Independence and Freedom

I've read through revelation a couple of times, and admittedly, it is difficult to tell which lines are to be taken literally and which symbolically. It was written based on a dream after all. Here's my guess about the 'mark of the Beast'. I don't think that it is a physical mark...right hand and/or forehead might have symbolic meanings in other scriptures I'm unfamiliar with. If we are to take Revelation as literal as possible, I think the mark might refer to international banking--meaning that countries and corporations that find favor with the international elite (like the world Bank, or the Federal Reserve) will have access to currency. Those who are out of favor will be cut off and be unable to buy, sell, or trade outside the black market. How about it just being literal? How long do you think it would take to physically mark every person who worships the beast? Revelation 13 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, Notice the Word says "all", not just some, but "all". That's a lot of people. The world population right now stands at 6,776,331,434. That's well over 6 billion. Even if you cut that number in half, that's still a lot of people. And those numbers are todays population. What will those numbers be next year, five years, or ten years from now? That's only one item to be considered when we look at what the mark of the beast will be. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ None of what I'm saying is etched in stone. I'm just putting it out there for consideration. As I stated, if there are other interpretations, I would like to hear them. If you believe it to be taken as literal, let's discuss the possibilities of how that can be accomplished. Instead of arguing about who's right and who's wrong, let's discuss it and see where it takes us.

I agree. There are some verses showing that demons needed permission to 'enter' their victim, but Satan (or dark forces) have way too much power in this world.We are only deluding ourselves if we think that Satan does not have a very powerful foothold. Remember how Jesus was tempted in the desert, and Satan said that if Christ bowed to him, then he (Satan) would give Christ control over all the cities he could see? Satan couldn't do this if it didn't belong to him in some sense? Here is some evidence (In my humble opinion) of Satan's control and influence 1) Disease 2) Evolution: Genetic diseases, imperfect bodies, lust 3) War (way too many examples to mention here!) 4) Ignorance: the biological (human) brain has many limitations, easily confused, and diseased. 5) The fact that no human political system has produced desired results (Communism, Capitalism, etc. all have a lot of problems) 6) Natural disasters that we have no control over If God were in control (in this world), I imagine that these things wouldn't exist.

I'm not sure of the verses off the top of my head, but God's people (the saved of 'sheep' as they are often referred to) may wonder. False teachers certainly spread confusion and doctrinal rifts and things like that. But the saved will never permanently turn away if I understand the scriptures correctly.