They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:4

Have you heard of the Mark of the Beast that’s talked about in the Bible book of Revelation?  Many have tried to pinpoint exactly what form this mark will take, but it’s an indication on the body that you are not a follower of Jesus Christ.  We’re familiar with the concept of branding or marking to show ownership because we brand livestock, and in horrible chapters of history, humans have branded other humans. But we don’t have to fear being accidentally marked because the meaning of markings in scripture is specific and intentional.

If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, the Bible says, “You were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” (Ephesians 1:13-14). According to the revelation a man in the Bible named John received, people who are redeemed already bear the name of God on their foreheads, as a mark of their allegiance to God (Revelation 14:1, 22:4). In John’s vision, what had existed already just became visible (2 Chronicles 7:14).

In the Old Testament. the Israelite high priest carried God’s name on the forehead for the same reason[1]. God also told the Israelites not to mark their foreheads for the dead because they were a people chosen for God (Deuteronomy 14:1-2). What is very clear is this:  whose name we bear is of great importance.

 

Resource reading: Revelation 14:1-13

 

[1] Dr. Imes, Carmen. “Taking God’s Name in Vain?” BibleProject Podcast. March 19, 2020. https://bibleproject.com/podcast/taking-gods-name-vain/