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◄ Sin: God: Marks►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of "marks" in relation to sin and God is a multifaceted theme that appears in various contexts throughout Scripture. These marks can be understood both literally and metaphorically, serving as signs of divine judgment, protection, or remembrance.

Cain's Mark

One of the earliest and most notable instances of a mark related to sin is found in the account of Cain and Abel. After Cain murders his brother Abel, God confronts him and pronounces a curse upon him. Cain expresses fear that others will kill him in retribution. In response, God places a mark on Cain to protect him: "Then the LORD said to him, 'Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.' And the LORD set a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him" (Genesis 4:15). This mark serves as both a sign of God's judgment and His mercy, ensuring Cain's survival despite his grievous sin.

Marks of Judgment

Throughout the Old Testament, marks or signs often accompany divine judgment. InEzekiel 9, God commands a man clothed in linen to go through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who lament over the city's abominations. This mark distinguishes the righteous from the wicked, who are subsequently judged: "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there" (Ezekiel 9:4). Here, the mark serves as a protective sign for those who are faithful to God amidst widespread sin.

The Mark of the Beast

In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation introduces the concept of the "mark of the beast," a symbol of allegiance to the forces opposed to God.Revelation 13:16-17 describes this mark as a requirement for economic transactions, signifying a deeper spiritual rebellion: "And the second beast required all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name" (Revelation 13:16-17). This mark contrasts with the seal of God placed on the foreheads of His servants, highlighting the spiritual battle between good and evil.

Marks of Christ

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of bearing the "marks of Jesus" on his body, referring to the physical scars and sufferings he endured for the sake of the Gospel: "From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus" (Galatians 6:17). These marks symbolize Paul's identification with Christ's suffering and his commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel, contrasting with the marks associated with sin and rebellion.

Spiritual Implications

The concept of marks in relation to sin and God carries profound spiritual implications. Marks can signify divine protection, as in the case of Cain, or divine judgment, as seen in Ezekiel. They can also represent allegiance, whether to God or to opposing forces, as illustrated in Revelation. Ultimately, the marks associated with sin and God serve as reminders of the spiritual realities that govern human existence, calling individuals to choose between faithfulness to God and rebellion against Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 10:14
If I sin, then you mark me, and you will not acquit me from my iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

TheMarks of the True Church, and Wherein it Differs from the...
...marks of Christians; namely, by faith, and when, having received Jesus Christ the
only Savior, they avoidsin, follow after righteousness, love the trueGod...

Robert Hall --Marks of Love toGod
... In suggesting variousmarks by which you may ascertain whether... calamity of a soul
estranged from the love ofGod!... moral fall, a spiritual death insin: and this...

victor Entangles Himself in an Exceedingly Difficult Question....
... ForGod's foreknowledge onlymarks beforehand those sinners whom He purposes to
heal. For if He liberates fromsin those souls which He Himself involved insin...

TheMarks of the New Birth
... IV.1. Thus have I plainly laid down thosemarks of the new... or a child ofGod: It
is, so to believe inGod, through Christ, as "not to commitsin," and to...

Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost
... in the Second place to lay down some scripturalmarks, whereby we... AndGod's elect
are also said to "cry to him day... Holy Spirit is to convince us ofsin, and to...

The Purpose for whichGod in his Foreknowledge Created Persons who...
... in His foreknowledge created persons who wouldsin and not... WhereforeGod makes all
His works good, but each... For the heedlessness thatmarks man's judgment made...

Many are theMarks, which the Learned have Given us of the True...
... Many are themarks, which the learned have given us of the... as it does, under the
power ofsin, without any thought, hope, or desire of doingGod's will on...

As He Purposes to Establish the Godhead of the Holy Spirit by the...
...God is known by thesemarks: either that He is withoutsin; or that He forgives
sin; or that He is not a creature but the Creator; or that He does not give but...

Servants ofSin.
... trembling hand of the drunkard; they bear themarks of their... the fate of all those
who become the slave ofsin.... pride, he refused to bow down toGod, and made...

Sin.
... Though you wash with niter, or with much soap, those deep-dyedmarks of iniquity
can not be... Man is unable to liberate himself fromsin, butGod has sent a...