I wanted to write up my thoughts on the mark of the Beast once I had more time. I have done some work on it and will present it now. It is not fully completed, but as a rough draft, very rough, I like what I have so far though I need to clean it up some. This is meant to serve as information on my belief on it. Not your belief.
The Mark of the Beast
The beast of the earth causes everyone to receive a mark in 1 of 2 places:
1. Right Hand
2. Forehead
The mark is koine greek word called xáragma which is defined as a sculpture, a stamp or a sign. Strong's concordance explains it is (figuratively) a mark providing undeniable identification, like a symbol giving irrefutable connection between parties.
Interestingly, God uses a mark on Christians foreheads too. But this mark is translated as “seal”. It's koine greek word is sphragís. Defined as an etched (engraved) object pressed into soft wax or clay to seal a document (letter). It is also a seal, signet ring, the impression of a seal, that which the seal attests, the proof. Strong's says it is often used metaphorically (Ro 4:11; 1 Cor 9:2; 2 Tim 2:19; Rev 9:4).
When God places a seal on us, we are proof of His. We attest to His name by the life we live. It is how we live contrary to the flesh and by the spirit that our foreheads are sealed. Likewise, the mark of the beast is an “undeniable identification” between the party of God and party of Belial.
The mark of the beast is a mark of the flesh. Living contrary to God's commands; Contrary to Christ testimony. How would someone know that someone took the mark of the beast? In Daniel 3:5-6 we learn about worship contrary to God.
The mark is a symbolic identification of a persons fealty. If the Antichrist were here today and asked everyone in your neighborhood to bow down to a statue or a flag, and you did it, you would be marked as accepting the beast's laws and rules and customs as your own. Following these laws, customs and rules would place you as a citizen of this kingdom. Daniel did not do that. He never took a mark in Babylon. He stayed faithful to God even when facing certain death. We too must not give into fear of death in order to save our life. For Christ said in Matthew 16:25,
Why the forehead though? What is significant about that?
In Deuteronomy 6:2 KJV we learn that God commands us,
And in verse 8 saying,
God simply commands us to do his commandments. Doing them is a sign in our hand and a sign in our foreheads. Now look again at Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV,
The mark of the beast is no different. The abominable practices of the flesh are bound in the foreheads of those who follow that kingdom. But the mark of the beast also says the right hand. What is significant of that? For that we look at Matthew 5:29-30
The right hand is symbolic of what we do with our life. Do we use our hand for righteousness or iniquity. In regards to the mark of the beast, those that have the mark in their right hand offend and it is better for them to die then to live with it and go to hell. These men/women that have the mark in their right hand do so willingly. They do not care to suffer it and have it cut off sparing their lives from hell.
Now that the identification of the forehead and right hand has been made, the scripture said no one may buy or sell unless they have the beast's mark, his name or the number of his name.
Name, Number and Count of the Beast
What is a name and what is a number? According to Webster's Dictionary, a name is a word, phrase or symbol that constitutes the designation of a person, thing or entity. A name can be a descriptive or a reputation.
A number can be a unit of measurement. It can also be a collection of
many individuals; a
numerous assemblage;
a multitude; many.
So far, we have a beast entity whose name is its description and reputation. Its citizens receive its mark symbolized as agreeing to this kingdom's terms. Its number is referred to as a collection of many individuals. Because we know this beast is a kingdom, we know the number is its civilians living under its control.
Next, we are told to count/calculate the number of the beast (which is 666) for it is the number of a man. The Koine Greek word for man is anthrópos.
Anthrópos is defined as man. Also, the generic term for
mankind; the human race;
people, including women and men. (Strong's Greek 444 Concordance)
K. Wuest says, "There are two words in Greek which mean 'man,' anēr, which refers to a male individual of the human race, and anthrōpos, which is the racial, generic term, and which has the general idea of 'mankind. (3, Great Truths to Live By, 46).]
So how do we count or calculate the number 666? To count a number given to us is to “indicate or name by units or groups so as to find the total number of units involved.” (Webster's Dictionary, transitive verb) We know the number is 666 in Revelation 13, but we need to find the total number (666) of units involved. That is to say, we need to look for other mentions of 666 in scripture and we need to see what 666 indicates by “the total number involved.”
Under this example, we are to use scripture to calculate the (find the total number) number (666) of the beast (Antichrist empire) for it is a number (numerous assemblage) of a man (mankind or people).
2 Chronicles 9:13-25
The first step is to break down this kingdom as I believe it represents the future kingdom and future Babylon. Let's look at each issue first:
1. Solomon received 666 talents of gold in 1 year. His kingdom was extremely wealthy.
2. This was not including wealth coming in from other nations thru trade. Many nations tithed or were taxed to his kingdom
3. There was so much wealth, he was able to make anything out of gold because he could.
4. He had great opulence unseen elsewhere in the world.
5. The most common of things were made of Gold, not silver.
6. Imported precious stones, rare animals, clothing, spices and livestock
7. He made silver more common then a rock or a pebble.
8. He made rare tree's to flourish where they don't grow in abundance.
He passed all the kingdoms of the earth in riches. Every kingdom sought his kingdom and did trade with him. He reigned over all the kings under his territory.
But Solomon sinned. He multiplied wealth. He brought horses out of Egypt against the Lord's command. He married multiple wives for 1 Kings 11 says,
In 1 Kings 12:4 we learn that Solomon laid heavy burdens on his people.
666 is the numeric symbol of mankind's final empire kingdom. It is the number of a name that denotes its reputation as pride, lavishness and opulence showing extreme wealth, it is many wives, it is worship of false god's, it is putting a heavy yoke on our neighbors, it is not following the commandments of God and throwing truth to the ground, it is a place where things uncommonly found there are planted there. This is a kingdom that is full of the flesh, full of materialism and full of covetousness.
The Antichrist will cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond. To receive a symbolic mark in their right hand or in their foreheads by agreeing with the beast that they may live. Because no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark in their hand or their forehead or the name of the beast [the reputation of that kingdoms peoples] or the number of its name [also representing its reputation].
Mankind's number is 666 because we are fleshly. Giving into money. Giving into sexual lusts. Giving into covetousness. Giving into materialism. Giving into amassing worldly treasures. All things contrary to God's law.
Hope you all enjoyed. I am still cleaning it up and may add some more. But it is my scriptural belief this is an accurate portrayal of the mark of the beast using scripture, the greek, what was said and understood in OT times and how it ties in with other things I have said regarding my opinion of the beast of the sea vs the earth etc...