Predictions about the last days often evoke fears surrounding the mark of the beast. However, we encourage you to shift your focus to something far more important: receiving the mark of YHWH.  Yes, the faithful are marked by the Most High, bearing the promise of eternal life. The enemy’s mark carries the threat of the second death. Before we unpack this, let’s lay a solid foundation.

People are frightened – even many believers in the Messiah. When you scroll through the comments section of most news websites, sentiments like the one below have become all too common of late:

Luke’s gospel tells us that men’s hearts will fail because of fear of what’s coming. They sense that these calamities have a spiritual connection.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Luke 21:25-26

Even though we are bombarded daily with news of worldwide civil unrest, skyrocketing national debt, political chaos, racial division, and impending economic collapse, as Yeshua’s disciples we are told to remain steadfast.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.

Luke 21: 26-27

For those of us who have diligently studied the Bible from cover to cover to discover its marvelous truths, the future – while sometimes frightening – is also filled with hope. This is made possible only by the grace the Almighty has given us through His son, Yeshua.

Recently, journalist Tucker Carlson made this observation:

“I just can’t believe that in the end, when it really gets intense – as it is now – that it’s Christians – it’s people who actually believe the Bible, – who are the only ones with wisdom, who understand what’s really going on. They’re not shocked at all, and they’re not panicked either. They get it.”

Yes, we get it. People of faith understand how all this will play out. According to the book of Revelation, there will be an ever-encroaching spiritual darkness and pressures placed on Torah followers to conform. Some of us may even live long enough to see the unveiling of the two witnesses and the unmasking of the ‘man of sin’ who will put the ‘D’ in draconian lawlessness. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful because we already know how this unfolds.

I shall not leave you orphans – I am coming to you. Yet a little while and the world no longer sees me, but you shall see me, because I live, and you shall live.

John 14:18-19

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

But before we get ‘there’, we have to go ‘through’ some hard things. Unfortunately, the doctrine of the rapture has led millions to believe that the church will be removed before the worst events occur. Quite the contrary.

First of all, judgment will begin with Yah’s house — His people. The days of cultural Christianity¹ are over.

It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! If good people barely make it, what’s in store for the bad? So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.

1 Peter 4:17-19 The Message Bible

Secondly, many sincere believers in Yeshua have been taught that they will be whisked away in the rapture before the Great Tribulation. The rapture doctrine² was a fanciful theory first put forth by John Nelson Darby in the 19th century. Yeshua never taught this doctrine. Instead, he warned us to gird our loins and be ready to be deceived, mocked, and persecuted for our faith.

The damage this doctrine inflicts on the spiritually uninformed is tragic on several levels: it feeds a false sense of security, misrepresents a major aspect of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and may sow seeds of anger against Yah and His Son when stuff hits the fan and believers are still here.

The often quoted passages in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 do not refer to a pre-trib rapture. It describes the first resurrection of the righteous, either still alive or residing in Sheol (the grave). The coming of the Son of Man doesn’t happen until the end of the tribulation. Members of the ekklesia (assembly, called out ones) who are still alive, will be tested through hardship. (1 Peter 1)

Throughout our lives, our faith is tested by various trials. The Most High allows challenges such as poverty, persecution, sickness, and satanic malevolent forces to attack us to shape our character and strengthen our resolve. He intends for these experiences to yield positive outcomes, ultimately demonstrating that these trials were purposefully designed for our growth. (Ephesians 6:12)

Those who expect to escape persecution in these last days must ask themselves, ‘Why would this generation be any different from previous generations of faithful saints who were beaten, sawn asunder, forced to hide in caves and wander about in sheep and goat skins?’ (Hebrews 11:36-40)

Weighed. Measured. Numbered.

There is a provocative prophetic passage in 2 Esdras³ concerning the end times. The angel Uriel, speaking to the seer Esdras in a vision, asserts that there is a predetermined number of righteous men and women who must be born before the end of this age can (or will) come.

For he has weighed the age in the balance, and with measure has measured the times, and by number has numbered the seasons: neither will he move nor stir things, till the measure appointed be fulfilled.⁴

2 Esdras/IV Ezra 4:36,37

In addition to weighing the age, measuring the times, and numbering the seasons, Yah is putting believers to the test to determine how we stack up in accordance with His word. Job was well aware of this:

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.

Job 31:5-6 KJV

Scales are used to weigh a thing to properly ascertain its value, as is the case of gold or silver. In the Scriptures, when scales are referenced about a person, they usually symbolize an assessment of that individual’s character or actions. In this sense, a balance or scale is emblematic of justice – as in ‘weighing’ actions.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for Yahuah is an El of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 KJV

19th-century theologian Albert Barnes also observed:

The balance thus used to denote judgment in this life became also the emblem of judgment in the future state, when the conduct of men will be accurately estimated, and justice dealt out to them according to the strict rules of equity.

When you examine the paintings and papyri of ancient Egypt, and Daniel’s writings concerning Belshazzar, the nexus between scales and judgment is unmistakable. The handwriting was literally on the wall for Babylon’s prideful king that fateful night in 539 BC. The words etched on the banquet hall wall foretold impending judgment.

This is the explanation of the matter: “Mene—God has numbered your kingdom and brought an end to it. Tekel: you have been weighed on scales and you have been found wanting. Peres—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Daniel 5:26-28 KJV

In determining our ‘righteousness’, the standards of measurement Yah uses can be found in the commandments included in the Torah. To be found worthy of Kingdom citizenship, our behavior in this life has to be weighed and measured against Torah standards.

When we place our faith in the promises made to us in the Scriptures and choose to walk in Yeshua’s ways⁵, we reveal our true character and the quality of our commitment to the Gospel.  Therefore, we are numbered or counted worthy of Kingdom citizenship.

Most church-goers have a knee-jerk reaction to the word ‘law’ when spoken in a religious context. They will either claim that “we are no longer under the law” or say “the law is for the Jews” or “Jesus did away with the law.” They may also argue that Christ was the “end of the law,” citing Romans 10:4. 

Christ being the end or goal of the law does not mean his righteousness was imputed or transferred to my (sin debt) account. This teaching absolves the believer of his or her responsibility of obedience to the law – and sin is the transgression of the law. This is why Yeshua would end conversations with “go and sin no more.”

(See also: John 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Peter 2:14)

Torah is defined as “pertaining to the law, laws, legal, just, legitimate, equitable.” However, its root is yarah (#H3384) which means “to shoot like an arrow or to teach.” These definitions work beautifully together when you understand that since our aim is to become like Yeshua (our goal), then the Torah or law is the means by which we can hit the bullseye of that target. Or come close to hitting it. When we fail, we have been given the privilege of confession of sin before our High Priest, Yeshua.

Again, where there is no law then there is no transgression. Sin is the transgression of the law. So when we are taught to despise Yah’s Torah, we place ourselves in spiritual (legal) jeopardy.

We have a choice: we can allow ourselves to be mentally tormented by the “what ifs” connected to the next election or economic collapse, or we can focus on the promises made to those who walk in covenant obedience.

The Bible contains numerous if/then promises from Yah and Yeshua, indicating that if Yah’s people act in a specific manner, then Yah will respond with a corresponding action. In other words, the ‘then’ statements are promises that God’s covenant people will see fulfilled for being obedient. The promised blessings for obedience can be found in Deuteronomy 28, Exodus 23:20-23, and Leviticus 26:1-12.

On the Day of Yah, when chaos erupts on earth, there will be no spiritual ambiguity. During the end-time harvest, angels will distinguish between the wheat and the chaff at the sound of the seventh trumpet. The wheat symbolizes believers who will be taken to the New Jerusalem, while the chaff represents unbelievers destined for destruction (Luke 3:16). Angels will not inquire about your religious affiliation—Jew, Gentile, Presbyterian, or Baptist. Instead, your faithfulness and conduct as a believer in Yeshua will serve as the definitive test. (Matthew 13:37-43)

Contrasting the Two Marks

The Mark of the Beast

Once the the beast (aka anti-messiah), is revealed and takes over worldwide governance, his false prophet will issue an ultimatum: receive the beast’s mark or suffer the consequences.⁶

And the second beast causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is a call for wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: and that number is 666.

Revelation 13:16-18 NLT

These verses tell us:

1. Every strata of society will be presented with a choice to take or refuse the mark.
2. The beast’s mark will be on the right hand or forehead.
3. Without this mark, you will not be able to buy or sell.

The Greek word for mark is xaragma which translates as ‘an engraving (etching); (figuratively) a mark providing undeniable identification, like a symbol giving irrefutable connection between the parties.’ Accepting this mark equates to an act of worship, involving a choice influenced by fear—a tactic of the adversary. This mark will reveal both genuine Covenant keepers and those who have fallen away. It could be related to programmable mRNA nanotechnology, digital interface tattoos, quantum dot tattoos, the payment system tied to universal basic income or vaccine passports. The true nature of the mark is unknown at this time.

The Mark of YHWH

Contrast the beast’s mark with YHWH’s mark which signifies our love for Him and voluntary obedience to His commandments. Instead of oppressive servitude, Yah’s comes with the promise of provision and eternal life from the Father.

The typical strategy of the enemy is to distort and twist the truth of Yah’s word. He did it in Eden and he is doing it now. It is not surprising that the ultimate counterfeiter, Satan, chose the right hand or forehead as locations for his mark on the human body. Our hands symbolize our actions, while our foreheads⁷ represent the part of the brain where we meditate and reflect on Yah’s word continually. Throughout the Scriptures, references to the hand and head serve as Yah’s way of marking His people.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Deuteronomy 11:18 

Hear, O Israel: Yahuah our Elohim, Yahuah is One. And you shall love Yahuah your elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Deuteronomy 6:4-8 

It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of Yahuah is to be on your lips. Exodus 13:9 

Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living El. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our Elohim on their foreheads.⁸”

Revelation 7:2-3 

They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.

Revelation 22:4

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. .

Exodus 11:18

Fear Not

It has been said that the opposite of fear is knowledge and understanding. Even the secular world understands this. An article⁹ published on Psychology Today online suggested this antidote to succumbing to fear:

When something frightens you, a willingness to question things before accepting them or jumping to conclusions, is the beginning of how you overcome fear. Courage and confidence, bravery and derring-do, come later. They come after research, examination, and analysis.

Interestingly enough, this advice is also scriptural. 

The reverence  of Yahuah is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Qadosh One is understanding. For by Me your days become many, and years of life are added to you.

Proverbs 9:10-11

We acquire knowledge of the Holy One through the study of the Scriptures. As people of faith we must, in this late hour, take responsibility for our spiritual growth and development. Instead of blindly following the teachings of YouTube apologists or pastors, we must investigate all claims. We must spend time in prayer and study. (Acts 17:10-12)

Instead of freaking out about what the world is involved in, use this precious time to mine the Scriptures for the wisdom to navigate these uncertain waters. Trust the Ruach HaKodesh to guide you to the truth.

Instead of concentrating on what the beast’s mark might look like, focus on receiving the Mark of Yahuah. Center your attention on what pleases Yah, and He will mark and seal your soul for eternity. Be bold in claiming every promise given to the covenant people in the Scriptures, as they apply to you.. 

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:4

Every blessing promised to Yisrael (biblical Israel) applies to all grafted-in believers who place their faith in Yeshua, our High Priest. Both the First Covenant (Old Testament) and the Renewed Covenant (New Testament) affirm that Yah’s people, Yisrael, are a people of faith. Those who believe in Yah and strive to follow His guidance are regarded as members of His family because they have been grafted into the Vine. (John 15)

We must be fearless and resolute now, before the pressure is ratcheted up.  No matter how the enemy threatens us, we must pray for courage to resist taking his mark –- even if it means death. The mark we seek comes from above.

Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4

The ultimate outcome of history is in Yah’s hands. To inherit all things, we must be overcomers, and that journey begins with repentance. By surrendering unconditionally to the Most High and believing in Yeshua as the path to eternal life, we gain the strength to withstand any challenges from the enemy in these last days. As Daniel 2:21 reminds us, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Delve into the scriptures, pray for wisdom, and firmly believe that only the Most High can secure your future.

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FOOTNOTES

¹ Cultural Christianity is a term used to describe people who identify as Christian but don’t practice the faith or have a personal relationship with Jesus. Cultural Christians may value religious culture and identify with certain aspects of Christianity, such as Jesus’ good works, but may reject the spiritual aspects required to be a biblically defined disciple. For example, cultural Christians may believe they are ‘saved’ by attending church, being baptized, or being a good person, but they do not follow Yeshua’s teachings concerning obeying the commandments – the Torah.

² John Nelson Darby, a dispensationalist theologian, is credited with developing the rapture doctrine in the early 19th century. Darby’s work was influenced by his analysis of Bible translations in 1833. The doctrine became popular with Christians who were interested in the end times, especially after it was included in study Bibles like the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909 and in books like Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth in 1970.

³ 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book in some English versions of the Bible. Tradition ascribes it to Ezra, a scribe and priest of the fifth century BC, whom the book identifies with the sixth-century figure Shealtiel.

⁴ “The times and periods of the course of the world’s history have been predetermined by God. The numbers of the years have been exactly fixed. This was a fundamental postulate of the apocalyptists, who devoted much of their energy to calculations, based upon a close study of prophecy, as to the exact period when history should reach its consummation. One scheme especially favored dividing history into a world-week of seven millenniums, corresponding to the week of Creation. Here, however, as in the case of the number of the righteous (elect) no definite number is mentioned.” R.H. Charles commentary on IV Ezra.

⁵ Prophets, apostles, angels, and Yeshua have all functioned at one time or another as agents or ambassadors of the Most High in order to advance the Father’s Kingdom agenda. Yeshua did not concoct ‘new’ commandments. He taught obedience to the commandments his Father had already given -– the eternal Torah.

⁶ For a detailed study of the mark of the beast, read Appendix III in The Gospel Worth Dying For: A Fresh Look at the Gospel of the Kingdom, pages 239-244

⁷ This seal is probably not visible; instead, it signifies that individuals derive their identity through their relationship with Yahuah and Yeshua.

⁸ The frontal lobes are involved in motor function, problem-solving, spontaneity, memory, language, initiation, judgment, impulse control, and social and sexual behavior. Source: Centre for Neuro Skills, https://neuroskills.com/brian-injury/frongtal-lobes/

⁹ “What’s the Opposite of Fear”, Robert Evans Wilson Jr., posted February 11, 2022