Christ is the Mystery no 215

Review no 38 Twins no 13

Brian Kocourek, Pastor

This morning we will speak on the subject of the Twins again and this will be no 13 in our series, and our subject is the Mark of God vs the Mark of the beast.

In this hour there are to be only two types of people at he end, those who have the seal of God and those who take on the Mark of the beast. Only two. We know there are three kinds of believers but actually when it comes down to it, the unbeliever and the make believer are both unbelievers. Only one is more sly and he poses as a believer while still only an unbeliever. He is called the make believer, and brother Branham said the make believer is the worst kind, because he hangs around until he can find fault and then he does, he tries to use it for personal gain. He is the fighter, he is the gossip, he is the fault finder, and being that we are all struggling with these bodies of humanity we were given to test us with, I do not think the make believer has to look very hard to fid fault in any son of God except the first born son who was not given a body of sin, but a body that was not born in sin, not shaped in iniquity, and did not come to the world speaking lies. His Body was spoken by God, and birthed through a virtuous girl who had kept herself from man until after the birth of this first born son of God came forth.

Adoption or placing 60-0522E P:59 In the last days, the Bible said... Now, watch. In the last days there's going to be two classes of people. One of them is going to have the Seal of God, the other one the mark of the beast. Is that right? How many knows that? Well, If the Seal of God is the Holy Ghost, then without the Holy Ghost is the mark of the beast. And the Bible said that the two spirits would be so close together, it would deceive the very Elected if it was possible. It'll never do it, because they were elected to Eternal Life. See? Church going just as an ordinary...

Now, we all know the quotes where brother Branham defined those two spirit, so I will just read one quote for you on this.

Seed not heir with shuck 65-0218 P:42 Notice, see how close it looks. Matthew said--St. Matthew 24:24, said that the two spirits in the last days, the church spirit of the church people and the Bride Spirit of the Bride people, would be so close together till it would deceive the very elected if it was possible. That's how close.

God identifying Himself 64-0320 P:9 The Spirit of God can be identified by Its characteristic. See the Spirit of God, and the spirit of the church... There's a church spirit. And the Spirit of God that's absolutely not like the church spirit at all.

Notice he spoke how that the two spirits both have identifiable characteristics that show or manifest the life behind that spirit they have. And he said although both are religious yet these identifiable characteristics expose what seed life they have.

If God be with us 61-1231E P:49 Many person has been deceived in receiving the Holy Ghost; as I said, they've got doctrines today like Elijah's garments, and all these other things, manifested Sons of God, and all these different isms, and so forth, in the world today. People fall blindly on there, and go through some kind of a sensation, raise back up with a arrogant spirit, indifferent, fussy, high-tempered. That's not the Spirit of God. Still continue right on out of order, don't know what church order is, don't know how to behave themself in the house of God, no manners, no, just no audacity at all, no--no feelings towards God, all they think about is "my church." It shows they received a church spirit, and not the Spirit of God, 'cause It knocks all that out of you, burns it up. Sure. See, they say, "Where is He?" That's... "We got a right to..."

Notice the elect see brother Branham says in God of this evil age 65-0801M P:88 As She is part of the Groom, true to Him in every point, waiting the Wedding, uniting, not at the ecumenical council, but in the sky, the wedding supper. She has been given (This is for our own church.) She has been given and revealed to Her the Seven Sealed mysteries of the Bible. She sees the folly of the deceiver, so very close to the Truth that almost deceive the Elected; She sees it. She ... See the two opposing spirits at work in this evil age? Can you see it? Each very religious, Cain and Abel, spirits again coming to their heads, still same as they started: one worshipping by beauty, and by knowledge, and by education, and by science, and by ethics; and the other one by faith of the revelation of the Word of God. Both of them is standing right in this building this morning. That's right.

2Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Seal of God 61-0216 P:14 Now, I'm going to base the Scripture... First I'm going to tell you what I think the mark of the beast is and what the--I think the Scripture supports the mark of the beast to be. Then I'm going to tell you what I think the Scripture supports the seal of God. Now, we know that these two great things are ending up soon into two great, great grips; the world is gripped by these two things right now: the mark of the beast or the seal of God. Some of them places it way over in the future; some says its already been in the past. But I believe that there's just two answers to it. And that is that the seal of God is the baptism of the Holy Ghost; the mark of the beast is rejecting it. Now, that's the only two things. I going give you Scripture why now as we go through. Now, one of them is remember, all the peoples on earth in the last days is either going to be sealed by the seal of God or marked by the mark of the beast. And he calls all, both poor, great, bond, free, all upon the earth to receive this mark who did not have the seal, and whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life since the foundation of the world, from the foundation of the world when the Lamb was slain and when their names were put on the Lamb's Book of Life.

John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

So we see there must come a sealing in to whatever life you will manifest. The Bride of Christ, the elect of God will be sealed into His Spirit, His life, and will manifest His Life while those who refuse the Life of God will be marked with the mark of the beast, showing they have beast nature, not God nature. That is why the Apostle Paul points out in Galatians chapter five the attributes of God Life which are the fruits of The Spirit, God's Spirit and then he contrasts that with the fruits of the flesh which is that beast nature. One is filled with the Love of God and the other with hate for anyone outside their group.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (notice these first four are sexual driven attributes) 20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, (that's being disagreeable all the time) emulations, (that's hot-headed jealousy, and indignation) wrath, strife, seditions,(that means divisiveness, always wanting to divide over little things) heresies, 21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, (that means rioting, starting fusses and fights at the drop of a hat) and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

So there's your warning. You want to fuss, go ahead but no one that likes to fuss and has these attributes of the flesh on display will make it to heaven, that is "Thus saith the Lord" that's what the Lord has Thus said right here in His written Word.

Now, contrast those war like attributes of the flesh to the Love Peaceable Attributes of the Spirit of God-Life in the believer filled with His Spirit.

22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, temperance: (that;s self control, not just blurting out what you think, but being thoughtful about what comes out of your mouth) against such there is no law. And in the next verse Paul gives us the key to these God-Life attributes,

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Now, as I was saying, there is to be a mark placed on every man living in this hour. You will either receive the mark of God, His mark of approval which is receiving His holy Spirit, or you will be marked with the mark of the beast. This is the hour that every one, all who live on the earth are receiving a mark that will distinguish them as to which seed they are.

Revelations 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelations 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon (satan) which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (68 million people were murdered by the Catholic church for standing against her blasphemous doctrines and unholy living during the dark ages.)

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16  And he causeth all, (A.L.L., everyone living) both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (that's how he controls man, uses economics to do it to the whole world. No food, no clothing, no provision, no home, no cars no nothing unless you accept his mark) 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

We see this also in the old testament as well. Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; 4  And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 5  And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6  Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. 7 And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. 8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? 9  Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not. 10  And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. 11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

At Kadesh Barnea 56-0527 P:50 And they begin to murmur and complain, and finally they were brought to Kadesh. And when they come to Kadesh, this judgment seat, judgment... And then all the whole thing was gathered together. And some glorious day, and I believe that day is at hand right now, when there will be a separation between the right and the wrong. And I believe I could sufficiently prove by the Scripture authority that the mark of the beast and the Seal of God of the people of God is soon to take place, and even now taking place. The mark of the beast is the mark of apostasy. The mark of the beast was those who rejected the right; they were bored in the ear to be wrong the rest of their days. Those who receive the Seal of God is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 said, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby you're sealed until the day of your redemption." It's come to a place where a person can't stand mediocre anymore. That's right.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Jubilee year 54-1003E P:34 There's only going to be two classes of people in the last day. Both of them is going to wear a mark. The mark of God is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, without a shadow of doubt. I preached that not long ago right here. By the Holy Spirit's help, and the Word of God, proved it, that the seal of God is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 4:30 says, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you're sealed until the day of your redemption." Without the Holy Spirit you are not sealed. But the Holy Spirit is God's Seal. And then, that, all that was not sealed by the Holy Spirit, was took on the mark of the beast. And the mark of the beast is a mark of apostasy, which is rejecting the Holy Spirit. See what I mean?

Revelations 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

Revelations 9:4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

3) Receive the Mark of the Beast, in forehead - in their hands.

Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. 16 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

True Easter Seal 61-0402 P:113 And Satan's sons will be sealed in this last days. There's a time now, that the Bible spoke of, that all that did not have the Seal of God took the mark of the beast. And we know that the mark of the beast is disbelief. The first time... "Where'd you say the mark of the beast begin?" In the garden of Eden. Mark of the beast and the Seal of God was performed in the garden of Eden. Exactly. It's performed through Easter, for the death of Abel brought forth Seth. That's right. Notice. Cain was the son of Satan. He was the son of the beast which beguiled Eve. You can call it whatever you want to. He was the son of Satan. And what did he do? God put a mark on him and sent him out from the Presence of God. Is that right? And he got him a wife, not out of the heritage of God, but got him a wife from the land of Nod, another land.

Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Revelations 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5  And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8  The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Revelations 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9  And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10  Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. 11  And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12  The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13  And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15  The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16  And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18  And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19  And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22  And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; 23  And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Seal of God 54-0514 P:28 And then we come to find out, that in this day now, that the Bible predicted that there would be a time when men would receive a mark, and a mark of the beast. Every time there's a little something flies up in the country, everybody said, "That's the mark of the beast." When the old... I'd just got ordained in the Baptist church, when I heard about the N.R.A. Well, everybody said, "That's the mark of the beast." And then everything starts along, "It's the mark of the beast." And now they say, "Here comes Russia down, communism; it's the mark of the beast." But it's a lie. It isn't the mark of the beast. The Bible tells what the mark of the beast is. The mark of the beast is not no great anti-religious anti-country raise up like that. Communism is not Russia; communism is a spirit. It's all... 29   We don't--don't have to worry about Russia. Our own rottenness is what's killing us. Communism moving right among our churches and everything else...?... in our schools, in our homes, everywhere, in our nation. The whole thing is just worm-eaten. The robin pecking on the apple doesn't hurt it; it's the worm at the core that ruins the apple. That's what it is: it's just the rottenness among ourselves, going, calling ourself Christians, and acting like that world, and dressing like the world, and partaking of the world, and calling ourself... The world's sick and tired of such. And now only the world, a lot of the Christians are, too. Yes.I've often said, "God help the day when men will be what they ought to be. If I was against Him, I'd say I was against Him; I'd be against Him in everything I could be." But I'm for Him, and I love Him, and I believe Him, and I... And my life is in His hands to do with whatever He wants to, because I believe that Christianity is the truth. That's right. I believe it's the Truth. 30   In traveling the world, and looking it over in different isms, and so forth, all their founders are dead and laying in the grave, and they have theology. That's just about as far as the Christian church goes with it though." But those who know their God shall do exploits." And the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ lives in the man. That's right. He is not dead; He's risen. "I'll be with you, even in you; and the things that I do shall you do also." Yes, sir. Then the world looks out and says, "Fanaticism." You seen where we took it last night, by the help of God. 31   Now, we find out that the first thing that ever raised up to from any form of the beast, at all, or... The "beast" means a "power." We went through all the symbols and everything, last night, to prove that the beast was a power. And it did not come out of Russia. It come out of Rome. That's right. It came from Rome. And it was not, it was not a group of men. It was not a political organization. It was a religious institution. It was a church that set on seven hills, with one man who had controlling power over all the world, in there. Exactly right. And we find out it was a woman, and pictured her up just as plain. Not taking my own interpretation, just reading the Bible, that there's no other place in the world, no other city in the world rules over all the earth. In every nation that streak of Romanism goes out like in the ten toes of Daniel's vision. And we find out that that was the Vatican City. At least a dozen loyal Catholics setting here last night... They set still and listened. They are sincere. They are hungering. Now, you can't argue with the priest. He won't argue, 'cause, a priest, "If the church says anything different from this Bible, the church is right." To me, the Bible is right and the church is wrong. See? You can't argue with them. They, you got... There's no way of arguing. There's no way of discussing or debating, because they believe, "What the church says, that's it! That's it: what the church says, No matter what the Bible says, it's what the church says!" They believe the church. We believe the Bible. 32   Now, we find out that she was called... The church was a woman. And she was called the flat, vulgar word of "whore," and then she was "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS." And we find out that the Catholic church was the first mother church. She is exactly what she said she was. She is the first church to ever be organized. When God ever organized religion, it was the Catholic church. The first organization was ever organized in the world, of Christian religion, the Catholic church. Now...And then, finally, she was "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS." She gave birth unto churches, after her, 'cause they couldn't have been boys; they had to be girls. And we find out that the Protestant church is a product of the Catholic church, by searching the Scriptures and looking at your history book. We see that the Protestant church is the product. And the Protestant can't holler at the Catholic, because the both, says they are "harlots" and "whores" That's flat, but that's THUS SAITH THE LORD. That's right.   33   Watch, there he said, "Let us..." In the United States they said, "Let us make an image unto the beast." If the beast was a power, and the power was an organization... Not taking theory now, that's the Word of God. The organization of the Catholic church organized themselves together and made a--agree, and they accepted what they call the early fathers together, and organized the Catholic church, and made a ritual, and what they believed, and what they would teach, a universal belief. And they forced it to people by punishment.And then, when Martin Luther come out, seeing the Spirit of God lead him out, instead of letting the people stay free, he organized the church, "an image likened unto the beast," a political power likened unto it. Instead of letting the people walk as God gives Light, they organized under a discipline, and they have to stay to that discipline.

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Questions and answers COD 59-0628E P:74 The mark of the beast is on today, and the Seal of God is the Holy Spirit. To reject It is the mark of the beast. Ever who sees the Holy Ghost, that you're supposed to receive It, and don't do it, automatically you take the mark of the beast; because there's only two classes to exist: all that didn't have the Seal of God had the mark of the beast. So to receive the Seal of God is to receive the Holy Ghost. To reject It is to have the mark of the beast. There's the whole thing. That's exactly right.

Influence 63-1114 P:84 I don't see nothing to hinder the rapture of the Church right now. Well, the mark of the beast is on the other side, remember. See, The apostasy, it comes in then after the church. Now, wait, I, maybe I might've said something. That's my way of seeing it. See? And watch.

Souls in prison now 63-1110M P:156 Lot made his last call; I mean, the angel did, the messenger, ever who he was: God, represented for this day. God represented in human flesh made the last sign, performed the last duty. It was all over then. Noah preached his last sermon. The door closed behind him. That was all. They laughed at it and made fun of it. Think. The people can go right on preaching. The Ecumenical Council can join up with the Catholic church just as they promised to. All the organizations can come on. But the mark of the beast is already there. They've take in then. And they say, "Oh, hallelujah, bless God. There were so many got saved last night." They did?" They danced in the Spirit; they spoke in tongues." That don't mean one thing. See?" Oh, they're meek and gentle and humble. Yes, sir. They got the fruit of the Spirit." That's no sign, not a bit. Let me give you the fruit of the Spirit between Jesus and the Pharisees: See which one had the fruit of the Spirit.

Mark of the beast 61-0217 P:85 The Seal of God is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The mark of the beast is to reject It.

Seal of God 61-0216 P:25 A mark is a distinction. It makes a difference; it separates something. But like... You say, you got one mark against you, a mark. But you never said you had one seal against you; you got one mark against you. And a seal is a sign of ownership. A mark is a distinction. And the church is sealed by the Holy Spirit, showing as ownership; God owns the church. But the mark of the beast is the wayward, the outcast that refused to take and come God's provided way. Cain, as soon as he was marked was sent away. We get that. Abel died, and Seth raised to take his place, was a sign of resurrection. All right.

Seal of God 61-0216 P:16 Now. Now, Jesus said that in the last days, according to Saint Matthew the 24th chapter and the 24th verse, that these two spirits, the ones that was sealed with God, and the ones that would be marked by the beast, the antichrist, would be so close together till it was deceive the very elected if it was possible. See? Now, they're going to be so much alike. Now, some people says, "Well, communism is the mark of the beast." You're wrong. Communism is not the mark of the beast, yet it is, but it isn't heading up. The mark of the beast is a religious nature, very religious, so cunning and sly, until it'll deceive the very elected if it was possible, just so close till it would deceive the elected if it was possible.

Jehovah Jireh 2 60-0802 P:86 People different. People say, "Keep a day, or do a certain thing, or a certain thing's the seal of God." That is not Scriptural. Ephesians 4:30 says, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed until the day of your redemption." How many knows that? God's Words says the Seal of God is the Holy Ghost. Now, and then what is the mark of the beast? Is to reject the Holy Ghost, a mark of apostasy. Remember, in the old days when the trumpet, the jubilee year come, and the trumpet sounded, and every slave had a right to go free? But if he didn't choose to go free, he was taken to the temple, and they took a awl and bored a hole in his ear, and he was marked out for the rest of his days. And what is it? On the ear, when God calls you to receive the Holy Ghost, and you refuse It, then God marks your ear to where you'll never want to try it anymore. See? Then that's the mark of apostasy. And in the Bible it said, that these last days that there'd be two classes of people: One with the Mark of God, the Seal of God, the other one was the mark of the beast. Is that right? Now, you're wearing one of those marks tonight. If it's a question, lay it up on the platform, I'll get to that subject to you.

Hearing receiving and acting 60-0607 P:60 And the spiritual Church is at the end of the road. It's heading toward it's Head, the coming of the Lord Jesus. It's all heading up (That's right.), heading up in the coming of the Lord. The Lord Jesus, the Headship of the Church is coming. What's He going to do? Resurrect all the saints and give them a glorified body. Hallelujah. I'm glad to know that she's heading up. It's heading up in two great things, coming to the end time: the mark of the beast, and the seal of God. And the Seal of God--any minister knows--that the Seal of God is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It's exactly right. Ephesians 4:30 says, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed until the day of your redemption." Amen. Oh, I know you think I act funny, but maybe I--I feel good. Oh, my, coming towards the end...Now, remember what is the mark of the beast? The mark of the beast is a carnal Esau to reject that birthright. Didn't Esau weep bitterly, trying to restore that birthright again, but there was no place of repentance? When you reject the Holy Ghost you seal yourself outside of God's mercy. Amen.

And that is Hebrews 6 and Hebrews 10:25

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4  For it is impossible for those who were once for all enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6  having fallen away, it will be impossible for them to renew themselves again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Seal of God 54-0514 P:65 Now, now, we're coming to the Mark of God. I got thirty minutes, the Lord willing. Now, I want you to turn with me, first, and find out how essential, this Mark of God...Remember what the mark of the beast is: not communism. The mark of the beast comes from Rome, throughout the world: Catholicism with Protestantism joined into it, organized religion. And they're going to unionize the churches, till every church will have to bow to that thing, or interdenominations are kicked on the sideline. That's right.

Lamb's book of life 56-0603 P:43 Notice, the mark of the beast is the mark of an apostasy, the devil, the works of the devil. Jesus said, "By their church membership, by their theology, by their seminary experience? By their fruit you shall know them." Now, so the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, gentleness, patience, meekness. That's the fruit of the Spirit. And the fruit, that's the mark of the Holy Spirit, showing that Divine love has anchored in the heart and the things of the world is dead. Now, the mark of the devil is impersonation: works, not grace. The works shadow things to come. Hypocrisy, going to church, pretending to be a Christian, living like the world, having affairs with the world, going out and acting like the world. And so very close till both sides will be looking exactly, deceive the very elect. Here's a church member, goes to church regular, a very fine person, goes to church, good person, morally good; but yet, right down in the depths of their innermost being there's never experience of Jesus abiding. Look at Esau and Jacob. Why, Esau was twice as good a guy as Jacob; sure he was. But Jacob had one thing. He had recompense to the reward. He seen that birthright and counted it the greatest thing on earth.

Seal of God 54-0514 P:36 And remember, that we found without one mistake, that the mark of the beast is a mark of apostasy, that is, church members hanging to their church instead of walking in the Light. They reject Light, and there's nothing left by darkness (That's right.), both Catholic and Protestant. There is "a beast," and "a whore," and she had "harlot" daughters. And these harlot daughters, when they broke forth, they were virgins from the Light of that day, and they organized and bringing people down here, back into here, making them the same kind of a thing that Rome was in the beginning. The Bible said so: the beast, and an image to the beast, the letter of his name, and so forth.

Mark of the beast 54-0513 P:74 Now, you see what the mark of the beast is? It's the mark of apostasy. It's a person who is, just thinks that, "Well, I belong to church, and I'm just as good as the next fellow. Am not I belonging to this church?" And you realize where your church organization that you're depending on, where it come from? Do your realize? The Bible said, "He that worships the beast, receives his mark, or the letter of his name (Now, watch.) in forehead or hand." That's knowledge or deed. That don't mean you got a big tattoo on your face. It don't have to be that. It's not talking of the outward. It's talking of spiritual. You watch him and see what he knows about the Scripture. Listen to him and see where he goes to. "If any man don't have this doctrine, there's no Light in him," the Bible said. See? See? Watch where it goes to. Watch what he does. You say, "Well, I belong. I'm Protestant. Yes, sir. I belong to this certain church. Yes, sir." And on Sunday you just have about enough respect for it to come in out of the rain. He goes down, instead of going to prayer meeting, you'll close up the church and set and watch television. He goes out here and he drinks and carries on and acts like the rest of the world, yet he belongs to the church. Remember, that's the mark of sin.

So what is the mark of Apostasy: The word apostasy means: renunciation of a religious faith 2:  abandonment of a previous loyalty : defection

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Seal of God 54-0514 P:111 Brother, one of these days, the last Holy Ghost anointed Gospel sermon will be preached. One of these days, the last gun will fire. One of these days, the last song will be sung. One of these days, the last prayer will be prayed. One of these days, the doors of the Tabernacle will be closed for the last time; the Bible will be closed on the pulpit. And you'll stand in the Presence of God to give an account for what you've heard tonight. What then? What then? When the great Book is opened, what then? When tonight comes on record, what then? Oh, as the song says: What then? When the great Book is opened, what then? When the ones that's rejected the Saviour today, Will be asked to give a reason--What then? Your job stood in your way. Your parents stood in your way. Your boy friend stood in your way. Your girl friend stood in the way. Your church stood in the way. What then? What then? When the great Book is opened, what then? When the ones that's rejecting this Message tonight, You're going to... asked to give a reason--What then? What are you going to do about it? You know what the mark of the beast is. You know what the Seal of the God is. It's up to you. May the Lord bless you, while we stand.

Let us pray