Mark of the Beast

[Adarian]

Mark, definition from Greek: an impression, a brand, a wound and or a scar.

A scratch, marked or scarred, a stamp like a brand, a wound. A notice.

This thing is visible and tangible.

[other one]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c311/oth...wposts/mark.jpg

[kenod]

Mark, definition from Greek: an impression, a brand, a wound and or a scar.

A scratch, marked or scarred, a stamp like a brand, a wound. A notice.

This thing is visible and tangible.

And is this visible and tangible?

Rev 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Nearly everything in The Revelation is symbolic. That there may very well be some literal "mark", is possible, but that still is not the mark in the forehead and in the right hand.

The "mark", the "forehead", and the "right hand" are symbolic. Their meanings are spelt out in the Scriptures.

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Edited December 28, 2006 by kenod

[buckthesystem]

I am thinking right now that to believe the MOB is entirely symbolic is a convenient way of saying that we can "register" with any government identity schemes or schemes of any kind, join any clubs or societies, take any RFID chips or any marks, cards or tattoos, we like, all with impunity.

This really "lets us off the hook" as far as taking any responsibility for ourselves if concerned, and we don't even need to be careful about anything or research for ourselves any - even questionable - scheme that is offered to us, perhaps to make life easier (temporarily of course) and make our financial transactions quicker and easier. Then we can just look to God, and say (something like) "we surrender entirely to you and rely on you to protect us".

These scriptures that people have quoted are a WARNING! (Perhaps a warning that man's system is, and always has been, corrupt, and we should be wary of it).

Sure, look for symbolism but also take heed that the MOB probably is something physical and tangible. Afterall why would scripture be written in riddles?

Just my opinion, but worth considering.

[kenod]

I am thinking right now that to believe the MOB is entirely symbolic is a convenient way of saying that we can "register" with any government identity schemes or schemes of any kind, join any clubs or societies, take any RFID chips or any marks, cards or tattoos, we like, all with impunity.

You have a very good point - the reason/motive behind any "government identity scheme" is the most important consideration.

Although we do need to be careful. Sometimes an outwardly good reason can cloak something much more sinister. For example, my country has just approved "therapeutic cloning", ostensibly for the development of cures for diseases like Parkinsons.

Sure, look for symbolism but also take heed that the MOB probably is something physical and tangible. After all why would scripture be written in riddles?

Well, we know Jesus said certain things were hidden from the wise (Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.)

And we know that The Revelation (like most prophecy) is primarily a book of symbols ... symbols that can only be understood by searching the Scriptures to find their meaning.

A good starting place is to study every verse that mentions the word "forehead" or "foreheads" (there aren't that many) and try to determine what it means. The same can be done for "right hand" ... though there are quite a few of those.

It is interesting that “forehead/s” is mentioned eight times in The Revelation alone - four times referring to the ungodly (Rev 13:6, 14:9, 17:5, 20:4) and four times referring to the godly (Rev 7:3, 9:4, 14:1, 22:4).

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Edited December 29, 2006 by kenod

[eric]

Yeah, right kenod, there is an up side to everything and a downside and whatever my view is, would only be speculation, but it's something to think about. if one is so inclined and hey....if it doesn't happen in the next year or two, I will be long gone home.. I'm like what Yod says in his sig line........What me worry? I'm awaitin in the bus shelter

Yes, indeed, eric I see where you are coming from and I feel pretty much the same way myself. I have always thought that I wouldn't be around to see something like this happen either, but with the speed that "changes" have happened in the world over the past seven years or so I am beginning to wonder about that. I think we should psychologically prepare ourselves for what ever may happen "just in case".

It may be a mistake to think that because you may not be around yourself to see the reign of the antichrist, you needn't be concerned. Because your kids might be, or their kids or both, or your descendents anyway. We might be alive at the "forefront" of the system that will enable the antichrist to rule, and we may be in a unique position to "blow the trumpet to warn the people".

And if we don't, they might be blaming us because we "made it so easy" by our silence.

That is just an idea, anyway. What do you think?

Well, Buck, I have always thought that I had a 50/50 chance of hearing that trump whilst I am still on this planet, not that I have any real wish to be a martyr, but just to view it from this side. In fact , although I'm heading for the mid eighties, I still haven't given up hope, because we are living in exciting times and no one knows the exact age we are in from a biblical perspective. The pot is about to boil over. God is not going to let some grubby little ay-rad get his hands on His chosen land and this is what's it's all about.

cheers.

[Zceiv]

I believe we need to identify who

[Floatingaxe]

I believe we need to identify who

[kenod]

That is all presumption and speculation. When the time comes for it to come to pass, the number will be discernible...before that---no one knows.

All you can really say with any certainty, is that you do not know.

Many others believe the number has been discernible for some time.

The Bible says the common people heard Him gladly. What is the most commonly known system of numerical letters in the Christian world? IVXLCDM

If it is Hebrew, how on earth would the common people recognize it.

Now add together all the other clues, especially those in 2 Thes 2, Rev 13, and Rev 17. It doesn't take a great scholar, just spiritual wisdom and understanding. And wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit.

Rev 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.

Edited January 1, 2007 by kenod

[Adarian]

I like the KJV, cause it's so consistent. The word dragon never, ever, refers to anything but a serpent. The great red dragon is Satan.

The antichrist is a man, real and living, his mark is tangible and visible. The symbolism in Revelation does not take away from the very real physical events that it describes as occuring in the natural world.