The mark of the beast

[fastfredy0]

Would it be impossible for God to accept him because he got the chip?

Keeping in mind this is all highly speculative ...
God cannot go against His nature. He says He cannot lie. Revelation is God's word. The way I read it, everyone who take the mark of the beast will be condemned by God. Therefore, it is not possible to accept the guy. That being said, what if the mark was on a man's hand ... could he cut off his hand to save himself?

If so, that would mean that man can create a man-made item that renders God powerless.

God can cause man to make a man-made item. Thus, God is going along with what He wanted to happen. (The question I believe assumes man did something independent of God's causation.)

 

[fastfredy0]

@Carbon
I am still curious as to your answer. If you were told to insert a micro-chip into your hand or forehead would you do so? I ask the question such that your answer does not take into consideration anything except your knowledge of the mark of the beast. I.E. don't consider what your friend's might think, or the discomfort of inserting it or anything else. Would be OK will inserting the microchip, and your only consideration is your understanding of 'the mark of the best" and you have no others qualms.

Hmmm ???

How 'bout you @makesends ... same question.

 

[Carbon]

@Carbon
I am still curious as to your answer. If you were told to insert a micro-chip into your hand or forehead would you do so? I ask the question such that your answer does not take into consideration anything except your knowledge of the mark of the beast. I.E. don't consider what your friend's might think, or the discomfort of inserting it or anything else. Would be OK will inserting the microchip, and your only consideration is your understanding of 'the mark of the best" and you have no others qualms.

Hmmm ???

How 'bout you @makesends ... same question.

Well there are 2 reasons why I wouldn’t. 1 is I do not like needles at all or anything else to be inserted in the flesh. I have to take that into consideration

The other is, for the first 20 + years of being a believer I thought 666 was literal and could be in another form as well, like a chip.

So there is still that stain in the back of my mind.

But I suppose if it came to life and death I would probably do so, especially to save my family. And names cannot be removed from the book.


Unless of course I was convicted by the Spirit.

 

[Mr GLee]

What is it?
Is this mark something that will be forced on people?
Something taken voluntarily?
Is it literally the number 666?

Or is it something entirely different?

One thing a mark is not . . a outward sign No signs were given. .Jesus said it is a evil generation (666) that seeks after a sign before they believe

More of something like natural born dying mankind created on day six . . .there times. . .three denotes the end of a matter.. 666 the number of one man . Holy Holy, Holy. God alone is Holy

No signs were given to wonder after . The mark of his word "What he says comes to pass" and "it was good" Whosoever kills Cain will experience the same spirit as a restless wanderer. . no faith that could please God

 

[Red Baker]

What is the mark of the beast?​

Revelation 13:18​

“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.”

It all depends on who you ask! Men have been searching and asking this question since John wrote Revelation 13. Oh that men would only search and trust the word of God for their answers concerning bible questions. Interpretations belong only to God, and from there, God's children who trust him to give them his interpretation~and he never fails.

Briefly~the clue of what is the mark of the beast, is within the very verse of scripture, if we would only listen carefully to them.

Revelation 13:18​

“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.”

John said, it is the number of a man.......... that is, a man void of the Spirit of God! Please consider carefully, and prove to me, if you think I'm wrong.

If we are to consider the mark of the beast, then we need to first understand who the beast is.

The word used for the beast of Revelation 13 means a wild animal. The symbol of a beast in Scripture is often used to illustrate those who come to destroy the Lord's people. They are pictured as a dangerous people, presence or rule (kingdom) that comes against the children of God. And God's people are typed as being the prey of these beasts, spiritual carnivores that are the natural enemy of the saints. For example, the imagery in Daniel's vision of the four beasts. God declared that the images were figures of kingdoms, pictured as a Lion, a Bear, and a Leopard. He said that the fourth beast had great and dreadful devouring teeth. These are all symbolic images or spiritual "word pictures" of carnivorous beasts that devour prey. The "interpretation" of God is clear, and God makes it very plain that the prey was "His people."

Daniel 7:16-18~"I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever."

Daniel 8:23~"thus he said the fourth beast shall be the fourth Kingdom upon the earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces."

Daniel was made to "know the interpretation," that these beasts represented the unsaved people as they were devouring kingdoms or rules, which come up out of the earth (just as the beast of Revelation 13 rose out of the earth) to fight against the people of God. Again, the "imagery" of the strong kingdoms as beasts like Lions, Bears or Leopards to illustrate strength and fierceness. Also note that it is the saints, the children of God, who will ultimately overcome this kingdom symbolized by the beast. God tells us that they will take and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. A clear illustration that this beastly principality (kingdom) ultimately identifies with Satan's devouring kingdom, and how it is ultimately overcome in Christ. Two types of people opposed and at enmity with each other. One pictured as beasts, and the other pictured as the prey that these beasts come to devour.

The fact is, it is typical in Scripture to see unsaved man or a wicked ruling principality signified by a beast or fierce animal. In Revelation chapter 13, the first vision of a beast there is symbolic of the wicked men of the principality of Satan, as they come and blaspheme God throughout time, only to increase as this world comes to its end. The number seven is the number representing "totality" or completeness. The heads of the beast symbolize authority. Thus the seven heads symbolize this beasts rule and authority through the totality of time. And the Dragon (Satan) gives them their power or authority. Likewise, the number ten is used in Scripture to symbolize fullness, and horns symbolize power. Thus the ten horn of this beast symbolize the "fullness of his power" in reigning near the end of this kingdom. Satan's kingdom of false prophets is allowed of God to reign during the latter times (Revelation 17:12-13). This is when these ten horns will arise. In Revelation thirteen's illustration of this beast having it's authority broken by being dealt a death blow by the cross of Christ, it shows that Satan's power over man had been broken (Hebrews 2:14-15) so that the church could be built and those whom Satan held captive could be set free. But when Revelation 13 talks of his death wound being healed, it refers to Satan's loosing near the end time. Satan himself is the source of power for this beast. He is the king or authority of those unsaved people who come "like" a beast to devour.

Some people have misunderstood Revelation thirteen, so it's important to understand that the vision of the second beast coming out of the earth is a "second vision," not a continuation of the first beast (which came out of the sea). This second beast is a figure of Satan's people as they are the false prophets that arise after Satan is loosed. Thus this beast is spoken of as having "horns like a Lamb, and yet speaking like a Dragon." It is the illustration of devouring beasts coming against God's people, but they come in the likeness of God's own people. It is the coming of the anti-Christ or substitute-Christ. This is symbolism of Satan's people who come as peacemakers and reconcilers to God, when in reality they bring no peace, and they exhort no reconciliation because they are adversaries to God. They are people who speak lawlessness, as a dragon, but who in appearance are as the power of the lamb. They are unsaved people from one kingdom, masquerading as being from the other. This is very much like the imagery we find in Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 22:25~"There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring Lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls, they have taken the treasure and precious things, they have made her many widows in the midst thereof."

This is how this rule of false prophets work, that they are as beasts ravening the prey. Prophets in the midst of the churches, appearing to have the power of Christ (horns like a Lamb), but whose words are not the word of God, but of Satan (speaks like the Dragon). They replace the laws of God with their own visions and precepts so that they are the man of lawlessness rather than the man of lawfulness. Children of Satan rather than children of God. And as a roaring lion they ravish the prey as if they were sheep. As the adversarial principality or beast, they take the precious people of the church, and treat them as prey.

Revelation 13:18​

“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.”

There is a very close connection between the beast and the number, so close, it is impossible to separate them!

To be continue....

 

[Carbon]

One thing a mark is not . . a outward sign No signs were given. .Jesus said it is a evil generation (666) that seeks after a sign before they believe

More of something like natural born dying mankind created on day six . . .there times. . .three denotes the end of a matter.. 666 the number of one man . Holy Holy, Holy. God alone is Holy

No signs were given to wonder after . The mark of his word "What he says comes to pass" and "it was good" Whosoever kills Cain will experience the same spirit as a restless wanderer. . no faith that could please God

You sure add a lot of things to scripture.

 

[LeviR]

You sure add a lot of things to scripture.

Do you read the long-winded posts? I don’t.

 

[TMSO]

What is it?
Is this mark something that will be forced on people?
Something taken voluntarily?
Is it literally the number 666?

Or is it something entirely different?

We cannot fully fathom what it is, however, we can know that it will be related to the beast. Some have said it is a mark/stamp that allies the person to the beast. Scripture makes it sound like it will be the basis of the world economy in that only those who have the mark will be permitted to partake in the economy. The mark will be forced upon people. It will be "voluntary" in that if you won't accept this forced mark, you will be executed. The mark itself is not literally 666, but it is the mark of a man, and that is related to the number 666. Some believe it is some form of numerology, where one's name means something and can be calculated. Some said it was 616 to match up to Nero. Some say Nero matches if one finagles with the spelling of his name in Hebrew, and adds Caesar to his name. One thing we know from Irenaeus is that John never told anyone who the beast was, even after being freed from Patmos and going around visiting the churches. The thing with that is that, one on one, he has no need to use codes or images to hide what he is saying from the Romans. They aren't going to hear him. To speculate, he didn't tell anyone because this person was not born yet. No one would understand who/what he was talking about. He did have a sign, which is the mark of his name and 666.

I heard once the mark likened to getting a stamp that shows support for a political party, and being their ally gives "perks". I don't remember how it went exactly, because this was some decades ago.

 

[TMSO]

To continue with the "what if?" motif .......

If the mark were a man-made implanted chip, what if the guy who was deceived to take it later changes his mind by waking up to the fact he was deceived because he heard the two witnesses' testimony and then leads a life of belief and faith in YHWH only?
He already has the chip so he can buy and sell, and he uses it to buy and sell stuff to care for other believers that refused to take the mark.

Would it be impossible for God to accept him because he got the chip?
If so, that would mean that man can create a man-made item that renders God powerless.

To continue with your "what if", why couldn't it be a man-made implanted chip, with a mark that basically shows where to scan the chip? So the mark wouldn't be the chip, but a mark/tatoo on the skin. The reason why God cannot accept a person who, again I emphasize, BOTH worship the beast and his image, AND get the mark of his name is in the concept. We worship God and Jesus, and receive from Him His holy spirit. During the tribulation, they will worship the beast and his image, and receive the mark of his name. Notice the parallel?

Also note, the greek concept of worshiping the beast and his image is whole heart, soul, mind and strength. The worship is to the point that if the worshiper could choose to continue to worship the beast and his image after death... he would. Even in the midst of the lake of fire, having faced God, they would choose to worship the beast and his image hands down. Totally sold out. The mark just seals the deal, like a mark of ownership. As the Holy Spirit seals the believer in God, this mark seals the worshiper/believer of the beast to the beast. It is what the receiving of the mark signifies for the one who worships the beast and his image. It isn't the mark that makes it impossibile for God to accept the person.

 

[Mr GLee]

You sure add a lot of things to scripture.

Like for instance?

 

[Mr GLee]

Do you read the long-winded posts? I don’t.

Are they to long? How much wind is needed ?

 

[Marty]

What is it?
Is this mark something that will be forced on people?
Something taken voluntarily?
Is it literally the number 666?

Or is it something entirely different?

Revelation states that you can't repent of having the mark and Jesus said that the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Thus according to the scriptures, the mark of the beast is the unrepentant rejection of the holy Spirit

 

[TMSO]

Revelation states that you can't repent of having the mark and Jesus said that the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Thus according to the scriptures, the mark of the beast is the unrepentant rejection of the holy Spirit

Step back for one moment, and note that each time it speaks of doom and gloom for bearers of the mark, the actions comes in twos. Those who both worshiped the beast and his image, and received the mark. AND being a key word. It also used Greek parallelism (I believe that is what the form of speech is called) by saying those who worship the beast and his image, and those who took the mark. In greek that means those people who did both. This is why John MacArthur said it MAY be possibile for someone who took the mark, not saved obviously, to survive, but did not worship the beast and his image, to repent and believe in Christ. To understand why is to look at what the greek concept is behind the idea of worshiping the beast and his image. It isn't word service. It isn't acting like one cares. It is sold out, heart, soul, and mind, to if this person could see God in His kingdom and all His glory, they would just say, "Nope." turn around, and go back to worshiping the beast. These people taking the mark just seals them in their blasphemy.

 

[Red Baker]

We cannot fully fathom what it is,

For someone who said we cannot fully fathom what the mark of the beast is, you made some suggestions without any scriptural support!

"Scripture makes it sound like it will be the basis of the world economy in that only those who have the mark will be permitted to partake in the economy".

"The mark will be forced upon people. It will be "voluntary" in that if you won't accept this forced mark, you will be executed" ~ etc., etc.

We cannot fully fathom what it is

I disagree.

Revelation 13:18​

“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.”

A man/woman who has the wisdom of God, by trusting only in the scriptures for their source of truth, can know. If a child of God cannot fully fathom the truth on a subject so important, then why would God even mentioned it in his word? He would not ~ it there for those who have been saved from the mark of the beast to see, and for those who trust only in God's testimony for truth.

 

[Red Baker]

Continue from #25......

Signs of the mark of the beast....​

Continuing in Revelation 13:16 we see that this beast causes all to receive the mark of his name. However, verse 17 assures us that this "all" is qualified. In other words, it's not everyone in the world, it is everyone that will "buy and sell" at this time. The buyers and sellers will have the most visible sign of this mark of the beast. And the buyers and sellers depicted are not literal merchants and purchasers, rather this is symbolic of those merchants of the church in mystery Babylon, the religious sector of Mystery Babylon. No man will not be able to practice their trade in the church except they are marked of the beast. Revelation is a book of symbolism, and to take this buying and selling literally would be just as much a mistake as taking the beast who gives the mark literally.

Revelation 3:17-19~"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Christ was warning the messenger of the church of Laodicea in "symbolic" terms to be a faithful "merchant" of spiritual things, and "buy of Him" Gold tried in the fire, Gold that would not corrupt, Gold that thieves would not seek to break through and steal, Gold that would be more precious than any literal merchant could ever obtain. He is told to be the merchant of these precious "spiritual" things, and he is rebuked and chastened for not doing this. This messenger of Laodoicea thought that he was rich and had need of nothing because of his literal wealth, but God is declaring that "spiritually speaking", he was poor and blind and naked. For the Merchant that Christ had in view was the spiritual merchant of the latter day church, the earthly representation of the Kingdom of God. The one who was seeking to buy and sell precious things far more valuable than literal gold.

The truth is that this mark is a spiritual token that he who receives it has "fallen away" from God or been brought under the reign of Satan's kingdom. This beast symbolizes Satan's false prophets and ministers coming to deceive the people of the church. As your name is signed on a deed illustrating that you own the land. Or as a rancher might brand a cow with his or her own unique name to illustrate that the cow belonged to that particular rancher. This is same meaning in the "imagery" of revelation of those who visible (which we will later show what it means to visibly have this mark) have the mark of the beast. It signifies that they have the same family name, and they belong to Satan, who rules over them. It's just the opposite of Christians being bought with a price by Christ, that they are not their own, and belong to Him (1st Corinthians 6:19-20). Likewise, those with the mark of the name are illustrating they serve him and are under his control. Again, this is the mimicking of Christ in this substitute or anti-Christ kingdom.

It is also important that we are not led astray to believe this is a literal mark. It's not a literal mark on anyone anymore than this beast who causes them to receive it is a literal beast ('he who hath an ear, let him hear'). We know this is not a literal beast with seven literal horns that had come out of the 'literal' earth. Nor is this second a literal beast with horns like a lamb that speaks like a dragon. Could anyone even say how a Dragon would speak? We could only answer that honorably when we understand that the Dragon is not literal, and so it speaks as Satan, who is spiritually a Dragon. And so if it's not a literal beast, it would logically, rationally, and biblically follow that this is not a literal mark that this non-literal beast would make. In fact, it would be illogical to think so. Both images (the beast and the mark denoting it's family character) are symbolic images depicting spiritual realities. And what they symbolize is Satan bringing men into servitude by means of his false prophets. These false prophets cause the unfaithful church to be deceived and fall away to become slaves of Satan. that they go forth destroying the field. The enemy sows tares among the wheat, and there comes a falling away from the faith by the professing churches.

Another point is that this could not be symbolism of the people of the world who do not believe in God falling away, because they either have already fallen, or they never have gone to church or professed Christ. Thus this falling away, these who receive this mark of the beast, of necessity must be those who are of the professing churches. Those who claim to believe (Luke 8:13) in God.

We can read in Revelation Chapter 14 that those who are the servants of God, have His name written in their foreheads. Again, this is the very same imagery, rather than literal marks. The only thing different about this is that it is an exact opposite of the name of the Beast. This doesn't mean that God's name is literally bored or burned into our foreheads. It signifies that we belong to God, or that we are in servitude to Him (1st Corinthians 7:22-23). Christians being bought with a price are 'servants' or bondservants of God. That symbolism of the name of God in their foreheads, signifies that by being part of God's "family," they take on certain aspects of the character of God, including the name Christ-ian. It is a picture that our minds are in Christ. Likewise the mark of the beast in man's hand and forehead symbolizes his servitude, and that his mind is sold out to Satan and he is in fellowship with the world. These are the two proverbial Kingdoms. Either we're God's servants, or we are servants of the Devil. Either we have the Spirit of Christ, or the spirit of anti-Christ. So the question, "what is the mark of the beast," is a question that must be answered by the Spirit, through the careful exegesis of the word of God, rather than through the words of fanciful books and popular authors, and vain guess work.

Though it seems to me hard to believe, people lose sight of the fact that Revelation is a book steeped in symbolic imagery. It is often because of church tradition that many attempt to force Scripture to be literal, even when it is tortuous to do so. Here we read of Locusts, Candlesticks, Stars, Beasts, Plagues, Horns, Crowns, Chains, Women, Harlots, Mountains, Marks, Fornication, etc., and it would seem obvious by the context that these are all symbolic images in Revelation. Still some are reticent to say it is symbolic. Nevertheless, these are word pictures to illustrate something to those with the wisdom and understanding that only God can endow. They are not to be understood as literal things, or acts, but as spiritually signifying actions and events. If we would stop to think about this Biblically and 'honestly,' and with no preconceived ideas, the truth of it becomes self-evident. If the beast is a symbolic creature and not a literal beast (which everyone would agree that it is), why would anyone then tortuously conclude that the mark of "this non-literal beast" should be literal? It makes no sense! The truth is, the mark of the beast is imagery painting a spiritual picture ownership, just as the beast who causes it is a picture of principality and rule Satan.

When this false prophet, spiritually a beast, comes to deceive and rules in the churches, only those who are deceived of him (marked as serving in his kingdom) will be able to buy and sell in the churches~"or move freely within and among" the false churches of the latter day. No true believers will be able to demonstrate their wares here. They will refuse to worship his likeness (image) of carnality, they receive no mark of servitude, they cannot buy and sell in this house, and they will be slain, or, put out of view~or better yet, put to silence in the latter day churches. The wicked will fall into the deceivers snare and take on the character of his name, but the Saints will not worship the beast, neither his image, neither will receive his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands. Neither their mind nor their hand is with the beast in this spiritual fornication of the latter day churches.

To be continue...

 

[Red Baker]

In their Hand and Forehead​

What is the symbolism of the mark of his name in their right hand, and in their foreheads?

First in the right hand~This speak of those men in the latter days that are in fellowship with the spirit of antichrist which truly opposes the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ with hatred and malice, toward those who have the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider:

Galatians 2:9​

“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”

The right hand of fellowship shows forth their agreement in the same truth, with the same purpose of proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ. Those who have the mark of beast in their right hand show that they are one with the spirit of antichrist in speaking against those remnant of believers who who proclaim the true doctrines of the word of God. This truth truly is not that deep to see and understand, if we stay with the scriptures as our only authority of teaching bible doctrine.

Those who have the mark of the beast in their right hand do Satan's bidding as if it were by his own right hand. They are in servitude to him, are under his authority, and do his will.

As for the forehead, it is where the mind is, and is illustrative of man's thinking. By giving us spiritual images of believers with the name of God written in their foreheads, it is revealed their minds are sealed in Christ Jesus so that their thoughts become one with Christ~1st Corinthians 2:16 . Believers all have one mind as they are all sealed or secured of the Spirit in Christ.

Romans 15:6~"That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Again: 1st Corinthians 2:16

• "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

Believer's having the name of God written in their foreheads are illustrative of a people who are of one Spirit where God is guiding them in their will and in their thinking. It is the fulfilling of Old Covenant prophecy.

Hebrews 10:16~"This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will write My law into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them."

No one would look at Hebrews 10:16 and even begin to think that God means that He's literally written Scripture on someone's heart, or that He has literally carved laws on our foreheads or in our minds. Because of the Spirit we readily understand its imagery or a spiritual metaphor illustrating our spiritual nature. And yet, some theologians will take the verse in Revelation chapter 13, which is an even more obviously symbolic and spiritual book, and try and force the name or number of the non-literal beast, to be literally something marked in one's forehead. And ironically, usually all while looking at the beast, it's horns, and it's rising from the earth and sea, as symbolic. There is no scriptural justification for this type of interpreting. Not in the context, content, or character of the chapter can we "read into" Scripture such ideas. The mark is no more talking about a literal mark, than Hebrews 10:16 is talking about literal marks of Scripture written upon our hearts or passages scribbled in our minds. It is mere symbolism that we are sealed with God's Spirit in our minds (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 4:30, Revelation 7:3), that we have an earnest desire to obey God's laws and do His will by our hand. It is by the Spirit ingrained upon our hearts and minds that we will and do.

2nd Timothy 1:7~"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Philippians 2:13~"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
All true believers have the spirit of a sound mind, the one mind in Christ Jesus. The name of Christ is the word of God, and that is what is spiritually sealed within our minds that we would obey and work and do.
By the same token, those who are deceived by the spirit of Satan also have the same mind. But instead of the mind of lawfulness, they have the mind of lawlessness. Their desire is not to do the will of God, but to be disobedient and do the will of their father, the Devil.

Ephesians 2:2-3~"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that their mind was defiled because they were of their father, the Devil. Why? Because the mind of the people of Israel was given over to that prince or ruler, Satan. Spiritually speaking, he had become their king and held them in bondage (John 8:36). In this same fashion, when the church falls into the apostasy illustrated in Revelation chapter 13, these also will be brought into bondage by Satan. And as the true believers are sealed in their foreheads to signify they are all of one mind in the Spirit of Christ, so these will be spiritually marked in their forehead signifying that they are all of one mind in the spirit of antichrist. Indeed, as it is written:

Revelation 17:13~"These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."
One mind, one spiritual father, one character of the beast. Collectively, we have either the mind of Christ, or the mind of Satan. And those who fall away are spiritually defiled. The same type illustration as found in Titus, where it speaks about the mind of the unrighteous being defiled.

Titus 1:15~"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled".

This is what the mark on the forehead symbolized. That their mind is defiled and they are all of one spirit to give their hand in work for the beast's kingdom. So again, the mark of the Beast in man's hand and forehead is not a carnal or fleshly mark, rather it is the mark of the flesh, or of carnality. For the carnal mind is illustrated in the will of the flesh. The mind being marked signifies carnal thinking, and the hand signifies the will of the flesh. The mark is a token of the nature of disobedience, and signifies that one does not have the Spirit of God, but is sold out to the flesh. And one who has the mark of the beast in his head, has the sign of death upon him.

Romans 8:5-8~"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

How can we answer the question, "What is the mark of the beast?" We answer that it is the carnal mind, the mind spiritually marked of the beast that has deceived them that they take on his character and do his will. Their hand is to serve in his kingdom, rather than in Christ's.

And in this same cryptic fashion, Revelation 17:5 talks about the Harlot with a name written on her forehead saying "Mystery Babylon, the Great, the Mother of harlots, and abominations of the earth." Is this a literal woman with literal writing in her forehead? Again, not at all. It is symbolic language signifying a fallen spiritual city that outside looks rich, but inside is abominations and filth. To look for a literal woman with a name literally marked in her forehead would be foolishness. Yet this type of unsound hermeneutic is routinely practiced by many theologians in chapters such as Revelation 13. But in these cryptic images we see battle against the one true God, and the images of the god of this world. One Kingdom of the Lamb, with the man of law serving God, and the other is the kingdom of the beast, with the man of lawlessness (sin) serving Satan. Images of the Christ, and of the false Christ.

Bottom line~all are born into this world with the mark of the beast~it is called human depravity~we come into this world with a flesh that is at enmity against God~by grace alone, a small remnant are delivered from this mark of the beast, the majority are not. Selah

Maybe one more post on this subject.

 

[Mr GLee]

Christ was warning the messenger of the church of Laodicea in "symbolic" terms to be a faithful "merchant" of spiritual things, and "buy of Him" Gold tried in the fire, Gold that would not corrupt, Gold that thieves would not seek to break through and steal, Gold that would be more precious than any literal merchant could ever obtain. He is told to be the merchant of these precious "spiritual" things, and he is rebuked and chastened for not doing this. This messenger of Laodoicea thought that he was rich and had need of nothing because of his literal wealth, but God is declaring that "spiritually speaking", he was poor and blind and naked. For the Merchant that Christ had in view was the spiritual merchant of the latter day church, the earthly representation of the Kingdom of God. The one who was seeking to buy and sell precious things far more valuable than literal gold

No sign was given to wonder, wonder, wonder after . Signs for unbelievers. Prophecy for those who are empowered to believe God not seen .

Yes the buying and selling has to do with spiritual unseen matters. Like the parable or proverb below

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Gold the only rudiment of this dying world that received the good seal of approval during Creation.
mentioning it twice to emphasize


Genisis 2:11-12 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.

Gold is used to represent faith the unseen hidden riches or power of Christ . Called the golden measure in Revaltion 21 .The measure of (a unknown) Not the literal 144,000, the measure of the men apostles .

Revelation 21 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.( messenger apostle)

The golden ark of the covenant . Like all parable is used to hide what was inside (manna) Called the hidden manna in Revaltion 2:17 our daily bread

Therefore putting a end the use of oral traditons passed on from generation to generation of dying mankind. Some call apostolic succession like that of those disembodied spirits are called patron saints. . making sola scriptura to no effect.

Moses finished writing sola scriptura

Deuteronomy 31: 24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying,Take this book of the law, and put it in (on ) the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee. For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the Lord; and how much more after my death? Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them. For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.

 

[Red Baker]

"What does the number of the beast mean?"

His number of six hundred threescore and six has long been thought to be the key to the mystery of the beast. But in truth, it is the other way around. This beast that brings extreme false prophecy and apostasy in the churches, is the key to understanding it's number.

God tells us that it is "wisdom and understanding" rather than mathematical skills that is required to discover what the number of the beast signifies. And comparing Scripture with Scripture, we know that wisdom and understanding (Biblically speaking) is in the fear of the Lord to take His divine word very seriously and studiously. The unfaithful have no real fear of God or reverence for His word, and thus their allegiance and faithfulness to it becomes lukewarm at best. In looking superficially at the word, they lack the real spiritual insight and guidance of the Spirit instructing in the word. Biblical wisdom and understanding is given by the Spirit of God alone, and is evidenced by forsaking evil, repentance and humbly "receiving" God's correction.

Only those indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God have this earnest desire to "be lawful" and faithfully follow what the Scriptures actually teach. The rest will depart from the faith at the first sign of trouble or trial. They are ripe to be deceived by carnal lusts and vain imaginations of man's heart. How can we avoid such a fall? God declares that "He who hath wisdom and understanding (true Believers) should "Count" the number of the beast. In other words, exegete, calculate, evaluate, so that you know the character of the beast. No, it's not a mathematical equation, because God gives us but "one number." How do you count one number? Well, the answer to this mystery is hidden in plain sight. God tells us "exactly" what the number is. He states very succinctly, "..it is the Number of A MAN!" That is, a man void of the Spirit of God, who is driven by his carnal mind and lust, and what he thinks is just and right.

God gives no other number with which to count six hundred, sixty-six with. So we immediately discern that we are simply to count that one number. But how do we count six hundred sixty-six alone. There really is only one way, which is use the Bible as our example and count it the way other numbers are counted in Scripture. We count it as a spiritual number. And since it obviously is not upon all, but only part of the whole are marked deceived of Satan to worship the image, we count it as part of the whole. In other words, we count it as a fraction (part of the whole number). Not surprisingly, it all leads us to the very same conclusion. To answer any objection, in context, counting as a fraction is Biblically justifiable because it is referring to a part of the whole. Or more specifically, the 666 refers to those who are to be cut off from the whole by reason of their being deceived (marked), of the beast.

This in relationship to the part that God says will not be marked of the beast (The faithful of God), and whom we are told would be killed because of their faithfulness. So we have two fractions, or two parts. Those who will refuse to worship the beast and so be killed are numbered with God, one part. And those who worship the beast and receive his mark, are numbered with him as his part. So what is the number six hundred, sixty, and six "counted" as a fraction or as part of this whole? It breaks down to two thirds. And no surprise, this correlates perfectly with God's Word because in the Scriptures God uses the division of 1/3 to symbolize the truly Saved who are brought through the fire and refined of God, and 2/3 as those who are to be cut off from God. And these marked of the beast are those designated to forsake God and be deceived (cut off) of the beast.

Zechariah 13:7-9~"Awake, O Sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: Smite the Shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn Mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, Two Parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third part shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is My people: and they shall say, the Lord is My God."

Two parts therein, or, two parts are to be cut off, and one part saved. The Lord our God has assigned the number (fraction) to "count" those whom Christ will bring to Salvation, and the number of those that profess to be his people who will be cut off. A remnant will be saved, and the rest are deceived and cut off. The true believers are numbered as 1/3, and the unsaved who are cut off from God are numbered as 2/3. So here we have GOD'S defining a NUMBER of the whole that represents man being cut off from God. And God (not I) defines it as 2/3. And again, this correlates perfectly to what God said about the number of man who will buy and sell, being the number six hundred and sixty and six (2/3). This number being written in the forehead and hand is an illustration that the spiritual condition of their mind, and the works of the hands, are of this carnality or the beast that they serve. Just as in the days of old, it is spiritual idolatry.

 

[Carbon]

Revelation states that you can't repent of having the mark and Jesus said that the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Thus according to the scriptures, the mark of the beast is the unrepentant rejection of the holy Spirit

Interesting

 

[makesends]

Revelation states that you can't repent of having the mark and Jesus said that the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Thus according to the scriptures, the mark of the beast is the unrepentant rejection of the holy Spirit

Step back for one moment, and note that each time it speaks of doom and gloom for bearers of the mark, the actions comes in twos. Those who both worshiped the beast and his image, and received the mark. AND being a key word. It also used Greek parallelism (I believe that is what the form of speech is called) by saying those who worship the beast and his image, and those who took the mark. In greek that means those people who did both. This is why John MacArthur said it MAY be possibile for someone who took the mark, not saved obviously, to survive, but did not worship the beast and his image, to repent and believe in Christ. To understand why is to look at what the greek concept is behind the idea of worshiping the beast and his image. It isn't word service. It isn't acting like one cares. It is sold out, heart, soul, and mind, to if this person could see God in His kingdom and all His glory, they would just say, "Nope." turn around, and go back to worshiping the beast. These people taking the mark just seals them in their blasphemy.

I think it is worth mentioning that the word, 'repent', is not necessarily referring to a spiritual repentance over sin, but can be simply, in this case, changing one's mind about receiving the mark. It is done, a, "you can't remove this tattoo", sort of thing.