Before we examine what the Word of God says about the mark of the beast, let us ever be mindful of Revelation 22:18-19: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Rev. 22:18-19 With that warning clearly in perspective, let us not "add" or "subtract" from God’s Holy Word. Where "thus saith the Lord" speaks – let us "read and understand" (Matt. 24:15). Where the Word of God is silent – no matter how great the temptation, let us not "add unto these things". Let us also, be very careful not to "interpret" the Word of God with the "light" of today’s technology; opinions; popular-theories; any man’s teachings; denominational teachings; and especially our own opinions. Our prayer to our readers is – please do not believe a single word we write – search God’s Holy Word - The King James Bible. May you have the "nobility" and "readiness"of the Bereans: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11 ". . . let God be true, but EVERY man a liar;. . " Romans 3:4 The MARK of the beast is mentioned eight times in the book of Revelation: Revelation 13:16-18 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: 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. 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. Rev. 13:16-18 Revelation 14:9 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, Rev. 14:9 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. Rev. 14:11 Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his MARK, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Rev 15:2 Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the MARK of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Rev. 16:2 Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the MARK of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev. 19:20 Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his MARK upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4 In these verses, the MARK is referred by: Rev 13:16 "a mark" Rev 13:17 " the mark" Rev 14:9 "his mark" Rev 14:11 "mark of his name" Rev 15:2 "his mark" Rev 16:2 "the mark of the beast" Rev 19:20 "the mark of the beast" Rev 20:4 "his mark" Notice how the mark is personally associated or representative of the beast or antichrist: Rev 14:9 "his mark" Rev 14:11 "mark of his name" Rev 15:2 "his mark" Rev 16:2 "the mark of the beast" Rev 19:20 "the mark of the beast" Rev 20:4 "his mark" Three times (14:9, 15:2, 20:4) it’s called "HIS mark". Two times (16:2, 19:20) it’s called "the mark OF THE BEAST" One time (14:11) it’s called "the mark of HIS Name" Apparently the mark is symbolic, associated or representative of the beast and his name. This would seem to rule out micro-chip implants, biometrics, bar-codes, etc. as the mark of the beast. It's possible that micro-chip implants, or some similar technological ID system will be utilized to control the "no man might buy or sell-system", but they don’t seem to fit the "mark of the beast". These seven verses, clearly indicate a mark personally symbolic of the beast and his name. THE MARK, HIS NAME AND HIS NUMBER The mark is associated or represented somehow to his name and his number (666). Revelation 13:16-18 is, by far, the most quoted and misquoted, verse on the "mark of the beast". Most people limit the "And that no man might buy or sell" only to "the mark" but notice what verse 17 actually says: Rev 13:17: 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. Very important. The "buying and selling" is NOT just those that have the MARK, but ALSO those that have the NAME of the beast, or the NUMBER of his name. Revelation 13:17 clearly teaches THREE ways a person can "buy or sell": 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. So, if you do NOT have the MARK, but have the NAME or the NUMBER – you can "buy or sell". Again, this would also lean away from micro-chip implants, bar codes, etc. How do you "have" the name of the beast, or the number of his name? Five times the Bible refers to "receiving" the mark (13:16, 14:9, 14:11, 19:20, 20:4) Three times the Bible refers to "receiving" the mark specifically "in their right hand, or in their foreheads:" (13:16, 14:9, 20:4) But no where does the Bible mention "receiving" the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Could the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name, be one and the same? Yes. Depending on the definition of OR. The word or is defined: Or: 1. express an alternative of terms, definitions 2.explanations of the same thing in different words Taking definition 2 – "explanations of the SAME THING in different words", would indicate the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name, are the same. If someone receives the mark, they shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, and be tormented with fire and brimstone for ever and ever. 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, 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: 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. Revelation 14:9-11 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the MARK of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev 19:20 What about the name of the beast, or the number of his name? Is there any punishment for "having" them? In Rev. 16:2, a "noisome and grievous sore" falls upon those who receive the mark: And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the MARK of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Rev. 16:2 What about the name of the beast, or the number of his name? Again, is there any punishment for "having" his name or number? Why no "torment" or "grievous sore" for those that have the name of the beast, or the number of his name? Rev. 15:2, tells of those that got victory over "….his MARK, and over the NUMBER of his name…" How does someone get "victory" over "the NUMBER of his name", unless they "receive" the number when they receive the mark. Does one also receive the name of the beast, or the number of his name "in their right hand, or in their foreheads:" – like the mark? Although, we can’t say for sure, examining these verses, the "mark" would be one of the following scenarios: The mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name are the same single mark. In this case, because we know what the number is, the mark would be "666". A lot of Bible teachers believe the mark is "666". Mark Hitchock, in his book, The Complete Book of Bible Prophecy, makes an interesting "logical progression" concerning the mark of the Beast: "This passage [Rev 13:16-18] provides five key clues as to the interpretation of the mark of the Beast. The name of the beast The number representing his name The number of the Beast The number of a man The number is 666 When these five clues are followed through their logical progression, the number or mark of the Beast is the number of a man who is the Antichrist or final world ruler. This number is the number of the Antichrist's own name."(Mark Hitchock, The Complete Book of Bible Prophecy, p.202) "The 'Mark' will be BRANDED or burnt on. It will probably be the 'NUMBER OF BEAST' OR '666'." (Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, p.. 124, published 1918) "Yes, I believe there will be three sixes tattooed on foreheads and right hands. . . indeed I do. I believe John 3:16. I believe God literally loved, literally gave, Jesus literally came and literally died. Why should I not believe the number of the Beast will be 666?" (Oliver Greene, The Revelation, Verse by Verse, p. 350, 1963) ". . . the agreement of the number and the name is to be ascertained by the calculating the sum of the value of the letters which form the name." (Isbon Beckwith, The Apocalypse of John, 1919, p.641, 642) The mark consists of both the number of his name (666) and his name combined in a single mark. Some type of "esoteric" mark forming a "666" while also symbolic of his name. "The "mark" itself is at once a number and a name. The Apostle tells us what it is. As he gives it, it is made up of two Greek characters which stand for the name of Christ, with a third, the figure of a crooked serpent, put between them, the name of God's Messiah transformed into a Devil sacrament." (Joseph Seiss, The Apocalypse, 1865, p. 457) They are all different. Which would possibly be three separate "marks". Also, if this is true, you could "have" the number of his name or the name of the beast and not receive any punishment. From scripture, it seems unlikely there are three separate "marks". WHAT IS THE MARK? The Bible does NOT specifically identify the MARK. Many authors and Bible teachers have attempted to identify the mark. They've claimed everything from Judas’ kiss; to going to church on Sunday; to the latest craze — micro-chip implants. At this time, no one can know for 100% certainty what is the mark. The only exception is if the mark is the number of the beast — 666. "to see or not to see…" Is the mark invisible? Some Bible teachers teach the mark will be invisible. Salem Kirban says in Satan's Mark Exposed: "One day in the Tribulation Period you will need proper identification to withdraw or deposit money in your bank. The identification will be an invisible mark either on the back of your hand or on you forehead!" (Salem Kirban, Satan's Mark Exposed, p.46) I disagree. I believe the "mark" will be "loud and proud". The Bible refers to the Antichrist's "mark" as "HIS" mark, the mark "OF THE BEAST" and the mark of "HIS Name". The "mark" of the antichrist is "his mark" of worship and allegiance. He'll certainly want to "show it off". Making it invisible would defeat his purpose. "to be or not to be. . ." Is the mark literal? The "loony-toon" award concerning the mark of the beast goes to Richard Abanes, in End Time Visions, as Abanes incredibly writes: ". . . nothing in the Bible, either linguistically or grammatically, indicates that the mark of the beast in Revelation 13 is a literal mark on, or in, the skin." (Richard Abanes, End Time Visions, p. 127) You've got to be kidding? ". . . nothing in the Bible, . . .indicates that the mark of the beast . . . is a literal mark on, or in, the skin." Do tell Richard, how does someone "receive" something that is not literal? receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (13:16) receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, Rev. 14:9 receiveth the mark of his name. Rev. 14:11 received his mark UPON their foreheads, or IN their hands Rev. 20:4 Revelation 20:4 CLEARLY says: ". . . neither had received his mark UPON their foreheads, or IN their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4 How do you have a mark UPON the forehead and it not be literal? To prove his ridiculous statement, Abanes uses Exodus 13:9, where the Lord is possibly referring to the symbolic — the feast of unleavened bread — or as many Bible teachers believe, Exodus 13:9 is referring to the literal "terphillin" or phylacteries the Jewish people wore on their forehead, hand or arm. It's interesting the 30 verses if the phylacteries came from Exodus 13, Deuteronomy 6, and 11. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. Exodus 13:9 Is Exodus 13 and Revelation 13 a valid comparison? Does anybody receive a "mark" in Exodus 13? Does anybody "receive" anything in Exodus 13? Exodus 13 is referencing a "sign" and Revelation is a "mark" — mentioned eight times. Not only that the Greek word for mark is "charagma" which means "to engrave, a scratch, etching, stamp". Now does that sound "symbolic"? Three times the Lord mentions a "mark" UPON someone in the Bible. And every time it is literal and visible. One is the mark of the beast in Revelation. Another is when the Lord set a "mark" UPON Cain "lest any finding him should kill him". Obviously the mark was not symbolic. And it was visible and literal. And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. Genesis 4:5 Cain is also a type of the antichrist: He was a murderer (John 4:44) as is the antichrist. The Bible says "Cain, who was of that wicked one" and Cain’s "works were evil" 1 John 3:12 Another "mark" UPON someone is Ezekiel 9:4-6: 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. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. Every time a "mark" is placed or put UPON some one in the Bible, it is literal and visible. And Abanes claims ". . . NOTHING in the Bible, either linguistically or grammatically, indicates that the mark of the beast in Revelation 13 is a literal mark on, or in, the skin." (Richard Abanes, End Time Visions, p. 127) By the way, the rest of End-Time Visions by Abanes is just as unbiblical and ridiculous. Abanes bashes nearly anyone who believes Revelation is literal. He then adds a touch of Nostradamus, Jehovah Witness, Waco, militias, and other assorted "kooks" and stirs it all up to make you think anyone who literally believes the Bible is a "kook". Avoid it like a "pit bull with AIDS". What about the implanted computer biochip? We mentioned the chip earlier, and Lord willing we’ll examine it in more detail in another article, but because its’ the latest "craze" among prophecy teachers, let’s analyze the chip as the mark of the beast. While I don’t believe the current chip implant matches the Bible’s description of the mark of the beast, the chip implant certainly could be utilized as the mechanism to control the "no man might buy or sell". In other words, the chip implant and the mark are completely different. Also, we’re just examining today’s current technology, tomorrow’s technology may produce a chip that would match the Bible’s description of the mark. The "guru" of the "micro-chip-mark of the beast" teaching is Terry Cook. Brother Cook has done a tremendous amount of research on the micro chip implant. Even though I don't believe the chip is the mark of the beast, his book is loaded with tons of excellent, documentation on the chip. Brother Cook writes: "It is my well-researched opinion that the Mark of the Beast, as related in scripture, is absolutely literal. Soon, all people on earth will be coerced into accepting a Mark in their right hand or forehead. I am convinced that it will be an injectable passive RFID transponder with a computer chip — a literal injection with a literal electronic biochip "mark". . . I believe that such an implanted identification mark literally will become Satan's Mark of the Beast, as we will discuss further in this chapter." (Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order p. 587) Brother Cook's main reasoning for the biochip as the mark is as follows: "And he [the Antichrist beast] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark,. . . count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man [Antichrist]; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. [666] Revelation 13:16-18 (KJV) Pay particular attention to the above scripture that says the mark will go in — not on — the right hand. This is the key to correct understanding of the technology that must be used to carry out its implementation." (Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order p. 587) Brother Cook says "the key" is that the Bible says "IN" not ON the right hand. But Revelation 20:4 says ". . .UPON their foreheads, or in their hands. . ." And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4 The word "UPON" in Rev. 20 is clearly a reference to a visible mark. What about the word "IN"? The mark of the beast will be "IN" and "UPON" their foreheads and hands. Even a simple tattoo goes "IN" the skin and goes "UPON" the skin. It can be IN and it can be UPON and it will be SEEN. The phrase "in their right hand" or "in their hands" doesn't necessarily mean "underneath the skin". It normally refers simply to the "inside" or "in the hand". A simple comparison of a few scriptures in Revelation yields this valid interpretation: "And he had in his right hand seven stars:. . ." Rev 1:16 "And he had in his hand a little book open…" Rev 10:2 ". . . and in his hand a sharp sickle." Rev 14:14 ". . . having a golden cup in her hand. . . Rev 17:4 Terry Cook also writes: "The English word mark (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, No. 5480) is from the Greek word charagma (pronounced Khar'-ag-mah). Charagma is connected by The Expanded Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words to stigma, Strong's No. 4742, in which Strong's references stigma back to the Greek word stizo, then defines stizo as follows: . . . to prick, stick, incise, or punch for recognition of ownership. . . Scar of service: a mark [emphasis added]. This is perhaps the best definition of HOW the Mark of the Beast will be given to everyone." (Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order p. 587) Big, big problem with Cook's reasoning. Every time the word "mark" appears in the book of Revelation, it is the Greek word charagma. It is NEVER the Greek word stigma. Not in any manuscripts. It's interesting that Brother Cook does NOT give the definition of the Greek word charagma. charagma: a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue): — graven, mark (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance) charagma denotes "a stamp, impress," translated "mark" in Rev. 13:16, etc. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) Charagma is very strong evidence for a simply a "mark" or "stamp", rather than a micro-chip implant. Also, Brother Cooks statement, "Charagma is connected by The Expanded Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words to stigma, Strong's No. 4742,. . ." — is not true. Vine’s does not "connect" stigma to charagma. In The Expanded Vine's Expository Dictionary under the work "mark", Vine’s simply lists the Greek words translated "mark" – charagma and stigma. Stigma is translated "mark" in Galatians 6:17, and our word stigma, stigmatism comes from this word. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks [stigma] of the Lord Jesus. Galatians 6:17 There is no connection to stigma and charagma. Brother Cook re-defining "mark" as "stigma" rather than "charagma" to prove his point, when it’s not there, is dishonest and tampering with the Word of God (2 Cor. 2:17). This is a very serious and dishonest error. Unfortunately, he’s not alone, many "modern" Bible teachers do likewise. Please don’t fall for this. Check every man out with the King James Bible, especially us (Rom. 3:4) It’s amazing how many prophecy teachers like Van Impe, Texe Marrs, Peter Lalonde, et al that quote Terry Cook, without checking out his teachings with the Word of God. It is very possible, and according to most authorities, a micro chip implant is coming soon. And it could be part of the mechanism the beast uses to control the "buying and selling" — but a chip doesn't line up with the Bible's description of the mark. Time magazine writes: "Your daughter can store money any way she wants – on her laptop, on a debit card, even (in the not too distant future) on a chip implanted under her skin." (Time, April 27, 1998, p. 51) Other reasons why the mark is not an implanted computer chip: The main argument for the chip is it’s ability to control the "buying and selling" of Rev 13:17. But that is NOT the main purpose of the mark. According to Rev. 14:10 and Rev. 19:20, whoever receives the mark "shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God… be tormented with fire and brimstone… their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever". God is not going to torment someone with fire and brimestone just because they buy or sell! The requirement for receiving the mark is worship of the beast or his image: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. . . " Rev. 14:9 ". . . who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark. . . " Rev. 14:11 " . . .which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image." Rev. 16:2 " . . . them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. . ." Rev. 19:20 " . . . which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his . . ." Rev. 20:4 Most people that teach the mark is the chip over-emphasis the "buying and selling" aspect of the mark. In fact, it's so prevalent, I've had many people write me afraid to take a credit card, smart card, or even a vaccine. Because of the lack of "skin-stretch", two of the worse places to implant a chip is the hand and especially the forehead. The smallest chip today is approximately the size of a grain of rice, way too large to implant in a forehead. As we mentioned earlier, the mark is associated or representative or symbolic of the beast and his name. A chip is a non-personal, generic, piece of material. Probably even invisible. Notice how the mark is personally associated or representative of the beast or antichrist: Rev 14:9 "his mark" Rev 14:11 "mark of his name" Rev 15:2 "his mark" Rev 16:2 "the mark of the beast" Rev 19:20 "the mark of the beast" Rev 20:4 "his mark" Three times (14:9, 15:2, 20:4) it’s called "HIS mark". Two times (16:2, 19:20) it’s called "the mark OF THE BEAST" One time (14:11) it’s called "the mark of HIS Name" As we looked at earlier, the mark is connected to the beast name and the number 666. A chip is neither. According to the "authorities" a chip implant would contain your financial world, medical history, health care — it would be your life. In order for a chip to be security-effective, it would have to be located randomly in the body. If there was no longer cash; if the world’s economy transactions were only chip oriented; — and the chip's locations is known – there would be a huge "black-market" for chips! Since there is no cash, no other bartering system, criminals would cutting off hands and heads, stealing "rich-folks" chips. How would like to borrow" Bill Gates chip for a few days? Terry Waite, the Anglican Church envoy who spent five years as a hostage in Beirut, sounded a similar alarm concerning biochip implants: "It is very dangerous because once kidnappers get to know about these things, they will skin you alive to find them," (New York Times, June 20, 1999) For more info on the biochip. Could the barcode be the mark? The introduction of the UPC barcode in 1973, revolutionized, to say the least, the way the world does business. When the bar code first came out, I told people the bar code is a stepping stone to digitize the world for the anti-Christ. People laughed at me. They said, "You mean that a bar code will be on all our products. We'll go through the grocery line, the cashier will just scan the bar code and presto! — we'll check out". They said, "If that ever happened it would be too plain, it would be too obvious, everybody would know it's paving the way for 666". And yet today, the familiar bar code is on virtually everything. Reasons the barcode is not the mark: Besides some of the same reasons, given demonstrating the biochip doesn't match the Bible's description of the mark, the barcode also has these limitations. It would be hard to get the precision needed to scan a barcode on the skin. Because the skin is flexible, stretches with age, etc. the current barcode technology would not work. The barcode does not hold very much data, even though some new 2-D bar codes can hold quite a bit, but still very small compared to a biochip. There is much more secure, more accurate, and better technology available. Here's an interesting, recent development: A patent (number 5,878,155) was issued in March, 1999 to Houston, inventor, Thomas W. Heeter, described as a "Method for verifying human identity during electronic sale transactions". Heeter's patent "abstract" reads: "A method is presented for facilitating sales transactions by electronic media. A BAR CODE or a design is tattooed on an individual. Before the sales transaction can be consummated, the tattoo is scanned with a scanner. Characteristics about the scanned tattoo are compared to characteristics about other tattoos stored on a computer database in order to verify the identity of the buyer. Once verified, the seller may be authorized to debit the buyer's electronic bank account in order to consummate the transaction. The seller's electronic bank account may be similarly updated." For more info on barcodes. What about biometrics identification and thermograms? Some have suggested biometrics, themograms, or bodily ID systems, such as iris scans, fingerprints, voice patterns, facial features, etc. as the mark of the beast. Besides the obvious reasons mentioned earlier, biometrics ID could not be the mark of the beast because the mark of the beast is something you "receive". An iris scan, voice scans, fingerprints, biometrics are NOT something you receive. It's simply part of a person's bodily features. In this case, every one would "have" the "mark". WHAT IS THE NAME? The Bible does not identify the NAME of the beast. Again, Many authors have attempted to "name" the Beast. From a "resurrected" Hitler, Ronald Wilson Reagan, Judas Iscariot, Nero, the Pope and the list goes on. Until the antichrist actually is revealed (2 Thess. 2:3), (…and I’ll be out of here!) any attempts to "name" the antichrist is speculation, at best. There are a few interesting thoughts related to "the name of the Beast". Arthur W. Pink, in his excellent classic, The Antichrist, says about the name: "This ‘mark’ on the persons of the subjects of the Beast will be, we believe, the name of the Devil, (cf. Rev. 13:4), as the seal on the foreheads of God's servants is defined in 14:1 as ‘having their Father's name written on their foreheads’". (Arthur W. Pink, The Antichrist, p. 200) Which is an interesting point. Satan’s goal is to be like God. He counterfeits and desires the things that belong to God only. Satan’s ambition is to "be like the most high" How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:12-14 In Rev. 14:1, God writes "His name" on the forehead of the 144,000. In Rev. 22:4, "His name" shall be in the foreheads of God’s children throughout eternity. And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. Rev 14:1. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Rev. 22:3,4 If God is going to write "His name" on the forehead of His children – it’s a good bet, Satan will do the same. Satan will write "his name" on his children — to "be like the most high". One other observation about the NAME. Comparing a few other verses, a name can also be a title. For instance, in Rev. 19:13, the Lord Jesus Christ is named "The Word of God". And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Rev. 19:13 Rev. 19:16, the Lord Jesus Christ is named "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS". And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Rev. 19:16 Taking these verses in consideration, the "name of the beast" is not limited to a proper, personal name, but also, could be a title. WHAT IS THE NUMBER? We know exactly the NUMBER of his name. The Bible in Rev 13:18 gives us the NUMBER of the beast. 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. Rev. 13:16-18 His number is 666. The number 6 is the number of man. Man was created on the sixth day. In Matthew 16:23, The Lord Jesus Christ, clearly says Satan is "man-centered". But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of MEN. Matt 16:23 In 2 Thess 2:4, the serpent's "prophecy" — " . . . ye shall be as gods. . ." (Gen. 3:5) is fulfilled in the Satanic-god-man — 666. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thess.2:4 The number three represents the trinity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The number three in scripture represents structure, completeness or DEITY. Three 6's - 666, is the attempt of MAN (6) attempting to be GOD (3) — 666. It's interesting the 666 occurs in Revelation 13:18. 18 = 6+6+6 = 666. Apparently, the number "666" will be very repressive and overbearing during the Antichrist’s reign of terror. Revelation 15:2, describes those during the tribulation who got victory over "the number of his name". And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Rev 15:2 WHAT ABOUT "COUNTING THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST"? Revelation 13:18 reads: 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. Rev. 13:18 In the Greek and Hebrew language there are no "numbers" such as 1, 2, 3, or 666. The Greek and Hebrew letters are also numbers. Gematria is the adding up or "counting" (Rev 13:18), the numerical equivalent of each letter in a word or name. This was fairly common in the days before alphabetic numbers. For instance, on the walls of ancient Pompeii, someone wrote, "I love her whose number is 545". For instance the name of Jesus in Greek equals 888 Everybody and his brother have attempted to "count the number of the beast". Of course, because the English alphabet contains both numbers and letters, gematria does not actually exist. Since it doesn't exist in the English alphabet — make one up! And that's exactly what many "666 counters" do. Some have claimed that Hitler "counted" to 666. How did they get 666 from Hitler. Simple. They start with A = 100, then B = 101 et al. H = 107 I = 108 T = 119 L = 111 E = 104 R = 117 666 What logic starts A with 100? The logic to MAKE Hitler the antichrist! The most popular attempts to gematria the English alphabet uses a base number of 6. For instance A=6, B=12, C=18, et al. With this six-base-gematria-English-nonsense — Kissinger, computer, mark of the beast, New York (some "wildly" claim New York as Babylon), A Rockefeller, witchcraft, dragon, and many more add up to 666. Grant Jeffrey writes in Prince of Darkness: The number 666 indicates that the letters in the Greek form of the name of the Antichrist will add up to 666. There is a slim possibility that his name will equal 666 in the Hebrew language since the Antichrist will be Jewish. The numeric system does not work in English or in languages other than Greek or Hebrew, so it is useless to calculate the values of names in these modern languages. (Grant R. Jeffrey, Prince of Darkness, pp. 275, 277) How do you "count the number of the beast" when you don't KNOW who the beast is? Sweet makes these statements in Revelation: "Clearly there were too many possibilities in a large number for one to calculate the name from the number — unless one knew it already. . . So the call for wisdom is not to decipher the number, but to recognize its significance, and act." (John Sweet, Revelation, 1979, p.217) Joseph Seiss writes: "The arithmetic of it, and the hidden indication which it carries of the precise man who is to be the final Antichrist, need not concern us much. The endless guesses and experiments with which expositors have occupied themselves and their readers on this point can be of very little practical worth to us. When the monster comes, 'the righteous shall understand'." (Joseph Seiss, The Apocalypse, 1865, p. 459) Bullinger makes this enlightening and worthwhile statement in "Number in Scripture": "Gematria is not a means by which the name is to be discovered; but it will be a test and a proof by which the name may be identified after the person is revealed". (E.W. Bullinger, Number in Scripture, p. 282) Amen. I would agree totally with Bullinger's statement. Any attempts to "count" the beast before he's revealed is a waste of time. Dangers of "counting the number" of the beast: At this point, before the rapture, before the "man of sin be revealed," (2 Thess. 2:3), No one could be 100% sure, if they got "the right man". And they could lead some gullible Christians astray. Irenaeus warned even in 170 AD against "counting the number of the beast". "It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfillment of the prophecy, than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved. For if there are many names found possessing this number, it will be asked which among them shall the coming man bear." [Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V, Ch. 30] Once their "beast" is identified people "twist" and "manipulate" the scriptures to prove they’ve "counted" the right "beast". I’ve got a 400-page book "proving" Ronald Wilson Reagen is the beast. And you know what – it’s very convincing. And you know – it’s complete nonsense. But it’s easy to do. Change a few words here. Go to the "original" Greek to get a few "new" definitions and "presto" – we’ve got the beast! It’s a waste of valuable time. "Counting the beast" can consume you. "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16 I believe the "saints" and those that hath "understanding" during the tribulation will be able to identify the beast when he shows up. And I don’t plan on "hanging around" for the tribulation. OTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE MARK OF THE BEAST: The mark of the beast is taken as a sign of allegiance and worship of the beast of his image: The mark of the Beast is not simply taking a "mark", but it is an act of worship of the beast of his image. The mark is not simply receiving a mark. When someone receives the mark of the beast, they do so, knowing what they're doing — worshipping the beast — and rejecting the God of the Bible. If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his MARK in his forehead, or in his hand," Rev. 14:19 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. Rev. 14:11 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the MARK of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev. 19:20 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his MARK upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4 Without the mark of the beast "no man might buy or sell": The "mark" will be used to control the commerce of the world. Whoever refuses the "mark" will not be able to buy or sell. Whoever refuses the mark will not be able to buy the essentials, such as food, wood, utilities, health care, etc. It will be a very powerful and tyrannical control. The fact that no one can buy or sell without the mark is emphasized more than any other aspect of the mark. But this is not the primary purpose of the mark. The fact that a person can not "buy or sell" without the mark is mentioned only once (Rev 13:17). The primary purpose of the mark is to show allegiance and worship of the beast. Whoever receives the mark of the beast will be tormented forever in fire and brimstone Taking the mark of the beast, you will "drink of the wine of the wrath of God" and "be tormented with fire and brimstone" — for ever. God is not going to torment someone in fire and brimstone for taking a "mark" so they could just buy or sell. It’s much more serious. It’s worship of the beast and rejection of God. The Bible is very clear. Anyone who takes the mark of the beast, and worships the beast of his image will spend eternity in a lake of fire to be tormented forever. This ought to be the most important aspect of the mark. We as Christians, before the rapture, need to get this message out. 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, 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: 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. Revelation 14:9-11 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev 19:20 Refusing to take the mark, you will be beheaded. Apparently, during the tribulation, the guillotine will be resurrected. In Sept., 1999, A&E Channel (Arts and Entertainment) did a special on the guillotine. It ended with this remarkable, statement: "All though the blade no longer falls today, we may not have heard the last of the Guillotine." (A&E Channel) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4 Also, refusing to take the mark means refusing to worship the beast or his image — and even though you will be beheaded — you will go into the millenium with the Lord Jesus Christ — "and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." In other words — refuse the mark — take the beheading. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4