choice to accept God's mark instead of the Beast's, they will have God's name (or authority in their lives) written in their foreheads as a sign of their demonstrated devotion to Him.

So, we can again summarize the more probable, NON-LITERAL meaning of the term "mark."

1. First, as shown, the mark is clearly symbolic and shows the recipient choosing to promote the cause of the Beast.  It is a spiritual mark, which exposes the hearts and minds of those receiving it.  It shows to whom (or to what teachings) they willingly give their allegiance.
2. The sin for which those receiving the mark will be punished is NOT simply possessing the mark.  Instead, the sin leading to the eternal wrath of God is the FREE WILL CHOICE of those receiving the mark - the choice made by those possessing the mark.  They are punished because they knowingly and intentionally CHOSE to accept the mark, knowing full well what it stands for.  The mark is not the sin.  It is simply a sign of the sinful rebellion against God of the recipient.
3. If the recipient of the mark unwittingly received it, they would be innocent of the obvious sin the mark represents.  God will most likely not inflict eternal death to those that sincerely seek Him through devotion to study and obedience yet fall short due to being unwittingly deceived.  This further suggests the mark to be something that is easily seen to be against God; therefore, those receiving it cannot use ignorance as an excuse.  In short, the TRULY sincere seeker of Truth will NOT accept the mark because he/she will see it to be in direct opposition to God's teachings.
4. The underlying theme of the mark is clearly something that represents outright rebellion against God.  It must be something that clearly shows the recipient to have made the freewill choice to disobey God.

So, what of the odd reference to buying and selling that we find in Revelation 13:17?  What does it really mean?  Well, there are ONLY 3 possible options available to us for interpretation.

1. It is a literal reference to the buying and selling of something.
2. It is non-literal, and thus has a figurative meaning.
3. It is BOTH literal and figurative.

The possible literal meaning requires no detailed discussion.  It would simply infer that those NOT possessing the mark of the Beast will have restrictions imposed upon their ability to purchase or sell physical items or services.  Note the inclusion of SERVICES within these restrictions.  As we will see, restrictions on services are imposed by the Beast even today!  Since the literal interpretation is so easily grasped, we will quickly proceed to the second option, which is that the phrase "buy and sell" may be interpreted figuratively.

Let's look at other examples of buying and/or selling within Scripture that are clearly NOT literal.

Proverbs 23:23 (NRSV)

²³ Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Obviously, this verse from Proverbs does not LITERALLY mean we are to buy truth, wisdom, instruction, or understanding.  Truth CANNOT be literally bought or sold!  So, in Proverbs we see one of many examples of how buying and selling is not always to be taken literally.

Paul contributes to our discussion as he refers to those I just mentioned that "peddle" the word of God.

2 Corinthians 2:17 (NRSV)

¹⁷ For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.

Though it is not considered by me to be a good translation, the New Living Translation expresses this verse from 2 Corinthians well.

2 Corinthians 2:17 (NLT)

¹⁷ You see, we are not like those hucksters - and there are many of them - who preach just to make money. We preach God's message with sincerity and with Christ's authority. And we know that the God who sent us is watching us.

So, Paul is alluding here to the selling of the Word of God; thus, there is a literal AND spiritual meaning expressed.  The literal meaning refers to the merchandising of religion (commonplace today), and the spiritual meaning is that it is allegedly "truth" that is being sold - though in fact falsehood is what the peddlers actually market.  It always amazes me how blind many are to the fact many of today's Christian leaders have been made rich from the peddling of God's Word.  Some of the most popular preachers today are also among the wealthiest of Americans.  The naive nature of those that contribute to the bulging bank accounts of today's "men of God," is both sad and disgusting.

Next we read in Isaiah of God pleading for us to buy from Him and/or His true representatives.

Isaiah 55:1-3 (NASB95)

¹ "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. ² "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. ³ "Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David.

God figuratively refers to the buying of wine and milk and claims it to be without cost.  How can one buy something for no cost unless the buying is not literal.  And thus it is with these verses.  God implores us to sincerely seek His truth and uses the figurative illustration of buying as part of His plea.

From Revelation 3:18 we read of another example of buying.

Revelation 3:18 (KJV)

¹⁸ I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Again, this verse uses buying as a figure of speech to illustrate how we are to seek the truth.  As with so many other verses that refer to buying or selling, we are not always to take it literally.

Finally, as a last of many possible examples, we read of Yeshua using the terms "buy" and "sell" to illustrate how we are to fervently seek the Kingdom of God.  The non-literal nature of this verse from the Gospel of Matthew is obvious.

Matthew 13:44 (NASB)

⁴⁴ The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

Now, how can the phrase buy and sell be shown to be BOTH literal and figurative?  We recently read Paul applying it as such in his second letter to the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 2:17 (NLT)

¹⁷ You see, we are not like those hucksters - and there are many of them - who preach just to make money. We preach God's message with sincerity and with Christ's authority. And we know that the God who sent us is watching us.

Admittedly, this is more literal than figurative; however, from the example of the buying and selling of religion we can begin to gain insight into the deeper meaning of Revelation 13:17.

At this point I will refrain from revealing the final meaning of the "buy and sell" reference in that verse until after I have proven what the TRUE meaning of the "mark of the Beast" is.  Then, I will show how those that do not possess that mark are indeed severely restricted from buying and selling and how the Beast has enforced this prohibition throughout history (approximately 1700 years).  So, let us now discover the undeniable meaning of the "mark of Beast," after which we will easily see how the Beast prevents those that do not accept his mark from buying and selling in both a literal and non-literal sense.

The "mark of God," reveals the "mark of the Beast!"

First, let us revisit the summary from our look at the meaning of mark in Revelation.

1. This mark is almost certainly a symbolic stamp or sign and is not to be taken literally.
2. This mark will be SYMBOLICALLY placed on - OR INSIDE - the forehead and/or right hand.
3. The mark historically symbolizes servitude or allegiance to the one from whom the mark is received.
4. The mark clearly symbolizes the relationship existing between those that decide to receive it and the Beast (or his agents) from whom it is received.  It shows the recipients of the mark to be loyal to the Beast and among his willful followers.
5. The harlot of Revelation 17:5, historically and almost universally accepted as representing Rome and the evil Babylonian mystery religion that has continuously opposed the true faith, "bears on her forehead the mark of her true nature in a mysterious allusion to Babylon."  Thus, we can surmise that this spiritual harlot from Rome plays a major role in promoting the "mark of the Beast."
6. Those that receive the mark do so of their own free will.  They CHOOSE to accept the mark offered by the Beast.

Now let's restate the summary of findings regarding the mark of God.

1. The "mark of God" is the Eternal instructions of God - the Torah!  To say otherwise is to ignore some of the clearest passages in all of Scripture.  Despite this, traditional Christianity rejects and openly opposes Torah and/or the need for obedience to God's Eternal Teachings!
2. Yeshua fully endorsed and obeyed Torah; thus accepting the mark of his God and ours. Anyone claiming to follow Messiah that fails to endorse and/or obey Torah, is NOT a follower of the TRUE Messiah!
3. THE foundational aspect of the "mark of God" and THE most important passage in all of Scripture according to Yeshua is the Shema, which declares God to be ONE and ONLY One - NOT a Trinity God - not a Binity God - and not a man-God Messiah!

My friend, do you see something strange when you compare "the mark of God" with what traditional Christianity teaches?  I expect, after determining what constitutes the mark of God, some of you have already realized what the "mark of the Beast" most likely is.  However, let's list a few common sense issues that lead us to the TRUE definition of the "mark of the Beast." I will follow them with a tabulated synopsis which presents a side-by-side comparison of the "mark of God" and the "mark of the Beast."

1. The Beast, which is empowered by Satan, is the number one enemy of God and promotes teachings that are contrary to God's.
2. The mark of God is clearly shown to be Torah, and it is from the response one gives to the mark of God (Torah) - acceptance or rejection - that their allegiance or rebellion toward God is determined.
3. The Beast is opposed to God; therefore, common sense dictates the mark of the Beast would be something that is in direct opposition to the mark of God.
4. So, the most obvious definition of the Mark of the Beast is that it is defined as that which erases or teaches against the Mark of God; thus, the Mark of the Beast teaches against torah!

It is also true that teaching Torah is optional is functionally no different than teaching it is abolished.  In other words, teaching that sincere attempts at Torah observance is not a critical factor in determining one's eternal fate is no different than teaching Torah is abolished, since the end effect of the teaching, which is to negate the Torah's importance, is the same.  Though Yeshua is the ultimate means through which we have the hope for eternal life, since he took upon himself the "curse of the Law" (the legal death penalty resulting from disobedience) he does NOT abolish the necessity to obey as did he.  In fact, he often states his direct endorsement of Torah (Matt. 5:17-19, Matt. 7:23, etc.) as do other New Testament writings.

So now the clear truth regarding the true nature of the mark of the Beast should be obvious as I show in the following table.

Friend, it is as obvious as the nose on your face.  The Mark of the Beast - the Sign of the Beast - The Mark that so many willingly accept, thus showing allegiance to the Beast  ===>  Is Traditional anti-torah Christian and counterfeit Messianic doctrine!

Finally, remember Yeshua's words?

Matthew 7:22-23 (NASB95)

²² "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'
²³ And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness'."

The greek term rendered "lawlessness" is the same one used in 1 John 3:4 to define sin.  It literally means "violation of the Law."  There are numerous similar verses in the Messianic writings (New Testament) that clearly show lawlessness (torah violation) is not a good thing.

Consider Yeshua's words in light of the passages in Revelation that describe the fate of those who accept the mark and worship the "beast" and his image.  (I feel the "image" is a reference to the counterfeit religion, possibly even the "replacement Messiah" (antichrist) teachings as erroneously promoted by the "great whore.")

Revelation 14:9-10 (NASB95)

⁹ 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,
¹⁰ 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.

So, we can see that the same fate that awaits the "lawless" also awaits those who willfully accept the mark of the beast.  There are numerous similar warnings to avoid lawlessness (torah violation).

So, since the fate of the lawless and "marked" is the same, an association can be clearly established between lawlessness and the mark.  This provides strong evidence that the "mark of the beast" is something that furthers lawlessness.  And of course, the TEACHING of Lawlessness (anti-torah), which I firmly believe IS the "mark of the beast," certainly does!

The common sense, logical approach I took in my presentation should be contrasted with the sensationalized, theoretical approach taken by those wishing to confuse others as they endeavor to conceal the simplicity of the truth!

So, how has the Beast prevented others from buying and selling?

If an organization does not accept the mark (anti-torah and the anti-Messiah teaching that Yeshua is God), that organization is censored and forced from the public marketplace of religion!  When was the last time you saw anything other than Christianity being promoted as a religion on TV?  Those not showing allegiance to the Beast are ostracized.  But it goes even further.  A dear friend of mine and fellow soldier of truth (www.hebraic-renewal.com) was forced off the radio 3 SEPARATE TIMES in Colorado by Christians and Messianics because of his teachings against the Trinity and his promoting of Torah.  The Beast would not allow him to sell his message!  He also had his counseling business shut down as a result of these same Beast followers boycotting and actively speaking against his business.  So, there we have a direct example of how the Beast prevented my friend from competing in the marketplace of both religion and the secular world.  He was prevented from buying and selling his services through the efforts of those that have willfully accepted the mark of the Beast.  And, as usual, they NEVER sought to engage him in debate.  Instead, as is the norm with the Beast, they simply drove him out of town.  The Beast always works that way. He drives his opponents out of business, or out of town, or out of this life!

You may recall how the prevention of buying and selling applies to SERVICES just as directly as it applies to goods.  Therefore, we see how those that do not accept the mark of the Beast and/or the name of the Beast are targeted by Christians and counterfeit Messianics in such a way as to prevent those not accepting the mark from enjoying the same access to the "market" that the Beast enjoys.  Indeed, the Beast DOMINATES the market and exerts all manner of strong arm tactics to prevent others from interfering in his gross monopoly.

Finally, history is filled with examples of how those that did not accept the mark (such as devoted Jews) were LITERALLY restricted from buying and selling at times, had their goods confiscated, were driven into exile, or were killed.  The Beast has enacted a lengthy list of decrees to prevent his wicked dominance from coming under threat, or simply to satisfy his endless lust for blood and power.

There is NO organization in the history of mankind that has such a long and bloody history as Christianity.  Christianity is, without doubt, history's most hypocritical and unmerciful terrorist organization!  Christians are usually willingly ignorant of the grotesquely demonic, murderous history of the faith system to which they belong.  The truth is, almost ALL Christians do not want to consider the vile history of Christianity.  They prefer to live in denial regarding the facts of history and the CONTINUING disdain Christianity shows to those that dare oppose it.  I thank the almighty God we live in a constitutional Republic that guarantees freedoms of speech and religion; otherwise, I have NO DOUBT that the preferred means of control proven throughout history to be the choice of Christian leaders would be utilized to the fullest to kill-off all opponents of the Beast.

Here is a sampling of the various measures Christianity has imposed over time against those that would not "worship the Beast" or take his "mark." Though these measures were aimed primarily at Jews, they would also apply to ANYONE that wishes to promote or obey the ETERNAL Torah (the mark of God!).  The fact that Christianity has been so desperate to kill and persecute Jews is particularly ironic, since Christians claim to worship a "Christ" that is, himself, a Jew!  Of course, the reason for the zeal Christianity has shown to massacre Jews is due to the fact religious Jews hold to the pro-Torah mark of God and the Beast cannot let that go unpunished.  Any Christian that harbors anti-semitic feelings (and most DO) is automatically an enemy of the Semite Messiah they hypocritically claim to follow!  The sampling shown in the table below was taken from the Baruch HaShem Messianic Synagogue website that unfortunately promotes the teaching that Yeshua is God, which is a primary component of the mark of the Beast.  May HaShem open their eyes to truth and empower them to rid themselves of the Beast's characteristic teachings.

The measures just quoted are only a sampling, and they are only those copied in various ways by the Nazis.  Many other horrible, BEASTLY persecutions were undertaken.  Christian history is packed from its beginnings in Rome (Christianity is NOT a product of Jerusalem!) with persecution of those that do not worship the Beast, his image, or his name.  Some of us have felt, firsthand, the bitterness of typical Christians because we dare suggest they are wrong and are bold enough to openly expose the deceptions of the Beast.  If not for laws prohibiting it, I am absolutely certain the typical "loving" Christian would heartily endorse all manner of infringements upon the liberties of those that oppose them.  Christianity is NOT as pure a religion of love as many intoxicated Christians think.  To those that wish to worship the TRUE God, honor His Torah, and His TRUE Messiah, Christianity is a religion of HATE, and history proves such!  To those of us that dare to reject the wine of the Harlot the true nature of Christianity has been proven over and over to be Beastly.  The only reason the same hate isn't shown today is because the laws of the land currently prevent the Beast from using his preferred means of "conversion."  Thank God we have separation of church and state.  Anyone that thinks the church and state should not be separate is a FOOL or desires to bring back the tyranny that Christianity has shown itself to prefer!  Sadly, there is growing evidence the Beast may be once again working to solidify his state control as the lines between church and state become alarmingly blurred.

There are countless examples of how the Beast "provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name" (Rev. 13:17).

THE BEAST IS LARGELY REPRESENTED BY TRADITIONAL CHRISTIANITY, AND THE MARK OF THE BEAST IS CHRISTIAN ANTI-TORAH DOCTRINE!

I plead with you to consider this issue.  Please do not react in a knee-jerk, angry fashion. Look at how simple it is to define the mark of God.  It is directly defined from Scripture without the slightest ambiguity.  Consider how common sense and logic demands that the mark of the Beast is obviously the opposite of the mark of God.  When this common sense approach is used the conclusion is unavoidable!

Have you irrevocably taken the mark of the Beast?  Do you accept the lie that God's Eternal Torah has been abolished, superceded, is unnecessary, or optional?  Do you worship a different God other than the one Yeshua the Messiah implied was the ONLY God by his (Yeshua's) stating that the Shema (Dt. 6:4) is the most important verse in all of Scripture?

I plead with you and pray you will consider which mark you have taken - the mark of God or the mark of the Beast, and that after considering, you will insure you are among those that will not suffer the wrath of God when the Beast and those that are devoted to him are eternally destroyed.