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Post by barbiosheepgirl on Dec 9, 2020 22:55:46 GMT -6
I am asking this entire forum, right now. What does it mean to "take the Mark?" Tell me your opinion and why you have that opinion.
We need to examine this before we get all tangled up in things that we think are this and that and then are not, misleading the many.
This thread is NOT about identifying what is the mark... it is about:
1)WHAT does it MEAN to take it.
2)WHY is this an issue?
3)Why would a person "take the mark?"
and,
4)is a born-again (Spirit-filled/annointed) Follower of Christ able to "take the Mark?"
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Post by mike on Dec 10, 2020 6:21:42 GMT -6
Take the Mark? Rev 13:16 And it maketh all, the small, and the great, and the rich, and the poor, and the freemen, and the servants, that it may give to them a mark upon their right hand or upon their foreheads, 17 and that no one may be able to buy, or to sell, except he who is having the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is the wisdom! He who is having the understanding, let him count the number of the beast, for the number of a man it is, and its number [is] 666.The word here is not 'take' it is make.
4160 poieó
Definition: to make, do
This is not a sign me up taking of the mark. It is a compulsory to choose between life and death both physically and spiritually.
One will be made to take the mark in order to buy or sell, and by doing so placing trust (faith) in the mark (and the beast) to survive physically, nit trusting the Creator, Savior and blessed God.
Notice how verse 15 is coupled with this. One will already be worshipping the image of the beast, pledging allegiance AND be made to take the mark along with worship.
15 and there was given to it to give a spirit to the image of the beast, that also the image of the beast may speak, and [that] it may cause as many as shall not bow before the image of the beast, that they may be killed.
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Post by barbiosheepgirl on Dec 10, 2020 7:45:45 GMT -6
thanks, mike, what about my #4? |
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Post by mike on Dec 10, 2020 8:09:06 GMT -6
thanks, mike , what about my #4? That my dear sister is something that many have tried to answer before. My thoughts are that it falls into the confession of Christ but do the deeds show the fruit of the Spirit of Christ. The best thing I can do in this situation for your question is point to What is the response of a born again - spirit filled believer? The question to ask is not what will others do, but what will I do when presented with a situation like this? Do I worship the things of man or of God? Do I follow and bow my heart to the laws of man or of God? Each person has to reconcile this with the God of gods |
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ksteven
Layman
Posts: 58
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
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Post by ksteven on Dec 10, 2020 8:54:57 GMT -6
barbiosheepgirl,I second what mike has already said here, and would like to got further. 6Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
8Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
9And 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, 10he 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. 11And 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.”
12Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
Aside from our current knowledge and wisdom, already looking and being prepared for the characteristics of the "mark", as well as the Spirit working within to guide us on the correct path, there is also a direct warning from an angel flying overhead. If this is taken literal, which I believe it is, we will have an obvious angelic warning, which must then be willfully disobeyed upon receiving the mark. If a person's fear and reverence of the beast and its image is greater then their fear and reverence of the Almighty God in Heaven, then they would not be a Spirit filled believer. I think it will be hard for a true believer to submit to the mark.
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Post by venge on Dec 10, 2020 9:07:48 GMT -6
I am asking this entire forum, right now. What does it mean to "take the Mark?" Tell me your opinion and why you have that opinion. We need to examine this before we get all tangled up in things that we think are this and that and then are not, misleading the many. This thread is NOT about identifying what is the mark... it is about: 1)WHAT does it MEAN to take it. 2)WHY is this an issue? 3)Why would a person "take the mark?" and, 4)is a born-again (Spirit-filled/annointed) Follower of Christ able to "take the Mark?" 1) Its the number of man, not of God. It's a worldly view versus a heavenly view. For me, to take the mark is to except worship of that Kingdom and its laws while turning a blind eye to all the wickedness done within your midst. In Ezekiel 9, a man with an inkhorn marks the heads of God's people. Are we going to accept a stigma, that announces to others, that we are accepting this Kingdom and its evil in order to save our life? I'm not talking about just physical life..but our houses, our clothing, our great riches and things we love at home. 2) It is an issue because those who take the mark or worship the beast or its name will not pass go, will not collect $200 That wine of the wrath of God is the bowls. Up until this point, the wrath that was spoken of was "Orge". This wrath is "Thumos" and is found in the bowls that are poured out. The implication is that this time frame isnt God's wrath on all mankind. If one were not to take the mark, he wouldnt be subject to the bowls. That implies there is hope to escape God's wrath. 3) Why would a person take the mark? They are desperate to survive and get back what was lost. If the AC rises to power and has to devise a way for people to buy/sell, was that previously taken from them? I'm inclined to say yes. The mark puts great pressure on the inhabitants of the world. We are asked to have patience and to endure to the end. The rest of mankind is looking to the physical "now". We must be looking to Christ as hard as it may be when that time comes. The mark must separate us from God's commandment of worshipping him ONLY versus worshipping the beast or its name/number over Him and the mark must disagree with Christ testimony. 4) All of us are sinners and all of us are tempted daily. We all fall during the week to different things and we hopefully get back up, pray about it and work towards changing from it. I think it is possible for someone who is spirit filled to fall back into the world. We see people apostate, we see Pastors/Deacons etc. who commit sins in the Church and have to be removed. I think if believers were to be absent from this temptation, God wouldnt have gave us that warning in Rev 14 |
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Post by stormyknight on Dec 10, 2020 11:31:26 GMT -6
I am asking this entire forum, right now. What does it mean to "take the Mark?" Tell me your opinion and why you have that opinion. We need to examine this before we get all tangled up in things that we think are this and that and then are not, misleading the many. This thread is NOT about identifying what is the mark... it is about: 1)WHAT does it MEAN to take it. It will be a conscious decision. Either take it or not. As Mike pointed out, the beast "causes" or as in Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4160: ποιέω: 2e states: e. ποιῶ τινα with an infinitive "to make one do a thing".2)WHY is this an issue? one's (eternal)life depends on the decision3)Why would a person "take the mark?" most likely for fear of 'losing everything'. Not having a knowledge or fear of God, one would fear peer pressure of this world.and, 4)is a born-again (Spirit-filled/annointed) Follower of Christ able to "take the Mark?" able to? I'd like to think the Holy Spirit would make ones' faith as strong as it could ever be as a flesh and blood human so as to have the resolve to resist and trust in Jesus and be willing to ultimately lose one's life instead of being caused to receive it. |
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Post by barbiosheepgirl on Dec 10, 2020 14:19:09 GMT -6
Love all the answers because they are coming from the individual's understanding and heart. Please keep this rolling. I am learning many things here, that are adding to my own understanding in a great way!
This is not a test question on my part, or has any alternative motives. Please know that. It comes about because of this vaccine and what has been circulating in commentary & shout box about it in relation to the mark thing.
What about a person who is homeless right now, not on drugs (tho, I dont know, include that person), but homeless being a war veteran, or, lost their business because of this year's shutdown, OR, are living in China as a Christian right now, or any country of oppression... that person does not have a house, or regular clothing, or any material things of love because they can buy it...these people of Christ just merely trying to survive, yet believe on the Word of God and have the testimony of Faith?
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Post by venge on Dec 10, 2020 15:39:21 GMT -6
They are lucky. That is, the poor are lucky in 1 way. They don’t have many things to confuse them. Lacking treasures on earth only makes them stronger because those which much, much is required. There’s more temptation when you have more.
I think the mark would not be a trick. What do I mean? I think it’ll be something we easily recognize. If an idol was set up, that’s obvious.
If someone said, come with us..we’re going to go do some evil. That’s obvious.
I don’t see it as something that you get into that tricks you into taking it. That way, you say to God...I didn’t know! I didn’t know Lord.
A vaccine is taken to help you and others. It’s not “what if this is it?” No tricks.
The whole buy/sell thing, I don’t even think it’s basic food. The things listed in Rev seem to be things we can live without. But people lust after them and want them. That’s a clue
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Post by boraddict on Dec 10, 2020 19:28:24 GMT -6
According to Rev. 13:14, there is a deception caused by the 2nd beast. At the time of this deception this beast has already gained (forced) favor throughout the world because of some miracles that he had power to do. These are not miracles as the Savior would do, but are miracles resulting from technology. In other words, this 2nd beast simply had power over technology to bring about some so called miracles that in Rev. 13:13 are called great wonders. In reality, they are acts of warfare from which he has gained power.
Resulting from his power gain he then causes a televised image showing that the 1st beast is yet alive (IMO), and this is shown in Rev. 13:14-15. Secondly, he demands allegiance from all his subjects that they worship the image of the 1st beast. Proof that said subjects have worshiped as required, is the mark.
Interestingly, this second beast (supposedly) does the deception in sight of the 1st beast (Rev. 13:14). Please notice that the first beast has been wounded and then in Rev. 13:3 the 1st beast has in fact been wounded to death. Yet, miraculously, this first beast that was wounded to death yet lived via the image created by the 2nd beast. In other words, at Rev. 13:14 the 1st beast is in fact dead, but the world is caught up into the deception due to the miracles as stated: 1) fire from heaven as in warfare, 2) causing the 1st beast to yet live via the image, 3) causing the world to worship via the mark to buy and sell.
As you can see from above, the covid is not the deception but some part of it. Thus, the covid is the event that the 1st beast has to address. Then, after the 1st beast has been killed the 2nd beast not only addresses the problems that were being dealt with by the 1st beast, but the restoration of the economy as well. So, it is that the people must worship the image and provide proof that is the mark.
One problem is that the mark causes sores (Rev. 16:2). Thus, via extrapolation it may be the medication that prevents covid that causes the sores. So in theory, if someone got the anti-viral med but did not get the mark then they may at the time of the bowls (v. 16:2) come down with sores.
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Post by venge on Dec 11, 2020 12:32:03 GMT -6
According to Rev. 13:14, there is a deception caused by the 2nd beast. At the time of this deception this beast has already gained (forced) favor throughout the world because of some miracles that he had power to do. These are not miracles as the Savior would do, but are miracles resulting from technology. In other words, this 2nd beast simply had power over technology to bring about some so called miracles that in Rev. 13:13 are called great wonders. In reality, they are acts of warfare from which he has gained power. Resulting from his power gain he then causes a televised image showing that the 1st beast is yet alive (IMO), and this is shown in Rev. 13:14-15. Secondly, he demands allegiance from all his subjects that they worship the image of the 1st beast. Proof that said subjects have worshiped as required, is the mark. Interestingly, this second beast (supposedly) does the deception in sight of the 1st beast (Rev. 13:14). Please notice that the first beast has been wounded and then in Rev. 13:3 the 1st beast has in fact been wounded to death. Yet, miraculously, this first beast that was wounded to death yet lived via the image created by the 2nd beast. In other words, at Rev. 13:14 the 1st beast is in fact dead, but the world is caught up into the deception due to the miracles as stated: 1) fire from heaven as in warfare, 2) causing the 1st beast to yet live via the image, 3) causing the world to worship via the mark to buy and sell. As you can see from above, the covid is not the deception but some part of it. Thus, the covid is the event that the 1st beast has to address. Then, after the 1st beast has been killed the 2nd beast not only addresses the problems that were being dealt with by the 1st beast, but the restoration of the economy as well. So, it is that the people must worship the image and provide proof that is the mark. One problem is that the mark causes sores (Rev. 16:2). Thus, via extrapolation it may be the medication that prevents covid that causes the sores. So in theory, if someone got the anti-viral med but did not get the mark then they may at the time of the bowls (v. 16:2) come down with sores. , Not to go off track from the OP, but it seems to me you think that this is the 70th week. The ONLY way I see Covid-19 participating in a 70th week possibility is if an outcome worked something like this: Covid-19 causes panic around the world. Covid-10 causes occupational loss and uncertainty. Scientist create a vaccine for Covid-19. Most Christians refuse to take the vaccine. While the rest of the world begins to eradicate Covid-19, others blame Christians for its rise and failure to return to normality because of their beliefs it has to do with a mark. Christians are persecuted and blamed. Covid-19 over a few years time causes the US and other nations to fall apart economically. Babylon is destroyed. A man rises and has an idea to fix it all. To create a new economic way. Out of desperation, people agree with him. he's loved by many because he is going to fix what was lost. Well, just my guess. Also, Why do you say technology is used by the beast? Are you using some type of scripture to suggest that? The same question with a televised image rather then an actual image. How did you come to this conclusion? Also, the word "image" is described as: The image is of the beast that was thought slain and dead, yet lived. That beast is alive....not just the image. The beast is thrown into fire at the end...not the image itself. |
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Post by boraddict on Dec 11, 2020 13:11:25 GMT -6
venge , the problem is in the time schedule. How much time do we have until the mark of the beast begins. So if China developed a plan to conquer the U. S. with the following: 1) install a puppet government that is subject to China a) infiltrate the voting system via tainted machines b) cause a diversion (covid) to force mail in ballets c) stuff the ballet boxes with the fraudulent ballets 2) then China rules the world Although this is wild speculation, it seems that the above scenario might have taken place but they were caught. So the next thing is a war between the China backed U. S. puppet government and the existing government. So my proposal is that the war takes place and then a new China backed U. S. government is installed that is the 2nd beast. Please notice in Rev. 12:12 that although the enemies of God were defeated there was a new and continued threat to the saints. This new threat is the 2nd beast that is called the mouth in Rev. 12:15-17 as well as Rev. 13:4-11 wherein this second beast is formally introduced. I am saying that this second beast is right around the corner and it is then that the covid vaccination becomes mandatory along with the mark for buying and selling; what ever that mark is. Your point about the beast and his false prophet being cast out together is a great one. I need to look at that further to try and defend my position. 
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Post by boraddict on Dec 11, 2020 20:03:43 GMT -6
venge , please consider that we have three Gods and they are The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. So in the Book of Revelation these three are mentioned several times; however, I would like to examine counterpart to our Gods: the three false gods. In the end these three false gods are cast out as stated in Rev. 20:10. Please consider these three gods in light of Rev. 16:13 wherein they as unclean spirits like gods (frogs) come out of (from) the mouth of the dragon; and who is the mouth of the dragon but the false prophet (Rev. 13:4-5). Secondly, these three unclean spirits like gods are from the mouth of the beast and who is the mouth of the beast; the false prophet. Third, these three unclean spirits like gods are from the mouth of the false prophet and this is a literal statement. Thus, the three unclean spirits as gods are represented as one via the false prophet. The above is also supported by Rev. 13:2 wherein the false godhead is referenced twice. John states that the beast that he saw as stated in Rev. 13:1 was like unto a leopard etc. So please consider the verse in it's chiasmus form as follows: 1) And the beast that I saw a) was like a leopard; b) its feet were like a bear’s, c) and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. 2) And to it the dragon gave a) his power b) and his throne c) and great authority. Please notice that the leopard corresponds to the power, the feet of the bear corresponds to the throne, and the mouth corresponds to the great authority. This of course is a reference to the structure of the true Godhead wherein the power is God the Father, the throne is the seat of Christ, and the great authority is reference to the Holy Ghost. Thus, correspondingly, the leopard is a reference to "the father of the false godhead" and that is the dragon Satan. Secondly, the feet of the bear pertains to the throne and the one presiding is the 1st beast. It is he that is the false savior of the world. Third is the mouth and this mouth is something that roars as the great authority but not claiming the seat of the 1st beast. This of course is the false prophet. Thus, item 1 shows the false godhead in relation to the beast of Rev. 13:1 and item 2 shows the false godhead in relation to the true Godhead. In these two instances the verse shows that the beast derives his power, throne, and great authority from the dragon that is literally Satan and China as shown in Rev. 12:3-4. Next, please consider that this false godhead is represented in Rev. 9:17-19. These verses show that the power is in their mouth and who is the mouth but the false prophet. Also, that the power was in their tails that is their false governments. The short of it is that at the 2nd woe of Chapter 9 the false prophet is clearly in charge representing the false godhead. Lastly, please look at Rev. 19:19 wherein the war is taking place and the false prophet is not mentioned. That is, in Verse 19:19 the false prophet is simply called the beast as he is also called in Rev. 13:11. Yet, in Rev. 19:20 the verse states that both the beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire. But not only that, but they were cast alive into that lake. Why did John stipulate that they were alive when in fact they probably had been killed. Because, although they were physically dead they had not yet been cast into that location represented as the lake of fire. Then, when both are literally dead, they were cast alive as living spirits into the lake of fire. This does not mean that they died the physical death at the same time. In fact, Satan has never been a physical being in his own right and he is cast as a living devil into the lake at Rev. 20:10. So, the 1st beast can be literally dead and not cast into the lake until the false prophet that is the 2nd beast becomes literally dead at Rev. 19:19. Then, at that point in time they together are cast out (Rev. 19:20). Post Script and I am sorry about getting off topic on this thread. However, I wondered why the two false gods were highlighted (1 and 2 above) in Rev. 13:2 and the third was not. Please notice that the 1st that is the beast is the head that was wounded to death in the next verse (Rev. 13:3). Followed by the 2nd that is the dragon who gave power to the beast (Rev. 13:4). Then we have the 3rd that is the mouth that receives power and it is he that lasts for 42 months. That is, the mouth that is the false prophet is the beast that lasts the 42 months; the 3rd member of the false godhead. So we have the following: 1) the beast of Rev. 13:1 that is the beast of Rev. 13:2 and expanded upon in Rev. 13:3. This beast is the head that was wounded to death. 2) the dragon of Rev. 13:2 that is the dragon of Rev. 13:4 that gave power unto the 1st beast 3) the mouth of Rev. 13:2 that is the mouth of Rev. 13:5 that is the 2nd beast (Rev. 13:11) Please notice that the beast has the feet of a bear and this is China (Panda Bear). Thus, the beast is backed by China that is the dragon. China that is the dragon represents Satan. This is the enemy that we are now facing and Chapter 12 is the answer (IMO).
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Post by barbiosheepgirl on Dec 13, 2020 11:05:19 GMT -6
15And it was given to him (the earth beast) to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
16And 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, 17and 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.So, if I could correct the title of this thread to GIVEN, that becomes something entirely different. It would appear that the the small the great the rich the poor the free man the slave are the recipients of this mark. If given, this is something not of choice? But for me it is the "voice" or chatter of this created "life" that is the target of the worship part... I am not sure that the worship part is equal to the receiving the mark part though one can infer that. Would a person NOT receiving the mark still worship this created being? I think its more about the voice, the chatter, the words spoken, the talk that affects the worship part. I am looking at the names of the subjects. 14And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life.
15And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
we have another category of people: the Earth dwellers, they are the one that are "told to make this image to the beast" (a "likeness" of what/who had come to life though wounded with the sword.) "to give breath to the image" I think this is the focus for the worship part, not the mark part. the "creation made of the likeness" (image) has a voice/utterance. this (disobedience to?) the voice is the cause of the "killing" of those not worshipping it. Perhaps, those not agreeing to what is spoken? Not saying amen to it? etc etc etc... SO the earth dwellers are deceived and believe what they are told and create this likeness... QUESTION do the earth dwellers include the list of 1) non-worshippers of the voice 2)the small, the great, the rich, the poor, free man, slave ? Who are the earth dwellers? but getting back to the mark thing: The mark part is given, so this is something not of choice? its on the right hand or forehead. I see these two things as types for allegience (right hand) and/or for annointing (forehead) why not left hand? why not head in general, which would imply the mind perhaps... either way, the mark is connected to commerce of some type. This Buy or Sell...
17and 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 the mark is defined for us: a "name" or a "number". The name part seems logical as everything has a name... but, what is this "number"? I know it says 666. Can the number be found/calculated thru gematria? is the number attributed to a list? take this verse as an example: 4And I heard the number of those who were sealed....
But going back to our list: the small the great the rich the poor the fee man the slave Where is this list similar in the Book? 14The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 16and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
the sixth seal 9Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
ksteven, had pointed this out. Still, it reads to me as a list: 1)the worshipers of the beast and its likeness 2)the recipients of the mark on the forehead or hand. Curious still: the recipients: They had no choice? If they had understood what was going on, would they have been able to refuse? We are told this vision by John in ch 13 as a statement of events, but then we get to ch 14 and we have a "warning" given. Wouldnt the warning have been nice if it was given BEFORE ch 13 happened? I say that rhetorically. Seems to me that prior to the Wrath (winepress) there is preaching about this. In some ways this is comforting that God will allow a warning. Going back to the list in the 6th seal... Which person type is NOT on the list? the poor...
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Post by venge on Dec 13, 2020 14:38:27 GMT -6
barbiosheepgirl , That is alot of info. No, I don't think its forced. Its coercive perhaps. No one can buy or sell unless they have the mark, so by that fact, he causes all to get the mark in order to buy/sell. People still have a choice. Revelation 14 drives that point home. Patient endurance on the part of believers to resist temptation to receive the mark by accepting the buy/sell idea. We must not seek to save our worldly life by compromising our spiritual life. I agree. If we remember back to Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar had a statue built. We don't know what the statue actually looked like, but the idea was the same. An image was placed in his Kingdom. That image resembled either his Kingdom, his Likeness or something of the 2. Though it was made of gold and stone etc, and the image was not alive...anyone that did not worship it, fall down and bow before it etc as they would have done to the King, Nebuchadnezzar, would be put to death. The image is not alive, yet it is as if it is alive because failure to worship it causes your death. If the Romans put a statue of Zeus in a courtyard and issues an edict that you must worship it or die...it would be the same thing. The statue doesnt have life, but it has the power to slay you. I have gone back and forth on this somewhat. It's my understanding that "those that dwell upon the earth" isnt all humans in the sense we all dwell on the earth right? It is those who dwell on the earth in a spiritual sense. They arnt looking for Messiah, new Heavens or a New Earth where dwells righteousness. They are living for today, not tomorrow. They are interested in what this world holds....not the one we look to. That has become how I am seeing it though I must admit, I need to study this more. It is my opinion the number cannot be calculated through Gematria. Everything we need is in God's word. Not man's ideas like Gematria. Also my opinion, a number is the numerous assemblage of mankind. A number is equivalent to a multitude and it is the total number of said group. 666 exist in the story of Solomon. It explains how his Kingdom was rich and had it sinned with such riches it was given. The saying to he who much is given, much is required really comes to heart. Of course =P But hopefully everyone understands that Ch 13 explains what the 2 beasts are whereas Ch. 14 is Chronological, but not sequential and it is part of the things that are in Revelation. Specifically, the mark is initiated after the 144k are sealed and after Babylon's fall. Edit: For earth dwellers I looked it up. Dwellers: 2730 katoikéō (from 2596 /katá, "down, according to," intensifying 3611 /oikéō, "dwell, reside") – properly, settle down as a permanent resident, i.e. in a fixed (permanent) dwelling place as one's personal residence; (figuratively) "to be exactly at home."John being in the spirit, I tend to favor a figurative view. To be home is to call the earth your home versus Heaven. Lets look at the other word. 1093 gḗ – properly, the physical earth; (figuratively) the "arena" we live in which operates in space and time which God uses to prepare us for eternity.So God uses earth to prepare us for eternity, yet these earth dwellers arnt prepared for eternity with him, they want to stay on earth as it were their true home. As I said earlier, their lives and cares are on this world...but we are to not do so, we are to live in the world, but not be a part of the world. Out citizenship is in heaven, not earth like theirs.
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