THE MARK OF THE BEAST AND THE FAITH OF TRUE BELIEVERS OF GOD.
(Daniel 3 and Revelation 13-14)
Text: Daniel 3:8-12; Revelation 13:11-18; 14:8-13
Daniel 3: Nebuchadnezzar and the sin of idol worship
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and forced everyone to worship this image. Those who would not worship the image would be killed.
The Beast of Revelation 13
What Nebuchadnezzar did is repeated throughout history and finds its fulfilment in the end times when everyone will be forced to worship the image of the beast, or else you will not be able to buy or sell (Revelation 13:11-18). Those who will worship the beast (devil) have rejected God and so will be condemned to hell fire (Rev 14:8-13).
THE FAITH OF TRUE BELIEVERS OF GOD
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not worship the image and so demonstrated what true faith in God is. Because of their genuine faith in God, God saved them from the enemy's evil plans, and God even made their enemies to reward them.
True faith in God is a gift from God (Rom 10:17) and is developed over time (Phil 2:12-13) through prayers, church attendance, holy living, service to God, perseverance, and above all, love for God.
Questions:
Why did God allow him to build the image and to force people? Answer: When God allows you to do evil and succeed, it means your end has come, and so your sins must reach their limit ( Dan 4; Genesis 15:16)
What happens when you worship images or idols?
You make God jealous; you rob God of His honour by giving that honour and respect to demons.
Secondly, you defile yourself because there is a transfer of demonic spirits into you
Thirdly, you sin and deserve God’s punishment.