To answer more fully the question of whether or not we have allowed the beast into our company, it is necessary to observe how John contrasts the “mark” of the beast and the “seal” of God. That the mark of the beast is a parody of the seal of God is most evident from the narrative of 13:16–14:3. Though Revelation 13 and Revelation 14 are separated by a chapter break, it is clear that the 144,000 present on Mount Zion are set in contrast to those who have received