Taking the Name, The Mark & The Number: Taking the Number

Please note: Research into the Hebrew Roots & Messianic movements constitutes research into Judaism as well as the occult. We fully respect each persons right to believe or utilize what resources they choose. We however, see a clear distinction in believing the Messiah has come versus utilizing resources which still await His coming. That is how and why we must evaluate all to Christ and the New Testament as well as the Tenach. We do not wish to edit or criticize Judaism, but recognize it as distinct from our Christian beliefs, just as many in Judaism also see a distinction and separateness from our beliefs, and we jointly have mutual respect for our differences and each other.

Proverbs 2:10-14

"When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil and delight in the frowardness of the wicked"

The Number of the Beast

Over the years there have been many "false" identifications of the Anti-christ or Beast, from Nero to Hitler. There has been speculation recently as to the number of the Beast is and how it relates to the mark. Is there a good reason for this confusion? In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, we have seen that the new Bible translations have altered the words and meanings of verses pertaining to prophecy, with devastating results. As we consider the application of the Name, Mark and Number of the Beast, we note that Revelation 13:17-18 have also been altered in the new versions.

In the KJB "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. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

In the NIV " So that no one could buy or sell, unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast, or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."

In the New Revised Standard "So that no one can buy or sell, who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast, or the number of is name." This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six."

We know that God alone can supply what is needed to comprehend the meaning of His Word and these verses in particular. Referring to wisdom, Proverbs 2:4-6 promises:

"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

The term, " 'count' the number of the beast", is of interest because, according to Strong's Concordance, this particular definition applies only to this verse of Scripture.

5585-- psephizo, (psay-fid-zo); from 5586: to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e.(gen.) to compute:--count

5586--psephos (psay-fos); from the same as 5584; a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), i.e. (by impl. of use as a counter or ballot) a verdict (of acquital) or ticket (of admission); a vote:--stone, voice.

5584 --pselaphao (psay-laf-ah-o) . . . (comp. 5586); to manipulate, i.e. verify by contact; to search for:--feel after, handle, touch.

By these definitions it would appear we are to search for and verify the meaning through counting or computing or adding together the digits which relate to "a man's number,"--- that number being "six hundred threescore and six." Why does the King James Bible write the number as six hundred, threescore and six, when other versions write the number as being 666? To determine this, we will be computing and verifying the factors which must be considered.

Counting the Number

Strong's Greek Dictionary reveals the numerical definition for "six" is used for all verses in the New Testament (eg., Mark 9:2 and John 2:20) except for two verses, Rev.14:20 and 13:18.

1803 . . . hex..--a prim. numeral; six--six.

The Harvest Judgment in Revelation 14:20 has the only verse definition related to it's particular "six hundred". "And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs."

1812-- hexakosioi (hex-ak-os'-ee-oy) plur. ordinal from 1803 and 1540; six hundred-six hundred [Note: ordinal number is a number that shows order or position in a series. First, second, third,etc . . .]

1803 --hex--, a prim. numeral; six---six.

1540--hekaton ( hek-at-on) of uncertain affin; a hundred---hundred

The Greek definition that is related for "six hundred threescore and six" in Revelation 13:18 is also unique. It does not connect to any "six" numbers in any other verses in the New Testament. The fact that the definition for "six hundred threescore and six" uses the Greek Alphabet rather than the numerical "six" used in other verses helps one understand that these are not simply numbers, as the newer versions state i.e. 666., although that is the actual associated numeral.

5516-- chi xi stigma (khee xee stig'-ma); the 22d, 14th and an obsol. letter (4742 as a cross) of the Greek Alphabet (intermediate between the 5th and 6th) used as numbers; denoting respectively 600, 60 and 6, 666 as a numeral--six hundred threescore and 6.

4742--stigma (stig-mah);from a prim . . . stizo (to "stick", i.e. prick); a mark incised or punched (for recognition of ownership) i.e. (fig.) scar of service:--mark [Dictionary def. of "stick" is, " . . . pierce with a pointed instrument . . . set into or adorn the surface of . . . impose upon. . ." 1.]

'Stigma' is a Greek word that has been adopted into the English language, and which helps provide a clearer understanding of these meanings.

stigma--(stig-ma) n. . . . 1. a mark of disgrace; a stain or reproach on one's reputation. 2. a distinguishing mark or sign . . . 6. Archaic. a special mark burned on a slave or criminal [<L<Gk.] 2.

These definitions give greater credence to the application of the Mark via tattooing or branding. As we have seen, the Dictionary definition of "tattoo" is " . . . mark (the skin) with designs or patterns by pricking it and putting in colors . . . " and we learned in Part 2 that tattooing and branding are related. Historically, people have, "use[d] tattooing and scarification to indicate social rank and affiliation" and " . . . primarily as proof of ownership."

Marking the skin with a "stick" or "prick," is precisely how tattoos are applied. When we consider the combination of these word meanings, "a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude)" which is thought "to indicate rank" but is really a "sign of disgrace," the true end-time scenario begins to emerge. Perhaps the "computer chip" propaganda has been disseminated to mislead the masses, who will believe that by avoiding the same they are free to receive God's special mark, which is really an occult symbol of blasphemy and disgrace. Or perhaps the "stick" or "prick" really does mean using a needle to insert a micro-chip. Time will tell.

The following excerpt from the May 1999 newsletter "Yavoh is Coming", whose editor is Monte Judah, is a good example of such disinformation.

"Oh, by the way, did I mention that God intends to do something really special with about 144,000 Sons of Israel during the Great Tribulation. You will note that it is not 144,000 Jews that are to be called. Jews are considered to be the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. The other nine tribes are called the House of Israel. Therefore, the 144,000 are called "Sons of Israel," not Jews. I heartedly recommend that all believers in these days find out who you are and who you believe in. I am afraid there will be a whole bunch of folks meeting Gabriel face-to-face, getting the seal in their foreheads and being very confused. Many will say, "But, I'm not a Jew." And we will have to explain that they are of Ephraim and that they have been joined together with Jews to become one in the hand of the Lord. The day sequence of their sealing will determine which tribe they are representing." 3.

What greater disgrace could there be than worshiping and taking the mark, name and number of the anti-christ -- the ultimate blasphemy, totally rejecting God for Satan? Through Scripture we know that the anti-Christ will be steeped in the occult and blasphemy. Daniel 11:36-39 reminds us:

". . . and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, . . . Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers . . .for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not . . . "

The Six~Pointed Star

Throughout history, certain occult symbols and words have always been identified with disgrace. A recent example would be Hitler's coercion of the Jewish people to wear the six-pointed star or hexagram, one of the most wicked of occult symbols. "Talismans and Masters of the Name" included information about the occult Star of David, which was confirmed through many sources. This report sources an online promotion of the hexagram.

The Star of David

". . . all evidence suggests that the early use of the hexagram was limited to 'practical kabbalah,' that is, Jewish magic, probably dating back to the 6th century C.E. Legends connect this symbol with the "Seal of Solomon," the magical signet ring used by King Solomon to control demons and spirits. Although the original ring was inscribed with the Tetragrammaton, the sacred Four-Letter Name of God, medieval amulets imitating this ring substituted the hexagram or pentagram. . . " 4. http://users.aol.com/tbstudy/12.htm

"The Six~Pointed Star" report explained that the 'star' or hexagram and the numeral 666 are part of occult initiation practices. A good explanation as to why the term "six hundred threescore and six" was used as "his number," instead of simply writing, 666 was provided by occultist Alice Bailey in her book, The Rays & Initiation:

"In an ancient book on numbers the INITIATE is defined as 'the one who has experienced and expressed 666 and found it naught; who has dropped the 6 and become the 66, and thus found himself on the Way; later, again, he drops the 6 and becomes the PERFECTED 6-FORM, the instrument and expression of spirit." 5.

The hexagram, which is used in the mystery religions, and the significance of "six", is further revealed in astrology to be the god, Saturn. Remember that in astrology, the planets are considered to be gods.

"Sri Aurobindo, a Hindu guru well-known in the New Age affirms that SATURN IS REPRESENTED BY THE NUMBER 6. . . because the planet Saturn is 6th of the nine planets in distance from the sun." (Marrs: Mystery Mark, p. 68) 6.

Hislop's The Two Babylons explains the occult numerology of Saturn:

"Now, the name SATURN in Chaldee is pronounced Satur; but, as every Chaldee scholar knows, consists only of four letters, thus - Stur [ed. Star?]. This name contains exactly the Apocalyptic number." (Hislop, p. 269) 7.

S = 060

T = 400

U = 006

R = 200

= 666

The god, Saturn, and the number 6 are found on the Talisman of Saturn which has the six-pointed star on one side and the pentagram on the other.

"On the first face is engraved . . . a pentagram or a star with five points. On the other side is engraved a bull's head enclosed in a SIX-POINTED STAR, and surrounded by letters composing the name REMPHA, THE PLANETARY GENIUS OF SATURN, according to the alphabet of the Magi." (Christian, p. 304-5) 8.

Rempha is precisely the false god mentioned by the first martyr, Stephen, in his sermon to the Council of Jewish leaders and earlier by the prophet, Amos:

Acts 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the STAR OF YOUR GOD REMPHAN, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. (KJV)

Amos 5:26-27 But ye have born the tabernacle of your Moloch, and Chiun (Remphan) your images, the STAR OF YOUR GOD, which ye made to yourselves. Therefore, will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the Lord . . . (KJV)

[Note: Strong's Concordance 4481 identifies Chiun as Rhemphan, "the name of an idol worshipped secretly by the Israelites in the wilderness"]

Regrettably, the newer Bible versions have not only corrupted important verses in Revelation relating to the Mark and the Name, but also these verses which identify the heathen god (Chiun, Rempha, Saturn) that was worshipped by the disobedient Israelites. Note the omission of the name of this god in the New American Standard and New International Versions, but not the King James Bible.

Amos 5:26-27

KJV - But ye have born the tabernacle of your MOLOCH and CHIUN (Saturn), your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. Therefore, will I cause you to go into CAPTIVITY beyond Damascus. . .

[CHIUN: See REMPHAN. Another name for the god SATURN. Strong's Concordance p. 194: 3594 Chiun = "an image" or "pillar" 1) probably a statue of the Assyrian-Babylonian god of the planet Saturn and used to symbolise Israelite apostasy.]

NASV - You also carried along SIKKUTH your King and Kiyyn, your images, the star of your gods which you made for yourselves. Therefore I will make you go into EXILE beyond Damascus. . .

NIV - You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god which you made for yourselves. Therefore I will send you into EXILE beyond Damascus. . .

Of utmost relevance to our study of the Name of the Beast in Part I, please note on the Talismans of the Magi web site that Jahweh= Saturn. http://id.mind.net/~wolfc/library/magic/talismans/talisman.htm

Providing further justification for receiving the mark, modern versions also misidentify Satan as the Morning Star, a title that is reserved for Jesus Christ in Revelation 22:16.

Isaiah 14:12

KJV - How art thou fallen from heaven, O LUCIFER, SON OF THE MORNING

NASV - How you have fallen from heaven, O STAR OF THE MORNING, SON OF THE DAWN

NIV - How you have fallen from heaven, O MORNING STAR, SON OF THE DAWN

The set-up is completed through mistranslation of II Peter 1:19, which implies that this misidentified Morning Star [Satan] will assume the ascendancy in hearts of believers

II Peter 1:19

KJV - . . . until the day dawns, and the DAY STAR arises in your hearts

NASV - . . . until the day dawns and the MORNING STAR arises in your hearts

NIV - . . . until the day dawns and the MORNING STAR rises in your hearts. 9

The reader may be surprised to learn that August 7, 1999, is the date New Agers began the Matrix Project Worldwide, in preparation for the August 11 Solar Eclipse which inaugurates the anticipated Dawn of the New Light. Matrix is a word in Crystal Magick that refers to the base of a crystal cluster, the main 'lump' part. [Glossary; DenElder]

The Matrix Project is calling for a critical mass of people who will focus on the Star of David in preparation for the worldwide transformation to occur in approximately nine months. Note the clever ruse of claiming this activity will deter the occult agenda of the "illuminati" when, in very fact, it is aligned with same.

"This is a Worldwide notice requesting the assistance of every Spiritual, Religious, Healing and Alternative World Healing Organizations to open to all their respective members.
    On the 11th of August, 1999 in Egypt, The organization called the "illuminati" will be invoking a ceremony called: THE DARK MOTHER. The intention of this ceremony is to seal the doorway to our collective consciousness as it begins to open. The reason they wish to have this outcome, is that this organization represents the power brokers of our planet, who would prefer to maintain their control of the knowledge, finances and spiritual/political future of our societies. This control is through FEAR and misinformation.
    Medicine people and tribal people around the world are asking for your help to focus our collective intention to keep this doorway to change opened. The porthole to our changing consciousness is about to open. This is the time that the WISDOM ELDERS have spoken of. We are in the threshold of the forces of CREATION. WE have the ability to exercise a CHOICE AT THIS TIME. We are focusing the symbol identified in this Web Site: http://sites.netscape.net/hornbyhealing/homepage
    All people are asked to start focusing this symbol from your location with the following intention:: ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ENTIRE EARTH COMMUNITY - OR LOSE IT! It is through the acceptance of our DIFFERENCES, spiritual, religious, political, ethnic, geographic, and economic, that we will be able to overcome and change the chaos that surrounds us.
    Our focus will begin: AUG. 7th, 1999 until 14th Aug. 1999.
    Please consider the content of this message and the Website identified above to be EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, and please ask every person and organization around the world to participate now!
    Respectfully
    Ta Chanka Luta ( His Road is Red )

The Images of the Matrix Symbol are various images of the Six-Pointed Star formation of planets which is believed by New Agers to have been the Star of Bethlehem and which will also appear on May 5, 2000 announcing the messiah for the New Age. Clockwise from the top of the outer hexagon is the Sun, the planet Saturn, the male symbol (symbolizing Mars), the Moon, Jupiter, and finally the female symbol (Venus).

"The purpose of the Matrix Project is to activate the symbol world wide. This will be conducted over an extended period of time and will require the assistance of hundreds if not thousands of people. The activation of the symbol will trigger specific events here on the planet which will bring our world into a moment of critical focus. . . "

"The Sacred Symbol originates from the same Source of all spiritual and religious practices worldwide. The Matrix Project is based upon the Symbol also known by these names: the Star of David, the Morning Star, the Star of Bethlehem, Sirius, the Symbol of the Divine, the Symbol of the Magus, the Tree of Life, the Lakota Star, the Merkaba, the Flower of Life, the Heart of Hearts, the Nexus between the Manifest and Unmanifest, the Symbol of Creation, the 22 fold path (12 Signs of the Zodiac, the 7 Celestial Bodies, and the 3 Sacred Motions.) sites.netscape.net/hornbyhealing/HornbyHealingFoundationMatrix_files/MatrixProject.htm

Occult Initiations

Daniel 8: 23-25 states that the Anti-christ will understand dark sentences, meaning the deep things of Satan. (Rev.2:24), and will promote craft, meaning witchcraft. Freemasonry is called The Craft by its members. All modern versions, however, change the word "craft" to "deceit" thereby omitting a specific reference to the occult.

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."

The giving of the Six-pointed Star in the Luciferic initiation will be a restoration of the Star and rituals of the Egyptian mystery religions upon which Freemasonry is based and that were adopted by the apostate Israelites.

"The Masters of Wisdom . . . will restore upon earth the ancient mysteries and institute again the order of INITIATION." (Bailey: Esoteric Psychology II, pp. 656-57)

"In 'The Reappearance of the Christ and the Masters of Wisdom' (p. 84), (Benjamin) Crème states: 'Through the MASONIC tradition and certain esoteric groups will come the process of INITIATION. In this coming age millions of people will take the first and second initiation through these transformed and purified institutions." (Smith, p. 66)10.

According to David Spangler, the Initiator will be none other than Lucifer himself:

"Lucifer works within each of us to bring us to wholeness, and as we move into a NEW AGE . . . each of us in some way is brought to that point which I term the LUCIFERIC INITIATION, the particular doorway through which the individual MUST pass if he is to come fully into the presence of his light and his wholeness."

"Lucifer prepares man in all ways for the EXPERIENCE OF CHRISTHOOD. . . The light that reveals to us the presence of the Christ. . . comes from Lucifer. He is the light giver. HE IS APTLY NAMED THE MORNING STAR because it is his light that heralds for man the dawn of a great consciousness. . . He stands . . . as the GREAT INITIATOR, the one who hands the soul over to the Christ." (Burns: Jay Gary, The Millennium Doctor, p. 2,3, quoting David Spangler) 11

Jesus Christ has promised to give the Morning Star to those overcomers who have not known the depths of Satan (Rev. 2:28). Satan, however, will seek to preempt our Lord's offer through the Luciferic initiation.

"In Revelation the Son of God promises to give the MORNING STAR to him that overcometh. . . The Morning Star was equally identified with HORUS. . . the Star of Dawn. . . Henceforth the Morning Star was given to the followers of Horus, therefore we (Masons) use it." (Churchward, p. 206)

(In Masonic initiations) "The STAR always floating over the head of an INITIATE betokens the power of the king, upon which he can draw at any moment, while the STAR UPON HIS FOREHEAD is the symbol of his own acquired power." (Leadbeater, p. 313) 12.

Initiates will receive Satan himself, believing that they are becoming gods.

"The goal of the initiatory process is to admit mankind into realization of and identification with. . . DEITY." (Bailey: Rays & Initiation, pp. 79-80)

"The goal of 'cosmic evolution' and the 'destiny' of humanity (is) to realize its inherent GODHOOD referred to by U.N.'s Robert Muller." (Hunt, p. 55) 13.

Gen. 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and YE SHALL BE AS GODS, knowing good and evil.

For Dr. Robert G. Muller See: World Vision: Global Education; Letter; 'gods' -The 'god' In EVERY MAN; And They Shall Be as gods; Illuminated to Cosmic Consciousness ; Quaking Like Quakers ; MORE Manifestations, Less Bible! ; Renovaré & The Christian Mystic

By gaining some understanding of the occult initiations, we can begin to understand why the Beast will require that his mark, name or number be tattooed or branded in the forehead or right hand. "In the mystery religions, both the forehead and hands were tattooed during the initiation rites. (Reason for Dagon's hands and head cut off)

Concerning Mithraism: "INITIATION was performed by two dignitaries, who possessed the title of Father and Herald. After the ceremony (the initiate) would be considered the brother. . . of the other initiates and the son of the Father. . . In order to be recognized by the Father, he has to be TATOOED, in other words, BRANDED ON BOTH HANDS. . . On portraits of emperors, these TATOO MARKS are clearly visible, but ON THE FOREHEAD, IN PLACE OF THE HANDS." (Vermaseren, p. 131) 14.

Since gnostics believe the body is evil, Alice Bailey's reference to the removal of sixes from 666 (footnote #5) may refer be a literal application of Matthew 5:30. "If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

Archaeologist Henri-Paul Eydoux writes in "Facts and Enigmas in Archaeology" that Mithraism, the ancient equivalent of modern Freemasonry, might have replaced Christianity-- -- except for the vigilance of the early Church Fathers who established the canon of Scripture and codified fundamental doctrines in the creeds.

"The Mithraic faith originated in the vicinity of Iran and is closely related to Zoroastrianism. The Roman legions. . .ardently spread it . . . there was a true affinity between the military spirit and that of this religion, which preached exertion and demanded great courage and real physical trials for initiation, which was reserved solely for men. It also advocated an organized hierarchy and strict discipline. A salutary and perfectly moral religion, Mithraism spread with extraordinary vigor . . . Renan's famous phrase has often been quoted," If Christianity had been checked in its growth by a fatal disease, the world would have become Mithraic." The initiates were grouped into fraternities, with initiation rites which have been compared with those of the Freemasons." 15.

In Part 2, we read of the six-pointed star that is reported to be appearing on New Agers who have already accepted the "mark" as part of their initiation ceremonies.

"A growing number of New Agers HAVE ALREADY UNDERGONE AN INITIATION CEREMONY AND ACCEPTED THE MARK. They almost universally report that although they approach the ceremony with dread and foreboding, after it is over. . . 'I discovered that the LINES ON THE PALM OF MY RIGHT HAND HAD BEEN ALTERED, and a portion of them now FORMED A SIX-POINTED STAR about an inch in circumference. . . (Marrs: Mystery Mark, p. 39)" 16.

Christian Initiation

We have seen how "Christian" youth believe that tattooing sets them apart as 'special' or chosen by God for a unique purpose and how the mainstreaming of tattooing and branding is taking place world-wide. The practice of "branding" all emails with the name of Yeshua is being promoted by the Messianic Charismatic MessiahNet/Perfect Word Ministries, in order that everyone will become familiar with "the Name".

"MessiahNet is an online community of Jewish and non-Jewish believers in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Our new outreach program WWYD?(tm) [What would Yeshua do?]is also off the ground! . . . We are excited to see our community take hold of the vision of sharing the name of Yeshua by branding every e-mail they send with the Savior's name. http://www.wwyd.com/ " 17.

Supporters of these sites include "prophet" Rick Joyner of "Morningstar" Ministries, who recently, alongside Rabbi Robert Cohen, laid out a prophetic vision for the Messianic Jewish Movement. SEE: Joint Prophecies of Rick Joyner & Rabbi Cohen; Mainstreaming the Fringe

According to Pastor Joseph Chambers of "Pawcreek," Rick Joyner has stated he and others became Knights of the Sovereign Military Order Malta. From that source, and quoting from "Audio by Rick Joyner Ministries, no date on tape"

"...They still have the little strips of paper. He sent one out. One minute later, one comes in, this is it. So, these things happen strategically. Anyway, we went on and a bunch of us got knighted by these Knights of Malta. Okay, I did first. And I wasn’t even going to do it. I thought it was a great honor and all. But, I just don’t join things like that . . . Anyway, Paul Cain called me from Austria. And said, you know, ‘Just tuned in on it.’ And said, ‘The Lord is going to give you some credentials like Paul’s credentials where his Roman citizenship really was used at times . . .’ And he said, ‘You’re really supposed to do this thing.’ So, I did and then later some of the other guys, we even got Bobby Connor knighted and Steve and Leonard. Anyway, we had a big time. Bobby, we dubbed Sir Bubba and Mahesh (Chavada) became Sir Loin. We seriously polluted the Blue Blood of Europe. I mean it was bad. Ricky Skaggs, you know, country (singer). Aw man, it was a blast. We had a great time though. Anyway, we got knighted by this thing. It’s a real, this somehow is real important to the Lord. He’s kept this order in existence, I think, like He has Israel. It has an end times purpose and destiny . . . They went on, made me a knight commander which gave me authority to knight others and then they made me something else, where I have authority over all the knights supposedly in the U.S. . . ." (Audio by Rick Joyner Ministries, no date on tape.) http://www.pawcreek.org/new world order.htm

From Rick Joyner's wrote in his MorningStar in April, 1998, and currently, and he declared the difference between Masons and Knights of Malta, stating they were not the same. [http://gabe.eaglestar.org/MSPBApr98.htm]

In October 2001, Joyner added 'Knights of Malta Q& A and "Q. Why did I join the Knights of Malta?"

"...In 1987 I met a man from one of the old noble families of Eastern Europe. His family had owned a large and prosperous industry before the communist takeover in their country. In a conversation with him I was told about an extraordinary order of knights who were keeping alive the vision of chivalry and the defense of Christianity, and were waging a brave fight to reclaim what had been lost to the enemies of the cross. He explained that you could not join this order, but had to be recommended and proven to be true of the most stringent biblical standards of morality and integrity, and have risked your life for the sake of the gospel. I was very intrigued, and decided to research this order called “The Knights of Malta.”
...I saw many parallels in the history of the Knights of Malta, who are also called the Order of St. John (OSJ), with what I had been shown prophetically in the vision I was given about the coming harvest and the struggle that much of the world was about to face.
...The call is for Christians to arise and do the same thing in the spirit that the OSJ did in the natural during the Middle Ages. Our weapons are the Word of God and His truth, which are infinitely more powerful.

I was also shown that some of the great last day leaders of Christianity would emerge from these extreme Islamic groups who would be converted by the power of God. These would be as radical for Christ as they had been for Islam, and they would be willing to make any sacrifice required for the sake of the truth, and turn multitudes to life in Christ that they would have otherwise killed.

Then I was shown that the Lord had preserved a remnant of true knights of the OSJ because they had a purpose in the great last day battle between light and darkness. One day I actually prayed that, even though I had never desired earthly honors or titles, I would like to become one of these knights. After this prayer, it seemed that hardly a month went by and prophetic people began saying that they had seen me being "knighted by the Lord.” Sometimes I was told this in public meetings, which I am sure many who were in our early meetings remember.
...while I was in Berlin speaking at a conference, Paul Cain and I had dinner with Colonel Eugene Bird....

...Col. Bird told me that he had recently been knighted by this Order, and that I too had been recommended for investiture by an Austrian baron. He also told me about a spiritual renewal that was taking place in the , and that some of this had come about because of my books which were being read by the knights

Q. Is The OSJ connected to the Masons? A. No. Neither are there any secret vows or rituals in the OSJ. The OSJ is a true Christian order, and the vows for knighthood are commitments to be servants of Christ and no other god, as well as to Christian truth and principles. The eight pointed Maltese Cross was designed to represent the eight beatitudes of Christ which the knight was to wear on his heart at all times as a constant reminder of what was to be in his heart...."
http://rickjoyner.com/pages/questions/answer_index/Oct_1_2001_Print.html

Charisma Magazine wrote an April 2001 article about Rick Joyner titled, God's Lightning Rod, and said this:

"...Joyner has also distanced himself from those who have criticized him for his association with the Knights of Malta, a charitable organization that allegedly has its roots in medieval chivalry. Some who learned of Joyner's connection to the group began spreading rumors that he had become a Mason or that the Knights of Malta was a secret society with occult origins.
"We do not let paranoid people dictate what we do," Joyner wrote in the May/June 1999 issue of the Morning Star Prophetic Bulletin, adding: "I have never been a member of the Masons." He explained that he had been knighted by a "European order of chivalry" in the early 1990s and that the Knights are widely recognized as "a registry of nobility."

According to Joyner, the Knights of Malta--also known as the Order of St. John--has Christian roots and can be linked to the Hospitallers, who were credited with starting hospitals during the Middle Ages. The order conducts no secret ceremonies as does a Masonic lodge and actually has undergone a spiritual revival, Joyner says.

Joyner has even written a book about the Knights of Malta, Courage That Changed the World, which features a photograph of the robed "grand master" of the order. In the book, Joyner compares the Knights to end-time Christians who will overcome the world's evils through faith in Christ.

What Joyner didn't realize when he wrote his book is that the group he joined has "no connection whatsoever with any legitimate order of chivalry of that name," according to Guy Stair Sainty, historiographer of the priory in the United States of the Most Venerable Order of St. John.

In a letter of response to an inquiry about Joyner's group, Sainty said the order Joyner has joined is not the original Knights of Malta but "one of more than 20 similar bodies which misuse the name of St. John [to distribute] invented titles...and worthless knighthoods." Sainty added that individuals who join the legitimate Knights of Malta group must be Roman Catholic and have a bishop's recommendation.
...Another former ministry staffer told Charisma that he got concerned when Joyner began urging friends to be knighted in an inner circle. "I never felt a peace about it," the former employee said. "It is an elitist club. People started vying for position so they could be knighted. The ones that were knighted had a special bond with Rick." [http://www.charismamag.com/a.php?ArticleID=1017]

It is implied that Paul Cain, one of Mr. Joyner's associates, also became a Knight of Malta. However, this author received an email from Paul Cain declaring he has never been a Knight.

"Mon, 16 Aug 1999

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

THIS IS TO ADVISE THAT I, (PAUL CAIN) AM NOT NOW NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN KNIGHTED OR HAVE I BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE "NIGHTS OF MALTA" IN ANYWAY. I AM NOT NOW NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN A MEMBER OF ANY SECRET ORDER."

Update: Paul Cain issued a public Letter of Confession in Jan 2005 on his website, stating, "I have struggled in two particular areas, homosexuality and alcoholism, for an extended period of time." He also admitted to lying about those issues. [http://www.paulcain.org/66701.html]

Regaled in the charismatic and Pentecostal circles as an anointed prophet, and close friend to Rick Joyner, who viewed him as his 'spiritual father', he had been part of what some called the Kansas City Prophets. In October 19, 2004, Rick Joyner, Mike Bickle and Jack Deere released a Special Bulletin Number 36 regarding Paul Cain's activities and stated:

"Paul Cain has been used mightily by the Lord to touch many lives in our times. He is esteemed by many around the world as a major prophetic voice and as a spiritual father. It would be hard to estimate the number who have been healed, delivered, or saved through his ministry. We have especially benefited from his friendship and ministry in too many ways to count.

...In February 2004, we were made aware that Paul had become an alcoholic. In April 2004, we confronted Paul with evidence that he had been recently involved in homosexual activity. Paul admitted to these sinful practices and was placed under discipline, agreeing to a process of restoration which the three of us would oversee. However, Paul has resisted this process and has continued in his sin....

We apologize to the body of Christ for our lack of discernment in promoting Paul’s ministry while he had these significant strongholds in his life. We failed to see them until this year. It is also a mistake to assume that others who were close to Paul or worked with him shared these same problems. We also do not feel that this should in any way negate or reduce the great benefit that Paul’s ministry has been to so many in the past..." [Special Bulletin: 36 - by Rick Joyner, Mike Bickle, and Jack Deere http://www.morningstarministries.org/pages/special_bulletins/oct_2004/SB36_Oct_19.html]

That was followed October 25, 2004 Special Bulletin Number 37, which in part stated:

...Please also understand that if Paul had been a true member of a local church, under the true authority of a pastor, we would have simply taken it there. However, with Paul this was not the case. As Mike, Jack, and I have talked about considerably, one of our biggest failures in this matter was to think that because Paul had such special gifts he deserved special treatment and did not need to be incorporated into the life of the local church like others. I have little doubt that if Paul had been required to comply with the disciplines of a normal Christian life, which without question includes a true church life, these strongholds would have been exposed long ago. He would be free now and probably far more productive than he has ever been. This is the first and possibly the most important lesson that we have learned from this.

Because Mike, Jack, and I felt so inadequate in trying to help Paul with these issues, we were always open and praying for the Lord to provide anyone who could do a better job than we were doing. From the beginning I think we all saw that this was a much greater problem than any of us had ever dealt with before

...Even so, we continue to pray for this provision of someone to help him that can do better than we did. However, because of the extraordinary and powerful gifts that Paul has and the way that they have been used recently, there are very serious dangers for anyone who does not understand these things. Anyone who is presumptuous in this could be in even more jeopardy.

I am not saying this to hurt Paul, but I am saying this for the sake of protecting God’s people from what has been proven to be a danger. When the devil gets an inroad into someone with a great anointing he takes full advantage of it, and the level of deception and seduction that is working in Paul at this time is greater than anything I have personally ever witnessed before...." [Special Bulletin: 37 - By Rick Joyner http://www.morningstarministries.org/pages/special_bulletins/SB_Current.html; http://www.morningstarministries.org/feature/sb/2004/SB07_04.html]

The Scriptures remind us:

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

End Update

Mr. Joyner runs with such notables as James Ryle of Promise Keepers, Pastor to Bill McCartney; Andrew Strom, Jack Deere; Francis Frangipane; Dudley Hall, Mike Bickle, and many more involved in the "Kansas City Prophets", the Vineyard, and the Charismatic movement.

These pseudo-Christian ministries have unleashed upon the Church a revival of paganism, which, according to various reports, reduces people to altered states of consciousness. See Richard Foster & Christian Mystics

Interestingly, the Hindu equivalent of branding is found in what is called, "Chakra Piercing." The following description reveals that piercing or scarring is far more than a form of rebellion or art form, but is geared to produce the altered states of consciousness.

"Chakras are the major energy centres within our bodies, called such in the Hindu traditions which have been their main advocates. Body Piercing is an ancient tradition of gnosis which has gained increasing popularity in recent years in various subcultures. One of my aims with performing piercings at these energy centres is to unite these traditions, to open awareness of the chakra energies to the physical/materialist-orientated western mind, and to acknowledge body piercing as an ancient and valid means of gnosis, rather than just a decorative art.

"What is within is brought without. The location of the chakra points is thus demonstrated - although piercings are only basically surface punctures, they do focus the attention on a certain area and thus activate the energies there, as in acupuncture techniques.
The physical sensation of pain also releases chemicals in the body which help induce gnosis and trance."18.

The Eastern mysticism of the Tibetan and Hindu people is almost identical to the native Hopi chakras [http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/tethys.htm] and initiation as related by Frank Water's in his book," Book of the Hopi." This unification in mysticism helps one understand that each comes from the same source.

"Tibetan and Hindu mysticisms, like Hopi mysticism, postulate a similar series of centers of force or psychophysical centers in the human body, in which psychic forces and bodily functions merge into each other. These cakras, as described, coincide with those of the Hopis. They correspond roughly with the physical centers but they function psychically rather than solely physiologically. The highest and most important center described by Eastern mysticism lies, like that of the Hopi, at the crown of the head. . . it is so important as a seat of psychic consciousness that it is regarded as of a higher order than the other centers. As in the Hopi belief, it is the "door to the Creator," through which consciousness enters and leaves." 19.

Christian ministers have also identified the manifestations of the current revival as classic demon possession. Appropriately, Kundalini is called the sleeping serpent residing at the base of the spine. Ray McGraw of Ray of Hope Ministries, wrote in "Unmasking the Anti-Christ," that a great number of people who become involved in this "revival" have required deliverance.

"I have done hundreds of deliverances on people involved in the Vineyard movement and the Toronto Blessing. Each one has had a powerful spirit under the leadership of the strong man Anti-christ and false prophet. These are the two most powerful spirits reserved for the end time. All the manifestations such as roaring like a lion, birthing, scrunching etc. were manifestations produced by the False prophet generating worship for the Anti-christ. I have solid proof of this. . . "

"The church has been warned not to be deceived by an impostor Anti-christ that works closely with another impostor called the False prophet. Remember that Anti-christ does not come as Anti-christ but as Christ. False prophet does not come as false prophet, he comes as Holy Spirit."

"The church has been warned not to be deceived by these two. Both these spirits have an assignment against God's people and are the two end-time spirits unleashed upon us with the mandate: 'DESTROY THE HOLY PEOPLE' as recorded in Daniel 8:24 ". . . he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and Holy people, and through this policy also he shall cause craft to prosper and by peace shall destroy many."

"This is of course referring to the Anti-christ himself during the tribulation but this is how this spirit will operate today, not only does he destroy, but he causes witchcraft to flourish because his followers are moved by this spirit. Be careful of individuals who want to pray for you when you have not solicited their prayers, as the spirits are transferred by the laying on of hands and association when there is lack of discernment." 20.

Ye Shall Be Like Gods

Kabbalah, Freemasonry, Hinduism and astrology (New Age 'universal' religion) have key elements in common. 1. secret meaning and symbolism that are related 2. elimination of the name and person of Jesus Christ in their rituals 3. belief that world peace can be accomplished through tolerance and acceptance of all things, i.e. unity through diversity, except adherence to Biblical truth. 4.mutual affinity to the occult

The Kabbalists believe the "messiah" will be one who has accomplished total spiritual evolution to perfection: ". . . In Kabbalah, an individual whose all chakras have fully and permanently awakened would be called the Messiah."21

Since the totality of the attributes of God which initiates seek to attain are found in Ten Sephiroth, numbers are an essential part of initiation rituals.

F. de P. Castells, stated that the art of Counting and the numbers of Freemasonry have hidden significance, which he traces to the Hebrew origins of the Kabbalah and it's Gematria permutations and numerology. Basically he maintained that, "The Architect, the Geometrician, and every Mason, whether operative or free and speculative, are absolutely dependent on the Science of Numbers".

"Having regard to these facts we are justified, I think, in expecting that any numbers, quantities and measurements mentioned in the Ritual must have a hidden significance. And, indeed, I am of opinion that in the Ritual there is nothing arbitrary, superfluous or meaningless. . . At the dawn of civilization there seem to have been tribes counting "by threes" and tribes counting "by fives."22.

"Arithmetic is one of the "Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences" on which the Craft has been founded; it has been a potent factor in the development of the human mind, and may help us to understand some of the principles which underlie our Masonic Ritual. Going back to primitive times, we find that there are two principal methods of counting: (1) By threes, and (2) by fives. The former leads us to the mysterious nine and to the other sacred numbers of the ancient mysteries. . . " 23.

Rev. Castells further concludes that the numbers 3-5-7 are believed to hold mystical powers which are instilled into Masonic Rituals:

"Similarly. . . the numbers 3-5-7 are invested with mystic significance. It should be so if Freemasonry has come down to us from a Hebrew source." 24

" The reasons for the adoption of the numbers 3-5-7 as elements of our symbolism, explained: 3 and 5 were adopted because Nature itself suggested them as significant of mystic power. The number 7 is par excellence the Masonic number; its meaning is found by observing that it combines 3 and 4, thus 3+4=7. A review of the ceremonies and of the matter contained in our Masonic Ritual will show our ancient Brethren did not choose any of their symbolic numbers arbitrarily or at random."25.

Referring to the Rituals and significance of the addition of numbers 3 & 4, Castells suggests that their union provides the concept of God being brought into relation with humans. He then explains the origins and formulas of the "Mysterious Nine."

"The Greek imagination pictured Nine Goddesses, the Muses, who were said to be the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosune, that is, "God and the Memory", each of them presiding over one of their "Nine Liberal Arts". And in the Ancient Scottish Rite we find a Ninth Degree, in which the brethren are styled "Elected Knights of Nine".

"Here may I call your attention to a curious property of "the Mysterious Nine, which is that, whenever we add together the figures by which we express any of its multiples we always get another nine or some lesser products resolvable to the same number. For example: 2x9 =18 ; add 1+8 and you get 9; 4x9 =36; add 3+6 =9 . . . " 26.

Since the sacred number three, "leads us to the mysterious nine and to the other sacred numbers of the ancient mysteries. . ." it is obvious that Masonic ritual and beliefs are steeped in kabbalism and pagan lore. The Masonic 'mysterious nine' formula and other sacred formulas, are also found in the kabbalah Gematria permutations like the "Qabalah of the Nine Chambers" which specifically includes the numerals 600, 60, 6. 27.

Masonic rituals are recognized as being derived from doctrine of Luciferic initiation. In the "Arithmetic of Freemasonry," F. de P. Castells presents the Kabbalist's interpretation of the sacred number nine, the Tetragrammaton and the Ten Sephiroth. Kaballists believe the Ten Sephiroth are the attributes of God and that the Tree of Life and corresponding Hindu chakras are the means of acquiring each of those attributes. "In the case of the Sephiroth...we must have either the whole formula or none at all..." 28., meaning the sacred number nine and the Tetragrammaton. F. de P. Castells also claims that the number zero should be renamed, ". . . it would be more appropriate to call it all, seeing that it imports infinity. . . . it is derived from the Hebrew oser, osarah, which means "ten," 29. thereby aligning it to the "ten Sephiroth" or attributes of God.

Those adepts or Baal Shems who have achieved the level of perfection are said to be able to receive the 42-letter Name of God. Some suggest the 42-Letters consist of the Hebrew names of the Ten Sephiroth, with the Vav conjuctive before the last one. Receiving the Name comes from the occult concept that whoever holds the name of a "god" has control over it.

"Those that penetrated the Mystery of the 42-Letter Name, would also perceive six Yods ( the initial of the Divine Name sextupled) in the pure sky, three to the right and three to the left, as well as three Vavs which were said to be hovering in the heavenly arch, 9 letters altogether, or 3 times 3. . . 9 letters as a reference to the Priestly Benediction, which the Kabbalists thought of as falling on the adepts who adhered to the 42-Letter Name." 30.

Castells relates the qualifications for receiving the name, according to the Talmud:

". . . in the Talmud, after the 12-Letter Name has been mentioned as a secret "communicated to the most pious of priests," there is a reference to a Name of 42 letters " which was only communicated to such as are pious, not easily provoked, not given to drinking, and not self-opinionated. He who knows this Name and preserves it inviolate is beloved above, cherished below, respected of every creature, and is heir of both worlds--the world that now is and the world to come. . . Maimonides. . . [remarked concerning the receipt of the Name] "Moral qualifications and great preparations are required." He evidently knew the mysterious name and the conditions under which it was communicated to Initiates."31.

The Masonic reception of the Name of God is found in " The Rite of Perfection" and other degrees known under the name of the "Ineffable Degrees". 32 According to the former Grand Master,

"[Robert] Fludd, a Rosicrucian connected to the Jewish Cabalist, Michel Maier", the "Ineffable Degrees" are invested with all the mystic awe by which the Tetragrammaton is surrounded within Jewish theology. Accordingly, Masons who achieve the level of these degrees, "received the name of God as it was revealed to Enoch and were sworn to pronounce it but once in their lives." 33.

The Masonic belief that the Ineffable Name is invested with magical powers is also found in the Jewish Cabala. Ragon, after describing the Jewish ceremony when the word Jehovah was pronounced by the High Priest in the Holy of Holies, goes on to say the "Schem-hamm--phorash," another term for the Tetragrammaton forms the sacred word of a Scottish degree, and that this belief in its mystic properties, "will be found at the head of the instructions for the third degree of the Knights of the Black Eagle, called Rose-Croix, "thus:. . . the knights who had the good fortune to pronounce it cabalistically would have at his disposal the powers that inhabit the four elements and the celestial spirits, and would possess all the virtues possible to man." 34.

According to Francis Yates, as quoted in The Six~Pointed Star: The Mark of the Beast," the Rosicrucian's play an important part in the inauguration of the "Golden Age".

"The New World Order will be called Saturn's Golden Age."

"Here is the general reformation of the world announced in the Rosicrucian manifestos described as a world reformation. . . It will bring the world back to the state in which Adam found it, which was also SATURN'S GOLDEN AGE. . . This return to the golden age of Adam and SATURN, is said to be assisted by 'the high society of the Rosicrucians." (Yates, p, 57) 35.

Is the Pope also a Freemason?

Rev. Castells reveals that the Masons believe, like the Kabbalists, Hindus and New Age, that they personify God when they achieve all the levels of ritual. They also believe that Satan will rise as god and that all will become cleansed in the "Great Jubilee Year, including the place of eternal punishment called hell.

". . . at the creation of the Universe were Wisdom, Strength, Beauty, which we (like the Kabbalists) have personified. One day the Angel of Wickedness, called Samael, or the "Venomous Beast," will be restored to his original angelic nature, and then the first part of his name SAM (which means "venom') will be dropped and only the second part, the name EL, will be retained. El (as every R.A. Mason knows) is the common name for all divine beings. That grand consummation will be the "Great Jubilee Year" when the whole pleroma of souls, cleansed and purified, will return to the bosom of the Infinite Source, to be reunited with the Highest Soul, supplementing each other in "the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Seven Halls," which was the Kabbalists way of expressing the idea of a "G.L.above". At that time, they said, Hell will disappear and there will be no more punishment, no more temptation, no more sin." 36. [Castells writes: A Kabbalist writer, Isaac bin Abraham bin Latif or Allatif. . . in order to explain "the right way to the Sanctuary," that is the symbolic Sanctum Sanctorum, made use of mathematical forms which he said illustrated the self-revelation of Deity in the world of Spirits.]

It is noteworthy that many in "Christian" leadership denounce the existence of hell and heaven as "places". Bible reviser, B.F. Westcott wrote in 1886 to the Archbishop of Canterbury, "No doubt the language of the rubric is unguarded, but it saves us from the error of connecting the presence of Christ's glorified humanity with place: heaven is a state and not a place."

For more on the discussion of heaven, hell and eternity, please see: Will God Say, "Just Kidding" About Eternity?

Pope John Paul II announced his views on this very issue, revealing his stand against the Word of God.

According to the Detroit Free Press:

"A week after telling Roman Catholics that heaven was not a place up in the clouds, Pope John Paul II said Wednesday that hell was not a physical place either.

"'More than a physical place, hell is the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life and joy,' the pontiff said. . .

"He described hell instead as 'the pain, frustration and emptiness of life without God. . . . Eternal damnation is not God's work, but. . . our own doing.'

"But demons do exist, he said, calling them spirits who have 'already
given a definitive 'no' to God.'

"The pontiff end-of-millennium guidelines on hell came a week after he told pilgrims heaven was not 'a physical place in the clouds but a living and personal relationship of union with the Holy Trinity,' and
that a foretaste could be had on earth." 37.

It is common knowledge among concerned Roman Catholics that the Vatican has been infiltrated by Freemasonry and there is evidence that the popes since John XXIII have themselves been Freemasons.

A Catholic publication, The Pope of the Council, Part 19: John XXIII and Masonry, published by Sodalitium, states: "The Freemason, Volpicelli, declared:. . . [T]wo recent pontificates, that of Pope John and Pope Wojtyla [John Paul II], have equally valued the two communities of the Church and Masonry. . . " This document discloses the infiltration of the Knights of Malta by the Freemasons: "John XXIII reversed the decision of his predecessor [Pius XII] and reopened the path of Masonic infiltration in the Order. Only in the Order -- and also in the Church?" 38 http://www.plion.it/sodali/default.htm

These findings are confirmed by such Catholic authors as Dr. James W. Wardner in "The Popes of the Second Vatican" and by Dr. William R. Kubitschek's series, "Catholics Have No Pope!", published in Criminal Politics Magazine. That three part series presented the "...historical impact of Freemasonry, papal manipulation and Vatican II on the present day "Catholic" Church". For more on Eternity See: Will God Say "Just Kidding" About Eternity?

Many over the years have proclaimed the Catholic church and the Pope as being the culprit of "the identity of the Man of Sin and Mystery Babylon." In fact, many would point to the Ecumenical movement, Catholics and Evangelicals Together, Promise Keepers and many other Biblical compromisers moving back to Rome, as proof of this thinking.

However, it becomes clear that what is being moved towards by all groups is initiation into the occult and which all the groups discussed in these reports have entered into, in one way or another. From rebellion, to tattoos, idolatry, necromancy, freemasonry, mysticism and signs and wonders, the path is well trodden.

In characteristic Masonic fashion, Pope John Paul II has denied the doctrine of God's wrath and approaching judgment against those who reject Him.

Revelation 19:20 "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

20:14-15 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

The denial of the existence of heaven and hell contradicts many Scriptures and eliminates the consequences for sin, including worship of the Beast and taking the mark. Those who take the mark or worship the Beast are warned in Revelation 14:9-11, that they shall receive the wrath of God, and "will be tormented with fire and brimstone . . . and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever recieveth the mark of his name."

In the preceding verses it should be noted that those who worship the Beast and take the mark, will do so because they are deceived. We can assume they will receive the mark believing it is a 'good' and religious thing to do, since many will be deceived by signs and lying wonders especially the miracles of the false prophet, according to Revelation 13:12-14.

Concerning the occult view of the 'sign':

[Concerning the Star of David]

"The upwards pointing pyramid is an ancient symbol for the power of a king, with its base resting on Earth and its summit reaching to Heaven. The other (pyramid) represents the power of the priest, established in Heaven and reaching down to Earth. In this overlapping form it is the MARK OF THE DOUBLE MESSIAH. . . As such it is the ONLY TRUE SIGN OF JESUS, and it carries the extra meaning as being the BRIGHT STAR OF DAVID'S LINE THAT AROSE IN THE MORNING. . . IF THE STAR OF DAVID IS THE SYMBOL OF THE UNIFIED MESSIAH-SHIP OF JESUS, IT SHOULD BE THE MARK OF CHRISTIANITY." (Knight, pp. 239-41)39.

Those who dare to discuss the various deceptions within the Hebrew Roots Movement, which are no different in many ways to those in the Christian community, have been on the receiving end of the wrath of HRM and other groups who promote the Star of David, unbiblical names for God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The main tactic that this author has been subjected to, is to falsely accuse dissenters of being anti-Semites.

Rev 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark. . .

Rev. 20:4 And I saw. . . the souls of them that were beheaded for the WITNESS of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands. . .

Many Hebrew Roots, Messianic groups and many "Christian" ministries endorse, promote, have adopted this symbol as part of their logos, even though the true symbol for Israel is the 7-candle menorah. It is found across the spectrum of most religions. Many falsely believe that through such demonstrations and the syncretism of, for example, Jewish and Christian doctrine they will bring peace and reconciliation between Christians and Jews.

These people do not know that God has already removed the veil between Jews and Christians who follow Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-22) They have forgotten that only through salvation in Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, is there unity and peace. Isaiah 48:22 says "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." The wicked include all who reject Jesus Christ. However, this folly will allow the anti-christ, because he is of the occult, to offer the false peace to the Jews spoken of and then renege as foretold in Daniel 11:30-32. See; the series: The Spreading Hebrew Roots

It is possible to conclude that the expected "messiah," the anti-christ, will be one who has obtained all levels of the kabbalist tree of life or Hindu Chakras. In Masonic terms, the Ideal mason equals the Ideal man which means someone totally and spiritually embracing all the "good" attributes taught throughout masonry, kabbalism, mithraism and other religions -- honesty, integrity, loyalty.

Such a man could appear to be a "good' Christian, but Scripturally must be of Jewish descent, which implies that he will be a proponent of the Hebrew Roots or some form of Messianic doctrines.

We do not pretend to know exactly how the end-time scenario will be played out. Some are even suggesting the possibility that technology, the computer chip and the cashless society will be combined with tattooing/branding to enslave and control people. What we do know is that the Word of God forbids the marking of our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit: Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:28

Knowing that marking was always connected to paganism, this is in no way a push to become legalistic or under the law. Sadly, whether in ignorance or rebellion against God's express command, some who profess to be Christian are taking the marks of Luciferic initiation.

Scripture warns that God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6). Our objective is simply to inform believers of the occult nature of the symbols and terminology which qualify as the Name, Mark and Number of the Beast. The rest depends upon the individual believer. God's people have no guarantees against deception unless they interpret endtime events according to Scripture and order their conduct aright.

Unfortunately, many have not cultivated a familiarity with the Word of God, including those who stubbornly use the corrupted modern versions. It is our belief that humble reliance upon God's grace, a thorough knowledge of Scripture and obedience to the commands contained therein will insure the preservation of God's elect in the perilous times ahead. God has promised to provide all we need through Jesus Christ, including the discernment, strength and courage to finish the race.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

Next Section: Putting it Together

Previous Section: Part 2: Taking the Mark

Footnotes

Gage Dictionary of Canadian English
Ibid.
http://www.ncinter.net ;Go to bottom and clink on "other links";Click on "Upon This Rock" (address is http://www.ncinter.net/~bc);Go to Return of Christ; Go to Yavoh Newsletter;*** has been removed since this article was written. or http://www.lionlamb.net
The Six~Pointed Star" ;Part IV, "Satan's Future Plans for the Six-Pointed Star" ;
Bailey: Rays and Initiations, p. 80; sited in Part II; History of the Six-Pointed Star ; 3. Six-pointed star was used in mystery religion initiation rites;
Ibid. ,
Ibid.,
Ibid.,
Ibid
The Six~Pointed Star" ;Part IV, "Satan's Future Plans for the Six-Pointed Star";
Ibid
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Henri-Paul Eydoux; "Facts and Enigmas in Archaeology"; p.97-98; Librairie Plon, Paris, 1964;Geneva, 1978
The Six-Pointed Star, Part III-A; Present Use of the Six-Pointed Star;
Monday, August 02, 1999 1:19 AM; Subject: MessiahNet eNewsletter - August 1999; Kevin Geoffrey webmaster@messiahnet.com
The Six-Pointed Star, Part III-A; Present Use of the Six-Pointed Star;
Frank Waters; "Book of the Hopi: The first revelation of the Hopi's historical and
religious world-view of life" p. 12 , Ballantine Books, 1963
Ray McGraw, UNMASKING THE ANTI - CHRIST; email, Thu, 5 Aug 1999
Part VI, Kabbalah Initiation;
"Arithmetic of Freemasonry"; p.16; by W. Bro. Rev. F. de P. Castells, A.K.C.; Late of Lodges Integridad Nacional, No. 1, and Union, No.2, Manila, Philippine Islands; P.M. of Lullingstone Lodge, No. 1837, Wilmington; (1925); A. Lewis, enlarged second edition.
Ibid., p.9
Ibid., p. 25
Ibid., p.10
Ibid., p. 17-18
Kabbalah Unveiled;S.L.McGregor Mathers, www.webvs.com/hogd/kabalah_unveiled.html
"Arithmetic of Freemasonry";op. cit., p.49; by W. Bro. Rev. F. de P. Castells
Ibid., p.22
Ibid., p.49
Ibid., p.47-48
Secret Societies and Subversive Movements; p. 167-168; Nesta. H. Webster; Omni, 1964
Ibid.
Ragon, Maconnerie. Occulte, p.91; as cited p. 167-168; Nesta. H. Webster;
The Six-Pointed Star, Part III-A; Present Use of the Six-Pointed Star;
"Arithmetic of Freemasonry";op. cit., p.42; by W. Bro. Rev. F. de P. Castells
The Detroit Free Press 7/29/99; "Neither Heaven Nor Hell an Actual Place, pope says." (Reuters)
"The Pope of the Council", Part 19: John XXIII and Masonry, Sodalitium, October-November 1996)

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