Who or what is this “beast”? And what is its “image” and “the mark on the forehead” and “hand” that identifies one as its worshipper?
First we have to identify our enemy….only then will we know how to avoid that “mark”.
So who will drink the wine of God’s “wrath” and “indignation”?
And what is this “torment with fire and brimstone” that is witnessed by the “angels” “in the presence of the Lamb”?
What is “the smoke of their torment“ that “ascends forever and ever”?
Who are the “saints”? And why do they especially need patience in keeping the commandments of God and faith in Jesus”?
Reading scripture where you skip over the truly important information, means having only the bare bones of the story…..can you flesh it out? Do you understand what this passage is really saying?
Hello Jane,
Quite a loaded question. For expediency, I will shoot from the hip without exact verses.
Who or what is this “beast”? The beast is the aggregation of Daniel's 4 beast. The 7 heads indicates the dragon is the same hegemonic inspiration (spirit)
And what is its “image”
the image is a comparison to God's image. God's image is given as a spiritual imprint so we may know God and God may identify us. It is the spiritual equivalent of Adam's ribs. Adam imprints to Eve as flesh of my flesh. We imprint to God, and God sees spirit of my Spirit.
and “the mark on the forehead” and “hand” that identifies one as its worshipper?
The mark of the forehead are the similar marks for Tammuz weepers of Ezekiel and the hand is akin to satan's clingy hands of Zechariah. Tammuz generically is a resurrecting god of the area. Sound familiar? Here is the foundational creed, the man Jesus, son of God, died and 3 days later was raised by the Father(this is found in Matthew or a Pauline epistle. As he was resurrected, so shall we, by the Grace of God, if you have the faith. Jesus was not a resurrecting god.
satan's clingy hands is as per High Priest Jonathan after returning from babylon. His vernacular and understanding was filthy by his exile and tainted his pure worship of God. Those are the marks that estrange you from God and may cause you to blaspheme the Holy Spirit
So who will drink the wine of God’s “wrath” and “indignation”?
Self identified christians who contribute to mocking God or the abomination of desolation.
And what is this “torment with fire and brimstone” that is witnessed by the “angels” “in the presence of the Lamb”?
What is “the smoke of their torment“ that “ascends forever and ever”?
3 beasts and adherents are burnt (destroyed). Beasts of the heaven, the sea and the earth. Hegemons powered from the persons rightfully belonging to God. The ideas of blaspheming adherents and the souls are destroyed and forgotten for ever.
Who are the “saints”?
Martyrs. The penultimate expression of love to our God is to keep the faith till the end.
And why do they especially need patience in keeping the commandments of God and faith in Jesus”?
Silly question. All Christians must keep the minimum standard to be a follower of Christ. Martyrs adhere to this principle till the end and was fortunate enough to render glory to God with their lives.
Reading scripture where you skip over the truly important information, means having only the bare bones of the story…..can you flesh it out?
Do you understand what this passage is really saying?
Self examination is always less critical than external criticism. Please criticize away.