We are part of a small group of people spread around the world who take the Bible as our only rule. After having devoted considerable time to its study, especially chapters referring to our future, we have realized we must share with you what we have learned. This knowledge is of such importance that we are willing to endure hardship and sacrifice, even life itself, to make it available to you. Strong forces are working hard to silence this information.

Initially we did not take the Bible so seriously until we were astonished to discover how accurate it is. So accurate, that even predictions made thousands of years earlier occurred in the very day foretold, to the very letter. This has compelled us to conclude that there is an all-knowing God behind the Bible, who is not bound by time and knows the end from the beginning.

We would not have taken the Bible so seriously if God had not demonstrated such complete control and knowledge of the future. This mastery is revealed most clearly in two books: Daniel in the Old Testament and Revelation in the New Testament.

Additionally, God revealed the unique features of each empire, such as the manner in which they would rise to power and fall, and the main characteristic of each government. See Daniel 7 and 8. Enough details were given that a candid student of history and the Bible cannot but concede there is a God in heaven who rules over our world.

The purpose of prophecy is to warn us about future crises. For example, God warned Noah of the coming flood, Abraham and Lot of the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and He told Moses of the plagues of Egypt. They all had to obey the warning in faith. These events were recorded to teach us that whatever God foretold happened exactly as He said. Hence, we cannot afford to ignore any of His yet to be fulfilled prophecies as they serve as warnings that, if we obey, will protect us from crises.

In fact, the most solemn prophetic warning is yet to be fulfilled. Today, there is nothing more important for us to understand than this prophecy because events are taking place in rapid succession indicating its imminent fulfillment.

"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" Revelation 14: 9-12.

This fearful warning describes two groups of people. The first group is warned against worshipping the beast and his image, which leads them to receive the mark of the beast; while the second group is viewed positively as keeping the commandments of God. Furthermore, the description of the second coming of Christ directly follows this warning. Therefore, we know that this is the last warning given before the second coming of Christ.

Good question. In order to answer it we need to identify the beast, the image of the beast , and the mark of the beast. It is only logical to assume that God would not warn us about such dangerous entities without helping us to identify them in a conclusive way. Our loving God would not subject us to guesswork, when our eternal destiny is at stake. Not surprisingly then, we find a description of the beast and his image in the previous chapter where many keys are given to unlock their identity.

"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns tens crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemi es; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world... 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the bea st: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six" Revelation 13: 1-8, 16-18.

We need to allow the Bible to interpret its own symbols. We should expect that God, for our benefit, revealed within the Bible the meaning of these symbols. Therefore, what we need is some diligence in study to find their interpretation in the Bible. By such a method, we avoid all human conjecture and speculation.

The Bible actually condemns human conjecture and speculation because "no prophecy... is of any private interpretation" 2 Peter 1:20. The Bible defines its own symbols. For example, the book of Revelation contains 404 verses. Out of these 404 verses, 278 are found almost word for word in other books in the Bible, where their meaning is expounded.

Therefore, we encourage you to do as the Bible Bereans (see Acts 17:10, 11) and bring every teaching to the test of the Scripture. As, whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will understand the Scriptures. "If any man will do His will, he shall know...whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. "John 7:17.

There are many symbols for the beast: nevertheless, we will suffice ourselves with those necessary to identify the beast. These symbols are 'beast', 'dragon', 'sea', 'forty-two months', and 'blasphemy'.

Beast: In Bible prophecy, a beast is a symbol of a king or kingdom. "These great beasts , which are four, are four kings ... the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom ..." Daniel 7:17, 23. With this beast, we are studying a unique kingdom for it is not only a political power but a religious one as well, because people "worshipped the beast" Rev. 13:4.

Dragon:According to the Bible, the dragon is another name for Satan, the father of lies and deceptions, "the great dragon ...called the Devil , and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world."This would mean that when Satan gave"his power, and his seat, and great authority"to the beast, we can expect the beast to behave in the same deceptively evil ways of Satan. Thus, a great deal of deception will be found in the affairs of the beast. Rev. 12:9; 13:2

Sea:In Bible prophecy, sea is symbol of a multitude of many different people."...The waters ...are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues"Rev. 17:15. Accordingly, this unique kingdom or power rose out of the sea, signifying that it came out of a location in the world that was densely populated with different nationalities of people.

Forty-two months:This period is equivalent to three and half years (42 divided by 12 months). And the Bible was written based on the Jewish calendar where every Jewish year is 360 days (30 days for each month). So, three and half years and forty-two months are both equal to 1260 days. The reason why we are changing the months to their equivalent in days is that when God gave time prophecies, He often equated a day for a year "...even forty days , each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years..." "I have appointed thee each day for a year "Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6.

Therefore, the forty-two prophetic months imply a period of 1260 years during which the beast was given, a "mouth speaking great things and blasphemies"and would"make war with the saints and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations"Rev. 13:5, 7.. Meaning that during this period the beast would blaspheme, persecute Christians, and have great authority.

Blasphemy:In the Bible, blasphemy is defined in two ways. The first is when a person claims to be God or His representative. "...for a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God "John 10:33So the beast, this religio-political power and kingdom, has blasphemed God by pretending to be in the place of God on earth. The second way of committing blasphemy is by granting absolutions (claiming the power to forgive the sins of others). "Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies ? Who can forgive sins but God only?"Mark 2:7.

The beast, this religio-political power and kingdom, has blasphemed God not only by taking His place on earth, but also by claiming the rite of absolution. No wonder the beast has the "name of blasphemy" and speaks "blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name"; this is because the beast claims powers that are the sole prerogative of God. Rev. 13:1, 6..

Nine Key Marks
Having allowed the Bible to unlock the meaning of its own symbols we can now highlight the nine major identifying marks of the beast to determine which power in history fulfills these features. These are not the only identifiers: there are many more in the Bible. We hope this compilation of identifying keys will lead you to search the Bible to find out more.

Let us take each identifier to see how history points exclusively to the Roman Catholic Church.

Saint John saw this union in a prophetic vision concerning the fourth and final kingdom of the world and described it as, "a woman sit [ting] upon a scarlet coloured beast" Rev. 17:3.

In addition, it is unanimously understood in prophecy that a beast is a nation. Even in today's world, nations are symbolized as beasts. The USA is seen as an eagle, Russia is likened unto a bear, and China carries the image of a dragon.

Today, is there a church and state working together as one globally recognized power? The only entity in the world that has accomplished this is the Roman Catholic Church.

"The Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Peter, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful." Vatican Council II (1962-65)

"Every cleric must obey the Pope, even if he commands what is evil; for no one may judge the Pope." Pope Innocent III (1198-1216)

Simultaneously, the pope is king over the independent nation Vatican City. The Vatican is a distinct sovereign miniature nation, although within Italy. Thus, the papacy is a unique power combining religious and civil power.

(3) The history of the Roman Catholic Church is full of deception:

One of the best examples is the document Donation of Constantine, dated March 30, 315 AD, which the Roman Catholic Church forged to extend her power and authority. Through this false document, Pope Stephen III in the eighth century convinced Pepin, king of the Franks, that the territories of the Lombards had been given by Constantine to the Roman Catholic Church. This led Pepin to fight the Lombards and usurp the cities for the pope. In 1440, this document was proven forged by a papal aide called Lorenzo Valla, yet pope after pope never admitted nor confessed this forgery. To this day, there is an inscription in the baptistery of St. John Lateran in Rome perpetuating this forged document.

"VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope John Paul II rang in the New Year on Thursday with a renewed call for... the creation of a new world order based on respect for the dignity of man and equality among nations." Thursday, January 1, 2004 Posted: 9:21 AM EST (1421 GMT)

(4) The Roman Catholic Church ruled ruthlessly for 1260 years having absolute dominion over other nations. This period has a clear starting point, and a 'deadly wound' at its end:

"In 1798 General Berthier made his entrance into Rome, abolished the papal government, and established a secular one." Encyclopedia Britannica, 1941 edition

Historical evidence reveals that in 533 AD the Roman Emperor Justinian recognized the pope's ecclesiastical supremacy as 'head' of all the churches in both east and west of the Roman Empire. However, it was not until 538 AD when the papacy was effectively freed from its last Arian opponent, the Ostrogoths (who were at that time ruling Italy) did the pope emerge as the leading figure in the West. Thus, in 538 AD the stage was set for the gradual but steady ascendancy of the papacy.

"Vigilius...ascended the papal chair (538 A.D.) under the military protection of Belisarius." History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, p. 327

"It is the office of the papacy to tread under foot kings and emperors." J.H. Ignaz Dollinger, The Pope and the Council, (London), p. 35

In the papal bull of Pope Gregory XI, dated 1372 AD, and entitled In Coena Domini, the pope pronounced papal dominion over the entire Christian world, secular and religious, and excommunicated all who failed to obey the popes and to pay them taxes. This papal bull was confirmed by subsequent popes and, in 1568 AD, Pope Pius V vowed that it was to remain an eternal law.

A practical demonstration of the above assertion was the treatment of Pope Gregory VII in 1077 AD to King Henry IV, Emperor of Germany. When the king appeared to disregard the pope's authority, the pope ex-communicated and dethroned him. Henry decided to make peace with the pope and crossed the Alps in mid-winter to humble himself. When he reached the pope's castle, Henry was made to wait for permission to see the pope in the outer court, bare-footed with his head uncovered, and dressed in a miserable dress. It took the king three days of fasting and confession before the pope pardoned him.

Today, this claim of supremacy over leaders of the world continues to be upheld by the papacy:

"The First See [papacy of Rome] is judged by no one. It is the right of the Roman Pontiff himself alone to judge...those who hold the highest civil office in a state...There is neither appeal nor recourse against a decision or decree of the Roman Pontiff." The Code of Canon Law (Paulist Press, 1985), pp. 951, 271

(5) The Roman Catholic Church persecuted Christians during the 1260-year period:

During this period of history (also known as the Middle Ages), the Roman Catholic Church held a strong sway over Europe, and every citizen was required to be a Roman Catholic. Anything short of total submission to the pope was punishable by torture or death. This led the Roman Catholic system to become one of the most persecuting religions the world has ever known, according to Vicars of Christ: the Dark Side of the papacy, by Peter de Rosa, p. 180

"For professing faith contrary to the Church of Rome, history records the martyrdom of more than one hundred million people." Brief Bible Studies, p. 16

"We must rank the Inquisition ... as among the darkest blots on record of mankind."Will Durant, The Story of Civilization, vol. 4, p. 78

"That the Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind will be questioned by no Protestant who has a complete knowledge of history. It is impossible to form a complete conception of the multitude of her victims, and it is quite certain that no powers of imagination can adequately realize their sufferings." W. E. H. Leeky, History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe, Vol. 2:32, 1910 edition

In the Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 12, page 266, the reader will find a lengthy article describing the authority of the Roman Catholic Church in punishing 'heretics', whose only crime was that they were faithful Bible-believing Christians.

(6) The Roman Catholic Church will fully recover from its 'deadly wound' and the whole world will wonder after it:

When Pope Pius VI died in captivity in France in 1799, the world expected an end to the Roman Catholic Church. However, God had told us about 2000 years ago that the beast would recover from its deadly wound. Here is how the New York Times reported the healing of the beast, the papacy:

"MORTAL WOUND HEALED: Rome, June 7.--From 11 o'clock this morning there was another sovereign independent State in the world. At that time Premier Mussolini ... exchanged with Cardinal Gasparri, Papal Secretary of State, representing Pope Pius XI, ratifications of the treaties signed at the Lateran Palace on Feb. 11. By that simple act the sovereign independent State of Vatican City came into existence." New York Times, July 7, 1929

The San Francisco Chronicle reported the 'recovery' of the papacy as follows:

"Mussolini and Gaspari (Cardinal) Sign Historic Pact... Heal Wound of Many Years." The San Francisco Chronicle, July 7, 1929

Does the world today 'wonder' after the papacy, as the Bible predicted?

"The best way to honor Pope John Paul II, truly one of the great men, is to take his teaching seriously; is to listen to his words and put his words and teachings into action here in America. This is a challenge we must accept." President George W. Bush, March 21, 2001

"Pope John Paul II is one of the greatest moral and spiritual leaders of this century." Billy Graham in the Saturday Evening Post, Jan-Feb. 1980

"I admire Pope John XXIII tremendously. I felt he brought a new era to the world". Billy Graham, Chicago Tribune, June 8, 1963

"Pope John Paul II celebrates outdoor mass in Spanish for over million people in Mexico City." The New York Times, Jan 25, 1999

"Wednesday night as the Holy Father walked with Vice President Gore along the tarmac ...to board "Shepherd I" and return to Rome, people wept, waved handkerchiefs and cheered "John Paul II, we love you!"...It was a brief but very moving and powerful visit by the Pope to St. Louis." Jan 28, 1999 (EWTNews)

"There is no doubt that Paul VI, together with John XXIII and John Paul II, will be remembered as the three great Popes of Peace, pioneer of a momentous transcendence of the Catholic Church into the New Age." Robert Muller, former U.N. Assistant Secretary General

(7) The Roman Catholic Church has the mysterious number 666:

The official title of the pope is "Vicarius Filii Dei", which translated is, "Representative of the Son of God". To confirm, the Catholic newspaper Our Sunday Visitor of April 18, 1915 wrote: "The engraved letter on the pope's Mitre is as follows: 'Vicarius Filii Dei '". Since in Latin certain letters have numerical values, we only need to add them up to come to 666.

Although the USA was founded on principles opposed to the papacy, today we observe how the USA and the Vatican are working more closely together to make their influence more prominent. The Bible tells us that one day, in the not too distant future, the USA will legislate a law requiring its citizens, and then the world, to worship the first beast, the papacy. "And he [USA] exerciseth all the power of the first beast [papacy] before him, and causeth the earth [first USA, then globally] and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast [honoring papacy's Sunday], whose deadly wound [1798] was healed [1929] .saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast [duplicating the papacy when she used civil power to enforce religious dogma], which had the wound by a sword, and did live" Rev. 13:12, 14.

Soon the USA will renounce its religious freedom to enforce Sunday observance (the mark of the beast).This means Protestant Churches will control the government to accomplish their agenda. When this happens, the USA will have made an image to the Roman Catholic Church, uniting church with state. Then USA will speak "as a dragon" and exercise "all the power of the first beast" Rev. 13:11, 12 ; she will have the same spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the first beast, the papacy.

Therefore, as religious freedom is lost, persecution of the dissenting minorities will be inevitable, and there will be a repetition of the Middle Ages religious intolerance: "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast [Sunday laws enacted] ...and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast [by honoring Saturday, not Sunday] should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark [those who honor the true Sabbath will be forbidden to buy and sell], or the name of the beast." Rev. 13:15-17

Some will receive the mark "in their forehead" because they chose to "believe a lie" 2 Thessalonians 2:11. Others, though convinced that Sunday is not the true Sabbath, will submit to preserve their livelihood thus receiving the mark "in their right hand that is a symbol of work.

Today most Protestants are favorable towards the papacy, and this has emboldened the papacy to seek aggressively the legislation of Sunday observance:

"All Americans would do well to petition the President and the Congress to make a Federal law - an amendment to the Constitution if need be - to re-establish the (false) Sabbath as a national Day of Rest." CATHOLIC TWIN CIRCLE, August 25, 1985, Article "Sacking Sunday"

"In this matter, my predecessor Pope Leo XIII ... spoke of Sunday rest as a worker's right whichthe State must guarantee." Pope John Paul II-DIES DOMINI, May 31, 1998

"Therefore...Christians will naturally strive to ensure that civil legislation respects their duty to keep Sunday holy. In any case, they are obliged in conscience to arrange their Sunday rest in a way which allows them to take part in the Eucharist, refraining from work and activities which are incompatible with the sanctification of the Lord's Day..." Pope John Paul II, DIES DOMINI, May 31, 1998

"... Christians [everywhere] should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays." Catechism of the Catholic Church, popular and definitive edition, 2000, par 2188

Most of the Protestants leaders in the USA are ready to bury the hatchet with the Catholics:

"Heads of American Protestant and Eastern Orthodox churches who were meeting with Pope John Paul II on Friday hailed their first broadly representative discussion as a landmark on the road to greater unity...The Rev. Donald Jones, a United Methodist and chairman of the University of South Carolina religious studies department, termed it, 'the most important ecumenical meeting of the century.' The Rev. Paul A. Crow Jr., of Indianapolis, ecumenical officer of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), called it a 'new day in ecumenism' opening a future in which God 'is drawing us together.'" The Montgomery Advertiser, Sept. 12, 1987

This is the most important question. God, in His infinite love, has warned us not to worship the beast and thereby receive his mark. Those receiving the mark of the beast "shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture [without mercy] into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone...who worship the beast [honor papacy through Sunday observance] and his image [USA enforcing Sunday observance], and whosever receiveth the mark of his name" Rev. 14:10, 11.

These are very solemn words from God. His wrath is in proportion to the offense. By honoring, Sunday, originated by Satan through the papacy, you are preparing to receive the mark of the beast. Satan wants to deceive as many as he can into honoring this counterfeit day. To perfect his deception, he chose Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection knowing that most people would believe that Sunday observance is more appropriate than Saturday, since it honors the resurrection of Christ. But the only way not to receive the mark of the beast is to refuse honoring a day that was not chosen of God. The only day which God has ordained as holy is Saturday Sabbath and by honoring it you will receive the "the seal of the living God" Rev. 7:2.

If you want to honor the death and resurrection of Christ, the Bible distinctly says you do so by baptism (total immersion). See Romans 6:3-5. By entering into the water (being buried) you acknowledge His death. By coming out of the water (arising) you acknowledge His resurrection.

Most Christians of past generations observed Sunday, thinking they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and today there are true Christians in every church, including the Roman Catholic Church, who believe that Sunday is the Lord's Day. None are accountable for their errors since the light has not been brought to them. For the Lord "winks" at our times of ignorance. See Acts 17:30. We are only judged by the light we had the opportunity to receive. But, when the universal Sunday law is enforced, the issue will be clear before all, and then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome will receive the mark of the beast.

Soon, each person will face this test with eternal stakes, to keep the commandments of God or the papacy. Where will you stand?

God's solemn warning in Revelation 14 leaves no room for indifference. Jesus said, "He that is not with me is against me" Luke 11:23. God counts all men as decidedly for the truth or against it. This warning is no respecter of person, class, condition, or religion. It is addressed to all humanity.

It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. Nothing that concerns the eternal welfare of souls should be regarded with indifference. God abhors indifference in religious matters.

With neutrality being unacceptable to God, and knowing that to avoid receiving the mark of the beast I must honor Saturday even when Sunday is imposed by the law with a death penalty.

God is most eager to enter into a serious relationship with you. In fact, He wants you to be His son or daughter. Just think what a privilege it would be to be the son or daughter of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. This genuine opportunity is granted to you, He is eagerly waiting to bestow this highest of honors. Yet, His word to you is, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1.

1. God does not permit any mixture of truth with error (even if its 99% truth). Only Satan mixes truth with error to maximize his deception. Thus, any system of religion that incorporates errors (such as Sunday being the Lord's Day) along with truth is not from God. For "what communion hath light with darkness?" "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 John 1:5. The truth is 100% truth or it is not truth. There is no place for man-made teachings or traditions.

2. The duty of a person aspiring to be in harmony with God is to not be a member of any church or system of religion that is built on Satan's foundation: the mixture of truth with error. This separation represents the first practical step you can take to be God's child, and rejoice in Him as your loving Father.

As we separate, we can become sons and daughters of God. For we have demonstrated an understanding that there are only two systems of religions in the world: God's and Satan's, and thus we have willingly chosen to sever any link that ties us to a system of religion founded by Satan.

3. Knowing that when you leave Satan's systems of religion, you lose friends, family, influence, work, etc...God's reassures you: " I AM the Almighty." It means that He will more than compensate you for all that you have lost. Jesus promises you: "There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life"Mark 10:29, 30.

4. After we come out from Satan's systems of religion the Lord may lead us by the influence of the Holy Spirit to cleanse and keep us from sin, that communication may be open between God and man. However, God desires us to obey and serve Him, not by compulsion, but willingly. Love to God because of gratitude for what He has done to make this reconciliation possible is the very foundation of religion. To engage in His service merely from hope of reward or fear of punishment will avail nothing.

When God created Adam and Eve, they were perfect in character and inclination, and lived in obedience to God's law. To make it natural for them to obey Him, God imprinted on their hearts the Ten Commandments. He also revealed to them that transgression of His law is punishable by death. "The wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23. All governments require clear laws and well-defined punishments for violation of these laws. Just imagine the state of the world if punishments were absolved. Would we be safe to live in a place where violators of the law were not subject to a penalty?

While God revealed His law to Adam and Eve, and made it natural for them to obey by imprinting it in their heart. He did not remove their freedom of choice. God might have created man without the power to transgress His law; but in that case man would have been not a free moral agent, but a mere automation. Without freedom of choice, his obedience would not have been voluntary, but forced.

Regrettably, Adam and Eve willfully chose to disobey God, thus sin created a barrier between man and God. They became subject to the punishment of death for transgressing God's law. They had to die. Furthermore, the pure inclination they had for obeying God was corrupted after choosing to disobey His law. Their hearts had now acquired an opposing and stronger tendency to disobey.

Faced with the transgression of Adam and Eve, what was our loving God to do? Leave them both to die for their transgression of His law? Do loving earthly parents abandon their children after they choose to disobey them? Or worse, would He remove the punishment for the transgression to accommodate them? Can a government, earthly or heavenly, endure and prosper without well-defined punishments? Certainly not.

In short, if Adam and Eve were to pay for their transgression themselves, that would have resulted in the end of the human race. Or if God were to create anew another Adam and Eve, there was no guarantee that they would not, like their predecessors, choose to disobey, and the whole process would happen again. It is apparent that an external solution (out of the realm of the sinners) had to be devised. This heavenly plan was prepared by God long before the need for it actually came.

The Bible says it is "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints" Colossians 1:26. God's plan incorporated the solution to bring the human race back in harmony again with Him, without undermining His law, or government because as much as God hates sin He loves the sinner.

This solution meant that someone else innocent must pay the death penalty; hence, his death would be on behalf of the sinners. By his death, the sinner who believed would be reconciled to God, as if he never sinned, and thus God's justice and love for the human race would not be in conflict with each other. Without paying the penalty, there would never be reconciliation between man and God. And reconciliation is necessary to be in harmony with God and live with Him in heaven eternally.

Additionally, this external person who was to die on behalf of sinners needed to show man how to live on earth without sinning, so there would be permanent reconciliation with God. What is the point of being reconciled only to slip back into sin, and need another reconciliation? Obviously, God's plan included a way to empower man to live victoriously over sin! So that, although by transgression of God's law, Adam lost paradise, in obedience to the Father's law and through faith in the atoning blood of this external person, paradise may be regained.

You must remember two important points. Firstly, the proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both your title to heaven and your fitness for reconciliation are found in the righteousness of this external person. Secondly, God can do nothing towards your reconciliation until, convinced of your own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, you submit yourself to the control of God.

However, your question means that you are already convicted of your personal sin. You are not happy with yourself. The first step that must be taken of all who return to God is repentance. "Repent...and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" Acts 3:19. We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. True repentance is more than sorrow for sin. It is a resolute turning away from evil. No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. Nevertheless, can man repent of himself? No more than he can pardon or expiate h imself. Repentance is no less the gift of God than is forgiveness and it cannot be experienced except as it is given to the soul.

When the heart becomes fully repentant by yielding to the influence of the Spirit of God, the sinner will begin to discern the sacredness of God's holy law. There will be a yearning desire to live a pure and holy life and to be in constant peace with God. And as we strive daily to walk closer with God, "He will draw nigh", and our characters will reflect His more and more as we "die daily" of our old sinful ways. James 4:8; 1 Corinthians 15:31

There was only one person who could successfully fulfill this mission. That person was none other than the Son of God. Why was the Son of God the only person qualified for this mission? Because the Son is the Creator of all things, "Who is the image of the invisible God...for by him were all things created." And the Son possesses all of God's qualities and capabilities because He is the "the express image of his person." Christ has life in Himself, which is more than equal to all the humans who will ever be born and be in need of His vicarious death. Thus, His sacrifice would fulfill the justice of God for all sinners who will accept His vicarious death, while showing His mercy and love. In the Son, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." And being equal with God, the Son is truly the only person who could reveal to man the beautiful attribute s of God and reconcile man to God. Colossians 1:15, 16; Hebrews 1:3; Psalms 85:10.

However, for this to happen, and for God's justice to be fulfilled, the Son had to take upon Himself our fallen human nature, with its bias toward evil. "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." Only by such a step would it be fair for the Son to be our perfect example. "Leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin." From one side through His divinity He touches God and, from the other side, through His humanity He touches man. Thus, no other than the Son could have bestowed this precious gift of reconciliation. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he [the Son] also himself likewise took part of the same" "...God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" "For...when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son." Christ took upon Himself our human nature with all its weaknesses, yet He lived a sinless life. It is this victorious life over sin that Christ is eager to empower us to live. Hebrews 2:16; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:10.

God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" "...as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation" "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation..." "Follow...holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord".All His biddings are enablings. God makes no requirement without making provision for its fulfilment. Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15; Philippians 2:15; Hebrews 12:14.

None need fail in attaining perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for every believer to receive exceeding abundantly all that is needed to achieve this desired goal. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ's character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, Christ showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain perfection of character. This is God's assurance to us that we, too, may obtain victory.

We thank God who "giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:57.

No other life was as crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Christ; yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God! Again and again in the history of His earthly life are found records such as these: "Rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed" "And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed" "And it came topass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God" Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12.

Unbroken communion with His Father was indispensable to Christ. So, it should be with us today. As one with us, a sharer in our needsand weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin Christ endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He found comfort and joy. As a man He supplicated the throne of God until His humanity was charged with a heavenly current that connected His humanity with divinity. Through continual communion He received strength to live a sinless life. His experience can be yours.

Before all is the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law of God. But on our own, we are unable. This holiness is only attained by training ourselves always to submit to the restraining influences of the Holy Spirit. Christ's enabling power will help us to persevere in overcoming every fault. We are constantly to pray to Christ, as He communed with His Father continuously, to help us overcome our inherent weaknesses. This process of cleansing us from our weaknesses is a continuous one. Day by day, we are to co-operate with God putting forth our persevering efforts for the cultivation of right habits. Christ will gladly grant to us the needed strength and blessings in our struggle against the evils that beset us.

Every one who receives Christ as a personal Savior is privileged to possess His attributes. However, those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin will be disappointed. We must be vigilant lest our old nature will again obtain the supremacy, whereby the enemy shall devise some snare whereby we shall again become his captives. We are to work out our "own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" Philippians2:12, 13.

Christ has given us no assurance that attaining perfection of character is easy. A noble, all-rounded character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and power of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies.

We will have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected. This is at times a very painful and discouraging work because, as we see the deformities in our character, we keep looking at them, when we should look to Jesus. But, everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self.

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If one comes to this decision, he will certainly fail in obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in one's own will. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.

Obedience to the Lord is paramount when walking with Him. The two main characteristics of a believer are obedience to His law, and faith of Christ. See Revelation 14:12. So just "believing" in Christ is not sufficient. If it were, then Satan himself would gain Heaven, for it is written, "the devils also believe, and tremble" James2:19.

For example, what was it that caused Adam and Eve to be cast from Eden? They had no trouble believing in Jesus for He walked with them in the cool of the day. See Genesis 3:8. It was disobedience that cost them dearly. So, are we saved by works? "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" Titus3:5. We do not keep the Law to become saved. Keeping the commandments are the fruits Christ said His followers would display.

The law proves we are in need of a Savior. Looking at the law as a"mirror" for the Christian we can see our defects more clearly. See James 1:23-25. It makes us realize we cannot gain perfection without Christ. The law cannot save. It can only point out our need for a Savior.To illustrate, if you were to fall in a puddle of mud, standing in front of a mirror you would see your filth. Can the mirror cleanse you? No, it cannot. It can only point out your need to be cleansed.

The heavenly angels will work with anyone who seeks that perfection of character. To everyone engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you "for without Me [Jesus] ye can do nothing" John 15:5. Remember this. Let us be true as the needle to the pole so that no temptation can corrupt us. May we not disappoint Him who so loved us that He gave His own life to remit our sins.

If you have made mistakes, you will certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus, you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Savior. Then, as your will co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent.

Now we have come to know that Sunday is the mark of the papacy (the beast), and that Satan will soon make it almost impossible for people to honor God's sacred seventh day of rest by using the USA to impose universal Sunday laws. We should begin to honor the Sabbath (training ourselves while times are easier) and share this truth with others to try to win as many souls as we can.

The command is given, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression..." It is not the heathen world, but those whom the Lord designates as "my people," that are to be reproved for their transgressions. He declares further, "Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God" Isaiah 58:1, 2.

Here is a class who think themselves righteous, and appear to manifest great interest in the service of God; but the stern rebuke of God reproves them for trampling upon divine precepts.

The prophet Isaiah, then points out which law has been forsaken: "...and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach...If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath , from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord"Isaiah 58:12-14.

This also applies to you. The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed by the Roman Catholic Church. The time has come for that divine institution to be restored. The breach is to be repaired. We have chosen to be among those who will repair the breach. Would you like to become a repairer of the breach?

Do you want to start keeping Saturday holy, by refraining from your own work, not seeking your own pleasure, and not speaking your own words within the sacred hours of the Lord's Sabbath day?

Rest assured that you are not alone facing this dilemma. Those involved in this project, have faced this very situation. We have had to leave our churches once we discovered how little they love the truth. Even the churches which claim to honor the Sabbath are only rendering lip service. They keep Sabbath holy when it is possible or convenient to do so. When forbidding circumstances arise, making Sabbath observance difficult these churches will absolve the members from their duty to keep the Sabbath holy. But God's word tells us, "we ought to obey God rather than men" Acts 5:29.

Soon, through universal Sunday laws, Satan will make it a crime to obey God. We must be prepared to be counted as criminals for keeping His Sabbath day holy, rather than to be compliant with man's law but guilty of disobeying God. Soon every one on earth will be faced with this dilemma: whom do I obey, man or God ? We have chosen to obey God no matter what pressures or punishments we will be subjected to for we are seeking a heavenly kingdom.

In the meantime, having left all the churches and religions opposed to God's truth, we began to worship in our homes trying to win family, friends, and neighbors to the truth until we formed small companies of believers. Thus, we can claim Christ's promise "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" Matthew 18:20 .

We testify that when we have separated from the churches and false religions in obedience to God's command ( see question 18 ) we have enjoyed freedom and liberation. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" John 8:32. May our joy be yours, as you determine to separate to become a son or daughter of God. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things" Rev. 21:7.

We pray you will choose to be a repairer of the breach in God's law, and will engage in saving as many as are willing from the deception engulfing a world that is facing its last chance before the soon second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN.

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All Bible verses for the above article are derived from the King James Version.