Question:  Dear Greg,

            Who or what is the mark of the beast spoken of in Revelation?

            Don

Answer:  Dear Don,

            The mark of the beast is a phrase that occurs within the book of Revelation.  Before beginning to define this phrase, a proper and careful approach to the Bible would include the understanding that the book of Revelation is written in an apocalyptic style—a style that relies heavily on symbolism.  Attempts to assign literal meanings and specific individuals and groups to many of the symbols in Revelation have failed, primarily because those doing so have neglected to understand the literary style/genre in which God caused this book to be written.

            The purpose of the book of Revelation is to illustrate, in broad prophetic/apocalyptic brush strokes, that God wins—good triumphs over evil even though in the midst of struggles the people of God may think otherwise.  The book is an encouragement to Christians, rather than a horror show that threatens mayhem upon those who do not fall in line with God.

            The mark of the beast in the context of the book of Revelation concerns all activities, practices and behaviors that are aligned against God, and a wholesale participation and support of anti-God and anti-Christ forces.  The idea, given to John in a vision, is much the same as those who take the field of sport or battle, arrayed in a uniform.  The mark of the beast is the uniform of all those who oppose the one true God of the Bible and his gospel message.  The uniform has been worn by many since the first century AD and continues until our day.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht