Many today fear that they will "take" the mark of the beast. What kind of generation will receive the mark of the beast? Is it possible that we are living in the midst of such a generation? Perhaps your neighbors, co-workers or even friends will take the mark. We believe that it is very likely that this current generation has been carefully prepared for this purpose.

The period of World War II was a watershed relative to morality. Following the war, morality was gradually deserted. Now a new generation has arisen which has rejected Biblical standards. This generation grew up in affluence; they were spoiled and undisciplined. Today young people fret over the name appearing on their sneakers and pay $100 for the privilege of wearing them. Many of the pre-war generation concerned themselves simply with having a pair of shoes of whatever kind to wear. The nature of the post-war generation began to be fully manifested in the 60's. The revolution was apparent. The principles which were foundational to their society were soundly rejected. Now as we approach the end of the century, this new generation dominates society.

It seems strange that the pre-war generation managed to survive great difficulties and yet were unable or unwilling to train their children.

It seems strange that the pre-war generation managed to survive great difficulties and yet were unable or unwilling to train their children. Yet, this is what happened. The pre-war generation survived the hardships of the "great depression" just to face the threat of national destruction at the hands of the Axis powers. When we watch movies of that era we are confident because we know the outcome. Victory was not that apparent to those who struggled through it. Following the war, our society entered a time of unprecedented prosperity as America emerged as the dominant superpower. Perhaps the overwhelming hardship followed immediately by equally overwhelming prosperity was more than a generation could be expected to endure. Whatever the case, it has and is leading to national ruin.

Now the nation has the first truly post-war president. Bill Clinton personifies the thesis that a person can pursue power, riches and pleasure without moral restraint. From the perspective of Mr. Clinton and his "boomer" generation, a persons' stature is measured by his successful attainment of power and riches and his pursuit of pleasure. How these things were attained is not relevant. Clinton utterly rejects the notion (James 3:1) that superior moral character is required of a person standing in a leadership position. Therefore, one who evaded the draft and refused to wear the uniform of his country is not embarrassed to lay a wreath at the tomb of the "unknown soldier" on Memorial Day. The same man continually asserts his concern for the well-being of the children while he sets a despicable example before them. A demonstrated liar is ultimately responsible for the Justice Department which is charged with establishing truth and justice according to the laws of the land.

More disturbing than the individual characteristics of Mr. Clinton, is the continuing bold acceptance of him by this society. I believe that it is predominantly the "boomers" that drive the poll numbers so high. It is my thesis that this generation is desperate to believe that they, like the president, can and should pursue personal power, riches and pleasure without moral restraint. Clinton has become a symbol of their myth. Certainly power, wealth and pleasure were pursued in previous generations, but most who did so acted within the confining limits of Biblical morality. This is not so today. This generation evens kills its unborn babies as a means of birth control in order to practice unrestrained sexual freedom.

The soul of the nation is in the balance. It certainly is not difficult to imagine that the present generation could be the one to accept and applaud the "Anti-Christ".

God's people must separate themselves from the lawlessness of this generation.

Solomon said, "It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established on righteousness" (Proverbs 16:12). This exhortation is completely lost on the present generation which applauds the wickedness practiced by the "king". Jesus speaking of the generation of the Anti-Christ prophesied, "And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). John shined the full light of truth on the fate of the generation that received the Anti-Christ, "And another angel, a second one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will 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 goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name" (Revelation 14:9-11).

God's people must separate themselves from the lawlessness of this generation. God wants you to be a witness before this generation. The difference between the choice of righteousness and wickedness is often very little. The righteous example of a believer may prove to be the deciding factor for the person who is on the verge of yielding to the temptation of this world. Demonstrate that you live under authority in righteousness and be ready to exhort others to do likewise.