Over the past few weeks, I have increasing been asked about the COVID-19 vaccine and the Mark of the Beast in Revelation 13. Essentially, well-meaning and concerned individuals keep asking from a variety of perspectives, “Is the vaccine the Mark of the Beast?”
I commend those individuals who care about this issue. Although each person comes to this question from a wide variety of backgrounds and concerns, I am grateful they want to honor God in everything, especially as it relates to their soul.
The Mark of the Beast
In biblical theology, the idea of the Mark of the Beast comes from Revelation 13.
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:11-18)
In this text, John describes two beasts and a mark from the second beast which is received either on the right hand or the forehead. Without this mark, people cannot buy, sell, or otherwise function in the world. He finally mentions the number of the beast as 666.
There are two important considerations related to this text and the Mark of the Beast. First, theologians over the centuries interpret this text and the whole book of Revelation from a variety of perspectives (primarily in the past one hundred years from either a dispensational or covenantal perspective). From a dispensational perspective, this is viewed as futuristic and associated with the Tribulation. From a covenantal perspective, this is viewed primarily as past (related to Nero) or non-literal. Second, one must not agree on the system in order to get to the answer of today’s question, “Is the vaccine the Mark of the Beast?”
Is the Vaccine the Mark of the Beast?
Simply stated, No, the vaccine is not the Mark of the Beast.
Why?
Regardless of which interpretation you take above, notice the greater context. The issue of the Mark of the Beast is overt worship. Notice these sections:
and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, (v. 12)
and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed (v. 15)
John describes a Mark of the Beast in the forehead or right hand as a sign of allegiance or worship to the beast. The second beast’s role functions around forcing all the world population to worship the first beast. Again, regardless of how you interpret this text (your perspective), the issue remains worship.
A vaccine – whether mandated by government or an employer – is separate from worship. Individuals do not declare allegiance to either God or the Beast as they take the vaccine. Instead, they choose to take the vaccine for specific reasons – some of which are discussed below.
Does the vaccine potentially affect travel, business, and other freedoms? Yes. As do many things in the culture. But the effect on those areas on life does not equal the referenced Mark of the Beast in Revelation.
Should You Get the Vaccine?
Spiritual, educated, well-meaning people differ on the answer to this question. For that, I am grateful. I appreciate those who desire to honor the Lord in everything. Related to this issue, there is more than just simply one side. This question, in fact, depends upon more than one criteria. Let me give you the two primary criteria as I view them:
A Conscience Issue
The issue of conscience must be decided before you can answer the second criteria of wisdom. Although there may be more than one way to articulate these issues, I perceive the issue of conscience boiling down to two issues.
First, you must decide if you can trust God and take the vaccine. Several people have contacted me struggling with this issue. Their thinking goes somewhat like this: If I take the vaccine, am I in some sense not trusting God to protect me, take care of me, and provide for me? This is a great question. I have typically responded with two additional questions to help them think through this issue: 1) Is it not true that we should trust God’s protection, care, and provision with or without a vaccine? and 2) How does the vaccine differ from seatbelts, life preservers, or following a manufacturer’s suggested use of a product?
Second, you may conscientiously disagree with the vaccine development. From this standpoint, one would say, because some of the vaccines were developed within a historic fetal tissue line, then its use is unethical. Some of the COVID-19 vaccines, according to what has been explained to me, were not developed from this line, but, instead, were tested within this fetal tissue line. The issue for the conscience then relates to whether or not you personally can take a vaccine developed (some brands) or tested (other brands) within a historic fetal tissue line that may have at its source a possible abortion.
If you answer both of these conscientious objections with positive answers, then you are ready to consider the second criteria for taking the vaccine.
A Wisdom Issue
There may be many specific wisdom issues related to taking the COVID-19 vaccination. Let me suggest several for you to consider if and when the conscience criteria has been satisfied. There are five issues:
First, Is the vaccine good science? Some people may choose to wait until there is more information related to the science of this vaccine. The use of MRNA vaccines is new technology on one level. These particular vaccines at present only have emergency use approval. Further, how does the vaccine compare to natural immunity for those who have already had the virus in the past eighteen months?
Second, Do you need to travel to an international destination requiring vaccinations? If your travel plans include international travel, then you will face the real decision of whether or not to get a vaccination. Some countries require vaccination before someone can enter into their country. If that is the case in your travel and you choose not to get the vaccine, then you may have to cancel that part of your trip.
Third, Does your vocation or specific employer require a vaccination? Some employers have started requiring vaccinations for continued employment. At this point, you must decide if the job is worth it or not.
Fourth, Does your school require a vaccination? Some colleges, universities, and other educational institutions have announced the vaccine as an entrance requirement for fall admission. If this is the case with your preferred choice, you must decide if going to school there is worth getting the vaccine.
Fifth, What about the protection of others? If you choose not to get the vaccination and you have not had COVID without any natural immunity, then you must decide how to protect those who may be vulnerable and particularly at risk around you.
As you think through this issue, you will need to tackle these wisdom issues.
Please be aware, this is not an endorsement for getting a vaccine. The personal decision to receive a vaccination should be researched thoughtfully and prayerfully – and is personal. If you have no conscientious objection, then it should be discussed with your doctor at length before agreeing to do so. This is even more true when you decide to give one to one of your children. I am simply answering the biblical question today as to whether or not it is the Mark of the Beast while providing other criteria that must be considered by the follower of Christ. The wisdom issue of receiving a vaccination is a separate question.
Image Credit Steven Cornfield
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