The Mark Of The Beast

2.) There is nowhere in the text that says this number is to be used to find out the identity of the Antichrist. Most futurist scholars would probably agree that by the time the Mark of the Beast is instituted, it won’t be a huge secret who the Antichrist is, especially to the saints living at the time of the Mark of the Beast. Contextually, it is clear from this passage that the Antichrist has already reached the place where Satan has come down to earth and is possessing the Antichrist (verse 1). The False Prophet is present displaying signs and wonders, and the image of the beast is created to make sure people are worshipping the image of the Antichrist as a god. It is very doubtful this could be happening before the Antichrist makes a seven-year …show more content…
But before I get into that, let’s take a step back and consider again the circumstances. The church at this point will likely have already been raptured to be with the Lord in heaven. Deception on earth will be so great that Christ said even the elect would be deceived if that were possible. Remember, the elect in this instance are simply people who become believers during this awful time (after the rapture of the church). I believe there is a twofold teaching here regarding the Mark of the Beast: 1.) a didactic theological/symbolic meaning 2.) a literal fulfilment involving a numeral affiliation that specifically connects the Mark to the …show more content…
It will be the fulfilment of all of man’s wisdom encapsulated into a single Mark that will be accessible to every individual in the world. It is the final completion of the Tower of Babel that once again unites the entire world under one philosophy, language, currency, religion and government. As the great high tower was the ultimate technological achievement in Nimrod’s day, so too will the Mark be the greatest tech achievement of our day. The taking of the Mark will be the moment of destiny for each individual. Satan’s offer of the kingdoms of the world that Jesus Christ refused will be eagerly accepted by the Antichrist. The Mark of the Beast is the final installment. As the church saints are all members of Christ’s body, so too will the Mark be a means to incorporate the entire world into the body of the Antichrist and Satan himself. Taking the Mark will be sold as taking in all the world’s wonders, all of its intoxications, all of its allurement, its wealth, its various ecstasies and worldly wisdom. To say this will be a temptation is an understatement. The only other option will be for one to empty himself of all that and come to Jesus Christ and be