Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

God’s Special Warning

What threefold warning does the third angel give? BR-ASI9 310.14

“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, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Revelation 14:9, 10. BR-ASI9 310.15

Note.—The beast represents the Papacy; the image to the beast represents another ecclesiastical body dominating the civil power. (See readings on pages 113, 115.) And over against the seal of God stands the mark of the beast, the mark of apostasy. Against this false and idolatrous worship and the reception of this mark, God sends this solemn warning. BR-ASI9 311.1

What power is to enforce this mark? BR-ASI9 311.2

“And he [the two-horned beast] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” Revelation 13:16. BR-ASI9 311.3

Note.—The two-horned beast is understood to represent the United States of America, with her principles of civil and religious liberty. (See page 116.) As this nation repudiates these principles and becomes a persecuting power, other nations will follow her example in oppressing those who refuse to yield their allegiance to God. BR-ASI9 311.4