No matter how thoroughly I study the meaning of the mark of the beast, it will still become mine if the Seal of God is not upon me. Therefore, I think it is worth studying this symbol and understanding whether I will be worthy to have this Divine sign placed upon me.
And the best definition of the Seal of God can be found in the words of Jesus in John 6:27: “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto Everlasting Life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.”
Jesus had the Seal of God and clearly declared this. And that which came from Christ He Himself calls meat that endures unto Everlasting Life. And in His prayer for you and me, He gives the definition of Eternal Life in John 17:3: “And this is Life Eternal, that they might know Thee the only True God, and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent.” The Bread that Jesus gives us is Himself, the teaching about Him, and the revelation of all the beauty of God’s character. And what is God’s character? God is Love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God.
The study of the character of God, revealed to us in the Three Persons of the Godhead, the study of the science of Salvation, and the study of the science of Love—this is that very Bread of Life, that food which gives the right to Eternal Life, for comprehending these truths changes my consciousness, my thoughts, and my feelings. My character is formed by the food that I receive from God, and His love is the very best science, which one can study throughout one’s entire earthly life without ever fully comprehending it, constantly making discoveries and endlessly drawing nearer to it as to a rainbow—closer and closer, yet never catching it entirely in one’s hands. And there will always be something else delicious left for the next meal.
But another distinctive feature of Jesus was that He was not merely a good and kind Man Who knew the Scriptures well, loved spending time in nature, and loved to pray, but that He began to share His knowledge with the world and pass the Bread of Life on to other people. He is the Source of Living Water; He is the True Bread of Life, Who to this day satisfies everyone who comes to Him. And if Jesus had simply remained silent, what would we have learned about Him, about the Father, and about the Plan of Salvation? Nothing. But He is the Channel of blessings through Whom we receive Eternal Life and the right to receive the Seal of God for ourselves.
We read in Job 37:7: “He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know His work.”
The Seal of God is a spiritual and intellectual settling into love and truth. It is my establishment in good works with right motives. It is God’s approval of all my thoughts and feelings, which have become accustomed to beholding Heavenly things and being transformed from glory to glory. It is the sealing that makes me unshakable in the truth.
A seal is a special object bearing the attributes of its owner: his name, his office, and his sphere of influence. When a seal is applied to paper or a soft material, it leaves an impression which testifies that everything under the seal is not subject to alteration.
It is interesting that one of God’s commandments contains all these attributes of God that are necessary for sealing and points to a special time in human life, established by the Creator Himself for worship and rest. And it is located at the very center of God’s law. When we study Revelation, we see that the final conflict will take place between true and false worship, and through the second beast the enemy will impose his counterfeit, calling it God’s institution and calling everyone to worship the beast according to its rules. And in Revelation 12:17 we read: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her Seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” We then find an account of the power of the dragon and the beast, which ends with the mark of the beast. And in Revelation 14:1 we read: “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father’s Name written in their foreheads.”
The Name of God is the expression of His character in relation to His creation, expressed in love. Then we read the call of the three angels to true worship, the proclamation of the beginning of the judgment, and the pronouncement of a death sentence upon those who receive the mark of the beast and support this power by their deeds or thoughts. And the account of this conflict ends with Revelation 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Once again we see a reference to the commandments.
I consider all these accounts and warnings serious enough to devote time to them and understand what they are speaking about, so that I do not accidentally find myself among the wicked, without God’s sign.
It is worth devoting one’s time to understanding the essence of these prophecies.
And then to obey what they reveal.
For example, suppose I now tell you everything, explain it in detail, and arrange neatly before you all the signs and symbols of these chapters of Revelation. What will change in your life? You will gain new knowledge. But knowledge does not save; it brings me to a decision and to further actions according to the knowledge I have received. Then I will benefit from what I have heard. And it is very important to have the correct interpretation of all these symbols; otherwise, I may believe a lie and understand everything differently from the way God desires, which will lead me into the enemy’s camp, and I will receive his mark.
The Seal of God is my settling into the truth, not into a lie. Is agape love truth? Yes, it is God’s character revealed to man. Is obedience to God’s commandments truth? Yes, they are the standard of righteousness and, like a mirror, show me my sins when they are on stone, and teach me love for God and my neighbours when they are in my heart.
Should I remain silent about this, or should I become a source of Living Water and pass this Bread on? Jesus did not conceal His knowledge and blessings, but willingly shared them.
Is the material of our School food received from God unto Eternal Life? If it is consistent with the truth of God’s Word, then, friends, I wish you a good appetite and God’s blessing upon this Bread.
Jesus taught: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:45–46).
And the essence of this food is to partake of it yourself and pass it on. If you want to comprehend the science of love, then begin sharing it with other people. And I see how much is revealed to me when I begin explaining to others what I myself do not yet fully understand. And how easy it is to love those to whom you have confessed this love and then ask God’s blessing upon this decision! And God gives this to me according to His love and mercy. And if I was able to receive and comprehend this, then any one of you can as well. Only do not keep this gift to yourself for long; it must be shared, or it will spoil. Give, and it shall be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shall men give into your bosom.
And upon all of this God will gladly place His Seal of approval and permanence. And I will no longer be able to change anything, nor will I want to.
But this path to God begins with an important little step—water baptism—which we will discuss next.
Homework 220
In the light of our lesson, please read Song of Solomon 8:6; Ephesians 6:14–17; Romans 8:29–30; 10:15, 20; Ephesians 1:13; John 6:27; Isaiah 61:1–3; 60:22; 62:1–2, 10; Ezekiel 20:11–12, 20; Exodus 20:1–16; Daniel 12:1; Revelation 10:10–11; 14:6; Isaiah 6:8; Jeremiah 15:19; Revelation 14:1, 7, 12; and 12:7. What new things did you learn from this lesson? Why will the Seal of God not be placed upon the hand? Will the Seal of God be placed upon those who do not accept the image or the mark of the beast? How do you envision the time of sealing? Has it already begun? Who will place the Seal of God? Read Ezekiel 9:4 and the verses that follow. When will this time come? What distinguishing characteristic will those who receive the mark have? Do you want to have the Seal of God? Who will not receive the Seal of God? When will the time of grace end for the world and for God’s children?