END
OF TIME SERIES
PART
FIVE
THE SEAL AND THE MARK
Seals have been used for thousands of years to provide a permanent
shutting or closing of something. For example, a sheet of paper containing
a letter would be folded over upon it self, a bit of wax dropped to hold
it shut, and then a signet ring would be impressed upon the wax. The sheet
was now considered securely sealed; it could not be opened without
tearing apart the molded wax.
When the seal of God is applied, those who. receive it will be
permanently identified as belonging to God. Their already-developed characters
will be sealed in. At the same time that the seal (also called a
"mark" in the Bible: Ezekiel
9) is impressed, a different kind of closing signet will be applied: the mark of the beast. It will be placed on
those who, by their decisions and actions, have refused the seal of God.
They have refused obedience to God's expressed will, as stated in the
Scriptures.
The sealing will be a major event in the lives of the remnant who live at
the end of time. In this section, we will learn the nature of the seal, in
what way it is different than the mark, and when both begin to be placed.
1
- The winds of strife, war, and manifold disasters are being held in
check until the seal is placed.
"Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations are
angry, and great preparations for war are being made. Nation is plotting
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. The great day of God is
hasting greatly. But although the nations are mustering their forces for
war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they
hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in
their foreheads." -7 Bible Commentary, 968/2:3.
2 - The seal will be placed before the last great battle. (In a later
study, we will discuss the battle of Armageddon.)
"As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be
sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal
their forces for the last great battle. How carefully we should
improve the little remaining period of our probation."-7 Bible
Commentary, 968/2:1.
3
- It is now
that we are to prepare for the sealing.
"The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is
the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make
sure our calling and election sure."-Early Writings, 58:2.
4 - The seal is an invisible mark of loyalty and obedience to our
Creator.
"What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the
foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not
human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this
mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross
of Calvary in the Lord's adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the
transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the
wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God's
commands. "-7 Bible Commentary, 968/2:4.
5 - The seal is a settling into the truth.
"Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in
their foreheads -it is not any seal or mark that can be seen,
but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and
spiritually, so they cannot be moved -just as soon as God's people are
sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it
has begun already." - 4 Bible Commentary 1161/2:3.
6
- The seal will be our passport through the heavenly gates.
"Only
those who receive the seal of the living God will have the passport through
the gates of the Holy City."-7 Bible Commentary, 970/1:1.
7
- The seal will only be placed on those who are like Christ.
"The
seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness
to Christ in character."- 7 Bible Commentary, 970/1:3.
8
- They must reflect the image of Jesus.
"I
also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in
the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the
time of trouble. Those who receive the-seal of the living God and are
protected in the time of trouble must reflect the Image of Jesus
fully. " Early Writings, 71:1.
9
- The seal is only placed on those who are pure and without spot.
"The
seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or
woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world
loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or
women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal
must be without spot before God-candidates for
heaven." - 5 Testimonies, 216:2.
10 - The
seal is placed on those who love God and
obey Him.
"Love is expressed in obedience, and perfect love
casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have the seal of God in
their foreheads, and work the works of God."-Son and
Daughters, 51:2.
11 - It is placed on those who overcome the world, the
flesh, and the devil.
"Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the
devil, will be the favored ones who
shall receive the seal of the living God." -Testimonies to
Ministers, 445:1.
12 - Many ere erroneously neglecting becoming like Jesus, and are
instead waiting for the latter rain to change them.
"Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in
the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully. I saw that many
were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to
the time of 'refreshing' and the 'latter rain' to fit
them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how
many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter!" Early
Writings, 71:1-2.
13 - The seal is the property sign; it shows who
belongs to God as His special possession.
"Every soul in our world is the Lord's property,
by creation and by redemption. Each individual soul is on trial for his
life. Has he given to God that which belongs to Him? Has he surrendered to
God all that is His as His purchased possession? All who cherish the
Lord as their portion in this life will be under His
control, and will receive the sign,
the mark of God, which shows them to be God's special
possession. Christ's righteousness will go
before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rereward. The Lord
protects every human being who bears His sign." 7 Bible
Commentary, 969/1:1.
14 - The seal is placed
on those who conscientiously keep the Sabbath.
"The
seal of the living God is placed upon those
who conscientiously keep the Sabbath of the Lord."- 7 Bible Commentary, 980/1:2.
"Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads
must keep
the Sabbath of the fourth commandment."-
7 Bible Commentary, 970/1:2.
"True observance of the Sabbath is the sign of loyalty to God."-7 Bible Commentary, 981/2:1.
"The fourth commandment alone
of all the ten contains the seal of
the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth." - 6 Testimonies, 350:3.
"The
observance of the Lord's memorial, the
Sabbath instituted in Eden, the seventh-day Sabbath, is
the test of our loyalty to God." -Last Day Events,
220:5.
"A mark is placed upon every one of God's people, just as verily as a mark was placed over the doors of the Hebrew
dwellings to preserve the people from the general ruin, God declares, 'I gave
them My sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord
that sanctify them' [Ezekiel 20:12]."
- 7 Bible Commentary, 969/1:0.
15
- The seal will be placed on every true child of God.
"In a little while every one who is a child of
God will have His seal placed upon him. 0 that it may be placed upon our
foreheads! Who can endure the thought of being passed by when
the angel goes forth to seal the servants of God in their foreheads?"-Maranatha,
211:7.
16 - All of the 144,000 will be sealed.
"The
144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their
foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing
Jesus' new name."-Early Writings, 15:1.
17
- We should strive to be among the 144,000.
"Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among
the hundred and forty-four thousand."-7 Bible Commentary, 970/2:2.
18
- Through the
enabling grace of Christ, we are to strive to put away sin and
obey God's will -that we may become complete in Him.
"Are
we striving with all our God-given powers to reach the measure of
the stature of men and women In Christ? Are we seeking for
His fullness, ever reaching higher and higher, trying to attain to the perfection of His character? When God's
servants reach this point, they will be sealed in their foreheads. The
recording angel will declare, 'It is done.' They
will be complete in Him whose they are by creation and by redemption."-3 Selected Messages, 427:2.
-2
MARK OF THE BEAST IS OPPOSITE OF SEAL
OF GOD FOR MARK IS BASED ON KEEPING OF THE FALSE SABBATH
1 - The mark of the beast is a subject we all need to understand.
"It is in the interest of all to understand what
the mark of the beast is, and how they may escape the dread
threatenings of God. Why are men not interested to know what constitutes
the mark of the beast and his image? It
is in direct contrast with the mark of God.
" -7 Bible Commentary, 979/2:2.
2 - It is important that we know how to avoid receiving the mark.
"The
fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the
beast and his image, should lead all to a diligent
study of the prophecies to learn what the mark of the beast is, and how they are to avoid receiving it." -Great
Controversy, 594:2.
3 - God has sent an urgent warning to mankind to avoid receiving the
mark; a warning which tells them how to avoid receiving it.
"When
God sends to men warnings so important that they are represented as proclaimed by holy
angels flying in the midst of heaven, He requires every person endowed
with reasoning power to heed the message.
The fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast and his image, should lead all to a diligent study of the prophecies to learn what
the mark of
the beast Is, and how they are to avoid receiving It. "-Great
Controversy, 594:2.
4
- The Sabbath truth will be the basic issue in the final conflict.
"The Sabbath question will
be the issue in the great conflict in which all the world will act a
part. [Revelation 13:4-8, 10 quoted.] This entire chapter is a revelation
of what will surely take place [Revelation 13:11, 15-17 quoted]."-7 Bible Commentary, 979/2:3.
5
- The Sabbath is the seal of the law. It seals it as God's property and
identifying characteristics.
"When
the Sabbath was changed by the papal power, the
seal was taken from the law." Great Controversy, 452:1.
6 - The observance of the first day of the week as sacred -is the mark.
"John was called to behold a people
distinct from those who worship the beast and his image, by keeping the
first day of the week. The observance of this day is the mark of
the beast. "-7 Bible Commentary, 979/2:4.
7 - The attempted change of the Sabbath to Sunday is
the mark.
"As the sign of the
authority of the Catholic Church, papist writers cite this very act
of changing the Sabbath into Sunday. "-Signs, March
22, 1910.
8 - The enactment of the national Sunday law will perfect this device of
Satan.
"When the
legislature frames laws which exalt the first day of the week, and put
it in place of the seventh day, the device of Satan will be
perfected."-7 Bible Commentary, 976/2:1.
9 - Knowing acceptance of enforced Sunday keeping is
the worship of the beast.
"The enforcement of Sundaykeeping on the part of
the Protestant churches is an enforcement of the worship of
the papacy -of the beast. Those who, understanding the claims of
the fourth commandment, choose to observe the false instead of the true
Sabbath are thereby paying homage to that power by which alone it is
commanded." -Great Controversy, 448:3-449:0.
10 - The papal sabbath is the mark of the beast; it is his identifying signet.
"The
change of the Sabbath is the sign or mark of the
authority of the Romish church. . The
mark of the beast is the papal sabbath. "
Evangelism, 234:1.
11
- The false sabbath is the basis of Rome's authority over the people.
"Roman
Catholics acknowledge that the change in
the Sabbath was made by their church, and they cite this very change as evidence of the supreme authority of the church. "-Manuscript
51, 1899.
12
- The sign of Satan's authority is in direct contrast to the seal of God's
authority.
"The spurious Sabbath. . Satan has exalted as the sign of
his authority. But God has set His seal upon
His royal requirement. Each sabbath Institution
bears the name of its author, an ineffaceable mark that shows the authority of
each. It is our work to lead the people to understand this. We are to show
that It is of vital consequence
whether they bear the mark of God's
kingdom or the mark of rebellion, for
they acknowledge themselves subjects of the kingdom whose mark they
bear."- 6 Testimonies, 352:1.
13 - The beast's mark is found in the spurious
sabbath.
"What
then is the mark of the beast but the
spurious sabbath. "-Manuscript 51, 1899.
"The
spurious sabbath bears the mark of the man of sin."-Manuscript 63, 1899.
Note:
The very word contains its meaning: It is the "sun day," the day
of the sun god, which, throughout history, has been a primary pagan deity
by which men have worshiped Satan. "The Sabbath" comes from
the Hebrew word for "rest," and is the rest day given to mankind
by the Creator in Genesis 2:1-3.
14
- The one day of worship is the sign of God's creatorship, while the other
day of counterfeit worship is the sign of papal control.
"The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the
observance of the seventh day Sabbath, the Lord's memorial of creation. .
The mark of the beast is the opposite of this-the observance of
the first day of the week. This mark distinguishes those who acknowledge the supremacy of the papal
authority from those who acknowledge the authority of God.
"-8 Testimonies, 117:3-4.
15
- While the true worshipers of God exalt His creatorship; the other
worshipers will attempt to erradicate the true Sabbath.
"The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their
regard for the fourth commandment -since this is the sign of His
creative power and the witness to His claim upon man's reverence
and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to
tear down the Creator's memorial, to exalt the Institution of Rome. In
the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great
classes -those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,
and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark.
Although the church and state will unite their power to compel 'all, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16), to
receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of
God will not receive it."-2 Selected Messages, 55:1 (similar but shorter: Great Controversy,
450:1).
16 -It was only by changing God's law, that the papacy could appear to
exalt itself above God.
"Only by changing God's law could the papacy exalt itself above God; whoever should understandingly
keep the law as thus changed would be giving supreme honor to
that power by which the change was made. Such an act of obedience
to papal laws would be a mark of allegiance to the pope in the place of
God." Great Controversy, 446:1.
17 - God's people will willingly, gladly bear His signature.
"The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood, to
show that they were God's property.
So the children of God In this age will bear the signature God has
appointed. They will place themselves in harmony with God's holy law. A
mark Is placed upon every one of God's people just as verily as a mark was
placed over the doors of the Hebrew dwellings, to preserve the people from
the general ruin. God declares, 'I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign
between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord
that sanctify them.' "-7 Bible Commentary, 668/2:5-669/1:0.
- 3
MARK AND SEAL PLACED AT SAME TIME
The Sabbath/Sunday test is
such a simple one. All will be required by human law to keep the sun day.
Yet God requires that we observe the Seventh-day Sabbath, and work on the
other six days. We must rest and worship on the Bible Sabbath, and we can
do missionary work on Sunday. But we are not to assemble in weekly worship
gatherings on that day. The day we hallow will determine what we will receive:
the seal or the mark.
When the national Sunday law is enacted, to knowingly sacredly observe
one day is to reject the other. In that crisis, we will individually
receive either the seal of God or the mark of the beast.
1 - Each person will receive either the mark or the seal.
"If we receive this mark in our foreheads or in our hands, the judgments pronounced against the
disobedient must fall upon us. But the seal of the living God is
placed upon those who conscientiously keep the Sabbath of the
Lord."- 7 Bible
Commentary, 980/1:2.
2 - Each will receive the mark of deliverance or the mark of the beast.
"The Lord is doing His work. All heaven is astir. The Judge of all
the earth is soon to arise and vindicate His insulted authority. The
mark of deliverance will be set upon the men who keep
God's
commandments, who revere his law, and who refuse the mark of the
beast or of his image." -5 Testimonies, 451:3-452:0.
3 - One class will receive the mark; the other will
receive the seal.
"The
Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty; for it is the point of truth
especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon
men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who
serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance
with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that
is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience
to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class,
by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark
of the beast, the other, choosing
the token of allegiance to divine
authority, receive the seal of God." -Great Controversy, 605:2.
4
- They are totally different identifying labels; they
are two separate marks of opposing authority.
"The
sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the
seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord's memorial
of creation. 'The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the
children of Israel, saying, Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a
sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know
that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you." Exodus 31:1213. Here
the Sabbath is clearly designated as a sign between God and His people.
"The mark of the beast is the opposite of
this -the observance of the first day of the week. This mark distinguishes those who acknowledge the
supremacy of the papal authority from those who acknowledge the authority
of God."- 8 Testimonies, 117:4.
5
- Everyone will place himself under one authority or the other.
"In every case, the great decision is
to
be made whether we shall receive the mark of the 'beast or his
image, or the seal of the living God." -6 Testimonies,
130:2.
6 - The line will be clearly drawn between the false
and the true.
"No
one
has yet received the mark of the beast. . but when the decree shall go forth enforcing
the counterfeit sabbath. , the line will be clearly drawn between the false and the true. " -Manuscript 51, 1899 (Evangelism, 234:2).
7
- It will be a time when each will decide whether he will think Satan's
thoughts after him, -or, instead, stand obedient to God.
"To
receive this mark means to come to the same decision as the beast has
done, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct opposition to
the Word of God."-7 Bible Commentary, 979/2:5.
8 - Both classes are now preparing. Each of us is either uniting with the
world, or drawing closer to God and becoming more like Him.
"Those
who are uniting with the world are receiving
the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those
who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God
and purifying their souls by obeying the truth these are receiving the
heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God."-5 Testimonies,
216:1.
9
- Your
decision regarding the one you will obey-will determine which mark
you will receive. And the test will be a simple one: the day on which
you worship.
"When you obey the decree that commands you
to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there
is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common
working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and
refuse the seal of God."7 Bible Commentary, 980/1:1
(Evangelism, 235:2).
10 - Some will disobey the beast and obey God. By doing so, they declare
themselves to be His followers.
"All who prove their loyalty to God by observing His law, and
refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of
the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God."
-Letter 11, 1890.
11 - Some will, by obeying the beast and keeping his pagan worship day,
acknowledge his authority.
"This mark [of the beast] distinguishes those who acknowledge the
supremacy of the papal authority from those who acknowledge the authority
of God."-8 Testimonies, 117:4.
12 - Ultimately, everyone will decide to be on one side or the other.
"In the issue of the great contest two parties are developed,
those who 'worship the beast and his
image,' and receive his mark, and those who receive 'the seal of the
living God,' who have the 'Father's name written in their foreheads.' This
is not a visible mark." -7 Bible Commentary, 980/1:4.
13 - A genuine experience with Christ will make all the difference in
regard to which decision will be made.
"The sanctification of the
Spirit signalizes the difference between those who have the seal of
God and those who keep a spurious rest day.
"When the test comes, It
will be clearly shown what the mark of the beast is. It is the keeping
of Sunday. Those who, after having heard the truth, continue to regard
this day as holy bear the signature of the man of sin, who thought
to change times and laws." -7 Bible Commentary, 980/2:2-3.
14
- Rejecting the Sabbath truth-a truth of heavenly origin, -brings one the
mark.
"Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin, and accept the Sunday
sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast." -Letter 11, 1890.
- 4
WHICH DECREE BEGINS THE MARKING AND
SEALING?
As
mentioned in the next quotation, a decree
begins the marking and sealing time. But what "decree"
is this? Is it the National Sunday Law, or is it some other decree which begins the
marking and sealing? The following statements reveal that this "decree"
is the National Sunday Law:
1 - The decree begins the marking and sealing.
"What
are you doing, brethren, in the great work of
preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the
worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are
distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying
their souls by obeying the truth-these are receiving the heavenly mold and
preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the
decree goes forth and the stamp
is impressed, their character
will remain pure and spotless for eternity.
.
"Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed
upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed
upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will
never be place upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts, All
who receive the seal must be without spot before God
-candidates for heaven,"-5 Testimonies, 216:1-2,
2 - The
mark begins when the
decree goes forth.
"Those
who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when
the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we
will not regard the institution of the beast."
Early Writings, 67:2.
"The
[Sunday law; see context] decree is not to be urged upon the people
blindly." -Great Controversy, 605:1.
3 - It is the decree that men must obey the false sabbath.
"The
powers of earth will decree that all . . shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false
sabbath."-Great Controversy, 604:2.
4 - It is the decree enforcing the papal institution.
"By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God,
our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness."-5 Testimonies,
451:1.
5 - It is the decree requiring the worship of the beast.
"The
principles necessary for our youth to cultivate must
be kept before them. . that when the decree shall go forth, requiring all to worship the beast and his image they
may make the right decisions." -5
Testimonies, 525:2.
6 - It is the decree enforcing the papal
sabbath.
"The assumption of power on the part of our nation in the
decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us." - 5 Testimonies, 464:9.
7 - It is the decree requiring the worship of the
beast.
"And the decree goes
forth against all those who will not worship the image of the
beast."- 4Testimonies, 251:1.
Note: Why is the national Sunday law sometimes called a decree? A
legislative body, such as the U.S. Congress, makes "laws"; a
ruler, such as the U.S. president, would normally be the one to issue
"decrees." In addition to being called a "decree,"
the Sunday Law is also called an "edict"; see PK 588; 5T 473; 9T
231; and, of course, it is frequently referred to as a "law" (GC
592, CW 97-98, 5T 451, 711-712, 464-465; 9T 230; PK 186; 7BC 975,977;
etc.), and "legislation" (6T 18; 7BC 910).
It is well to keep in mind that, in the Inspired Writings, heavy emphasis
is placed on the Old Testament type -which is called a decree. This type
was Nebuchadnezzar's decree of Daniel 3, ordering the people to worship
the image set up by order of the king. (A second typical decree was that
of Haman in Esther 3, ordering the Jews to be slain on a certain day. The
antitype of that would be the death decree issued at the general close of
probation.) This type-antitype relationship is probably why the national
Sunday law is sometimes referred to as a "decree."
However, as we noted in our extensive Genocide Treaty studies, the
order to enforce a treaty would issue from the president, not from the
legislature. In addition, as we noted in other studies, if the making of
commemorative days was transferred to the Executive Branch (as Congress is
in the process of doing), the announcement could be issued as a presidential
proclamation, not as a congressional law. Yet the Spirit of Prophecy
indicates that it will be
the U.S. legislature which will have abandoned principle in enacting the Sunday law (TM 206),
that laws framed by the U.S. legislature will exalt Sunday (7BC 976),
and that its actions will be supportive of the papacy (TM 206).
- 5
WHEN THE SUNDAY LAW DECREE GOES
FORTH,
THE MARKING AND THE SEALING BEGIN
Throughout the Spirit of Prophecy, we are told of only one government
announcement commanding men to worship on Sunday. This is the national
Sunday law. This decree will be repeated over and over as the other
nations of earth enact their own national Sunday laws.
1 - The marking begins when men knowingly obey. It begins being applied
to an individual when he understands the issues involved, yet still
keeps Sunday holy, in obedience to the national law.
"When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while
you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be
other than a common working day, you consent to receive the
mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God." 7 Bible Commentary, 980/1:1 (Evangelism, 235:2).
2
- In order to understand when a person receives the mark of the beast,
we must understand six principles:
"[1]
No one has yet received the mark of the beast. [2] The testing time
has not yet come. There are true Christians in every church, not excepting
the Roman Catholic communion. [3] None are condemned until they have
had the light and have seen the obligation of the fourth
commandment. [4] But when the decree shall go forth enforcing the counterfeit
sabbath, and [in the case of those who had not previously heard or
understood our message,] [5] the loud cry of the third angel shall warn
men against the worship of the beast and his image, the line will be
clearly drawn between the false and the true. [6] Then those who still
continue in transgression will
receive the mark of the beast. " Evangelism,
234:2-235:0.
3
- We are now, individually, preparing either for the mark: or the seal.
"What
are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those
who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing
for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are
humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the
truth-these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of
God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp
is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for
eternity."- 5 Testimonies, 216:1.
4
- We can now say No to the mark. Indeed, we MUST now say No to the mark;
we, who know so much, dare not wait until later to keep God's Sabbath
holy.
"Those
who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree
goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not
regard the institution of the beast." -Early Writings, 67:2.
5 - The test of the mark is yet future.
"Sundaykeeplng is not
yet the mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree
goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath. The time will
come when this day will be the test, but that time has not come yet." - 7 Bible Commentary,
977/2:4.
- 8
FAITHFUL WILL BE TESTED BY THE IMAGE BEFORE BEING SEALED
Contrary
to what some are teaching, the "probation of the church" has not already
closed-because the probation of God's people does not close until the
marking/sealing time. (It is God's professed people who constitute the
"church;" not buildings, committees, organizational charters
and policy books, or public gatherings.) The individual closing of
probation does not begin until the test of the national Sunday law occurs
by its enactment. At that time the image is set up (by the union of
churches in the act of coercing the U.S. government into enacting a
national Sunday law), to be immediately followed by the sealing and
marking time-which will begin with present and former Sabbathkeepers,
since they already know the issues involved. At that point, probations
begin closing.
In a later study in this set, in the section on "Individual Close
of Probation," we will learn that, following enactment of the
national Sunday law in a given nation, the probation of individuals
will begin closing.
1 - The sequence, according to 7 Bible Commentary, 976,
is this: (1) The image of/to the beast is formed (with the enactment of
the national Sunday law). (2) Then God's people are tested, and,
according to the decisions made, (3) they are individually sealed or
marked. Then (4) their probations close.
"The Lord has shown me clearly that the Image
of the beast will be formed before probation closes;
for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by
which their eternal destiny will be decided. This is the test that the
people of God must have before they are sealed. All who prove their
loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious
sabbath, will rank under the banner of Lord God Jehovah, and will
receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly
origin and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the mark of the
beast." -7 Bible Commentary, 976/1:2-3
(Maranatha, 164:1; cf 2 Selected Messages, 81:0).
2 - The closing work for
the church occurs during the sealing time.
"Especially in the closing work for the church, In the
sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to
stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply
the wrongs of God's professed people." -3 Testimonies, 266:2.
3 - Some are passed by; while others enter.
"But I speak not my own words when I say that God's Spirit will pass
by those who have had their day of test
and opportunity, but who have
not distinguished the voice of God or
appreciated the movings of His Spirit. Then thousands in the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth." -2 Selected Messages, 16:1.
4 - Some will accept and be saved; while door is closed to others who
would not enter.
"The time of God's destructive judgments is the
time of mercy for those who
have had no opportunity
to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still
stretched out to save, while
the door Is closed to those
who would not enter. Large
numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the
first time."- 7 Bible Commentary, 979/1:3.
5 - Unless we are daily advancing now, we will not be ready
later.
"Unless
we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active
Christian virtues. We shall not recognize the manifestations of the
Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us,
but we shall not discern or receive it."-Testimonies to Ministers,
507:1.
6
- No one has
yet received the mark. "No one has yet received the mark of the beast."
- Evangelism, 234:2.
Sundaykeeplng
is not yet the mark of the beast,
and will not be until the
decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath. The time will
come when this day will be the test, but that time has not come yet."
-7 Bible Commentary, 977/2:4.
- 7 -
WHEN A PERSON WILL RECEIVE THE MARK
The mark of the beast has
not yet been given to anyone. This will not occur until the three
conditions, mentioned above, have occurred: (1) The Sunday Law has been
enacted; (2) the issues are individually heard and understood; (3) Sunday
sacredness has individually been accepted or rejected.
1 - This is the sequence, according to Evangelism, 234-235: (1) The
decree has been given, (2) the issues are understood, (3) each
person has chosen one way or the other, and therefore (4) one of
the two marks is placed on him.
"The
change of the Sabbath is the sign or mark of the
authority of the Romish church. Those who, understanding
the claims of the fourth commandment, choose to observe the false sabbath
in
the place of the true, are thereby paying homage to that power by which
alone it is commanded. The mark of the beast is the papal sabbath,
which has been accepted by the world in the place of the day of God's
appointment.
"No one has yet received the mark of the beast. The testing time has not yet come. There are true Christians in
every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion. None are condemned
until they have had the light and have seen the obligation of the fourth
commandment. But when the decree
shall go forth enforcing the counterfeit sabbath, and the
loud cry of the third angel shall warn men against the worship of the
beast and his image, the line will be clearly drawn between the false and
the true. Then those who still continue In transgression will receive
the mark of the beast.
"With rapid steps we are approaching this period. When Protestant
churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion,
for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution,
then will the papal sabbath be enforced by the combined authority of
church and state. There will be a national apostasy, which will end only in national ruin."-Evangelism,
234:1235:0.
2
- No mark is
applied until the decree goes forth.
"Sundaykeeplng
is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree goes forth
causing men to worship this idol
sabbath. The time will come when this day will be the test, but
that time has not come yet."-7 Bible Commentary, 977/2:4.
3 - According to Evangelism, 235,
the sequence is this: (1) The national Sunday law decree is
passed. (2) The issues underlying it are individually understood. (3)
Each person chooses the day on which he will worship God. (4) He
is then individually marked or sealed.
"If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing
the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, showing that there is no
foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still
cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God
calls 'My holy day,' you receive the mark of the
beast. When does this take place? When you
obey the decree that
commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know
that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a
common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and
refuse the seal of God." -Evangelism, 235:2.
4 - This is the sequence, according to Great Controversy, 449: (1)
decree, (2) understand, (3) choose, and then (4) marked.
"Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that
in so doing they were keeping the
Bible Sabbath; and there are now true Christians In every church, not
excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly believe that Sunday
is the Sabbath of divine appointment. God accepts their sincerity of
purpose and their integrity before Him.
"But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning
the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall trangress the command of God, to obey a precept which
has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above
God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power
which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the
beast and his image. As men then reject the institution which God has
declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that
which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will
thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome- 'the mark of
the beast.' 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.' "-Great Controversy, 449:1.
5
- Here is another sequence: (1) decree, (2) understand, (3) choose, and
then (4) marked.
"Fearful
is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth,
uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that all,
'both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' shall conform to the
customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who
refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties,
and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death. On the
other hand, the law of God enjoining the Creator's rest-day demands
obedience, and threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts.
"With the Issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall
trample upon God's law to obey a
human enactment, receives the mark of the beast; he accepts
the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of
God. The warning from heaven is, '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.' Revelation 14:9-10." -Great
Controversy, 604:2-605:0.
6 - Sequence: (1) Test, (2) choose, then (3) marked.
"The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point
of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be
brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between
those who serve God and those who serve Him not.
"While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the
law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of
allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the
true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the
Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to
earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing
the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive
the seal of God." Great
Controversy, 605:2.
7
- Sequence: (1) Test, (2) understand, (3) choose, then (4) marked.
"God
has given men the Sabbath as a sign between Him and
them as a test of their loyalty. Those who, after the
light regarding God's law comes to them, continue to disobey and
exalt human laws above the law of God in the great crisis before us, will
receive the mark of the beast." -Evangelism, 235:3.
8
- Sequence: (1) Test, (2) understand, (3) choose, and then (4) marked.
"When
the test comes, It will be clearly shown what the mark of the beast is.
It is the keeping of Sunday. Those who, after having heard the truth, continue to
regard this day as holy bear the signature of the man of sin, who
thought to change times and laws." -7 Bible Commentary, 980/2:3.
Note: The above analysis is very important, because it is now being
taught in our denomination that the latter rain and sealing precede the
national Sunday law crisis. It is frequently stated in our denominational
papers and gatherings that the latter rain is falling somewhere else in
the world-as evinced by lots of baptisms. (1) If the Sunday law crisis
precedes and leads into the other events (including the sealing and latter
rain) before the general close of probation, then a terrible crisis is
ahead of our denomination! This view, fully supported by the Bible and
Spirit of Prophecy, is the correct one. (2) If the latter rain and sealing
come first, then it is easier to conjecture that we can remain in our
sins while we receive the latter rain and are sealed, still continuing in
those sins until the second advent -with the denomination experiencing
no great crisis over strict obedience to the law of God. This view is incorrect,
and is bringing a false hope to many of our people.
- 8
SEALING AND MARKING A PROGRESSIVE
WORK
The sealing occurs over a period of time (3T 266; EW 58), and all do not
receive the seal at the same time (GC 605; 6T 130). Four different
factors render it impossible for everyone on earth to instantaneously
receive the seal or mark: (1) Each person, in making his intelligent
choice, receives either the mark or the seal. So both (the seal and the
mark) begin to be placed at the same time. Yet the mark is only placed
when the decree is made, the issues are understood, and the
decision then made. This produces an inherent delay factor, not only for
the mark, but for the final impressing of its counterpart: the seal of
God. (But it
Is now that we must prepare for the sealing; not
later!) (2) Those in the church will understand the issues before the
world, so some will be sealed or marked before others. (3) Those sealed
will begin taking part in giving the loud cry of the third angel to
still others. As other individuals accept (or reject) this message, they
too will be sealed (or marked), and on and on it will go. (4) America will
lead out in enforcing the decree and imposing the mark, other nations
will follow her lead and enact national Sunday laws, until the entire
earth is included and it is a universal law. This will produce a fourth
delay factor in the placing of the mark/seal.
1 - People throughout the nation and the world are gradually warned, make
their decisions, and receive the mark or seal.
While
one class receives the mark
of the beast, . . the other receives the seal of God."
"As the controversy extends
into new fields."
"When the third angel's message closes. . all who have proved
themselves loyal to the Divine precepts have received the seal of the
living God."-Great
Controversy, 605:2; 607:1; 613:2.
"Foreign
nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads
out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts
of the world." -6 Testimonies, 395:1.
- 9
ALL WILL BE MARKED OR SEALED
The
national Sunday law decree will be the great dividing test, which will
separate all into two classes. By their knowing acceptance or rejection of
the terms of the decree, all will be sealed by Heaven or marked by the
image and the beast.
Several fundamental Issues underlie the Sabbath test:
(1)
The moral law of God, including the fourth commandment, is enduring and
must be obeyed. (2) It can be obeyed through the enabling grace of Jesus.
(3) Indeed, through Christ's empowering Strength, we can put away all
sin and live in perfect harmony with God's requirements. (4) We can only
be healthy, happy, and in favor with God as we do so. (5) The Seventh-day
Sabbath is the only true Bible Sabbath, and the only weekly rest-day ever hallowed and commanded by the Lord. Thus, it is the only true
"Lord's Day." (6) Sunday is only a common working day, which in
earlier centuries Rome adopted from paganism and made into a counterfeit
holy day. (7) It would be apostasy from God and Bible truth to worship on that day. (8) To knowingly do so would be equivalent to the worship of the papacy
-regardless of whatever human power may have commanded that worship.
Before this crisis comes to an end, everyone will have decided one way or
the other.
1
- Two parties, and only two, will be developed by the crisis.
"In the issue of the great contest, two
parties are developed, those who
'worship the beast and his image' and receive his mark, and those who
receive the seal of the living God."-7 Bible Commentary, 980/1 :4.
2
- All will take sides.
"In the great conflict between faith and unbelief the whole
Christian world will be involved. All will
take sides. Some apparently may not engage
in the conflict on either side. They may not appear to take sides
against the truth, but they will not come out boldly for Christ through
fear of losing property or suffering reproach. All such are numbered
with the enemies of Christ." Last Day Events, 215:2.
3 - A line of distinction is drawn between the two
classes.
"The
Sabbath will be the great test of
loyalty; for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the
final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then
the line of distinction will be
drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. . While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of
the beast, the other choosing
the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God,"-Great
Controversy, 605:2.
4 - All Christendom will be divided into two classes.
"In the issue of the contest, all Christendom will be divided
into two great classes, - those who keep the commandments of
God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image
and receive his mark." -Great Controversy,
450:1.
"There
can
be only two classes. Each party is distinctly stamped,
either with the seal of the living God, or with the mark of
the beast and his image,"-Last Day Events, 215:1,
5
- There will be separation even within families.
"Those who have been members of the same family are
separated. A mark is placed upon the righteous. 'They shall be
Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I
will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him' [Malachi
3:17). Those who have been obedient to God's commandments will unite with
the company of the saints in light. They shall enter in through the gates
into the city, and have right to the tree of life. 'The one shall be
taken.' His name shall stand in the book of life, while those with whom he
associated shall have the mark of eternal separation from God." Testimonies
to Ministers, 234:2-235:0.
6 - This same test and crisis that Americans will face, will be met by
those living in foreign nations.
"Foreign nations will follow
the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same
crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world,"-
6 Testimonies, 395:1.
7 - The powers of earth. . will decree it.
"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought, The powers
of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will
decree that all, 'both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,'
shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath,"
-Great Controversy, 604:2.
8 - It will go to all the world.
"The decree enforcing the worship of this day is
to go forth to all the world. " -7 Bible Commentary,
976/2:3.
9 - All nations, tongues, and peoples will be commanded to practice it.
"History will be repeated, False religion will be exalted, The first
day of the week, a common working day, possessing no sanctity whatever,
will be set up as was the image at Babylon, All nations
and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this
spurious sabbath, This is Satan's plan to make of no account the day instituted
by God, and given to the world as a memorial of Creation."- Maranatha,
214:1,
10 - Every country on the globe will follow America's example.
"As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the
papacy in forcing the conscience, and compelling men to honor the
false Sabbath, the people of every country
on the globe wilt be led to follow her example."-6 Testimonies,
18:2,
CONTINUE
PART 2
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