The Mark of the Beast vs. Righteousness by Faith

The mark of the beast is the ultimate choice to rely on human authority and one's own works rather than accepting the imputed righteousness of Christ through faith11MR 284.4+2.

The Contrast of Two Righteousnesses

The final conflict on earth is a contest between the commandments of God and the commandments of menPH117 63.2+1. Righteousness by faith is the very core of the third angel's message, which warns against receiving the markARSH January 9, 1900, page 24.7+1. While those who receive the mark of the beast trust in their own righteousness and follow a law revised by the "man of sin," those who avoid the mark are clothed in the perfection and sufficiency of Christ11MR 284.4+2. When Christ sees a soul relying on Him with distrust of self, He adds His perfection to their work, and they are accepted by the Father11MR 284.4.

The Sabbath as a Sign of Faith

The connection between these two themes is most clearly seen in the SabbathBDOC 69.80+1.

• The Seal of God: Keeping the seventh-day Sabbath is a sign of allegiance to the Creator and a mark of sanctification, which is the process of having God's law written in the heartEVRR488+2. It represents a rest in the love and finished work of God3SM 182.1+1.

• The Mark of the Beast: The mark is the observance of a spurious rest day—Sunday—instituted by the papacyEVRR507+2. Choosing this day over God's commandment is an act of yielding to human power and establishing one's own rule of rightFEE 219.6+1.

• The Heart Issue: The mark is not merely a literal sign but a prominent religious profession that reveals where a person's trust is placedEVRR476+1. To choose the mark is to reject the evidence of truth and depend on human standard rather than the divine standard of righteousness19MR 103.2+1.

Preparation Through Humility

True godliness is distinguished from the "tinsel" of self-righteousness by a spirit of humility and reliance upon the merits of the blood of Christ11MR 284.4+1.

• Those preparing for the seal of God are purifying their souls by obeying the truth and are distrustful of selfCET 191.1.

• In contrast, those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and customs will find it easy to yield to the powers of earth when the mark is urged upon themPH117 63.2+1.

• The righteousness of Christ is imputed to the sinner who, with a contrite heart, makes humble efforts to live up to God's requirements11MR 284.4.

Final Manifestation

When the decree goes forth, the choice of each individual will make it apparent who is centered in Christ and who has trusted in their own righteousnessRH November 8, 1892, par. 7. Those who have been timid but faithful will openly declare themselves for Christ's law, while those who only had the appearance of godliness will receive the mark of apostasyBDOC 81.15+1. Ultimately, the keeping of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus is the distinct, separating message that leads people away from human "broken cisterns" to the fountain of living waters Revelation 14:12ARSH June 27, 1899, page 408.4.