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The Mark of the Beast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Sabbath serves as a vital identifying mark for God's people, distinguishing them from those who follow the ways of the adversary. God established the Sabbath as a sign, a voluntary acceptance that identifies His people to Him and reveals their worship of the Creator. This sign, placed metaphorically on the forehead and hand, signifies intellectual belief and the practice of life, aligning with God's law and demonstrating who owns and guides them. In contrast, the mark of the Beast represents a forced imposition, a brand of ownership and devotion to a counterfeit system under threat of death. This mark, also associated with the forehead and hand, indicates a belief and practice contrary to God's commands, identifying those who are loyal to the Beast. The adversary, as a master deceiver, has chosen to counterfeit the fourth commandment, promoting a false day of worship that has been widely accepted, deceiving many into breaking God's law. The Sabbath, given as a gift to man, protects against idolatry and maintains true knowledge of God. It stands as a covenant sign, separate and distinct, showing submission to God's rule. Those who keep the Sabbath demonstrate their trust in Him, living by faith in even the most basic areas of life. Conversely, those who accept the mark of the Beast face severe economic and social exclusion, unable to buy or sell, highlighting the stark choice between obedience to God and submission to the adversary's system. At the time of the end, this distinction becomes critical, as the intensity of persecution increases. Those who refuse the mark, keeping God's commands, may face martyrdom at the hands of the Beast, yet they are owned by God and destined for His Kingdom. Those who accept the mark, rejecting God's law, will face His wrath. The Sabbath, therefore, remains a key sign of faith and trust in God, preparing His people to stand firm amidst the trials of the end times.

Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.

Searching for Israel (Part Twelve): The Sign

Article by Charles Whitaker

Most Israelites are blind to their origins, thinking that only Jews are Israelites. Here is why Israel has forgotten its identity.

The Commandments (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Idolatry constitutes the fountainhead from which all other sins flow, all of which amplify obsessive self-centeredness and self-indulgence.

Principled Living (Part Five): Witnessing of God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our best witness is often through our unspoken behavior; what we do speaks volumes. God gives us a charge to bear His name with dignity in all our actions.