Everyone will receive a Mark, whose mark is the question.

[Hobie]

There is a "sign" or "Mark" on God's people, however a individual can also get another "sign" or "Mark" that is from another, the Mark of the Beast. How so, well by following it in its false practices of worship, which is really worship of the Beast rather than a follower of God and the true worship He asks of us. So lets first look at the "sign" or "Mark" on God's people:

Ezekiel 9:4
And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

We see that the "sign" or "Mark" on God's people are on "the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof", and that are "sealed" in Gods truth and have "His name" on their foreheads. Now we also have another text which gives us a clue on God's people, we find it in Revelation.14:12 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'

We see that God's people, the saints, follow God's law, keeping His commandments. It is what are the saints, His people who keep His law, and now compare it to those who worship and follow another, in this case the Beast of Revelation.
Revelation.14:9-10
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

The text in verse 9 says "If any man worship the beast and his image" it clearly leads to the mark of the beast, and we see the end result of that in verse 10. We find even more of those who pick up this mark in Revelation 13:16-17
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.

This means an individual can claim to be a follower of God and still be worshiping the beast in what it lays out in its false system of worship, and thus the "sign" or "Mark" is not of God, but of the Beast. So we have to be careful not to just say we follow God and worship Him but to actually do what we say, and not follow the Beast or practices which can only be seen as worship to false gods and away from the true God.

 

[Truth7t7]

There is a "sign" or "Mark" on God's people, however a individual can also get another "sign" or "Mark" that is from another, the Mark of the Beast. How so, well by following it in its false practices of worship, which is really worship of the Beast rather than a follower of God and the true worship He asks of us. So lets first look at the "sign" or "Mark" on God's people:

Ezekiel 9:4
And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

We see that the "sign" or "Mark" on God's people are on "the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof", and that are "sealed" in Gods truth and have "His name" on their foreheads. Now we also have another text which gives us a clue on God's people, we find it in Revelation.14:12 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'

We see that God's people, the saints, follow God's law, keeping His commandments. It is what are the saints, His people who keep His law, and now compare it to those who worship and follow another, in this case the Beast of Revelation.
Revelation.14:9-10
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

The text in verse 9 says "If any man worship the beast and his image" it clearly leads to the mark of the beast, and we see the end result of that in verse 10. We find even more of those who pick up this mark in Revelation 13:16-17
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.

This means an individual can claim to be a follower of God and still be worshiping the beast in what it lays out in its false system of worship, and thus the "sign" or "Mark" is not of God, but of the Beast. So we have to be careful not to just say we follow God and worship Him but to actually do what we say, and not follow the Beast or practices which can only be seen as worship to false gods and away from the true God.

The mark that you claim is upon believers is a spiritual "Seal" by the Holy Spirit, not a physical mark as you claim

(God's Spiritual Seal, The Holy Spirit)

2 Corinthians 1:22KJV
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13KJV
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Revelation 7:3KJV
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

 

[quietthinker]

There is a "sign" or "Mark" on God's people, however a individual can also get another "sign" or "Mark" that is from another, the Mark of the Beast. How so, well by following it in its false practices of worship, which is really worship of the Beast rather than a follower of God and the true worship He asks of us. So lets first look at the "sign" or "Mark" on God's people:

Ezekiel 9:4
And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

We see that the "sign" or "Mark" on God's people are on "the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof", and that are "sealed" in Gods truth and have "His name" on their foreheads. Now we also have another text which gives us a clue on God's people, we find it in Revelation.14:12 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'

We see that God's people, the saints, follow God's law, keeping His commandments. It is what are the saints, His people who keep His law, and now compare it to those who worship and follow another, in this case the Beast of Revelation.
Revelation.14:9-10
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

The text in verse 9 says "If any man worship the beast and his image" it clearly leads to the mark of the beast, and we see the end result of that in verse 10. We find even more of those who pick up this mark in Revelation 13:16-17
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.

This means an individual can claim to be a follower of God and still be worshiping the beast in what it lays out in its false system of worship, and thus the "sign" or "Mark" is not of God, but of the Beast. So we have to be careful not to just say we follow God and worship Him but to actually do what we say, and not follow the Beast or practices which can only be seen as worship to false gods and away from the true God.

Yes, we are all marked men and women. We are marked, as you say, with something. Our language even uses the term of being marked but it is hardly referring to a physical identifier. In the same sense, the scripture speaks of 'marks' or 'seals'. We need to be awake to this or we'll be looking for something physical to validate faulty understandings.
Just as 'the mark' is a use of language which determines a greater phenomenon, so is, 'the beast and its image'. It is so great in fact, it embraces the planet's inhabitants.

 

[Douggg]

Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

So there will be...

his name
the number of his name
the mark of his name

Since we are told to "count" the number of the beast, it seems that each letter of his name will have a corresponding numerical value.

Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

The mark of his name would not just be a mark - but a mark that reveals the beast name, maybe ? Or does it mean...
so-n-so's mark ?

The mark could be the first letter of the beast's name - like "Z" for Zorro was in the film.

 

[pepper]

Interesting the mark identifying God's people and the mark of the Beast are both to be located in the forehead.
Is this the literal tissue,skin,of the forehead? We're talking about Bronze Age writers.

Or,could it be in actuality a reference to what is located behind our foreheads? The frontal lobe of the brain? The frontal lobe manages body movement i.e. muscles, thoughts, emotions , memory, and personality.

Our bank account, our PIN numbers for debit and credit cards , are stored there.

I think the mark of the beast, without it we cannot buy nor sell, is money.

Currency is actually an illusion. Yet it, possessing it to any degree, or not, is the single factor held in common by all humans on Earth.Because currency,money, divides the people of the world.

It's intrinsic value is illusion.

 

[Verily]

This guy here

Isaiah 44:20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

Is carrying around an image he made specifically in his right hand, how weird is that?

 

[Douggg]

Interesting the mark identifying God's people and the mark of the Beast are both to be located in the forehead.
Is this the literal tissue,skin,of the forehead? We're talking about Bronze Age writers.

Revelation 13:16 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:

 

[pepper]

Revelation 13:16 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:

That's the Beast system.

God's people are marked on their forehead. No mention of the right hand.

Interestingly,the right hand in Hebrew scriptures is indicative of power. The hand from which power emanates.
As in Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. Meaning God/Jesus at ascension back to Heaven returned to His full power.

 

[Verily]

The right hands of fellowship is also shown

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

 

[Brakelite]

The mark that you claim is upon believers is a spiritual "Seal" by the Holy Spirit, not a physical mark as you claim

I agree it's not physical, and so would Hobie. You are p presuming he is suggesting it's physical, but he isn't.

 

[Verily]

The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth we are sealed by because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him. But Jesus said, "but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you".

That seal, or mark is "unseen" (or invisible to the world)

So how would the "other mark" also be invisible, if its needed to justify refusing anyones ability to buy or sell (for example) if you do not have it somewhere where they could see it to either allow or refuse anyone who might not have it?

 

[CTK]

Yes, we are all marked men and women. We are marked, as you say, with something. Our language even uses the term of being marked but it is hardly referring to a physical identifier. In the same sense, the scripture speaks of 'marks' or 'seals'. We need to be awake to this or we'll be looking for something physical to validate faulty understandings.
Just as 'the mark' is a use of language which determines a greater phenomenon, so is, 'the beast and its image'. It is so great in fact, it embraces the planet's inhabitants.

Here is my take on the mark....

Revelation 13:16

16 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,

Revelation 13:16 reveals that the earth beast compels "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads. This mark symbolizes allegiance to the sea beast, reflecting both internal acceptance (forehead) and external compliance (hand) with its counterfeit system of worship and authority. This symbolic act underscores the pervasive nature of the beast’s control, extending across every social and economic class. To fully understand this verse, it is helpful to consider its connection to the Jewish practice of tefillin (phylacteries), described in Deuteronomy 6:4-8. Tefillin, small leather boxes containing Scripture, are worn on the forehead and bound to the arm with leather straps. They symbolize devotion to God, reminding the wearer to align their thoughts (forehead) and actions (hand) with His commandments. The placement of their hand to the heart signifies a commitment to love and obey God wholeheartedly.

The mark of the beast functions as a counterfeit tefillin. Where tefillin reflect allegiance to God’s law and sovereignty, the beast’s mark represents submission to human traditions and authority. Receiving the mark on the forehead symbolizes mental agreement with the beast’s doctrines, while receiving it on the hand signifies outward compliance, even without full belief. This counterfeit reflects the beast’s effort to usurp God’s rightful place, demanding allegiance that belongs to Him alone. This symbolism extends beyond individual actions. At a societal level, we can compare Sabbath observance in the Jewish tradition with Sunday worship enforced by the papacy. The Sabbath was given as a sign of God’s covenant with His people (Exodus 31:13), a communal practice of obedience and devotion. In contrast, Sunday observance, instituted by Constantine but confirmed and officially adopted by the papacy, became a mark of allegiance to the sea beast’s authority, emphasizing human traditions over God’s commandments. This shift underscores the societal impact of the mark, binding communities to the beast’s system.

At a global level, the comparison between the Temple in Jerusalem and the Vatican further illustrates this contrast. The Temple represented God’s universal presence and authority, while the Vatican became the global symbol of the papacy’s dominion. The Vatican’s wealth, influence, and missionary outreach reflect the sea beast’s ambition to extend its mark across nations, uniting the world under its counterfeit system of worship.

Revelation 13:16 also emphasizes the universality of this mark: "small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" receive it, highlighting the beast’s reach across all demographics. No one is exempt from its demands, symbolizing the totality of its control over humanity. This mirrors historical reality, where the Church’s influence spanned all classes, using fear, coercion, and institutional power to enforce allegiance. In this context, the earth beast plays a crucial role as the enforcer of this mark. By promoting the doctrines of the sea beast, they ensured that the papacy’s authority was deeply embedded in individual lives, societal structures, and global systems. They propagated they papacy’s teachings as divine truth, aligning thoughts (forehead) and actions (hand) with the sea beast’s counterfeit gospel.

Revelation 13:16 challenges us to consider our allegiance. Just as the Jewish practice of tefillin reminds us to submit our thoughts and actions to God, this verse warns against aligning with the beast’s counterfeit system. The mark of the beast represents a spiritual choice: Will we follow God’s commandments and receive His seal, or will we conform to the traditions of men, bearing the mark of the sea beast?

 

[quietthinker]

Here is my take on the mark....

Revelation 13:16

16 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,

Revelation 13:16 reveals that the earth beast compels "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads. This mark symbolizes allegiance to the sea beast, reflecting both internal acceptance (forehead) and external compliance (hand) with its counterfeit system of worship and authority. This symbolic act underscores the pervasive nature of the beast’s control, extending across every social and economic class. To fully understand this verse, it is helpful to consider its connection to the Jewish practice of tefillin (phylacteries), described in Deuteronomy 6:4-8. Tefillin, small leather boxes containing Scripture, are worn on the forehead and bound to the arm with leather straps. They symbolize devotion to God, reminding the wearer to align their thoughts (forehead) and actions (hand) with His commandments. The placement of their hand to the heart signifies a commitment to love and obey God wholeheartedly.

The mark of the beast functions as a counterfeit tefillin. Where tefillin reflect allegiance to God’s law and sovereignty, the beast’s mark represents submission to human traditions and authority. Receiving the mark on the forehead symbolizes mental agreement with the beast’s doctrines, while receiving it on the hand signifies outward compliance, even without full belief. This counterfeit reflects the beast’s effort to usurp God’s rightful place, demanding allegiance that belongs to Him alone. This symbolism extends beyond individual actions. At a societal level, we can compare Sabbath observance in the Jewish tradition with Sunday worship enforced by the papacy. The Sabbath was given as a sign of God’s covenant with His people (Exodus 31:13), a communal practice of obedience and devotion. In contrast, Sunday observance, instituted by Constantine but confirmed and officially adopted by the papacy, became a mark of allegiance to the sea beast’s authority, emphasizing human traditions over God’s commandments. This shift underscores the societal impact of the mark, binding communities to the beast’s system.

At a global level, the comparison between the Temple in Jerusalem and the Vatican further illustrates this contrast. The Temple represented God’s universal presence and authority, while the Vatican became the global symbol of the papacy’s dominion. The Vatican’s wealth, influence, and missionary outreach reflect the sea beast’s ambition to extend its mark across nations, uniting the world under its counterfeit system of worship.

Revelation 13:16 also emphasizes the universality of this mark: "small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" receive it, highlighting the beast’s reach across all demographics. No one is exempt from its demands, symbolizing the totality of its control over humanity. This mirrors historical reality, where the Church’s influence spanned all classes, using fear, coercion, and institutional power to enforce allegiance. In this context, the earth beast plays a crucial role as the enforcer of this mark. By promoting the doctrines of the sea beast, they ensured that the papacy’s authority was deeply embedded in individual lives, societal structures, and global systems. They propagated they papacy’s teachings as divine truth, aligning thoughts (forehead) and actions (hand) with the sea beast’s counterfeit gospel.

Revelation 13:16 challenges us to consider our allegiance. Just as the Jewish practice of tefillin reminds us to submit our thoughts and actions to God, this verse warns against aligning with the beast’s counterfeit system. The mark of the beast represents a spiritual choice: Will we follow God’s commandments and receive His seal, or will we conform to the traditions of men, bearing the mark of the sea beast?

I think this is well expressed.

 

[Brakelite]

I think this is well expressed.

Yep, one of the best expressions of the truth I've read.

 

[CTK]

Yep, one of the best expressions of the truth I've read.

Very kind of you to say that.

 

[ewq1938]

I think the mark of the beast, without it we cannot buy nor sell, is money.

Then all have the mark of the beast, including Jesus and the disciples since they also had money. Obviously the mark is not money. The mark controls who can buy or sell with their money.

 

[ewq1938]

Here is my take on the mark....

Revelation 13:16

16 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,

Revelation 13:16 reveals that the earth beast compels "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads. This mark symbolizes allegiance to the sea beast, reflecting both internal acceptance (forehead) and external compliance (hand) with its counterfeit system of worship and authority. This symbolic act underscores the pervasive nature of the beast’s control, extending across every social and economic class. To fully understand this verse, it is helpful to consider its connection to the Jewish practice of tefillin (phylacteries), described in Deuteronomy 6:4-8. Tefillin, small leather boxes containing Scripture, are worn on the forehead and bound to the arm with leather straps. They symbolize devotion to God, reminding the wearer to align their thoughts (forehead) and actions (hand) with His commandments. The placement of their hand to the heart signifies a commitment to love and obey God wholeheartedly.

The mark of the beast functions as a counterfeit tefillin. Where tefillin reflect allegiance to God’s law and sovereignty, the beast’s mark represents submission to human traditions and authority. Receiving the mark on the forehead symbolizes mental agreement with the beast’s doctrines, while receiving it on the hand signifies outward compliance, even without full belief. This counterfeit reflects the beast’s effort to usurp God’s rightful place, demanding allegiance that belongs to Him alone. This symbolism extends beyond individual actions. At a societal level, we can compare Sabbath observance in the Jewish tradition with Sunday worship enforced by the papacy. The Sabbath was given as a sign of God’s covenant with His people (Exodus 31:13), a communal practice of obedience and devotion. In contrast, Sunday observance, instituted by Constantine but confirmed and officially adopted by the papacy, became a mark of allegiance to the sea beast’s authority, emphasizing human traditions over God’s commandments. This shift underscores the societal impact of the mark, binding communities to the beast’s system.

At a global level, the comparison between the Temple in Jerusalem and the Vatican further illustrates this contrast. The Temple represented God’s universal presence and authority, while the Vatican became the global symbol of the papacy’s dominion. The Vatican’s wealth, influence, and missionary outreach reflect the sea beast’s ambition to extend its mark across nations, uniting the world under its counterfeit system of worship.

Revelation 13:16 also emphasizes the universality of this mark: "small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" receive it, highlighting the beast’s reach across all demographics. No one is exempt from its demands, symbolizing the totality of its control over humanity. This mirrors historical reality, where the Church’s influence spanned all classes, using fear, coercion, and institutional power to enforce allegiance. In this context, the earth beast plays a crucial role as the enforcer of this mark. By promoting the doctrines of the sea beast, they ensured that the papacy’s authority was deeply embedded in individual lives, societal structures, and global systems. They propagated they papacy’s teachings as divine truth, aligning thoughts (forehead) and actions (hand) with the sea beast’s counterfeit gospel.

Revelation 13:16 challenges us to consider our allegiance. Just as the Jewish practice of tefillin reminds us to submit our thoughts and actions to God, this verse warns against aligning with the beast’s counterfeit system. The mark of the beast represents a spiritual choice: Will we follow God’s commandments and receive His seal, or will we conform to the traditions of men, bearing the mark of the sea beast?

The MoB has nothing to do with Saturday or Sunday anything.

 

[CTK]

Then all have the mark of the beast, including Jesus and the disciples since they also had money. Obviously the mark is not money. The mark controls who can buy or sell with their money.

Here is my take on the "buying and selling" and the mark:


Revelation 13:17

17 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 13:17 deepens the implications of the mark of the beast by revealing its impact on those who refuse to receive it. The verse states 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 passage highlights the consequences of allegiance to the beast, reflecting both societal and spiritual dimensions of control. It challenges us to understand the symbolic meaning of "buying and selling" and the three identifiers tied to the beast: the mark, name, and number of his name. The concept of "buying and selling" in this verse transcends mere economic activity. It symbolizes the exchange of spiritual privileges within the system of the sea beast, mediated by the earth beast. In the historical context of the papacy's dominance, individuals were required to conform to its doctrines and practices to participate fully in religious and social life. This included access to:

Sacraments, such as baptism, the Eucharist, and confession, which were seen as essential for salvation.

Indulgences, where forgiveness or reduced time in purgatory could be "purchased" through money or acts dictated by the Church.

Church blessings and inclusion in the community of believers, without which one risked ostracism or even excommunication.

Those who refused to align with the sea beast’s system were excluded from these privileges, effectively barring them from the spiritual "marketplace" of salvation. This exclusion extended beyond spiritual matters, as noncompliance could lead to social and economic isolation, persecution, and even death.

Revelation 13:17 highlights three ways an individual could demonstrate allegiance to the beast:

The Mark: This symbolizes submission to the beast’s counterfeit system, whether through mental agreement (forehead) or outward compliance (hand). The mark reflects both personal and public allegiance to the beast's authority.

The Name of the Beast: Names in Scripture often represent character or authority. The name of the beast likely refers to the papacy’s claim to divine authority, epitomized by titles such as "Vicar of Christ" or "Pontifex Maximus." These titles assert the pope’s position as Christ’s representative on earth, a blasphemous claim that replaces God’s authority with human tradition.

The Number of His Name: The symbolic 666 ties directly to the beast’s counterfeit nature, falling short of the divine completeness represented by 7. The number also reflects the beast’s hierarchical structure of control—individual (6), institutional (60), and universal (600). These layers represent the beast's far-reaching influence over personal belief, societal systems, and global power.


The earth beast enforces the sea beast’s system, ensuring adherence through fear, manipulation, and coercion. By promoting the papacy’s doctrines, they created a spiritual environment where dissent was nearly impossible. They were instrumental in spreading the belief that salvation was attainable only through the Church, making conformity essential for "buying and selling" spiritual and social privileges. Historical practices like the sale of indulgences exemplify the literal and symbolic nature of this verse. Through indulgences, the Church turned them into a commodity for forgiveness, offering it in exchange for money or acts of penance. This practice highlights the beast’s distortion of God’s gift of grace, turning salvation into a transactional system controlled by human authority.

 

[quietthinker]

Then all have the mark of the beast, including Jesus and the disciples since they also had money. Obviously the mark is not money. The mark controls who can buy or sell with their money.

I think the idea that 'buying and selling' has to do with the economy is also questionable.

 

[ewq1938]

Here is my take on the "buying and selling" and the mark:


Revelation 13:17

17 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 13:17 deepens the implications of the mark of the beast by revealing its impact on those who refuse to receive it. The verse states 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 passage highlights the consequences of allegiance to the beast, reflecting both societal and spiritual dimensions of control. It challenges us to understand the symbolic meaning of "buying and selling" and the three identifiers tied to the beast: the mark, name, and number of his name. The concept of "buying and selling" in this verse transcends mere economic activity. It symbolizes the exchange of spiritual privileges within the system of the sea beast, mediated by the earth beast. In the historical context of the papacy's dominance, individuals were required to conform to its doctrines and practices to participate fully in religious and social life. This included access to:

Sacraments, such as baptism, the Eucharist, and confession, which were seen as essential for salvation.

Indulgences, where forgiveness or reduced time in purgatory could be "purchased" through money or acts dictated by the Church.

Church blessings and inclusion in the community of believers, without which one risked ostracism or even excommunication.

Those who refused to align with the sea beast’s system were excluded from these privileges, effectively barring them from the spiritual "marketplace" of salvation. This exclusion extended beyond spiritual matters, as noncompliance could lead to social and economic isolation, persecution, and even death.

Revelation 13:17 highlights three ways an individual could demonstrate allegiance to the beast:

The Mark: This symbolizes submission to the beast’s counterfeit system, whether through mental agreement (forehead) or outward compliance (hand). The mark reflects both personal and public allegiance to the beast's authority.

The Name of the Beast: Names in Scripture often represent character or authority. The name of the beast likely refers to the papacy’s claim to divine authority, epitomized by titles such as "Vicar of Christ" or "Pontifex Maximus." These titles assert the pope’s position as Christ’s representative on earth, a blasphemous claim that replaces God’s authority with human tradition.

The Number of His Name: The symbolic 666 ties directly to the beast’s counterfeit nature, falling short of the divine completeness represented by 7. The number also reflects the beast’s hierarchical structure of control—individual (6), institutional (60), and universal (600). These layers represent the beast's far-reaching influence over personal belief, societal systems, and global power.


The earth beast enforces the sea beast’s system, ensuring adherence through fear, manipulation, and coercion. By promoting the papacy’s doctrines, they created a spiritual environment where dissent was nearly impossible. They were instrumental in spreading the belief that salvation was attainable only through the Church, making conformity essential for "buying and selling" spiritual and social privileges. Historical practices like the sale of indulgences exemplify the literal and symbolic nature of this verse. Through indulgences, the Church turned them into a commodity for forgiveness, offering it in exchange for money or acts of penance. This practice highlights the beast’s distortion of God’s gift of grace, turning salvation into a transactional system controlled by human authority.

I think it's a mistake to convert all of this into all things Papacy. That's the big enemy in your denomination but the RCC et al is just a shadow of what the beast will be. I think the mark controls buying and selling, meaning how one earns money and how one spends money. I don't believe that is "buying and selling" spiritual and social privileges.