What is the Mark of the Beast ?

[Paradise Haven]

In closing let me ask you a hypothetical question. Suppose you were born in a culture and a religion that does not know Jesus. Would you rather He come as a thief in the night as you understand it, or would you rather it be as I have just explained it, in which the eternal gospel will be given to all before the end comes?

Too, which of our understandings best reflects to Love that God has for all of mankind?

I agree.

IMatthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come,"

Jesus presents both a practical mandate and a symbolic prophecy. Practically, this verse emphasizes the mission of spreading the gospel universally, indicating that the message of Christ's kingdom must reach every corner of the world and every nation. This global evangelistic effort underscores the responsibility of believers to actively participate in sharing the good news, using various means and methods to ensure that all people have the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of salvation.

Symbolically, the preaching of the gospel to all nations represents the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and the inclusivity of His kingdom. It highlights that the kingdom of God transcends ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries, demonstrating that salvation is available to all humanity. The phrase "for a witness unto all nations" symbolizes the gospel serving as a testimony of God's grace, love, and justice to the entire world, validating the truth of God's promises and the authority of His kingdom. The conclusion, "and then shall the end come," signifies that the global proclamation of the gospel is a precursor to the culmination of history and the establishment of God's eternal reign.

 

[Tigger Boy]

Too, You have not shared with me what you believe are the world wide events that herald the return of Christ.

????

 

[Apple Sky]

Why all the guessing games ? Why couldn't God/John just simply come out and say what the mark of the beast is ?

 

[timewerx]

What if John actually saw the mark of the beast and just wrote it down?

This => XEc => 600, 60, 6

Turns out that XEc looks a lot like Allah in Arabic with two swords underneath. You have to rotate it so that the X is at the bottom. I wrote an article on this with pictures.

The Path to 666 | Christian Forums

It also looks like the number 13 and resembles the "Namaste" symbol as well:

Another symbol for Namaste:

 

[Tigger Boy]

In this context, the 144,000 represent a preserved remnant from among the tribes of Israel, who are protected during the tribulation as a testament to God's enduring covenant with His people.

PH, with regard to your statement above, and your post in general, please consider reading the following. In the blue bar at the top of your screen, click on the "search" icon, and type in " Israel Has No Place In Closing Events."

Looking forward to your response.

 

[Paradise Haven]

PH, with regard to your statement above, and your post in general, please consider reading the following. In the blue bar at the top of your screen, click on the "search" icon, and type in " Israel Has No Place In Closing Events."

Looking forward to your response.

Read it in its entirety and I do have a few thoughts. Which you probably already knew. I am putting all notes together it will take a little time.

 

[CoreyD]

The Mark of the Beast
And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark— the name of the beast or the number of its name. Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is 666.…

View attachment 350878

What is this Mark 666 the number of a man ?

Is it a chip ?
Is it a mobile phone ?
Is it a DNA change i.e the Blood ?

DNA is composed of 6 protons, 6 electrons and 6 neutrons, which equates to 666.


Or is it something spiritual ?

What is the beast, and how do people worship the beast?
Is the beast literal? Is their any reason to believe the mark of the beast is literal?

In Revelation 14:1, is the name of the father written on the forehead of the 144,000 a literal mark?
At Ezekiel 9:4, is the mark those receive on their forehead literal?

Not only, on the basis of the fact that the book of Revelation is given in signs (symbolic), but also, the references to marks on the head and hand, in scripture, being a symbolic representation, it's important that we do not see the mark of the beast as something literal, but symbolic of an action, since it is on the hand, and not the forehead - an action toward the beast that is disapproved by God.
A mark on the forehead would more likely have to do with the mind/heart.

Since those having the mark do not gain favors from the beast, it obviously indicates some kind of compromise, in order to benefit.
The best thing to do if we want to understand this, is to first understand what the beast represents.

 

[Apple Sky]

The best thing to do if we want to understand this, is to first understand what the beast represents.

There are two Beasts ???

 

[Paradise Haven]

Israel’s rejection of Jesus as the Messiah was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” The eternal gospel of Jesus could not be given to the world by a rebellious group of trustees. How could Israel teach the world about faith in God when a majority of people in Israel refused to live by faith? So, Jesus, the Benefactor, terminated His covenant with the nation of Israel

The prophecies and promises given to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant will not be fulfilled because God terminated that covenant with the nation of Israel.

These verses seem to say otherwise unless my interpretation is wrong.

Romans 11:25, "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."

This passage highlights the broader spiritual dynamics at play in God's redemptive plan. Israel represents the chosen people who, despite their privileged position, experience a partial spiritual blindness. This blindness signifies a temporary inability to fully recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah. This is not a total or permanent rejection, but a partial and temporary state. The "fulness of the Gentiles" is the period in which non-Jewish people come to faith in Christ, thus completing God's plan of extending His salvation beyond the boundaries of Israel. The mystery Paul refers to involves the intricate and sovereign workings of God’s plan, wherein the temporary blindness of Israel serves to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles.

Romans 11:26-27, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."

"all Israel" represents not just the physical descendants of Jacob, but also the spiritual Israel—the community of believers who embrace faith in Christ. The Deliverer, emerging from Zion, is Jesus Christ, who comes to redeem and restore both Jews and Gentiles who turn to Him. This deliverance involves turning away ungodliness, signifying a profound transformation and purification from sin.

The reference to Jacob highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises, signifying that God’s faithfulness to Israel is unwavering. The covenant mentioned here, wherein God promises to take away their sins, underscores the divine plan of salvation, which culminates in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus' sacrifice. Thus, this passage encapsulates the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive work, affirming that salvation is available to all—Jews and Gentiles—through Christ, fulfilling God's eternal covenant. It highlights the ultimate reconciliation and restoration of Israel, reflecting God's enduring love and mercy towards His people.

Romans 11:28-29, "As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

This passage illuminates the complex relationship between Israel, the Church, and God's enduring promises. The term "enemies" reflects Israel’s current status in relation to the gospel, meaning that, due to their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, they appear to be opposed to the message of salvation that has been extended to the Gentiles. This opposition, however, is portrayed as a temporary and part of God's larger redemptive plan, which opens the door for Gentiles to receive and spread the gospel.

In contrast, the phrase "beloved for the fathers' sakes" signifies that despite their current rejection of the gospel, Israel remains cherished in the context of God's covenantal promises made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This enduring affection is rooted in the promises and commitments God made to these forefathers, reflecting a divine loyalty that transcends Israel’s present condition.

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" underscores the irrevocability of God’s promises. This affirms that God’s covenant with Israel, including the gifts and calling associated with it, is steadfast and unchangeable. The use of "without repentance" signifies that God will not retract or alter His divine commitments, ensuring that His promises to Israel will ultimately be fulfilled. This principle extends to the broader understanding that God's redemptive purposes are secure and will not be undone, even if there are periods of apparent disfavor or delay.

This passage reassures believers that while Israel may currently be seen as resistant to the gospel, they are still part of God’s sovereign plan and will experience a future restoration. The interplay between current opposition and future redemption highlights the depth and reliability of God's covenantal faithfulness.

 

[CoreyD]

There are two Beasts ???

I was referring to the one you were referring to.
However, there are more than one beast. There is also the image of the beast, but it is the wild beast, and the mark of the wild beast which I mentioned.
Two things - not two beasts - 1) The wild beast. 2) The mark of the wild beast.

It is the mark of the beast you asked about, isn't it?
Do you know what the wild beast represents?

 

[Paradise Haven]

A few days after Jesus terminated His covenant with the nation of Israel, He implemented a New Covenant (Luke 22:20)

We were under The Old Covenant/Testament all the way until Christ took His last breath on the cross.

Hebrews 9:15, "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

Jesus is portrayed as the "mediator" of the New Testament, His pivotal role in bridging the gap between God and humanity. As the mediator, He facilitates the transition from the Old Covenant, which was based on the law and rituals, to a new, more intimate relationship with God based on grace and faith.

The phrase "by means of death" highlights the necessity of Jesus’ sacrificial death to effect this transition. His death represents the ultimate act of redemption, addressing the sins and transgressions that were covered by the Old Testament sacrificial system but never fully resolved. This act of redemption is crucial, as it provides a permanent solution to the problem of sin, something the old covenant could only address temporarily.

The "transgressions that were under the first testament" refer to the sins committed before Christ’s sacrifice, which were dealt with through temporary measures under the old covenant. Jesus’ death provides complete and final atonement for these sins, fulfilling the requirements of the old covenant and offering a new, eternal solution.

Finally, the "promise of eternal inheritance" represents the ultimate reward granted through the New Covenant. This inheritance is eternal life and unending fellowship with God, contrasting with the temporary and imperfect promises of the old covenant. It signifies the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for redemption and eternal relationship with His people.

Hebrews 9:16-17, "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."

The "testament" refers to the New Covenant, the agreement between God and humanity that is established through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The term "testator" represents Jesus, whose death is essential for the testament to come into effect. Jesus' death is the pivotal event that activates the New Covenant, transforming it from a promise into a binding and effective agreement.

The passage underscores that a testament (or covenant) only takes effect after the death of the testator. This principle is drawn from legal traditions, where a will or testament becomes effective only after the individual's death. This signifies that the New Covenant, which offers salvation and a new relationship with God, required the death of Christ to be enacted. Without His sacrificial death, the covenant would remain a mere promise without practical impact.

Thus, the death of Jesus is portrayed as the necessary condition for the New Covenant to be fully realized and operational. This death provides the legal and spiritual grounds for the New Testament's promises to be fulfilled, including the redemption of sins and the promise of eternal life.

This passage emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice in establishing a new relationship between God and humanity. It affirms that the New Covenant's benefits and promises are securely grounded in the reality of Jesus' death, which makes them effective and applicable to believers.

 

[BNR32FAN]

The Mark of the Beast
And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark— the name of the beast or the number of its name. Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is 666.…

View attachment 350878

What is this Mark 666 the number of a man ?

Is it a chip ?
Is it a mobile phone ?
Is it a DNA change i.e the Blood ?

DNA is composed of 6 protons, 6 electrons and 6 neutrons, which equates to 666.


Or is it something spiritual ?

It’s canned sardines, they’ve been disguising it by putting the picture of the fish upside down this whole time.

 

[Apple Sky]

It is the mark of the beast you asked about, isn't it?
Do you know what the wild beast represents?

No.........

 

[CoreyD]

No.........

Okay.
You know whom the dragon represents though, do you? Revelation 13:1, 2

 

[CoreyD]

Why all the guessing games ? Why couldn't God/John just simply come out and say what the mark of the beast is ?

The Bible answers that question.
Mathew 13:10-16; Daniel 12:4, 9, 10

 

[Tigger Boy]

"all Israel" represents not just the physical descendants of Jacob, but also the spiritual Israel—the community of believers who embrace faith in Christ. The Deliverer, emerging from Zion, is Jesus Christ, who comes to redeem and restore both Jews and Gentiles who turn to Him. This deliverance involves turning away ungodliness, signifying a profound transformation and purification from sin.

I understand you to mean, anybody of any nationality, who has faith in Christ, makes up "All Israel". If so that was made clear in my post. Are we in agreement on this point?

 

[Paradise Haven]

I understand you to mean, anybody of any nationality, who has faith in Christ, makes up "All Israel". If so that was made clear in my post. Are we in agreement on this point?

Let me clarify that there is a distinct difference between Spiritual Israel and National Israel. All Scripture is inspired by the Holy Ghost, and the specific mention of the twelve tribes should be taken literally as referring to National Israel otherwise it would have been left out. Despite the fact that most genealogical records have been lost over time, we must trust that God, who preserves and protects His Word, is fully aware of the lineage of these tribes. The Holy Ghost's choice to include these details underscores their importance and relevance, affirming the historical and literal reality of National Israel even as we understand its broader spiritual implications.

Romans 11:17-18, "And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." (Holding on to their shirtails to stay in the olive tree so to speak.)

In these verses, Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate how Gentile believers have been grafted into the spiritual blessings of Israel. The "root" (144,000 represents the patriarchs and the promises of God given to Israel, which now support and nourish the Gentile believers who have been grafted in by faith. This imagery emphasizes that the Gentiles owe their inclusion and sustenance to the rich spiritual heritage rooted in God's covenant with Israel.

144,000 Revelation 7:4-8 are sowing seed in the tribulation to the world and Gentiles and those Jews (Revelation 7:9-17) who will believe are the fruit of their labour.

 

[Spiritual Jew]

Absolutely no denying that at all the context surrounding the text confirms that.

Right. So, "the man of God" refers to the people of God in a general sense.

We have to take a closer look at verse 4, "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." The person pronouns alone show no group or plurality of peoples.

See above. You acknowledged that "the man of God" in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 refers to the people of God in general. Does that phrase indicate a group or plurality of peoples on the surface? No. So, I'm not convinced by this argument. This is not the way to determine the meaning of scripture.

 

[Spiritual Jew]

SJ, I will add further insight for your consideration, in regard to your objections raised in your previous post #153.

In that post you have a few proof texts listed therein, which reveal that the coming of Christ will be a surprise to all as the inhabitants of earth go about they daily routines. These were given to counter/make void all the texts I used in my #149 post, from Rev., to support the world wide destructive events heralding the return of Christ.

All the texts both of us used are in reference to the return of Christ, so how do we resolve our differences?
Do we concede the Bible is a contradiction? Or is our understanding of it flawed? I believe it's the latter of the two options.

As if I might believe otherwise? Did you think it might be possible that I might believe there are contradictions in the Bible? I would hope not. I'm sorry, but this is a waste of time saying these things that everyone here already knows.

Here is a profound statement that I believe is true and will solve our difference:

"BiblicalTruth" is only know/realized when we discover the harmony between the sum of all its parts."

I say something similar all the time, but just not in those exact words. I believe strongly in interpreting scripture with scripture while interpreting it in context and making sure an interpretation of one scripture does not contain any other verse or passage in all of scripture.

With that rule in mind we must use both your texts and mine to arrive at an understanding of the return of Christ, because the bible doesn't contradict itself.

You again tell me the Bible doesn't contradict itself. Do you actually think I might believe that it ever does? Honestly, it's offensive for you to tell me this...twice. Why?

Therefore, in order to harmonize our understanding of all these texts and more, one has to understand that the term, "the Day of the Lord," is not just single day, but rather a series of events (the tribulation) leading up to His actual appearance in the clouds.

There is another rule I go by that I think you should go by as well. We must establish our doctrine on clear, straightforward scripture and then interpret more difficult scripture using that foundation.

For what you're saying to be true, you would need to show how the following will take more than a single day to occur:

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Paul made it clear that the destruction that will come upon the arrival of the day of the Lord will be unexpected and sudden and Peter indicated that it will involve fire coming down on the entire earth, which makes it no wonder why Paul said "they shall not escape". Is that your understanding of the destruction that occurs on the day of the Lord? Is it both unexpected, sudden and complete global destruction as Paul and Peter taught?

Though you nor I have mentioned the bowl judgements in our past post, I'm sure you must believe in them, they most certainly take place over a few days or more.

I believe in them, but I believe they are described symbolically and should not be taken literally. And, without question, the book of Revelation is much more difficult to interpret than passages like 2 Peter 3:10-13 and 1 Thess 5:2-3, wouldn't you agree? Again, there's that rule I go by regarding establishing the foundation of your doctrine on clear scripture first before tackling more difficult scripture contained in highly symbolic books like Revelation. The Euphrates River and Armageddon are mentioned in relation to the bowl judgments. I do not believe it is talking about the literal Euphrates River or a literal land called Armageddon on earth any more than I believe Mystery Babylon refers to earthly Babylon or that Gog and Magog referenced in Revelation 20:7-9 refers to the ancient Gog of the land of Magog described in Ezekiel 38-39.

Then to understand the statements, " that Christ coming will be like a thief in the night, or people will be eating and giving in marriage," would mean they will not be anticipating or mentally prepared for the day of the Lord the beginning of the tribulation.

Are you saying you disagree with that? Jesus compared the days before His coming to the days of Noah and the days of Lot. Did people believe that the flood was coming in Noah's day? No. Did the people of Sodom know that God was going to send fire down on them? No. It was completely unexpected in both cases. So, it will be when Jesus returns (Luke 17:26-30).

You quote Mat. 24:35 and Lk. 7:26, "As it was in the days of Noah," Did not Noah preach the destruction of the earth for 120 years prior?

Yes. And your point is? Despite that, no one but Noah and his family believed it would happen. Was Jesus wrong that people were doing their normal things right up until the flood came and destroyed them all? Of course not, right? So, what exactly are you intending to say here?

Despite the gospel being preached across the world there are still many scoffers in these last days asking "Where is the promise of Christ's second coming?" (2 Peter 3:3-4) and they have no idea that He is coming and will be completely caught off guard when He does. So, the preaching of the gospel does nothing to make people who don't believe it be ready for what's coming.

In closing let me ask you a hypothetical question. Suppose you were born in a culture and a religion that does not know Jesus. Would you rather He come as a thief in the night as you understand it, or would you rather it be as I have just explained it, in which the eternal gospel will be given to all before the end comes?

I don't understand your reasoning here. This is not a valid question to ask. He will both come like a thief in the night and will come once the eternal gospel is preached to the whole world (Matthew 24:14). Why do you think it has to be one or the other when scripture teaches it will be both?

Too, which of our understandings best reflects to Love that God has for all of mankind?

It was wrong for you to try to put words in my mouth, so to speak. I said nothing to indicate that the gospel won't first be preached to the whole world before He comes. That's exactly what Jesus said would happen in Matthew 24:14 and that is implied in 2 Peter 3:8-9, also. But, scripture also teaches that He will come like a thief in the night. I'm honestly baffled as to why you are trying to set those things against each other as if both can't happen.

 

[Paradise Haven]

Right. So, "the man of God" refers to the people of God in a general sense.


See above. You acknowledged that "the man of God" in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 refers to the people of God in general. Does that phrase indicate a group or plurality of peoples on the surface? No. So, I'm not convinced by this argument. This is not the way to determine the meaning of scripture.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God."

If we don't believe this then we are arguing with God. We can't change the basic rules of the English language.

Singular personal pronouns​

A personal pronoun is singular if it refers to exactly one person or thing. The most commonly used singular personal pronouns are:

• First person: I, me
• Second person: you
• Third person: she, her, he, him, it