Mark of the Beast

INTRODUCTION

It is written (Rev 13:1-18). . .

Rev 13:1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, (Dan 7:2-3) with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads (Dan 7:7).

Rev 13:2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. (Dan 2:38-40; 7:6) And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. (Mt 4:8-9; Lk 4:5-6; 2 Cor 4:4)

Rev 13:3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. (Ps 103:3)

Rev 13:4 And they worshiped the dragon (Mt 4:10), for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?" (Jn 3:27)

Rev 13:5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. (Eph 4:6)

Rev 13:6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

Rev 13:7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer (overcome) them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, (Eph 4:6)

Rev 13:8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. (Mt 4:10)

Rev 13:9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

Rev 13:10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. (Eph 4:6)

Rev 13:11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. (Mt 7:15)

Rev 13:12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. (Mt 4:10)

Rev 13:13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people,

Rev 13:14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. (Eph 4:6)

Rev 13:15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. (Eph 4:6)

Rev 13:16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, (Rev 14:1)

Rev 13:17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. (Mt 6:33)

Rev 13:18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (1 Cor 2:15; ESV)

This is a passage that spikes the interest of many, even those of little or no biblical understanding at all have opinions concerning the “the mark of the beast” and this is, for the most part based upon connotations to this passage through the media, which for the most part is a tool of Satan that he uses to keep those of the world blinded in the depths of sin, being content following the majority (Ex 23:2), that broad way that leads to destruction (Mt 7:13-14).

The basic interpretation of this passage goes somewhat like this . . . “in the near future, there is going to a person (who is identified the antichrist, which word in fact is never found in the book of Revelation), who is going to gain control over the governing powers of this earth, and at that time he will institute a system in which only those loyal to him (which is determined by worshiping him and the receiving of his mark; “666” ) will be able to purchase the goods needed to sustain life, those that don’t will either be killed if identified by this group, or will either starve to death for the lack of supplies.

And the mark will probably be similar to a UPC code as seen on items in the local stores, or an imbedded microchip, the system of using cash for purchases, will be non-existent, which one can plainly see that we are quickly approaching a totally electronic system for wages and purchases, which is one of the things which will be in place for this to come about.”

But is this what the bible is teaching on this matter?

Does the bible give us the information we need to come to a proper conclusion concerning this type of language, or are we simply left in the dark, and forced to accept any and all interpretations seeing that there is such a lack of sure evidence?

Contrary to what many may believe, this type of teaching in the bible is no “new thing” in fact, the biblical text has much to say on this matter, the language we see in this passage and book is seen throughout the OT, it has been said that the book of Revelation has the most OT references, over 300!

And when we consider the principles taught in Ps 119:160a “the sum of thy word is truth”

(First, there is a sum, a harmony to God’s word, it is not a contradiction filled, jumbled up mess;

And second, all of it gathered together does give us the truth on any given matter, as affirmed by the Lord in Mt 4:4-7).

Therefore we ought to let the bible interpret itself, and accept its teachings as that one unsubjective truth.

So in this study, what we will basically do is go through the biblical text chronologically looking at passages that are pertinent to this topic and hopefully we will come to a better understanding to what “the bible teaches” concerning “the mark of the beast.”

One of the first issues that needs to be resolved before we go into this study is a realization that the bible is not written directly “to” anyone that is living today, even though it was written “for” any and all that they may know the Truth (John 17:17) which makes one free (John 8:32), whosoever wills may take the water of life freely (Rev 22:17).

The book of Revelation is no different in this aspect (even though many would contend on this issue), it was specifically written “to the seven churches that are in Asia” (Rev 1:4), which consists of the congregations in the towns of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. As far as I know, these specific congregations no longer exist (they likely met in Christian’s homes; Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phile 2), even though there may be faithful Christians in these areas, which we refer to as modern day Turkey.

Also in the beginning and ending of the book there are references to the events that are figuratively described therein (the word “signified” seen in Rev 1:1 teachings us that this book is full of figures; Rev 1:1; turn there),

Rev 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He (signified it; ASV; KJV; NKJV) made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, (ESV)

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;(ASV)

And that they were “things which must shortly come to pass” ASV, “must soon take place” ESV (Rev 1:1; 22:6),

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; (ASV)

Rev 22:6 And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass. (ASV)

“For the time is at hand” ASV, “near” ESV (Rev 1:3),

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand. (ASV)

Rev 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.(ESV)

“Behold, I come quickly” ASV. “I am coming soon” ESV (Rev 22:7, 12, 20).

Rev 22:7 "And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."(ESV)

Rev 22:12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. (ESV)

Rev 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (ESV)

Clearly these verses teach us, and more importantly the recipients of this book, that these things were just about upon them, time wise.

And when one reads the book, even without understanding the many figures contained therein, it is clear that the book was to be a book of direction, comfort and assurance in light of the terrible persecutions that were brought upon the church from all sides at the time of the writing, and promises that were made in the book were specifically directed to those that “were faithful unto (to the point of) death” (Rev 2:10), which would be those that “overcometh” ASV (“continued to overcome” “conquers”; ESV, Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7).

Contrary to common belief, the best and most weighty evidence I believe shows that this book was written somewhere between AD 66-68, when the atrocities the Roman Emperor Nero and his fellow pagans in the Roman empire, combined with persecutions of the unbelieving Jewish nation were a constant double stroke against the church at that time, which cost many their lives and livelihoods, and some even their immortal souls, therefore that is the main thrust of the book, to “overcome” or “conquer” through faith in Christ’s blood, and God’s word, even unto death as seen in (Rev 12:11).

Rev 12:11 And they have conquered (overcame) him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Thus this book does not describe some near or distant future events in respect to our time, but rather, for the most part this book has served God’s purpose to the saints almost 2,000 years ago, even though every verse of scripture has application and is beneficial to us today as brought forth in (Rev 1:3; 14:13).

Rev 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"

Because the bible is not a dead letter, but rather it is the inspired and powerful living word of the living God (2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; John 6:63), which contains “all things” that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3), and “is able to save your souls” (Ja 1:21), and give any and all that eternal “inheritance among all them that are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

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BODY

What about the “mark of the beast” in particular, what would the recipients have thought when they read Rev 13:16-18? Since it was written to them (the seven churches of Asia; Rev 1:4), that should certainly be our approach on this matter.

Rev 13:16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,

Rev 13:17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

Rev 13:18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate (count) the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (ESV; Some ancient authorities read “616”)

I am fairly certain that the recipients of this book, the Christians who made up the seven churches of Asia (modern day Turkey), would not of thought that this marking would have looked like a modern day UPC code (which you can see), or an embedded microchip (which you can’t see), because these things simply did not exist until just recently and certainly did not 2,000 years ago. So what would they have thought? What would it mean to them?

The marking of one on the hand and forehead is a long standing practice that has been seen throughout the ages. The first account we see of a “marking” or “sign” is that which is given to Cain in Gen 4:15 . . .

Gen 4:15 And Jehovah said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And Jehovah appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him. (ASV)

Gen 4:15 And Jehovah saith to him, `Therefore--of any slayer of Cain sevenfold it is required;' and Jehovah setteth to Cain a token that none finding him doth slay him. (YLT)

The NASB (which is considered one of the most literal of modern versions) renders it thusly . . .

Gen 4:15 So the LORD said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him. (NASB)

Now the KJV renders it in this manner . . .

Gen 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. (KJV)

And even the ESV renders it thusly . . .

Gen 4:15 Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. (ESV)

I want you to note the KJV, NKJV and the ESV has this “mark” or “sign” “on” or “upon” Cain, (and many modern versions follow this rendering, even to the point of adding words to it to promote their interpretation; e.g. ESV), while these other 3 versions, which are considered the most literal we have (NASB, ASV; YLT) render it as “for” or “to” him.

There has been much controversy of what exactly this “sign” or “mark” entailed, it is my conclusion that this

mark or sign was a guarantee from God “to” Cain “for” Cain (probably miraculous in nature), given to him at

that time, an assurance that none would slay him according to Jehovah’s Divine decree concerning his safety, as

best brought forth in NASB version of this verse . . .

Concerning this verse Adam Clarke writes . . . “Dr. Shuckford farther observes that the Hebrew word “oth”,

which we translate a mark, signifies a sign or token. Thus, Gen 9:13, the bow was to be “leoth,” for a sign

or token that the world should not be destroyed; therefore the words, And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, should

be translated, And the Lord appointed “to” Cain a token or sign, to convince him that no person should be

permitted to slay him. To have marked him would have been the most likely way to have brought all the evils

he dreaded upon him; therefore the Lord gave him some miraculous sign or token that he should not be slain, to

the end that he should not despair, but, having time to repent, might return to a gracious God and find mercy.” ²

But whatever stance one takes on this verse the obvious is true, God promised something that was based upon a

person’s actions (which were in this case evil), and it came to pass, and it involved a “sign,” “token” or “mark”

which He (God) initiated, whether it be a miraculous sign to Cain, or a literal mark upon him, of which all that

were concerned knew that the Almighty stood behind such a promise, Who cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18).

In the Book of Jubilees (Jub 4:31) we learn that God’s promise was indeed kept, no man killed Cain, but rather Cain’s house of stones fell on him and killed him, because he killed his brother Able with a stone, for it is written (Gal 6:7) . . .

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (ESV)

Now in our passage (Rev 13:16-18) Vincent writes concerning the word “mark” (“char-ag-ma”) and describes it as . . . “a scratch or etching”³.

The word occurs 9 times in the NT and only 1 time outside of the Book of Revelation, let’s look there first in order that we may see how the word is used within the biblical text (Acts 17:29) . . .

Act 17:29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. (ESV)

Note that the word “char-ag-ma” in this context denotes the forming (shaping; graven) of idols, by men, with

their hands, in accordance with their thoughts, I think this translation, if kept in mind, will help us greatly in

understanding what God is attempting to teach us here.

The word occurs 9 times in the NT; Acts 17:29 (graven; KJV; formed; ESV; NASB); Rev 13:16-17 [2 times]; 14:9, 11; 16:2 [2 times]; 19:20; 20:4), Vincent writes it is “. . . the brand set upon slaves by their masters, or upon soldiers by their monarchs, and in the branding of slaves attached to certain temples.” ⁴ (Vincent)

Therefore this practice literally took place secularly as well as religiously, we can see this also in the case of Aaron the high priest who was literally marked “Holy unto Jehovah” upon his mitre (turban) as seen in Exodus chapter 28:36-38 . . .

Exo 28:36 "You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, 'Holy to the LORD.'

Exo 28:37 And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban.

Exo 28:38 It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly (always) be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD. (ESV)

Let us consider that when something is on one’s forehead, it is in an open, visible and conspicuous area, seen by any that would lay their eyes upon the person is question, it would be a mark denoting ownership and allegiance to one’s owner.

Yet the bible teaches that there may also be a figurative sort of mark upon the children of God, as seen in connection with the original Passover in Ex 12-13, where it is written (Ex 12:21-23) . . .

Exo 12:21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans (families), and kill the Passover lamb.

Exo 12:22 Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning.

Exo 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. (ESV)

This is a look at the original directions given by God through Moses concerning the sparing of the first born of Israel by the destroying angel, now concerning the future observance of this event in the form of a memorial God’s word states (Ex 13:3-9) . . .

Exo 13:3 Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.

Exo 13:4 Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out.

Exo 13:5 And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month.

Exo 13:6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.

Exo 13:7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory.

Exo 13:8 You shall tell your son on that day, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

Exo 13:9 And it shall be to you as (for) a sign on your hand and as (for) a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. (ESV)

Note that the keeping of this memorial “shall be to you for (as) a sign on your hand, and for (as) a memorial between your eyes,” (Ex 13:9). Keil and Delitzsch write concerning this passage . . .

“The festival prescribed was to be to Israel “for a sign upon its hand, and for a memorial between the eyes.” These words presuppose the custom of wearing mnemonic signs upon the hand and forehead; but they are not to be traced to the heathen custom of branding soldiers and slaves with marks upon the hand and forehead. For the parallel passages in Deu 6:8 and Deu 11:18, “bind them for a sign upon your hand,” are proofs that the allusion is neither to branding nor writing on the hand. Hence the sign upon the hand probably consisted of a bracelet round the wrist, and the ziccaron between the eyes, of a band worn upon the forehead. The words are then used figuratively, as a proverbial expression employed to give emphasis to the injunction to bear this precept continually in mind, to be always mindful to observe it. This is still more apparent from the reason assigned, “that the law of Jehovah may be in thy mouth.” For it was not by mnemonic slips upon the hand and forehead that a law was so placed in the mouth as to be talked of continually (Deu 6:7; Deu 11:19), but by the reception of it into the heart and its continual fulfillment.”⁵

It is seen then that the speaking of this observance to one’s children was to be “for a sign upon the hand, and for a memorial between the eyes” that the law would be received into one’s heart, which resulted in the child of God’s faithfulness to it, not a literal binding and boasting of phylacteries as seen in the days of Christ (Mt 23:5), even though that literal usage was probably pleasing to God, but not when combined with the lack of the inward dedication to God’s law. Also, as Keil and Delitzsch alluded to, the book of Deuteronomy in like manner speaks of this teaching (Deut 6:4-9) . . .

Deu 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

Deu 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Deu 6:6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

Deu 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deu 6:8 You shall bind them as (for) a sign on your hand, and they shall be as (for) frontlets between your eyes.

Deu 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (ESV)

Therefore this likely does not refer to the literal “binding” (as also seen in Deut 11:18-20), but rather the “living” of God’s words in order that the children would be properly trained therein, and be raised knowing the importance of the discipline and instruction of the Lord as seen for the Christian in (Eph 6:4),

Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (ESV)

We need to always put the kingdom of God and everything attached to it in a first priority of our lives (Mt 6:33), in this manner we have today God’s word on our hands and between our eyes, in order that we, and everyone that comes in contact with us knows that were are “God’s” lights in the world, “His” salt of the earth (Mt 5:13-16; Phili 2:15-16) unto “His” glory (Isa 43:7; 1 Cor 10:31).

Therefore in these passages, it is easy to see this type of “figurative language” was used by God to teach His people to be faithful, and to have His word permeate their lives, and this type of language concerns something the follower of God is to “do to one’s self.” But what about God, does He apply such language to something “He does” concerning His people, look at Ezekiel chapter 9 (Ezek 9:1-6a). . .

Eze 9:1 Then he cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, "Bring near the executioners (“those that have charge” i.e. “oversight” “watchers”; Dan 4:13, 17, 23) of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand."

Eze 9:2 And behold, six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with his weapon for slaughter in his hand, and with them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing case (“inkhorn”) at his waist. And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar.

Eze 9:3 Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub on which it rested to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writing case at his waist.

Eze 9:4 And the LORD said to him, "Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it."

Eze 9:5 And to the others he said in my hearing, "Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity.

Eze 9:6a Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. (ESV)

In this passage we are looking at a vision of Jerusalem which God gave to Ezekiel while he was in Babylonian captivity (Ezek 1:1), this is similar to what is seen in the book of Revelation in Rev 7:1-3, in fact for but a few differences in the language it should be considered to be very similar in circumstance, look at Rev 7:1-3 . . .

Rev 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that no wind should blow on the earth, or on the sea, or upon any tree.

Rev 7:2 And I saw another angel ascend from the sunrising, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a great voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Rev 7:3 saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.

In both of these visions, the destruction of Jerusalem is imminent, one in 586 BC, the other in AD 70, both resultant for the basic unfaithfulness of the unbelieving Jews, yet God, in His mighty power is always able to distinguish between the faithful, and the unfaithful for (2 Tim 2:19). . .

2Ti 2:19 . . . . the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his: and, Let everyone that names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

But would these be literal marks or seals in either Ezekiel’s or John’s case?

Did these events even actually occur?

It would seem that neither events “actually” took place, but rather were “visions,” both purposed to the same end, “to ensure the faithful recipients of these books that God is able to sustain and save the faithful, even in the midst of terrible physical and spiritual trails, therefore continue to be faithful, and follow the Lord’s directions.”

In Ezekiel’s case they would have to endure faithfully the seventy year captivity along with the ever present paganism of the heathen and unbelief of their unfaithful brethren;

And in John’s case they also would have to endure the paganism of the heathens that was widespread over the Roman empire, including the emperor worship in those days, which when rejected, cost one their life, this combined with the constant assaults by the unbelieving Jews of that time (who considered Christianity a heresy of Judaism that needed to be stamped out), demanded continually “overcoming” by adherence to the word of the Lord in all every aspect of their lives (1 Pet 1:15),

A similar type of encouragement can also be seen to those of the church at Philadelphia (Rev 3:12) . . .

Rev 3:12 The one who conquers (overcomes), I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Those that continue to overcome (active voice), by walking faithfully in God’s divine directives, they would be spiritual pillars in the church by holding up the word of truth (1 Tim 3:15), and through this adherence to God’s word, they would stay safe in the light and blood (1 John 1:7), and upon these God would figuratively write His new name, along with the name of the new Jerusalem, and the name “Christian” (Isa 62:2; Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet 4:16) which would be exonerated in such a one.

Note that God’s name, God’s word, is often depicted between one’s eyes, on their hands, again the places which are the most obvious, and most useful, places that denote ownership and allegiance.

And in John’s usage of the “marking” or “sealing” was done in view of the four angels that were poised at the four corners of the earth (Rev 7:1), this was to ensure their safety during God’s coming judgment upon the unbelieving Jews, Jerusalem and the Roman empire, but it was by their own adherence to Jesus’ directions in Rev 2-3; Mt 24:15-16; Luke 21:20-21 (look at Rev 9:4) . . .

Rev 9:4 And it was said unto them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only such men as have not the seal of God on their foreheads.

Just like the ensuring given by Ezekiel to those that sighed and cried because others committed abominations, which implies that these, unlike the others, were faithful to God’s divine directives (Ezek 9:5-6a). . .

Eze 9:5 And to the others he said in my hearing, "Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity.

Eze 9:6a Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark.

The faithful of Ezekiel’s day were saved, just like the faithful of John’s day, and the faithful on the Last Day, in the second coming of Christ, are ensured with the same type of language, they were and are marked, sealed figuratively, thus separated literally, both by themselves (2 Cor 6:17-7:1) and by God (Mt 24:37-44) . . .

Mat 24:37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mat 24:38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,

Mat 24:39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mat 24:40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.

Mat 24:41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.

Mat 24:42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

Mat 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

The one that is ready, that is watching, in other words “the one that is faithful,” and always prepared to meet his Maker, one who is “marked” by his actions, and thus also “marked, sealed” by God, and can count on God being able to separate the sheep from the goats on That Day, one will be taken by the judgment of God, and the other will be left, hopefully to fulfill God’s purposes while upon this earth.

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Thus far we have looked at what the bible talked about concerning marking, sealing, on one’s hands and between their eyes, their foreheads, the most obvious places, the places which would denote to all “ownership and allegiance,” it is important to note that thus far most everything we looked at applied to the faithful (except for the case of Cain; Gen 4:15).

Therefore it would be no wonder if that same type of language would be applied to the lost? It would seem perfectly natural for these types of figures to be applied to those of the world, and the recipients of this book to understand it as such, and they are, look again at Revelation chapter 13 (Rev 13:15-18). . .

Rev 13:15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.

Rev 13:16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,

Rev 13:17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

Rev 13:18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

In this context the spirit of paganism (the land beast; Rev 13:11) would cause life (breath) to figuratively enter into these lifeless works on men’s hands (images, statues of Caesar), remember this is a book of “figures” (Rev 1:1; “signified”; ASV; KJV; NKJV), therefore I don’t believe that this speaks of literal life (breath) given to these images, but rather through the worship of them, life (breath) was figuratively given to these images, as if they were living gods, and these images would speak through the invoking of others to the uttering of the phrase that was part of this worship at the time of the writing of this book, “hail caesar!”

And all that would not bow down and do such would be killed. The spirit of paganism would be that which would drive all to be loyal to emperor worship, which is signified by a mark on their right hand (the right hand of allegiance or fellowship; Gal 2:9), or upon the center of one’s forehead (that which was openly conspicuous and represents the intellect of man).

Again the marking upon the right hand or forehead are areas of binding oath or allegiance, these are figurative statements (again keep in mind Rev 1:1; “signified” and that we are reading visions that John saw, not actual events that took place) in harmony with that which the bible teaches that would symbolize Roman allegiance.

This speaks just as those who would have God’s mark upon them also speak, through the life they live, shining as a light for all to see, likened unto that those that belong to paganism, outwardly show the attributes brought forth by paganism, those that belong to the true and living God’s show forth the attributes of Christianity (Mt 5:13-16).

Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Mat 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Also differing sects of idolaters have the peculiar mark of their god on their foreheads, this is practiced in the east to this present day, between eighty to ninety different figures of Hindu deities are to be found on the foreheads of their followers, but I don’t believe that this was the case here, again we are looking at a vision full of figures.

One had to express loyalty to the Roman authorities in order to trade with them, this could be seen outwardly by worship unto the emperor, and by living a life aligned with pagan morals and not the standards put forth in God’s living and active word (2 Cor 6:14-7:1; 1 Pet 1:15).

2Co 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2Co 6:15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

2Co 6:16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

2Co 6:18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

2Co 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

1Pe 1:15 But because the God who called you is holy you must be holy in every aspect of your life. (GW)

This may explain why many Christians suffered discrimination and famine, therefore no one could buy, sell, or trade without the mark of the beast, the name of the beast, or the number of the beast.

Wikipedia states . . .

“Charagma (that is the Gr. word “mark” in our text) is well attested to have been an imperial seal of the Roman Empire used on official documents during the 1st and 2nd centuries.^[25] In the reign of Emperor Decius (249–251 AD), those who did not possess the certificate of sacrifice (libellus) to Caesar could not pursue trades, a prohibition that conceivably goes back to Nero, reminding one of Revelation 13:17.^[26]^”

The Number 666

The number of the beast is 666, some ancient manuscripts have 616. This is likely a reference to a process known as “gematria” in which the letters of one’s name is changed to its numerical equivalent (as seen in Roman numerals in comparison to letters of the alphabet), and sum total of these numbers would give in code the name of the person under consideration, the number of the name here adds up to “Neron Caesar” (“Nero Caesar” if the 616 reading is correct) and really none others among the list of those who are logically under consideration.

One Orthodox Christian internet writer wrote . . .

“When Nero reigned, historians recorded that he was the most evil man that may have ever lived. He burned Christians as torches for his parties full of debauchery, he dressed himself in animal’s skins and attacked Christians who were tied to poles and bit off their genitals, and generally was seen as the most “anti” of any “anti-Christ” type that has ever lived. Ironically, he was known as the beast. Many have tried to count up the number of particular historical figures and these have all turned out to be wrong. The number was considered to be counted using Greek letters as numbers and interestingly, Nero’s full name, Caesar Nero, equaled 666!

Wikipedia also states . . .

“Preterist theologians typically support the numerical interpretation that 666 is the equivalent of the name and title, Nero Caesar (Roman Emperor from 54-68).^{[18][19][20][21][22][23][24]}

Nron Qsr

The Greek version of the name and title transliterates into Hebrew as נרונ קסר, and yields a numerical value of 666,^[38] as shown:

Nro Qsr

The Latin version of the name drops the second Nun (נ), so that it appears as Nro and transliterates into Hebrew as נרו קסר, yielding 616:^[18]^”

Wallace writes . . .

“The designation of this emperor (“Nero”) as yielding the 666 code is actually found in rabbinical writings,” ⁶

All this speaks volumes for the early dating of this book. And in keeping with the biblical interpretation of this type of language being figurative, the Holy Spirit uses this figure for the pagans (Rev 13:15-18) then He goes directly to the other side of the coin, (the law of antithesis; comparison) in the next verse, concerning the faithful (keep in mind that there are no chapter divisions in the original; Rev 14:1) . . .

Rev 14:1 And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.

Therefore what we are looking at up to this point, is the bible teaching a ton about “faithfulness being outwardly manifested by adherence to God’s word from one’s very heart, which is figuratively pictured in the biblical text by markings upon one’s forehead and hands.” And then once that is firmly established, the same type of figure is used concerning the pagan world of John’s day, (of which was the majority of the Roman empire at that time), and then the figure switches right back to the faithful pictured “standing” (a figure denoting being “faithfully upright”) on mount Zion (the church; Heb 12:22-23), and marked accordingly . . .

And then we see the same figure attributed to those who may be tempted to be unfaithful with an exortation both of warning and encouragement in Rev 14:9-12 . . .

Rev 14:9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, (likely by partaking of this worship)

Rev 14:10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."

Rev 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

The recipients of this book are warned, they cannot succumb to the easy way out, if so, they can expect

eternal torment with fire and brimstone in the lake of fire, it is going to take extreme patience and adherence to

the commands of God, which are “the faith,” “the gospel of Jesus Christ,” and many would lose their physical

lives, yet don’t give up, but rather endure and overcome (Rev 14:13). . .

For it will be worth all that and more, as affirmed by the inspired apostle (Rom 8:18). . .

Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

While those that partook of emperor worship (pagans, unbelieving Jews and unfaithful Christians alike), who were figuratively marked and thus recognized by God because of such, they would begin to feel God’s wrath that was being poured out in the first century through His judgments (Rev 16:2) . . .

Rev 16:2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

Was this judgment (depicted in Rev 16:2) literal or figurative? Probably figurative denoting the grievous spiritual condition of those that partake in idolatry for worldly and physical gain, whose end will be like the blind (in this context the beast and the false prophet) that they follow (Mt 15:14; Rev 14:9-11; 19:20) . . .

Rev 19:20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

And what about the faithful? Those that endured unto death, that overcame, that conquered, is there any more spoken of them, of their end? Yes (Rev 15:2-3; 20:4) . . .

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.

Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

We may or may not have to endure such an extreme degree of severe persecution for the cause of Christ today, but the tides are shifting quickly in that direction, yet we can always count on some degree of trials if we live godly lives in Christ, outwardly and obviously (2 Tim 3:12).

2Ti 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

The only question is how are you marked? With whose name, number, or word are you sealed?

How do you dress? How do you talk? How do you walk? How do you live? What is in your heart?

Can a person look at you and tell you are an imitator of Christ (1 Cor 11:1), or an imitator of the world (1 John 2:16), those who are at enmity with God (Ja 4:4)?

You can’t have it both ways (Mt 6:24), we have to make an active choice, for there is no such thing as a neutral position concerning these sorts of matters (Mt 12:30), let us consider the God’s inspired words through the apostle Paul (2 Cor 6:14b-7:1) . . .

2Co 6:14b For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2Co 6:15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

2Co 6:18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

2Co 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Here is the eternal end of the faithful, and note their foreheads (look at Rev 22:1-5) . . .

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,

Rev 22:2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;

Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.

Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Let us therefore be holy in “all aspects” of our lives (1 Pet 1:15), clearly marked and sealed for all to see, for

there are no secret Christians, just those that are marked on the forehead, separated to the gospel of God

(Rom 1:1; Cor 11:1), for only in this type of holiness, separated from the world and unto God, can we expect to

see and be with the Lord in heaven (Heb 12:14).

Heb 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.