September 24: THE LITTLE WORD “OR”
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-10
The opening chapters of the Bible supply a wealth of truth that nearly the entire world ignores. But it is written of God’s people: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19; see also 1 Corinthians 3:11) The rescued children of Israel were to learn of righteousness, that they might unlearn the ways of the world. This process of learning/unlearning is an ongoing process of cleansing that every one of us needs. This cleansing follows the first major event in God’s plan of salvation: justification (initial belief). If we are obedient, we undergo a transformation in walking with Christ called sanctification. Moses reminded the children of Israel: “Then He brought us out from there [Egypt, which symbolizes the world], that He might bring us in . . . that He might preserve us alive…” (Deuteronomy 6:23a, 24b) This phrase, preserve us alive, refers to glorification, the ultimate goal of His plan which happens at the return of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Having something on [the] forehead is a symbolic way of expressing belief. But for the devoted Christian, it is more than mental ascent alone; it is taking in God’s word daily as spiritual food; a wholehearted becoming… Those who truly consume, as rich nourishment, what the Lord says will manifest that belief in their actions, symbolized by the hand. Someone who is sealed by God will live out their faith as a light that shines in this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). Therefore, the works of the hand are the fruit (and not the root) of true loyalty and sincere faith towards God (see Ephesians 5:9-11).
Not so with the mark of the beast. The little word “or” in the phrase on his forehead or his hand means that it is possible to receive the beast’s mark by believing it is so, or just going along with it in spite of awareness that it plainly contradicts Scripture. There will be countless millions who believe with their minds that the beast’s mark is correct – but this is because they never searched the Scriptures to find out whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). Then they propagate it by regurgitating what they have been told. Their acceptance of the beast’s mark results from swallowing a doctrine of truth mixed with error, the wine of Babylon. There will be others – indeed many others – who know full well that the beast’s mark contradicts Scripture, but their hearts are hardened against the conviction of the Word. They will go-along-to-get-along, because following the majority is easier than swimming against the current. “Besides,” they tell themselves, “God is not particular about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. If I decide to call a day holy, I will choose it.” This is exactly how our wily foe diverts human worship and directs it toward himself. Satan accepts worship that is sincere or insincere.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. John 4:23