Vaccines, The Mark of the Beast and End-Time Theology
I loved the Left Behind books as a teenager.
They were my first introduction to ‘Christian fiction’. I was enthralled by the apocalyptic story of Christians trying to survive after being ‘left behind’ following the rapture. They were truly page-turners, and I wished that someone would make a good movie about them. Hollywood attempted to do so and got Nicholas Cage as the lead actor.
I will say no more on the matter.
I became even more fascinated by the fact that the events in the book were deemed as a future reality. Whenever I spoke to most Christians about the future, the belief of things such as the rapture, the tribulation, etc., seemed as standard as Jesus dying and resurrecting.
The summary of the doctrine of the rapture is that Christians will escape future persecution which will last for 7 years (the technical name is tribulation) by being taken away from the earth into heaven. It is a doctrine that is believed by a lot of modern-day Christians, as part of the eschatological (end-time) interpretation of the book of Revelation called futurism. Some Christians believe in a ‘post-tribulation rapture’, which is the belief that at Jesus’ second coming at the end of the 7 years, Christians will meet him up in the air. As this is quite different, and virtually all Christians already believe in the second coming (even if they don’t believe the other stuff), for simplicity in this blog post I will refer only to the former as ‘rapture’.
Another belief which the Left Behind books pushed is the belief in a microchip which if you take would signal your allegiance to the kingdom of darkness. This belief stems from an interpretation of Revelation 3:16–18.
“16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666” — Revelation 13:16–18 ESV
Due to this, a lot of Christians tend to be very skeptical and wary of anything resembling a microchip or an implant that is deemed mandatory for any reason. It is no surprise then that with the recent announcements of COVID-19 vaccines, there has been push back from some Christian groups.
The aim of this blog post is to examine all of this. If you read on, I plan to take you through end-time theology, the different beliefs regarding this, the concept of the mark of the beast, vaccines and a balanced way to view things.
End-time theology is broad
Growing up, I thought end-time theology revolved around the rapture and a future tribulation.
I can’t explain the fear I would experience when I would hear a sound which even vaguely resembled the sound of a trumpet, and not find myself floating in the air. It probably contributed to why I still see a therapist.
However, when I began to do research I found out that the futuristic view of Revelation that had been pushed by the Left Behind books were not the sole view that the Church has held. This is important to know, as many Christians may feel that if they do not believe in doctrines/concepts like the rapture, demonic microchips, etc., that they’re heretical.
In reality, there have been about 4 main different orthodox views concerning the ‘end-times’ and what the prophecies of Revelation mean. These are;
1. Preterism.
In summary, the Preterist view believes that most (if not all) of the biblical prophecies (including that in Revelation) have already been fulfilled. This view can further be split into full preterism (which believes that all prophecies have been fulfilled) and partial preterism (which believes that most have been fulfilled but a few remain). Full preterism is generally regarding by many as heretical, whilst partial preterism is viewed more favorably. Both would agree that prophecies in Daniel, Matthew 24, and Revelation were fulfilled no later than the first century AD with key events such as the siege and destruction of Jerusalem referring to Tribulation, but partial preterists believe that the last 2–3 chapters of Revelation have not been fulfilled. This includes a physical return of Christ to earth, a future resurrection of the dead, etc. The stuff that most Christians believe to be essential. Hence, partial preterism is still seen as an orthodox view.
It takes a very literal view regarding the first verse of the book of Revelation which says that the prophecies in Revelation will soon come to pass.
The most renowned modern partial preterist would be the late R.C Sproul.
2. Historicism
In summary, the historicism view believes that the end time prophecies were fulfilled in different centuries over the course of the past 2000 years, and are still being fulfilled. Meaning some prophecies may have been fulfilled in the 5th century, whilst some in the 16th century.
It was quite popular following the Protestant Reformation and was held by most of the Protestant reformers. Interpretations tend to identify the anti-Christ as the Pope and ‘Babylon’ with the Catholic Church (though some would just identify Babylon with a syncretic compromised Church). The ‘tribulation’ is generally not seen as a future event, but instead represents the persecution Christians have endured for the past centuries.
It was the widely held belief of most reputable protestant teachers and commentators of the past centuries. This includes but is not limited to Martin Luther, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, etc.
3. Futurism
In summary, the futurist view believes that the end-time prophecies have a future fulfillment. In summary, everything after Revelation 3 will happen in the future. The majority of Revelation is viewed as describing a literal 7 year period, with the ‘rapture’ taking place either before, during or after the tribulation (though like I said before, most people who hold this view believe it will happen before the tribulation). It was popularised by J.N Darby in the 19th century and then the ‘Left Behind’ books in the 20th century. It’s currently the most popular view amongst evangelical Christians.
Proponents of this view include John Macarthur, Tim LaHaye, etc.
4. Idealism
In summary, the idealist view believes that we shouldn’t be aiming to find literal fulfillments in the prophecies of revelation. It sees all of the imagery in the book as allegories and symbolic, and believes that the prophecies of Revelation simply symbolize the fight between good and evil. It believes that instead of aiming to interpret them as events, we should see them as fuel for social change and problems, with anti-Christ and ‘the Beast’ figures representing societal injustices and tyrants.
Proponents of this view include F.D. Maurice.
I have mentioned these, because it is healthy to know and understand other views, to enable you to avoid unhealthy echo chambers, especially as each view has significant strengths and weaknesses.
The fallacies of futurism
I want to start this off by making it very clear, that every single view above can be fairly criticized and my aim is not to throw the futurism view under the bus.
The preterist view can be criticized for being inconsistent at times with deciding what is literal and what is allegorical amongst the prophecies. The historicism view can be criticized for its adherents being inconsistent in agreeing which historical event applies to which prophecy. Idealism can be criticized for not attempting to even try and find any prophetical fulfillment. However, if you come to the conclusion that futurism is the eschatological view that you believe is right, you must be aware of both its strengths and weaknesses.
I hope you will find my observations fair.
Erratic biblical interpretations
As the futurist view tends to see most end-time prophecies as having a future fulfillment, if care is not taken, there can be an erratic interpretation and matching of Biblical prophecy whenever there is a global event.
A few decades ago, some Christians saw everything that was happening during World War 2 and preached that the end was nigh. They saw Hitler as the Anti-Christ (understandably) in the book of Revelation, and everything that was happening as a fulfillment of prophecies. However World War 2 came and went, and Christ did not come back.
That was not the end.
Similarly today, modern-day events tend to be easily associated with Biblical symbolism whenever something happens which shocks people.
When BREXIT happened, there were quite a few Christians who were quick to point at the European Union as the fulfillment of ‘Babylon’ and BREXIT as ‘leaving Babylon’.
Can you see the pattern? Here lies the major problems that those with a futurist eschatological view must both acknowledge and be mindful of.
No matter how convincing it is at the time, we cannot be absolutely certain what events correspond to which symbols in the book of Revelation, so humility is essential.
This problem can be applied to every single eschatological view, but it is especially something the futurist must be mindful of due to the behaviour it can lead to.
Worse things have happened in history. From the Black Plague to the World Wars. Events that many would have termed (and some did) as proof that the world was about to end. These individuals matched symbols in Revelation to these events, yet armageddon did not happen and Christ did not return. When a Christian becomes erratic and overly confident in trying to interpret a prophecy, it tends to lead to embarrassment (as many saw with the Donald Trump prophecies).
Part of the central Christian belief is that the Jews did not interpret the prophecies concerning the Messiah correctly, and that the prophecies when actualised actually looked different from what was expected (in the form of Jesus). If that is so, that should humble Christians regarding interpreting prophecies concerning the second coming of the messiah lest you trip over a similar stumbling block.
A balanced way to view things — Mark of the Beast and Vaccines
Am I saying it is wrong to look for prophetic fulfillment in events? No! I am saying that if you have the futurist eschatological view, you must be mindful of certain things to prevent your behavior from becoming harmful to others.
Let’s take the COVID-19 vaccines for example. There have been concerns expressed by Christians regarding taking it, as some view it as a fulfillment of the scripture regarding the Mark of the Beast.
Whilst I understand concerns, a healthy way to approach this would be to take a moment to actually look at the different interpretations of the mark of the beast (to avoid echo-chamber syndrome) alongside the history and journey of vaccines. This will lead to balanced conclusions.
Mark of the Beast
Most Christians are aware of the futurism view of the Mark of the Beast (microchips or implants). Let’s examine the other views.
Preterism — Most preterists would associate the number of the beast with Emperor Nero, who was Roman Emperor from AD 54–68. Nero Caesar in the Hebrew Alphabet (their letters have designated numbers) when interpreted numerically adds up to 666. He significantly persecuted Christians around the time that John and the other Apostles were alive. Taking the mark of the beast tends to be seen as the economic power of Rome in that time, as it became increasingly difficult for Christians to function without compromise to Rome’s idolatry. The Jews even revolted against Rome and tried to start their own currency.
Historicism — The earliest historicists believed the mark of the beast was Latin. For centuries, the mark of being Roman Catholic was worshipping in the Latin language. Everything was Latinized. The early protestants believed that this distinction which tended to ‘mark’ who was Catholic or not, was being referred to by this Scripture. They believed the concept of receiving this mark of the forehead or hand was an allusion to a practice around those times of slaves or soldiers bearing a mark/name of their owner or the emperor upon their hands or forehead. The forbidden to buy or sell verse is said to reference when popes would later forbid commercial intercourse with protestants (who were regarded as heretics).
Idealism — Idealists tend to see receiving the mark of the beast as compliance with an anti-Christ system. They do not believe the mark was literal but believe that alongside the ‘sealing of the servants of God on their forehead’ (Revelation 7:3) is symbolic. They believe the forehead symbolizes the mind whilst the right hand represents deeds. In summary, not submitting your mindset or behavior to an anti-Christ system would put you at odds with the system.
Each view has its strengths and weaknesses, and that should be taken into account when deciding what you believe about the mark of the beast.
Vaccines
At the moment, the COVID-19 vaccine is not being made mandatory. However, I must say that vaccines being made mandatory is not a strange phenomenon. This is normally done when a contagious disease has badly ravaged an area, and the governing authorities are trying to prevent an easily preventable outbreak. It is still done in many countries.
It was compulsory for UK citizens to take the smallpox vaccine from 1853–1971. Smallpox was one of the most dangerous diseases the world had seen. In the 20th century alone, around 300–500million people died from it. The fatality rate was 1 in 3. The UK didn’t want to risk another outbreak that could kill and devastate so many people, especially with a vaccine that worked being available. So for almost a century, it was made mandatory…and the world did not end. Instead, it led to smallpox being declared eradicated by 1980, in what is known as the biggest achievement in international public health. Outside of smallpox, vaccines have helped to eradicate diseases and protect vulnerable people and areas. To then say that a vaccine is the mark of the beast and preach against it is quite dangerous.
The UK probably won’t make vaccines mandatory. However, even if they did, it’s not a new thing. It’s been done before and for a good reason.
The Luciferase controversy
There have been concerns from Christians regarding ‘Luciferase’ being used in producing the vaccine, as it bears resemblance to ‘Lucifer’ (who isn’t a great guy).
Luciferase is a light-producing enzyme naturally found in insect fireflies and in other creatures too. It’s used a lot in biochemistry. The name was coined by the scientist Raphael Dubois in 1885 to describe the enzyme, because for certain reactions it would emit a light. Lucifer is the Latin word for “Light Bearer”. Dubios chose a Latin name that encapsulated the enzymes function.
Luciferase is not new and has been widely used for more than 100 years. Someone close to me dealt heavily with Influenza vaccinations whilst they completed their masters, and they dealt with Luciferase regularly. If you’ve have a flu jab, you’ve had a vaccine where Luciferase was used in the process. It’s important to stretch certain conclusions to its farthest degree. If you have an issue with the enzyme when used for the COVID vaccination, shouldn’t we avoid every time it is used in biochemistry in general (which would be often)?
The Covid-19 vaccine is not the first time Luciferase has been used, and it won’t be the last medicine that utilises it. The truth is you have likely come into contact with the enzyme without even knowing.
“What if you’re wrong and the vaccine is the Mark of the Beast and now I’m completely blocked out of heaven. Now I’m in hell. What then Michael?”
Part of the theology taught by some of those who hold to futurism is that if you take this chip which is the mark of the beast, there is no longer any hope for salvation. You’re damned.
There are a few problems with this. However, the major one relates to what Jesus (the Big Man himself) said.
“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” — Matthew 12:31–32
Jesus made it clear that all sins will be forgiven apart from one unforgivable sin (more on that here), and that sin had nothing to do with microchips (it would have been hard to find one in the first century). To teach that there is something else that equals eternal damnation without any hope for redemption is against the words of Jesus himself, and cannot be taken as orthodox doctrine.
So be at ease.
Conclusion
2020 has been a very interesting year, to say the least.
The point of this blogpost is to try and bring a balance to the conspiracy theories. For many, the announcement of a vaccine which could potentially lead to better days has been met with joy. For others, it has been met with caution and nervousness. I would ask that you take all of the above, and factor it into your processing.
I do not believe that there is enough evidence to say that the Scriptures discourage Christians from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, I think to say that is to be unfaithful to the Scriptures
If you are nervous about the vaccine due to medical reasons, I understand. There is some skepticism regarding it being rolled out so quickly, and whether it had enough time to be properly tested. I am not a medical professional and won’t pretend to be one. I would encourage reading medical papers and literature to make up your mind. The European Medicines Agency has quite a bit on it. However, the key thing would be to read papers from reputable resources, and avoid conspiracy theorists with no medical background. From there, feel free to make your own conclusions.
May God protect you and your family. I pray we all make it through this time, and get to celebrate better days to the glory of the Father above.
Maranatha.
