The 666 mark will be a tattoo

[TLHKAJ]

The wording of the Revelation 13 "mark" simply requires that they "receive" it in their right hand - not that it is necessarily imprinted or implanted in their right hand.

So ....if someone received the shekel in their left hand rather than their right hand, they were not damned. Got it.

The wording says they will receive the mark IN their forehead or IN their right hand ...no mention of the left hand. Wearing shekels ON their forehead is not the same as IN their forehead.

Revelation 13:16-17
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 

[3 Resurrections]

So ....if someone received the shekel in their left hand rather than their right hand, they were not damned. Got it.

Please. You are missing the symbolism of the "right" hand. The "right" hand all throughout Scripture is symbolic of the position of approval and blessing (Jacob deliberately blessing the younger Ephraim with his right hand above Manasseh being blessed with his left hand. Benjamin's name meaning "son of my right hand", etc.) The Rev. 13 mention of receiving the "mark" in the RIGHT hand meant that the person approved the transaction and consented to agree with it.

The wording says they will receive the mark IN their forehead or IN their right hand ...no mention of the left hand. Wearing shekels ON their forehead is not the same as IN their forehead.

If a person received the Tyrian shekel in their right hand, they were simply holding it "IN" their palm. I think you are trying too hard with this. Remember, the context states that this Revelation 13 Sea Beast was connected with the Roman phase of the Sea Beast's existence, since "Satan's throne" in the city of Pergamos was given to that Sea Beast back in 133 BC.

This fact alone regarding Satan's throne in the city of Pergamos being given to the Sea Beast eliminates this "mark" from being a modern-day event.

 

[MatthewG]

I think its good reminder of what Paul states concerning Government.

Submission to Governing Authorities​

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law​

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Day Is Near​

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Paul spoke of the coming "day of the Lord," and also offered encouragement to the saints in Rome, reminding them of their calling and the importance of living faithfully, and also being part of the Bride of Christ.

Today, many individuals harbor deep resentment toward government authorities, often overlooking the guidance Paul provided regarding submission and respect for those in leadership—principles he laid out clearly in Romans 13.

Rather than engaging in blame or harsh criticism of others, Scripture invites us to self-examination. As James exhorted his audience, we are called to look into the mirror of the Word and reflect honestly, not deflecting responsibility but seeking transformation.

 

[MatthewG]

Paul even encourages Timothy, concerning prayer for Kings (Presidents)


I don't understand why people just hate the governing bodies... that we have...

Why does he say pray for "Kings" that is a president in our terminology today...



Paul wrote to timothy,

2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

 

[3 Resurrections]

Government, when functioning as intended, plays a beneficial role in society. Romans 13 speaks clearly to the idea that governing authorities are ordained by God, established to promote order and justice. From a spiritual perspective, many believers understand that we are living in the reality of the “new heavens and new earth” as a reflection of the transformation brought about through Christ.

God's purpose of governmental structures is ideally for the suppression of evil. "He beareth not the sword in vain..." , as you have brought up from Romans 13:4. Even in the New Heavens and the New Earth environment, sinners are still operating, according to Isaiah 65:20 and Revelation 22:15. We still have need of those governmental structures to suppress the actions of sinners performing wickedly against others.

But God is always doing "one better" - even better than the New Heavens and the New Earth. We are currently waiting for God to rid this planet of all remaining elements of human evil. At that point, any governmental institutions will no longer be necessary, since no wicked acts or thoughts will be taking place anymore. "THEN the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down ALL rule and ALL authority and power." Christ is presently reigning UNTIL He has put all enemies under His feet. (1 Cor. 15:25). He presently rules "in the midst of His enemies", but there will come a day when there will no longer be any enemies of Christ on this planet. And this will occur at His THIRD coming - not His second coming return, which has already taken place back in AD 70.

 

[MatthewG]

God's purpose of governmental structures is ideally for the suppression of evil. "He beareth not the sword in vain..." , as you have brought up from Romans 13:4. Even in the New Heavens and the New Earth environment, sinners are still operating, according to Isaiah 65:20 and Revelation 22:15. We still have need of those governmental structures to suppress the actions of sinners performing wickedly against others.

But God is always doing "one better" - even better than the New Heavens and the New Earth. We are currently waiting for God to rid this planet of all remaining elements of human evil. At that point, any governmental institutions will no longer be necessary, since no wicked acts or thoughts will be taking place anymore. "THEN the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down ALL rule and ALL authority and power." Christ is presently reigning UNTIL He has put all enemies under His feet. (1 Cor. 15:25). He presently rules "in the midst of His enemies", but there will come a day when there will no longer be any enemies of Christ on this planet.

Thank you for the thoughtful conversation—I appreciate the exchange.

Personally, I don’t hold the belief that this planet will be done away with. I understand that others may interpret this differently, and I respect that. However, I see things through a different lens.

If the world were to be destroyed, it would imply that no further souls could enter the Kingdom—a Kingdom that I believe is spiritual in nature. As Jesus Himself said, "My kingdom is not of this world."

Just wanted to share a brief note in response. Thanks again for engaging, its good to know we do differ on some things.

 

[3 Resurrections]

Personally, I don’t hold the belief that this planet will be done away with. I understand that others may interpret this differently, and I respect that. However, I see things through a different lens.

I share this belief with you, based on the Scriptures. This planet will endure forever. God did not create it in vain; "He formed it to be inhabited", which I believe it will be throughout eternity: our playground in the eternal state, in addition to wherever else in this universe or in other realms God chooses to utilize us throughout the ages of eternity.

 

[MatthewG]

I share this belief with you, based on the Scriptures. This planet will endure forever. God did not create it in vain; "He formed it to be inhabited", which I believe it will be throughout eternity: our playground in the eternal state, in addition to wherever else in this universe or in other realms God chooses to utilize us throughout the ages of eternity.

3R,

It seems that many individuals are deeply dissatisfied with their current leadership—whether that's the president or other governing authorities. In some cases, this frustration extends beyond national politics to include broader global systems. As a result, there are those who find themselves yearning for divine intervention, even envisioning the return of Christ as a solution to what they perceive as societal collapse.

Personally, I believe this sentiment is rooted in disillusionment with human governance. However, I also acknowledge that others may see the issue differently, and the underlying causes could be more complex.


They see them as enemies... but we hardly really have any enemies... not like the first century christian believers did. They were being put to death left and right.

And its illegal to murder in america.

 

[3 Resurrections]

3R,

It seems that many individuals are deeply dissatisfied with their current leadership—whether that's the president or other governing authorities. In some cases, this frustration extends beyond national politics to include broader global systems. As a result, there are those who find themselves yearning for divine intervention, even envisioning the return of Christ as a solution to what they perceive as societal collapse.

Well, I believe there are Scripture patterns which predict a worldwide societal "collapse" coming soon - in 2033 as a matter of fact. In spite of that - even because of that - the current leaders of governments are exactly what God is using to bring about His own purposes of expanding His kingdom in this world. God can actually do more efficient work at growing His "stone" kingdom in this world by bringing us into the "wilderness", so to speak, in order to reduce the many distractions on our time and attention, and to bring us closer to Himself.

There isn't a single leader in any country's government that is beyond God's ability to use their activity to further His own predicted plans. The kingdom of God in this world WILL grow just like leaven; like the mustard seed; like the "stone" which will eventually grow into a mountain that will fill the entire world with its effects. Of the increase of His government and of growing His peace between God and man there truly will be no end. I don't put my faith in man. I trust the Master of the universe to make good on this and the promise given to us all the way back in Daniel 2.

 

[MatthewG]

Well, I believe there are Scripture patterns which predict a worldwide societal "collapse" coming soon - in 2033 as a matter of fact. In spite of that - even because of that - the current leaders of governments are exactly what God is using to bring about His own purposes of expanding His kingdom in this world. God can actually do more efficient work at growing His "stone" kingdom in this world by bringing us into the "wilderness", so to speak, in order to reduce the many distractions on our time and attention, and to bring us closer to Himself.

There isn't a single leader in any country's government that is beyond God's ability to use their activity to further His own predicted plans. The kingdom of God in this world WILL grow just like leaven; like the mustard seed; like the "stone" which will eventually grow into a mountain that will fill the entire world with its effects. Of the increase of His government and of growing His peace between God and man there truly will be no end. I don't put my faith in man. I trust the Master of the universe to make good on this and the promise given to us all the way back in Daniel 2.

3rs,

I don’t really follow trends, and personally, I see the world improving more than declining—despite the growing concerns many have about their governments and leadership.

As for me, I’m just hoping Monday brings good news. I’ve got a pending job application, and I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career. My goal is simple: find stability, commit to the work, and stick with it all the way through to retirement.

 

[TLHKAJ]

You are missing the symbolism of the "right" hand. The "right" hand all throughout Scripture is symbolic of the position of approval and blessing (Jacob deliberately blessing the younger Ephraim with his right hand above Manasseh being blessed with his left hand. Benjamin's name meaning "son of my right hand", etc.)

I disagree. It is literal, not symbolic. This is a huge stretch to claim the book of Revelation has already been fulfilled.

 

[3 Resurrections]

I don’t really follow trends, and personally, I see the world improving more than declining—despite the growing concerns many have about their governments and leadership.

I would agree with this improvement perspective as to the success of evangelism in this world. I believe this in spite of the persecution and martyrdom of Christians in many countries. "The Spirit of God is not bound", and never was.

But in the sense of a monetary collapse, I believe this is pending. As well as the fact that the planet is presently about three years into a predictable global cooling cycle, due to reduced sunspot activity, which could hardly be considered a "trend". God uses all these things to accomplish His purposes, so I don't look on them with a pessimistic eye.

And I wish the best for your Monday expectations and your career endeavors. May God prosper these for you.

 

[MatthewG]

I would agree with this improvement perspective as to the success of evangelism in this world.

And I wish the best for your Monday expectations and your career endeavors. May God prosper these for you.

My perspective is shaped by Jesus Christ and everything He has accomplished. That foundation speaks for itself. Personally, I’ve never felt drawn to traditional forms of evangelism—it doesn’t always foster real spiritual growth in my experience.

Scripture affirms that "God's handiwork is displayed in the heavens," a beautiful reminder of His presence in creation.

With that said, I’ll step back from the conversation for now. Thank you for your time—I’ve truly appreciated the exchange.

 

[3 Resurrections]

I disagree. It is literal, not symbolic. This is a huge stretch to claim the book of Revelation has already been fulfilled.

But I agree with you that not everything is symbolic. It's a mix of both the literal and the symbolic in Revelation, as it is throughout Scripture.

As for the Sea Beast being of ancient origin instead of something we expect for our future, are you denying the Roman Senate records of when the entire Pergamos kingdom was given to the Roman Republic back in 133 BC? This is recorded history. Revelation 13:2 states that Satan's throne (in the city of Pergamos Rev. 2:13) was given to the Sea Beast. This links the ancient Roman Republic with being the Sea Beast to whom the "mark" gave homage.

This "mark" was a literal requirement instituted by the high priesthood (the Rev. 13 Beast from the land of Israel), and all of this was recorded in the history books. Why would you desire to have the fulfillment of this "mark" transported into your own future, since God has already revealed that it was an ancient past phenomenon?

 

[Marty fox]

Did anyone see post #6? It biblically proves the OP wrong

 

[Deleted member 26788]

I disagree. It is literal, not symbolic. This is a huge stretch to claim the book of Revelation has already been fulfilled.

much of it has been fulfilled

 

[TribulationSigns]

3rs,

I don’t really follow trends, and personally, I see the world improving...

Improving? How, for example? What about the spiritual condition of the Church?

 

[grafted branch]

If that’s true then you might as well through John 3:16 and any other verses in the bible that promise salvation to anyone who repents out of the bible

Exactly, John 3:16 is not true if the OP is correct.

 

[MatthewG]

Improving? How, for example? What about the spiritual condition of the Church?

That is something I believe has already been taken, the Church Bride of Christ of 70Ad.

 

[Marty fox]

Exactly, John 3:16 is not true if the OP is correct.

Yep the mark can’t be literal, Jesus said that there is only one unforgivable sin it is a unrepentant rejection of Jesus and the Holy Spirit