Recently I am hearing “Bible” teachers proclaiming the vaccine is the mark of the beast. My official statement as a pastor is not advising people to get or not get the vaccine. I am not a doctor or health professional so I don’t have the credentials to give health counsel.
Further, this issue of the vaccine — I want to leave your decision to your discussion with your doctor.
On the contrary, I do have a masters (and working on a doctorate) in the area of theology so it is important that I address the Biblical explanation of the mark of the beast. The key point with all of these Biblical issues is to let the Bible answer them.
Revelation 13:1- “The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.”
Although there are many passages that give us insight into the end time beast, he is the one world leader or the Anti-Christ that will come during the seven year tribulation (in the future).
Revelation 14:9- “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,”
The mark of the beast is something that people will get in the future to show their worship of the beast. Putting those two points together it is obvious that the vaccine cannot be the mark of the beast as the beast has not come and no one can choose to worship him yet.
The final point about this discussion is the Bible never puts the focus on watching for the anti-Christ, but it does put the emphasis on watching for the Savior. One day Jesus will return (after the rapture of the church) and we must be ready.
Luke 18:8- “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
Jesus is saying when he comes again will be find individuals believing and looking for him (having faith).
In conclusion, do what you need to do for COVID, but make sure you are ready to meet Jesus Christ.
John 3:36 ”He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
If you are interested in Prophecy, Sunday- Sept. 19 at 6 p.m, I will be teaching a five week course called “END TIMES 101” open to the entire community at First Baptist Church. This free course will cover a basic over view of what the Bible teaches about the End Times.
If you have a question you would like answered for future columns email mathewvroman@gmail.com