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Dear Catholic Convert Message Board Members, Before I post the article, Mark of the Beast III, I wish to make a few comments and then answer a few responses to my previous posts. I realize that most, if not all, of the readership are shocked and offended when confronted with the writings of their own Magisterium compared, side by side, to the prophetic Word of God. After all, who in their right mind would seek to serve the Beast despised by God, whose eternal damnation was foretold 2,000 years ago? Most of you have chosen to express your disbelief and horror by making light of the subject, writing me off as a "kook." I admit I am a "fool" for Christ, willing to suffer the reproach and mockings of many that I might awaken the few. Of all the responses received, Jen's was most admirable thus far. She offered the Eastern Orthodox Church as another Christian Church whose rituals used the sign of the cross in similar fashion as the Roman Catholic Church. In this she is absolutely correct. Before the Great Schism of A. D. 1054, all the major ecumenical councils contained participants of both Greek and Latin churches, as well as other factions. As a result of their history together they share much in common today, not the least of which is the signing of the cross on the forehead by the right hand. However, upon deeper investigation we discover that the Greek ritual of baptism does not allow the Chrismation to impart an indelible CHARACTER or MARK upon the soul. Rather, official Orthodox teaching declares, "Chrismation is called the seal, (Greek: sphragis)." [Source: The Baptismal Rite - http://www.goarch.org/access/Companion_to_Orthodox_Church/sacramental_life.html]. Please note that in order to fulfill the demands of the Greek NT text, the Orthodox Church would have to admit to imparting a "Charagma" [Strong's: 5480]. This Greek word, which is used in Rev. 13:16-17 to signify the Mark of the Beast, translates to CHARACTEREM in Latin, the very word used in the Latin rites of baptism, confirmation and holy orders. Furthermore, the Greek Orthodox Church denounces the Papal pretensions of infallibility and Primacy in the Church. It is these very traits which are necessary to identifying the Beast Antichrist. The Orthodox also refuse compulsory celibacy of the priesthood, another necessary identifying trait of the Antichrist. These are but a few essential differences which separate the two Churches. [Source: The Fundamental Teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church - http://www.goarch.org/access/orthodoxfaith/fundamental_teachings.html] It is of utmost importance to note that Jen astutely offered a "Christian" solution to the identity of the Beast and his Mark. This is indeed what the Scriptures reveal: a false Church and its leader viewed by the world as godly and "Christian," but viewed by the Almighty as apostate and unfaithful, a great whore. Melanie brings up an important issue: veneration of a cross and/or crucifix. Scripture tells us Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame." (Hebrews 12:2). Crucifixion was the most cruel mode of death ever devised by man. The cross was an instrument of torture, inflicting pain and humiliation which we cannot fathom, even in our wildest dreams. Honestly, would anyone on this board justify venerating a 357 Magnum, had it blown away the Lord? Or would a miniature electric chair be apropos hanging from a gold chain necklace, had the Lord been electrocuted? Tragically, the detested cross is viewed by many as a talisman, guaranteed to bring them good luck or to keep them and their family safe from harm. Many view it as a fashion statement to enhance their wardrobe. How foolish to think that a demon can be exorcised by the mere displaying of a graven idol crucifix. Another respondent, Robert, is concerned that 90% of those professing Christ in past centuries might be lost, while only 10% might be saved. Belief in Jesus as the God-man is not the only criteria for salvation. "The devils also believe." (James 2:19). As far as "crunching the numbers," "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and FEW that be that find it." Also, "For many are called, but FEW chosen." Christ promises He has not and will not lose one of His sheep given Him by the Father, (John 17:12, 20). Therefore, His salvation on behalf of the Elect cannot fail. A man who is frightened to use his real name calls himself, 'Secret Agent Man.' He makes the point that God seals his own in their foreheads, Rev. 7:3 ff. He is quite correct by stating this truth. Satan imitates the sealing of God's people by utilizing his own religious seal. However, there is a major difference between the seal ('sphragida') of God and the Mark ('charagma') of the Beast. God's people are sealed supernaturally by the agency of an angel (who many commentators believe to be a figure of Christ, Cf. Matt. 3:11), as directed by the will of God; whereas those who are marked by the Beast's agents are marked by the will of the Beast and his agents, all humans, against the commandment of God. May these posts be cause for searching the Scriptures and prayer to reveal the living and risen Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
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