The Mark of the Beast according to the Bible.

[phipps]

@ARose

I was not claiming Revelations is illegitimate. I was referring to any claims that those who will be saved are only those who have achieved some “special” wisdom of discernment or an intellectual accomplishment that results in understanding the full deceptions of Satan, rather than just willingly putting faith in Jesus Christ and maintaining sincere devotion, even when innocently deceived.

I am also not claiming that only those who will be saved have to have "some "special" wisdom of discernment or an intellectual accomplishment that results in understanding the full deceptions of Satan." Remember the book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Aren't you interested in knowing what Jesus has revealed to all of us?

Faith is very important but faith needs to grow and it won't without studying and getting to know God through His Word. The Bible says, “Your word is a … light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). When we stop studying God's Word, the light will go off, it will be dark. The faith, knowledge, wisdom and love for God will be stunted. We have to continue getting to know Christ and our faith and love for Him grow deeper and we will have a deeper, stronger relationship with Him.

As, I believe, you mentioned before, the thief dying beside Jesus was saved by faith, not acts. He recognized Jesus enough to put faith in him, he was not engaged in a ritual of the law while dying from being crucified.

Now some people never get/got the opportunity to know Christ deeply for various reasons but the little they know/knew they were faithful and obedient to. God will judge us according to the knowledge we have/had and how we lived up to it. The thief is one such example. He accepted Jesus in his heart and Jesus knew he was genuine but he was going to die that very day and did not have the opportunity to get baptised and to get to know Jesus better through His Word because of his situation. You or I are and most people are not in that position and have no excuses.

Jesus did not say on the cross “Father, these people are unworthy of my sacrifice, as they are not accurate in their ritual traditions”; he asked God the father to forgive them because they could not be matched in wiles with Satan and they obviously did not understand the gravity of what they had allowed.

True, but most of them had rejected Christ and had Him crucified because they chose not to get to know God personally, they chose to listen to their leaders and in doing so crucified God.

They had been manipulated by religious scholar “experts” and “activists” into thinking justice was being done or that relief from tyranny would be achieved by submitting to the demands of their leaders.

There is nothing wrong with being a scholar of the Bible without twisting God's truth like the Pharisees and Sadducees did. Jesus always clashed with them because they preached falsehoods about Him and His Word.

Btw we are all meant to be scholars of the Bible so that no one can deceive us. Of course we should study the Word prayerfully letting the Holy spirit guide us.

The Jews chose to listen to their leaders instead of God, and did not study the Bible that was available to them then (the Old Testament). Jesus read and quoted the Old Testament all the time. If they had, they would know Jesus was the Messiah. They chose to have a lack of knowledge and listen to their leaders therefore their faith was stunted. Judaism as a religion is stunted because they took Jesus our Saviour out of the equation. Its all pointless without Jesus.

If it were true that illumination was needed not simply faith, Jesus’ death would be irrelevant and God would not have made it clear that humans should not be engaging with the demonic realm (in human form, Jesus showed how we are to deal with temptation: “Get behind me”, do not negotiate with Satan.) We will not “out wit” Satan. Obey God with the purest faith you can offer and leave him to deal with meting justice out to Satan and his supernatural accomplices.

Then you really have misunderstood the Bible and Jesus I'm afraid. Biblically we need illumination, we need knowledge and wisdom for our faith and love to grow as Christians. None of this makes Jesus' sacrifice for us irrelevant. in fact as we study the Word of God we find out just how important it is. Just accepting Christ as your personal Saviour and having a little faith at the beginning of your Christian journey is not enough. Hence why we have the Bible. For sanctification, for our faith to grow, we need to know our Saviour through His Word. The more we know about God through His Word and prayer of course, the closer and deeper our relationship gets with Him.

By the way how can one be obedient without studying the Bible and knowing God's will for us? The Word of God tells us why we have the Bible, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible does not merely contain the words of God, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for human life. If we Ignore it we will experience unnecessary difficulties.

I think it is a misinterpretation of Revelations that many “secret societies” subscribe to, for it to be presented as a competition of the wisest vs. the most foolish, as if only those who achieve levels of enlightenment may join God, rather than those who trusted like a child and were sincere of spirit in their devotion, even if they were misled by a foolish or corrupt leader or sincerely misunderstood a law.

Again you've misunderstood the Bible. Studying and understanding the Bible is not meant to be a competition nor is meant to make anyone feel like a fool. In fact it makes us wiser.

We are all supposed to have enlightenment, hence why the Bible is available to everyone around the world nowadays. People were martyred centuries ago because they printed the Bible in their own languages so everyone can get to understand God better and fall in love with Him more. At the time the Catholic church did not want people knowing the truth of the Bible, so people in their ignorance could continue giving them money without question.

The Word of God gives us grace and strength so we don't stumble and disobey. A good example of that will be when Jesus was tempted. He quoted the Bible to reject Satan's temptations. In one verse He said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Every Word of the Bible proceeds from the mouth of God.

Jesus also said, "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39). If we want to find more about Jesus, we need to study the entire Bible and it will reveal the beauty of God's character.

I have to say I don't encounter many Christians who are not interested in finding out the the truth of God's Word because they think only certain enlightened people can and should. We are all meant to be enlightened. We are all supposed to be curious and eager to know the truth of God through His Word because we have faith and love Him. Jesus Said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The Word is the entire Bible.

Are you also suggesting that I not post these biblical truths here at all?

Perhaps you’re correct, that at that time, an innocence of where Satan is standing and working in the world, will be abolished and all will starkly know — without a doubt— if they are choosing Satan for the sake of bodily comfort vs. choosing bodily misery to remain obedient.

The Bible tells us that Jesus will come after the gospel will have been preached around the whole world. By the time the mark of the beast will be implemented, most people will know who they are choosing to follow with the choices they make. It will all be out in the open. We can see the beginnings of it now where Satanism is not as hidden as it used to be. Its in our faces and more and more people are aware of it. Only those who have a strong foundation in Christ will stand with God even on pain of death.

 

[phipps]

@ARose

Also, the Jesus that turned water to wine at his mother’s request, to spare a family humiliation and the Jesus that recognized the need to feed the masses that gathered to hear him; the God that provides for the birds and therefore, will provide for us, is not a God that has no compassion for human frailty and vulnerability.

True, plus He has provided the Bible for us too. Why? To give us hope, to show us what the purpose of life is, to teach us the plan of salvation, to reveal Jesus as our Saviour and more. That is how loving and compassionate God is so we can get to know and love Him and get sanctified in His Word. He has provided everything we need to get saved in His Word.

It would be incompatible with what God has already shown us about his nature for “the mark of the beast” to be eternally damning, yet dependent upon a parent not feeding their starving child. God wants obedience not child sacrifice, as he’d shown with Isaac, as he promised would be established as ended with Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Where did I say or even imply that God wanted sacrifice of anyone? God's intention was never to sacrifice Isaac. He wanted to know if Abraham would obey Him and sacrifice Isaac who he had very late in life or disobey Him and save Isaac. Abraham chose to obey God as we all should when we have Christ in our lives. We certainly should follow his example of obedience.

God doesn't want us to sacrifice our lives but because of the world we are living in where Satan is prince of this world, unfortunately people have and will be killed for Jesus' sake. The world hates Jesus. He said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ... And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 5:11; 10:22). Do you think Jesus wanted John the baptist to be beheaded? Do you think He wanted all the apostles to be persecuted and killed? Do you think He wanted all the Christians in the dark ages to be killed for His name's sake? No! But we live in a world where Satan is prince and he makes the lives of true Christians difficult until death. It is only in heaven after sin and Satan have been eradicated forever that there will be no death and suffering. All those who were killed for their faith in Jesus will live eternally with Jesus forever. The first death in this world is temporary for God's true people. They will have life eternally and those that persecuted them, if they didn't repent and turn to Christ, will lose their lives eternally.

“Buy and sell” has to mean a particular wickedness of bowing to a Satanic demand specifically and undeniably, rather than merely a test of loyalty that would result in the sacrifice of innocent children to prove devotion.

Revelation 13:16-17 says, "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." This is the second beast that does this which is the USA as I've posted (I'm still posting on this subject). So God's people who refuse to get the mark of the beast will not be able to buy or sell. At this point they will have made a choice to worship and obey God and they will be hated for it and their lives will be made hard to live. But God will be with them and He will protect them.

We have to be careful not to add our own interpretations to the Word of God. We have got to let the Bible interpret itself. When we study the Bible prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are supposed to compare scripture with scripture, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line: here a little and there a little" (Isaiah 28:10). We must remember that the Bible is not one book but 66 books written over a period of 1500 years. That very fact allows us to use the Bible to interpret itself. When we do this, we will discover truth.

Revelation 22:18-19 says, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Again, God already settled that with Isaac: He would not demand it with eternal damnation being the price for not doing so. That can’t be the correct interpretation.

Can you show me where in scripture it says that? I need proof from the Word of God or your interpretation is wrong.

 

[phipps]

What is symbolized by its two lamb-like horns and absence of crowns?

Horns represent kings and kingdoms or governments (Daniel 7:24; 8:21). In this case, they represent the United States’ two governing principles: civil and religious liberty. These two principles have also been labeled “republicanism” (a government without a king) and “Protestantism” (a church without a pope). Other nations since ancient times had taxed people to support a state religion. Most had also oppressed religious dissidents. But the United States established something entirely new: freedom to worship without government interference. Absence of crowns signifies a republican form of government, rather than a monarchy. Lamb-like horns denote an innocent, young, non-oppressive, peace-loving, and spiritual nation. (Jesus is referred to as a lamb 28 times in Revelation).

Special Note: How we wish we could stop right here in Jesus’ description of the United States—but we can’t, because He didn’t stop. What comes next might be jolting. The United States is a great country, with its freedom of conscience, press, speech, and enterprise; its opportunities; its sense of fair play; its sympathy for the underdog; and its Christian orientation. It is not perfect, but even still, a host of people from around the world seek to become its citizens every year. Sadly, this richly blessed country will change drastically.

What does Revelation 13:11 mean when it says the United States will speak “like a dragon”?

As noted above, the dragon is Satan, who works through various earthly powers to establish his own kingdom and to crush God’s church by persecuting and destroying God’s people. Satan’s aim always has been to usurp God’s throne and to force people to worship and obey him. So, speaking as a dragon means the United States (under the influence of Satan) will, in the end time, force people to worship contrary to conscience or be punished.

 

[phipps]

What specifically will the United States do that will cause it to speak as a dragon?

Notice these four crucial points:

A. “Exercises all the authority of the first beast” (Revelation 13:12). The United States will become a persecuting power that will force people to go against their conscience, as did papal Rome—which is portrayed in the first half of Revelation chapter 13.

B. “Causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:12). The United States will lead the nations of the world in forcing allegiance to the papal antichrist. The issue is always worship. Who will you worship and obey? Will it be Christ, your Creator and Redeemer, or the antichrist? Every soul on earth will finally worship one or the other.

Satan’s approach will appear to be deeply spiritual, and incredible miracles will be seen (Revelation 13:13-14)—which will deceive billions (Revelation 13:3). Those who refuse to join this movement will be considered divisive, stubborn, radical, legalistic, and unpatriotic. Jesus labelled Protestant America of the end time a “false prophet” (Revelation 19:20; 20:10), because it will appear spiritual and trustworthy but instead will be satanic in its conduct.

All this may seem impossible, but Jesus’ words are always reliable and true (Titus 1:2). He foretold the rise and fall of the four world empires and the antichrist (Daniel chapters 2 and 7) at a time when such predictions seemed outlandish and incredible. But all came to pass precisely as predicted. His warning to us today regarding prophecy is, “I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29).

C. “Telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived” (Revelation 13:14). The United States will make an image to the beast by legislating religious practice. It will pass laws requiring worship and force people to either obey them or face death. This action is a copy—or “image”—of the church-state form of government the papacy ruled with at the height of her power during the Middle Ages, when millions were slain for their faith. The United States will combine civil government and apostate Protestantism in a “marriage” that will support the papacy. It will then influence all the nations of the world to follow her example. Thus, the papacy will gain worldwide support.

D. “And cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Revelation 13:15). The United States, as head of this international movement, will next influence the nations of the world to impose a death sentence upon all who refuse to worship the beast or his image. Another name for this worldwide coalition is “Babylon the Great.” This worldwide alliance will, in the name of Christ, substitute the policeman’s power for the Holy Spirit’s gentle persuasion—and it will force worship.

 

[phipps]

Over what specific issues will force be utilized and the death sentence passed?

“He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:15-17).

The final points of contention will be worshipping and obeying the beast and receiving his mark—honouring Sunday as a false holy day versus worshipping and obeying Christ and receiving His mark by honouring the holy seventh-day Sabbath. When the issues become clear and people are forced to break the Sabbath or be killed, those who then choose Sunday will be, in essence, worshipping the beast. They will have chosen to obey the word of a creature, a man, instead of the word of their Creator, Jesus Christ. Here is the papacy’s own statement: “The church changed Sabbath to Sunday and all the world bows down and worships upon that day in silent obedience to the mandates of the Catholic Church” (Hartford Weekly Call, February 22, 1884).

 

[phipps]

Could a government really control buying and selling?

During World War II, buying was controlled by requiring ration stamps for such items as sugar, tires, and fuel. Without these stamps, money was worthless. In this computerized age, a similar system would be easy to set up. For instance, unless you agreed to cooperate with the worldwide coalition, your Social Security Number could be entered into a database, showing that you are disqualified to make a purchase or they will block people's access to their own money. No one knows precisely how all this will come about, but you can be positive it will happen—because in Revelation 13:16-17, Jesus says it will.

Two Emerging Powers
Revelation chapter 13 is clear. Two superpowers will emerge in the end time: the United States of America and the papacy. The United States will support the papacy by leading a drive to force the people of the world to worship the beast power (papacy) and receive his mark or else face death.

 

[phipps]

How strong and influential is the papacy today?

It is arguably the strongest religio-political power in the world. Virtually every leading country has an official ambassador or state representative at the Vatican. Notice the following facts:

A. Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in 2015 carried both pastoral and political implications. Cardinal Timothy Dolan said, “The more he tries to de-emphasize the prestige and the power of the papacy, the more people pay attention to him.” —CBS This Morning, September 22, 2015

B. The aim of the pope is to unify the Christian world. In January 2014, Francis presided over an ecumenical worship service at the Basilica of St. Paul with Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and other Christian representatives and emphasized the need for Christian unity. Francis said, “It is unacceptable to consider ‘divisions in the Church as something natural, inevitable,’ because ‘divisions wound Christ’s body [and] impair the witness that we are called to give to him before the world.’ ” —Catholic Herald, January 27, 2014

C. The worldwide response has been overwhelming as leaders turn to him for peace. Francis hosted a prayer summit at the Vatican with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Then, the pope, who as a Latin American had a lot of credibility in Havana, helped pave the way to the U.S.-Cuba thaw. —Sylvia Poggioli, National Public Radio, April 14, 2016

D. Francis’ 2015 visit to America elicited an unprecedented response from American officials: President Obama personally greeted Pope Francis as he arrived at a U.S. airbase, a decision the White House said was a symbol of the high level of respect Americans have for the Pontiff. Francis’ visit also included the first address by any pope to a joint session of the Congress in American history. —Irish Daily Mail, September 23, 2015

 

[phipps]

How strong and influential is the United States today?

The United States is regarded as the world’s most powerful military force and the world’s center of influence. Note the following:

A. “In the key categories of power, the U.S. will remain dominant for the foreseeable future.” —Ian Bremmer, Time magazine, May 28, 2015

B. “What ultimately makes the difference between war and peace ... is not good intentions, or strong words, or a grand coalition. It is the capability, credibility, and global reach of American hard power.” —Senator John McCain, November 15, 2014

C. “The United States is and remains the one indispensable nation. That has been true for the century passed and it will be true for the century to come.” —President Barack Obama, May 28, 2014

D. France’s then-foreign minister, Hubert Vérdine, told a Paris audience that he defined “the United States as a ‘hyperpower’ ... a country that is dominant or predominant in all categories.” —The New York Times, February 5, 1999

Though certainly facing challenges to its power from nations such as China and Russia, America’s overwhelming ability to stand down aggressors and rapidly deploy when needed continue to dominate the world. A future president of the United States might not hesitate to use the country’s influence to enforce new global standards, especially if promoted in the guise of world peace and stability after a difficult global event.

 

[phipps]

What other factors could help set the stage for a worldwide law to execute those who refuse to violate conscience?

We cannot name them with certainty, but a few looming possibilities include:

A. The activity of terrorists

B. Riots and escalating crime and evil

C. Drug wars

D. A major economic crash

E. Epidemics

F. Nuclear threats from radical nations

G. Political corruption

H. Gross miscarriage of justice by the courts

I. Social and political issues

J. Increasing taxes

K. Pornography and other immorality

L. Global disasters

M. Radical “special interest” groups

A backlash against terrorism, lawlessness, immorality, permissiveness, injustice, poverty, ineffective political leaders, and many similar woes could easily precipitate a demand for strong, specific laws to be rigidly enforced.

 

[phipps]

As world conditions worsen, what will Satan do to deceive the masses?

“He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived” (Revelation 13:13-14).

The United States will experience a counterfeit revival and will insist that religious laws be passed to force every person to participate (represented by “an image to the beast” in Revelation 13:14). People will be forced to disregard God’s holy seventh-day Sabbath and worship instead on the beast’s “holy” day—Sunday. Some will comply merely for social or economic reasons. World conditions will become so intolerable that a worldwide “back to God” movement, with all joining in worship and prayer on Sunday, will be presented as the only solution. Satan will deceive the world into believing that they must compromise Bible truth and keep Sunday holy. But in reality, obedience to and worship of the beast will indicate the refusal of most people to enter God’s kingdom. No wonder Jesus makes such an issue in Revelation over worshipping the beast and receiving his mark!

While interest in the counterfeit revival heightens, what will be happening to the genuine worldwide revival sponsored by God’s end-time people?

The Bible says the entire world will be “illuminated” with glory (Revelation 18:1). Every person on earth will be reached (Mark 16:15) with God’s end-time, three-point message of Revelation 14:6-14. God’s last-day church will grow with amazing speed as millions join God’s people and accept His offer of salvation by grace and faith in Jesus, which transforms them into His obedient servants. Many people and leaders from all countries of the world will refuse to worship the beast nor embrace his false teachings. Instead, they will worship and obey Jesus. They will then receive His holy Sabbath sign, or mark, in their foreheads (Revelation 7:2-3), thus sealing them for eternity.

Spiralling Growth Infuriates the Counterfeit Movement

This spiralling growth among God’s people will infuriate the counterfeit movement. Its leaders will become fully convinced that those who refuse to cooperate with the worldwide counterfeit revival are the cause of all the world’s woes (Daniel 11:44). They will disqualify them from buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-17), but the Bible promises that food, water, and protection for God’s people will be sure (Isaiah 33:16; Psalm 34:7).

 

[ARose]

“…Biblically we need illumination, we need knowledge and wisdom for our faith and love to grow as Christians…”

Absolutely not. “Illumination” is anti biblical. It implies an intellectual path not a spiritual one. We are not to become “scholars” of The Bible to secure faith; faith requires trust not understanding.

It was reliance on confidence in “illumination” that resulted in crucifying Christ; afterall, we can presume the religious leaders had sinister intentions but arrogance as a result of confidence in knowledge and “expertise” is just as likely.

The Word is enough.

 

[phipps]

“…Biblically we need illumination, we need knowledge and wisdom for our faith and love to grow as Christians…”

Absolutely not. “Illumination” is anti biblical. It implies an intellectual path not a spiritual one. We are not to become “scholars” of The Bible to secure faith; faith requires trust not understanding.

It was reliance on confidence in “illumination” that resulted in crucifying Christ; afterall, we can presume the religious leaders had sinister intentions but arrogance as a result of confidence in knowledge and “expertise” is just as likely.

The Word is enough.

I suppose your understanding of the word "illumination" is different to mine. Illumination in my understanding means "understanding", "enlightenment". And we need enlightenment of the Word of God spiritually.

The Bible says, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). We do not naturally understand spiritual things. In order for us to understand the Bible, we need to have our minds enlightened by the renewing effects of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:23-24). This is a very important principle that many forget. People think that they can just open the Bible and start figuring things out all by themselves. That is one reason why so many denominations, factions, and differing opinions exist in Christendom.

For example the prophecies of Revelation need deciphering because a lot symbology is used in them. No one is going to read the book of Revelation and figure it out without being guided by the Holy spirit or being led to people and books who know and understand it by the Holy Spirit. That's what I mean by illumination by the Holy Spirit.

And as I posted before, we are all supposed to be Bible scholars and well versed in the Word of God. The Word of God is powerful. If we study it, we won't be deceived and we will find Jesus in it.

 

[phipps]

In desperation, the U.S.-led coalition will decide to impose the death sentence on its enemies (Revelation 13:15). What does Revelation 13:13-14, say its leaders will do to convince people that God is with them?

They will work miracles—so convincing that everyone except God’s faithful end-time people will be persuaded (Matthew 24:24). Utilizing the spirits (fallen angels) of Satan (Revelation 16:13-14), they will impersonate dead loved ones (Revelation 18:23) and probably
even pose as Bible prophets and apostles. These lying (John 8:44) demonic spirits will doubtless
claim that God has sent them to urge all to cooperate.

Satan Appears as Christ; His Angels Pose as Christian Ministers
Satan’s angels will also appear as godly clergymen, and Satan will appear as an angel of light
(2 Corinthians 11:13-15). As his crowning miracle, Satan will claim to be Jesus (Matthew 24:23-24). While impersonating Christ, he could easily claim that he changed Sabbath to Sunday and urge his followers to proceed with their worldwide revival and uphold his “holy” day—Sunday.

Billions Are Deceived
Billions, believing that Satan is Jesus, will bow at his feet and join the counterfeit movement. “All the world marveled and followed the beast” (Revelation 13:3). The deception will be overwhelmingly effective. But God’s people will not be deceived, because they test everything by the Bible (Isaiah 8:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible says God’s law cannot be changed (Matthew 5:18). It also says that when Jesus returns, every eye will see Him (Revelation1:7) and that He will not touch the earth but will remain in the clouds and call His people to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

 

[phipps]

How can we be safe from powerful end-time deceptions?

A. Test every teaching by the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20).

B. Follow truth as Jesus reveals it. Jesus promised that those who genuinely want to obey Him will never end up in error (John 7:17).

C. Stay close to Jesus daily (John 15:5).

 

[phipps]

So far we've seen from Revelation 13 that there are two beasts. The first beast (the papacy) and the second beast (the USA) are going to enforce the mark of the beast on the whole world. We've seen that the mark of the beast is going to be about enforced worship to the beast which is really worship of Satan.

The war between Satan and God is spiritual. The Bible tells us, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Our battle is not against the physical things of this world. Our battle is a SPIRITUAL one. Satan is not so much looking to gain control of our wallets. He is ultimately looking to gain control of our MINDS. He wants to drive a wedge between us and Jesus Christ. And how does he do that? By stopping us from giving TRUE worship to our Creator. Hence the strong warnings in the book of Revelation against receiving the mark of the beast.

That is why the mark of the beast or indeed God's seal on His people cannot be physical. Nothing physical can stop anyone from giving
TRUE worship to our Creator.

Now some people claim that RFID chips or the Covid vaccine could alter our minds and thoughts and take control in some way. But God would never allow this to happen on a mass scale, because He wouldn't allow our free choice to be taken away from us. If we are not able to make a free conscious decision with regards to our worship and allegiance, then the judgment of the mark would not be a fair one. The mark of the beast is all about a free conscious decision by each and every person as to who we give our allegiance and worship to.

In Revelation 14, the way to avoid the mark of the beast deception is to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12). As we've seen, the mark of the beast is something that goes against God's commandments and is all about worship.

We should always remember that we cannot "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" in our own strength. We can only do it through the power of Jesus Christ.

There is one more power in Revelation 13 that I haven't posted on yet, and that is the image to the beast. This power also enforces the mark of the beast so we should find out what it is and why it does what it does.

 

[phipps]

The image to the beast.

Revelation 13:15-16, "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads."

This passage tells us that the mark of the beast will be enforced by the image of the beast. An image is something that has the attributes of the original. The first beast of Revelation 13 (the Roman papacy) was a power that utilized state resources in order to enforce its doctrines, even when these doctrines were contrary to the Word of God.

According to Revelation 13, the second beast, which we identified as the United States of America, will exercise the same authority as the first beast (the papacy) and cause the world to worship the papal system (Revelation 13:12). We are seeing signs of this taking place already in our day.

We are told in Revelation that the US will also actively encourage the world to make “an image to the beast.” With its political and perhaps military might, the US will bring this image of the Beast to life and cause it to speak and declare a death decree against all those that would not comply with its regulations.

 

[phipps]

What is the image to the beast?

Revelation 13:14, "... telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived."

As we've seen an image is a copy of the original. The first beast (the papacy) supported false worship by the arm of the state and persecuted and killed those who refused to comply. The second beast (the USA) will do the same. We see today the church and government leaders uniting to enforce religious morality to stem the tide of evil in our decaying society. Their motives will be good but FORCED worship is always evil. The second beast will utilize boycott and death threats to force people into line (Revelation 13:15-17).

The IMAGE OF THE BEAST IS UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE WITH FORCED WORSHIP. Remember God does not force our worship or obedience. In love, He always gives us the freedom of choice.

Apostate Protestantism will join hands with the government to enforce their false doctrine that goes against the Word of God. This means sadly that so called Christians are going to persecute God's true Church who will be in the minority.

 

[phipps]

Most Protestantism is apostate unfortunately. How did that happen?

To understand the image to the beast, we need to understand the beast a bit more because it is an image to, or of the beast. We know the beast is the papacy. Is the papacy simply a church? No! The papacy is religio-political organisation. It is a combination of a church and state. Therefore the image to the beast will be a replica, a likeness of that organisation and it will be formed in the USA (the second Beast) as we are told in the Bible.

How was the papacy formed in order for it to become the "beast"? History reveals that it involved taking five significant steps and the same five steps will need to be taken in order for the image to the beast to be formed in the USA.

1. The first step was taken by the early Christian church. As the decades went by, finally the majority of Christians departed from the original faith of the scriptures and became apostate. Acts 20:28-31 informs us, and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-7 confirms that this would take place. There was a great "falling away" or an apostasy in the Christian church.

2. As a result of this apostasy, there was a loss of spiritual power on the part of the church in its proclamation of the gospel. In the place of the simplicity of the gospel, and the Word of God, forms, ritual and ceremony took over. False teaching entered, and controversies began to wrack the church. Pagan philosophies permeated contemporary thinking and the power of love and the power of the gospel was replaced by a love of power, a love of position, a desire to dominate.

3. The apostate Church began to amalgamate with the popular pagan religion of the day. That religion was a from of sun-worship called Mithraism. It originally came from Babylon through Persia. "Mithra" was the Persian term for the sun. This Mithraism united with the apostate Christianity of the day. The result was that paganism, with its unscriptural ceremonies and rites became a part of the church's faith. Such festivals as Christmas, Easter, Lent, Sunday sacredness, the celebration of the mass, purgatory, prayers to and for the dead, and all other pagan rites, ceremonies and doctrines that we now find in the professedly Christian church, entered into the orthodox church in that period.

4. The fourth step involved the convening of great ecumenical councils in order to unite the churches of the Mediterranean world. This is where the word "ecumenical" originated. They brought together the leaders of the churches in these councils in order to settle their differences, that the churches of the Roman empire might become one. Finally unity was achieved. They became one and the Bishop of Rome was accepted by the majority as the head of all churches. The church now spoke with one voice.

5. The fifth and final step was the union of one super church with civil power of the state. Church and state united. The Civil power executed the wishes of the super church. Religious liberty vanished and persecution began. The result was the papacy, the formation of the beast power.

 

[phipps]

The image to the beast (apostate protestantism) is formed.

In order for the image of the beast to be formed, the same five steps as above will need to be taken. In fact, three steps have already been taken. We are now in the midst of the fourth step. Revelation 13 reveals that there are six features associated with the formation of the image to the beast.

1. it is to originate in the USA (second beast).

2. It is to be initiated by the US government.

3. It is formed after the healing of the wound, that is, after the papacy's political power is restored. That healing began in 1929.

4. It is to be separate and distinct from the first beast. It will be non-catholic in its profession.

5. It will be supported by the majority of the American people.

6. It will be similar in it character and form to the papacy, that is, it will be religious, political and intolerant.

The only entity that fits the picture are the American Protestant churches. Already these churches have taken the first three of the five steps that the early church took. They have departed from the original faith of Christ. They have departed from the scriptures as the sole guide for man. These churches, for many years have been sliding deeper into apostasy. This may be a shock to some, but it is a proven fact that Protestantism has lost its protest. No longer do the majority of Protestant churches protest against the errors of Rome. For decades they have been slipping further away from God. There has been a retreat from the authority of the Bible. This is step number one: apostasy on the part of the Protestant churches.

As a result of apostasy, Protestantism as such, has lost its spiritual power. This has been so for many years. Religion for many, is a mere form. False teachings permeate the Protestant churches, particularly the clergy, psychology, evolution, the social gospel and worldly standards are the norm.

Thirdly, instead of rejecting pagan rites and ceremonies, the Protestant churches are increasingly tolerant of them and uphold and practice many of them. Instead of receiving the light of truth which show that these are of pagan origin and are not of God, they promote them.

Fourthly, Church councils have convened to bring about church union. This has been going on for decades. Church union is the order of the day. Powerful forces are bringing the churches together. Doctrinal differences are being put aside.

It is often claimed by those who advocate for church unity, that the divisions of the church confuse the world, that the church is failing because of its divisions. This is untrue. The correct cause of failure is apostasy on the part of the church which has resulted in a loss of spiritual power. The power of love is being replaced by a love of power, and so often this is the pattern, not only of organisations, but with individuals.

Church Union is a backward step. It is a further step into apostasy. In fact down through history, divisions in the church have been essential in order to preserve truth. Take Luther and the Protestant reformers. If they had stayed in Rome, there would never have been the mighty Protestant reformation. Had the Wesleys stayed in the Anglican church, there would never have been the great Evangelical revival. It appears that the basic motive for church union is power, although many sincere people are deceived, believing that it is the will of God.

Today we are witnessing the fourth step in formation of the image to the beast. The fifth step is not far off. The one super united church will accept the support of American civil power. There will then be a union of church and state. The prediction indicates that US civil power will "give life to the image of the beast" (Revelation 13:15).

A government speaks through its laws and policies. This means that the civil power of the USA will policies and rules of the one super church into operation. It enforces them. In doing this, the state or civil power unites with the super church and thus becomes a part of the image to the beast. Then the lamb-like power will "speak as a dragon". Remember what the prophecy said?

"Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon" (Revelation 13:11).

The next step to be taken will be the enacting of civil laws that will lead to religious intolerance. The dragon always speaks in terms of persecution, therefore we must expect oppressive laws against those who dissent from the wishes of the super church. Finally, because many dissenters refuse to submit, the prophecy reveals that capital punishment will be re-enacted and used against religious dissenters.

"... and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed" (Revelation 13:15).

 

[phipps]

Its important to note that while these things will start in the USA, they will happen world wide as well. So true Christians around the world will not be free from persecution but God will be with them and protect them.

Also this not an attack on individuals from these institutions but, we are given this message to share and to warn the world about which institutions will be responsible to bring about last day events.