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. In Ezekiel 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 10:14If I sin, then you mark me, and you will not acquit me from my iniquity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Marks of the True Church, and Wherein it Differs from the ... Robert Hall -- Marks of Love to God victor Entangles Himself in an Exceedingly Difficult Question. ... The Marks of the New Birth Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost The Purpose for which God in his Foreknowledge Created Persons who ... Many are the Marks, which the Learned have Given us of the True ... As He Purposes to Establish the Godhead of the Holy Spirit by the ... Servants of Sin. Sin. Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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