Introduction: The Distinct Groups in the End Times
The Book of Revelation describes several distinct groups of people who will experience the Great Tribulation in very different ways. Some will take the mark of the beast and be lost forever. Others will be sealed by YHVH and divinely protected. Some will endure intense persecution and be martyred, while others will be spared from the worst of the judgments altogether.
This raises an important question:
Who are these groups? And which one will we belong to?
Revelation and other prophecies in Scripture give us clear descriptions of these groups, and understanding them can help us prepare for what is coming.
The Four Groups of People in the Great Tribulation
1. Those Who Take the Mark of the Beast
The first group is completely given over to deception. They worship the beast, take his mark, and enjoy the temporary benefits of aligning with the system. But their doom is sealed.
Revelation is clear: Contrary to what some false teachings may suggest, once someone takes the mark, there is no turning back. They will face the full wrath of YHVH and eternal judgment.
The deception will be so strong that many will think they are doing the right thing by taking it. But Scripture warns:
'If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur.' (Revelation 14:9-10)
This is a permanent choice—one that will separate the lost from those who remain faithful to YHVH.
2. The 144,000: Sealed and Set Apart
The second group is a very unique and highly honored group—the 144,000.
Revelation tells us that these people are sealed with the Name of YHVH on their foreheads and are completely set apart for His purposes.
They are undefiled and have no guile (deception) in their mouths (Revelation 14:4-5). They are not listed among the beheaded in Revelation 20:4, meaning they may be divinely protected throughout the Great Tribulation. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes—fully devoted to Yeshua.
This raises an important question: Will the 144,000 be martyred?
The answer appears to be no. Unlike the group described in Revelation 20 that is beheaded for refusing the beast, the 144,000 are shown standing with Yeshua on Mount Zion after the Great Tribulation. This suggests that they survive and are protected for a specific role in the end times.
3. Those Who Refuse the Mark and Face Persecution
The third group is made up of faithful believers who will refuse to bow to the beast but will not be among the 144,000.
These believers will have a choice—compromise or die.
Revelation 12:11 describes them:
'They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.'
Some will be taken into captivity. (Revelation 13:10) Some will be killed by the sword. Many will be beheaded for their refusal to worship the beast. (Revelation 20:4) These believers will suffer greatly, but they are also given a great reward—they will reign with Messiah for 1,000 years.
- The last group consists of those who, like Switzerland, refuse the mark of the beast but also refuse to follow Yeshua. They choose neutrality in the battle between good and evil, standing by without taking a definitive stand for either side.
The Seal of YHVH vs. The Mark of the Beast
There are only two marks in the end times:
- The Mark of the Beast – Those who take this mark are lost forever.
- The Seal of YHVH – Those who receive this seal are divinely protected.
This isn’t the first time YHVH has set apart His people with a seal.
In Ezekiel 9, YHVH commands a mark to be placed on the foreheads of those who sigh and cry over the abominations happening in Jerusalem. These people were grieved over how YHVH’s commands were being twisted and ignored, and because of their faithfulness, they were spared from destruction.
In the same way, Revelation tells us that the 144,000 and others faithful to YHVH will be sealed and protected from judgment—while those who align with the beast will suffer plagues, torment, and destruction.
Who Are Those Spared from the Hour of Trial? (Philadelphia & Smyrna)
Among believers, two churches in Revelation stand out—Philadelphia and Smyrna.
These are the only two churches that receive no rebuke from Yeshua.
Philadelphia: The Faithful Bride
To this church, Yeshua says:
'Because you have kept My word and have not denied My Name, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.' (Revelation 3:10)
This suggests that Philadelphia will be spared from the worst of the Great Tribulation.
Smyrna: The Persecuted but Victorious Church
To this church, Yeshua says:
'Do not fear what you are about to suffer... Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.' (Revelation 2:10)
Smyrna is not promised protection from suffering, but they are promised a great reward.
This shows that some believers will be spared, while others will be strengthened to endure persecution.
Are You Among Those Who Will Be Sealed?
The ones who receive YHVH’s seal are not those who are comfortable following man’s traditions—they are the ones who grieve over them.
They sigh and cry over false teachings—whether in Christianity, Judaism, or the world’s religious systems. They are not deceived by religious institutions that have replaced YHVH’s commands with human traditions (Matthew 15:3-9). They reject the mixing of truth and lies—they have no guile in their mouths (Revelation 14:5). They obey ALL of YHVH’s Torah—not just the parts that are convenient.
Who Are You Following?
The world is being prepared for the final test.
Are you walking in full obedience to YHVH? Or are you following traditions that make you comfortable?
Because when the time comes, you will either follow Yeshua or the Beast, and even in the end, those who try to stay neutral will also have to choose.
Which one will it be?