"mark of the beast" will involve "great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24).

Almost all Christian churches are talking about the second coming of Christ, and the possibility of the imminent end of the world. Yes, it does make good sense to talk about preparing for such an event!

There are many pastors and theologians who tell us that there is no special preparation--just live a good life and do the best you can and you'll be ready either to die or to meet Jesus and be translated when He comes. But even a child can see that there is something special involved: there is a final exam coming, a great test that Revelation 13 says is "the mark of the beast" that in one final issue will divide the sheep from the goats forever. The "mark of the beast" will involve "great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24).

Never in history have God's people met such a test! Jesus said, "Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake and then shall many be offended and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another" (vss. 9, 10). In other words, many who now profess to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will then turn traitor and accept the mark of the beast. And Paul sobers us even more when he warns us, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12). Peter was cocksure he would never "fall," but a girl in or barely out of her teens overthrew him.

The Good News is that there is an alternative to the mark of the beast: the seal of God (Rev. 7:1-4). That involves a special work of purification of the heart: "When [Christ] shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:2, 3). On this great cosmic Day of Atonement, that precisely is the work of the great High Priest. Don't stop Him, don't resist Him. Cooperate with Him!