The last book in the Bible is so misunderstood. (And if that isn’t one of the greatest understatements…) The book of Revelation ~ of course there are many prophetic systems /scenarios of interpretation (and it’s not my design here to deal with those) ~ but what I do want to talk about is how there are dynamics in Revelation ~ they ultimately have their fulfillment in the book ~ while (and here’s my point) they are already at work in our day. These “dynamics” are already at work.
Let me give you an example from another place. The apostle John wrote: “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18) John wrote that two thousand years ago. The point is that the dynamic of “antichrist” (which it’s believed will see its ultimate fulfillment in an actual person in the end times) has been part of human society and culture from the first century until now (and increasing). Clear as mud?
Which brings me to the book of Revelation and chapter 13. Of course, “Antichrist” (Revelation 13:1-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) is talked about here (though the word is not used) and also another interesting (frightening) concept. The “mark of the beast” is also mentioned:
And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (Revelation 13:16-18)
Now whether or not the “mark” is a computer chip just under the skin is beside the point (though we see that already coming?). The main thing is that this “mark of the beast” dynamic is already at work in our day ~ and in this way: There is a push to control all aspects of human life more than ever before and intensifying. And if you don’t “buy into the system” (submit to it) your functioning in society and culture will be greatly hindered (if not shut down completely). (Separation of Church and State. No Christmas carols at school. No prayers at graduation.)
The other side of the same coin is how the greater portion of humanity (Matthew 7:13) has bought into the system. Listen: Many have already “taken the mark” (though not physically). And here’s how: They are totally committed to the world as it is and apart from Jesus Christ (since they are dead in trespasses and sins). (Ephesians 2:1) For somebody (the False Prophet) to come along and say they must receive a mark to operate ~ they won’t question it because they are already a part of it.
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You are very right. Both the world system & much of our population are ready to accept such a lifestyle. They think that “falling in line” will keep them content, but only too late will they realize their tragic error. Life is (supposedly) all about “fitting in.” Jesus certainly didn’t fit in with those who tried to set the rules for right religious living. Yet He was, of course, right in defying them. May we have the courage when the pressure is on to stand for what’s right, not what’s popular.
I like the King James Version of the Bible because it says in, you can have a number on a card that you hold “in” your hand. Also you can memorize a number and it can be “in” your head. A while back I came across and interesting fact. If you substitute letters for numbers, such as A=1, B=2 C=3 and do the same to the Hebrew alphabet. The sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet equals our W. So WWW translates to 666. The internet is as close to omniscient as Satan can get. To use it you must have a name. So it is not that far out of an idea. So I totally agree with you. At some point I believe it will become a way of controlling everything to prevent, counterfeiting, and many other “crimes” Without it you will not be able to buy or sell. Enjoyed your site.
Very good presentation and right on point. So much about the book of the Revelation (of Jesus Christ) is missed because so many refuse to look through spiritual eyes. God is a spirit, Satan is a spirit, the anti-Christ is a spirit and his mark is also a spiritual mark just as the mark made by the Angels of God in the foreheads of his servants is spiritual. Many have taken hold on this world’s system and turned away from God just as Lot’s wife who looked back at the doomed city and perished in the shallow water along the edge of the dead sea.
Most so called Christians today are terrified of the number 666, and they have every right to be afraid! Most of them won’t make the Rapture!
They will be like the Foolish Virgins that were left behind because they were not prepared.
They have bought into the lie that the only thing that they need to do is say a little prayer, and they have fire insurance! They do not have His Spirit, and therefore they will not be transfigured when the time comes.
This teaching is needed for all to hear and understand. The mark of the beast is scarey to hear. As children of God we must listen and continue our hope in him. Another great teaching Pastor . May God continually love and protect all of his children. Blessings, Jennifer Blair
The bible is the mark of the beast. it is the idol/mark of the whore church. God died to send you the holy ghost. not a book that was written to others. revelations was sent to the churches in asia warning about this idol satan would use. he sits himself up as God. and gives power to the idol to speak. the bible says. matthew. mark. luke and john are old testament. until jesus drank his bitter cup there was no forgiveness no new testament. he died and sent back the holy ghost. not a history book. THE BIBLE IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST
I am in seminary and we have been theorizing and studying what this could be. I think the widespread populace would be too hostile to take a specific mark aka microchip. Many believe that since Christ died just for Human blood, that the mark could be perhaps genetic manipulation, (not outlandished considering the strides in genetic technology), rendering the applicant who receives the Mark of the Beast essentially not even Human so whatever Christ did on the Cross for them would be nullified.