Within the last six days, three individuals have mentioned to me that they want nothing to do with the Covid vaccine because it has something to do with the mark of the beast. They might have a point; it’s an interesting way of interpreting the Bible by imposing on it. It’s like someone asking me about Armageddon, and I direct them to watch the 1998 Hollywood thriller Armageddon.
Whatever you think about the Covid Vaccine, I would like to share something about the mark of the beast from the Bible. While thinking about this matter, I read the April 2021 (most recent) issue of Ministry magazine, published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, an international magazine for clergy of all Christian communities. Allow me to quote Dr. Igor Lorencin, an Adventist New Testament scholar, on page 30:
“I have been asked, rather seriously, two questions: Are vaccines conspiracies? Do they have something to do with the mark of the beast? To answer the first, we know that vaccines have saved many lives in our times. Regarding the second, we know that the mark of the beast stands in opposition to the seal of God. The mark identifies one’s spiritual allegiance to the antichrist beast power and the seal signifies allegiance and loyalty to Jesus, the Lamb of God who was slain for our sins.
What is the distinguishing characteristic of those who receive the mark of the beast? According to the Bible, it is not a vaccine, a chip, or a bar code, but people thinking and active in subversive and oppressive ways. They unite with the beast, pay allegiance to him, and join forces to spread evil and malign the great name and accomplishments of Christ. Thus, they are in league with Satan. “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do” (John 8:44).
On the other hand, what are the distinguishing marks of those who are on God’s side? They are in a saving relationship with Jesus and live according to His testimonies. Of them, the final testimony of earth’s history will be proclaimed: “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives even when faced with death (Revelation 12:11).
Revelation reveals the heavenly Jesus who comes at the end to gather His people to spend eternity with Him (Rev. 22:20). His people are not saved through some special, secret knowledge related to conspiracies, but through the saving act of Jesus Christ alone. A living relationship with Jesus is the best protection from a world filled with all kinds of conspiracies, fake news, and evil workings. God calls His end-time people to be connected to Jesus and remains faithful. Nothing else matters.”
Thank you, Dr. Lorencin. Let us focus on consistently walking with Jesus, and experience the peace and joy He brings, no matter which pandemic😊–
Jeba Moses