Is It Possible to Take the Mark of the Beast and Be Saved?

666

Can you take the Mark of the Beast and be saved?

Revelation 13:15-18 describes a future time that will take place during the seven-year tribulation that will follow the rapture of believers from the earth (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The passage reads:

The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.

What is the Mark of the Beast?

First, we observe those who take the mark of the beast will be those who worship the beast. This means those who take the mark of the beast will not be worshipers of Jesus.

Second, those who refuse to take the mark of the beast will be put to death. Extreme persecution will exist during this period, clearly indicating who is a believer and who is not.

However, neither of these observations specifically teaches a person who takes the mark of the beast could not later become a believer. This has led some to believe it will be possible for a person who takes the mark of the beast to later change his or her mind and believe in Jesus.

The major problem with this view is that it contradicts Revelation 14:9-11:

A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

These verses clearly indicate that “anyone” who takes the “image” or mark of the beast will receive God’s judgment. This includes eternity apart from God “for ever and ever.”

While God can forgive anyone, these passages reveal that those who take the mark of the beast will be devoted to worshiping him rather than God. Those who take the mark will not later choose to reject him and believe in Jesus, but will instead follow the beast until they experience judgment.

This question is a strong reminder of the importance to believe in Jesus now, to faithfully follow Him each day, and to share Him with others. We do not know when Jesus will return, but we do know His coming could take place at any moment.

Go Deeper


10 Comments

  1. Peggy on January 19, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    Didn’t Jesus say that with God all things are possible? Jesus basically said rich people don’t go to Heaven but then said with God all things are possible. Please check out “The Crown” post at: plpwrites.com

    • Tristen on April 5, 2023 at 10:13 pm

      He never said Rich people don’t go to heaven… he told one man to give up his riches and follow him as a disciple. You are incorrect and need to check your facts before you say something false and someone believes you bc that is called blasphemy and false teaching

      • Michael on April 22, 2023 at 1:38 pm

        You need to look up the word Blasphemy! It does not fit the definition of the word. Now, does that make you a false teacher? Hmmm But you are correct “He never said rich people don’t go to heaven”

      • Gods Army On Earth on July 16, 2023 at 3:36 pm

        Jesus said, Mathew 19:23-24 — “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

    • Ron on September 14, 2023 at 8:11 pm

      No, He never said that there is no wealth meter in salvation.
      “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”
      This is saying the man who’s god are his riches will have a hard time entering the Kingdom, he is focused on his riches rather than on God.

      Some people can’t help being ‘rich’ (born into it, inherited it?) others may have been driven by financial success before giving their lives to God and accepting Jesus as their savior. I am one such person whom God has blessed financially. Money has never been my god. I did not live to work… We only worked about 6-7 months per year. I earned it fairly treating people the way I’d want to be treated. I retired very early because (I didn’t want more or need more). And who is to say what rich is? 200k? 1M? 10M? 100M? I don’t feel I’m rich financially, but many would insist I am. I do not drive an expensive car – and we sold our 2nd car and have “one” for my wife and I. We do not buy expensive clothes (well not real expensive) or jewelry. However, people who make money their god are not obeying God’s word. We tithe+and give nice gifts to my church, and pastors and help my church family. We purchased a car for our pastor’s wife. (they have two cars now but one was junk and needed to be jumped and the doors didn’t work) while my wife and I have one of the lower priced SUVS, the one we got his wife is much nicer than the one we drive. When I pass there will be a very large gift to my church, as much as or likely more than what each of my kids will receive. I also assume that as my body will be dead… I will no longer be a financially rich man. I will still inherit the kingdom of God without a penny to my name at that time.

      There are many great Dr. and surgeons. Many give money and their time to do God’s work donating their services in other countries. I have a friend (and wife) that do this. They are VERY wealthy. They WILL be in heaven, I have no doubt. They live their wealth and their boys are going to Georgetown univ in the DC area. So they are using their riches to educate their sons who will in turn SERVE THE LORD OUR GOD with their families. People think “rich” and “Corporations” are bad… they are not if they are people of God.

  2. Brian Keller on March 13, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    Where in the Bible does Jesus say rich people won’t go to heaven. This is not at all accurate

  3. GregAliano on June 11, 2023 at 8:35 pm

    But he did say it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven for where your treasure is stored there will your heart be also

    • Pringle on November 23, 2023 at 1:03 pm

      Jesus is the way don’t be afaird of this he means beause u are so foucs on the riches u or not going have the time to seek him so he nonday can serve two at the same time either u worship one and throw a way the other one

  4. James on June 26, 2023 at 5:14 pm

    Yes, and what does the eye of the needle mean?

  5. Andrew on July 7, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    There seems to be different ideas about this verse, ranging from a narrow gate in Jerusalem supposedly called the eye of a needle, to how certain words were translated.
    I wouldn’t say it’s impossible for a rich man to go to heaven. Solomon was rich and some of the patriarchs were wealthy people.
    My take would be that it’s more difficult for a wealthy person to seek Salvation. They get hooked on their money and taken up with what worldly pleasures money can buy them.
    There seems to be indications that this wealth or its trappings need unloading somewhat.
    We also know earthly wealth has no significance heaven wise, it’s Spiritual wealth that counts.
    We also know that all things are possible with God.

Leave a Comment