God’s Seal Vs. the Beast’s Mark

In Revelation 7:1–3 we read about the “seal” that identifies and protects God’s people when His judgments are poured out on the world: four angels are about to “hurt the earth” and its inhabitants with the seven last plagues when another angel with “the seal of the living God” tells them to wait until God’s servants are sealed in their foreheads. Vss. 2, 3.

Rulers or heads of state use seals as distinguishing marks of authority and domain. Seals can also show ownership or validation. Found on official correspondence such as decrees and laws, they usually contain the ruler’s name, title, and area of jurisdiction. 

In Revelation 14:6–12 we find clues about what makes up God’s seal. Three angels bring a worldwide messages for every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. In the first message, an angel calls all peoples to “worship Him who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (vs. 7). In other words, worship God as Creator. 

This message contains a nearly direct quote from the fourth commandment of God’s ten-commandment law: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Ex. 20:8, 11. 

Did you notice that the fourth commandment contains God’s name (the Lord your God), position (Creator), and jurisdiction (heaven and earth)? The seventh-day Sabbath is the “seal” on God’s law, showing His ultimate authority over heaven and earth. Worshiping the Creator on His holy day according to His command demonstrates that we want to be “marked” with His name and “sealed” as one of His loyal, commandment-keeping people. See Rev. 14:12.

A Question of Loyalty

Notice the contrast between God’s seal and the beast’s mark. As the beast rises in power and influence, the world is compelled under pain of death to worship him and receive his mark.¹ The beast’s mark or “seal” includes the inscription of his name placed on his worshipers. And what’s the symbol of his authority? It’s a man-made replacement for God’s Sabbath—Sunday.¹ The beast sets himself up as a rival god with a rival day of worship and a rival seal!

But those who receive God’s seal will have rejected the beast and his mark and will keep the Sabbath day holy. They will have separated themselves from all known sin. 2 Cor. 6:17–18. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they are experiencing the new covenant as God writes His law of unselfish love on their hearts and minds.²

In Revelation 14:1, John sees this group standing with Jesus before God’s throne, “having His Father’s name written in their foreheads.” Like an artist who signs a masterpiece, God places His name on those who truly reflect His loving and holy character.  

Many of God’s people still worship on Sunday in ignorance; therefore, God can’t seal them yet, and Sunday hasn’t yet become the mark of the beast. But Bible prophecy tells us that one day the whole world will be forced to choose which side they are on in this battle of authority between Christ and Satan (and his puppet power, the beast).³ 

In the meantime, God’s commandments are for all humanity right now, just as they’ve always been. His blessing is already on the day He made for worship—the seventh day. Wouldn’t we want to experience all of God’s blessings now and show our loyalty today, even before the crisis at the end?