image of the beast

[kenod]

Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

I rather think that people being told to worship a talking statue, would probably just giggle ... the Wizard of Oz comes to mind.
Our understanding of Revelation must be rooted in the real world, because it is not a fantasy.
And if the "image" is not a statue, then what is it?

[BlessedinHim]

Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

I rather think that people being told to worship a talking statue, would probably just giggle ... the Wizard of Oz comes to mind.
Our understanding of Revelation must be rooted in the real world, because it is not a fantasy.
And if the "image" is not a statue, then what is it?

Could be an image on a big screen you know the ones that they use as billboards on buildings in huge cities? or is that just in the movies? I havent been to a huge city. LOL

or it could be a holographic.

I am so glad the rapture happens before this stuff does.

[BruceM]

It could also be a computer program, where people must worship him in their homes. Maybe a program with a great AI (artificial intellegence). Or it could be one of those robots that Japan is making, the lifelike ones, again with an almost perfect AI. This is just speculation here though.

[kenod]

Paul said covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5) which implies that anything we put before God and His Word is false worship. I think worship, as used of the beast and his image, may be more akin to how people blindly followed Hitler - some willingly because they believed in him, some for the sake of convenience. These two forms of allegiance correspond to the mark of the beast in the forehead (mind) and in the right hand (co-operation).

Some regard the mark as a literal, physical mark, but when we look closer at Revelation we see that the forehead is a symbol of what we think and believe


the godly
Rev 14:1 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 22:3 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.


the ungodly
Rev 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:

While the beast is described as a man, no one person can lead without an organised support base. It is this system of control that gives the beast his power. When trying to understand the beast and his image I feel we need to look for this organised system.

I believe there are Christians in every denomination, and I believe in going to church, but one of the most damaging hindrances to the Church (the Body of Christ) has been organised denominations:

- church membership often replaces being born again by the Spirit of God

- artificial borders restrict the fellowship of the members of Christ’s Body

- hierarchical leadership and structure often replaces the individual leading of the Holy Spirit

- church organisation often requires compromise in belief and behaviour for the sake of unity, popularity, or even money.

- when God raises up a movement in the Church, it is hindered by denominational creeds

There are about two billion Christians in the world - half of these are represented by the Catholic Church, and the other half by Protestant denominations: in affect, one is the image of the other.

[SamSeeks]

one of the most damaging hindrances to the Church (the Body of Christ) has been organised denominations:

- church membership often replaces being born again by the Spirit of God

- artificial borders restrict the fellowship of the members of Christ’s Body

- hierarchical leadership and structure often replaces the individual leading of the Holy Spirit

- church organisation often requires compromise in belief and behaviour for the sake of unity, popularity, or even money.

- when God raises up a movement in the Church, it is hindered by denominational creeds


In other words (if I understand you correctly), true Christianity should consist of each believer figuring out what is true for himself?

Sam

[kenod]

In other words (if I understand you correctly), true Christianity should consist of each believer figuring out what is true for himself?
Sam

I believe that is essential. The Holy Spirit is given to each individual to teach (John 14:26) and guide (John 16:13) us.

God also uses anointed ministries in the body of Christ to help lead us to the truth:

Eph 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

[SamSeeks]

I believe that is essential. The Holy Spirit is given to each individual to teach (John 14:26) and guide (John 16:13) us.

God also uses anointed ministries in the body of Christ to help lead us to the truth:

However, the individual's conscience regarding what is true must take priority over what these anointed ministries teach? Again, just to make sure that I'm clear on things.

Sam

[kenod]

However, the individual's conscience regarding what is true must take priority over what these anointed ministries teach? Again, just to make sure that I'm clear on things.
Sam

Yes, but if it is truly a Holy Spirit anointed ministry, there should be no discrepancy. However, we are all still human, and can make mistakes. Also we are all at different stages of our spiritual journey. I believe the Word of God (the Holy Bible) is infallible, but our understanding is not.

[SamSeeks]

Yes, but if it is truly a Holy Spirit anointed ministry, there should be no discrepancy. However, we are all still human, and can make mistakes. Also we are all at different stages of our spiritual journey. I believe the Word of God (the Holy Bible) is infallible, but our understanding is not.

Thanks for the response; this is interesting. If I understand correctly, then, the individual conscience and understanding can't really be trusted for the final determination of the truth of a Christian proposition?

If this is the case, then how is the individual to determine what is true about Christianity?

Sam

[kenod]

Thanks for the response; this is interesting. If I understand correctly, then, the individual conscience and understanding can't really be trusted for the final determination of the truth of a Christian proposition?

If this is the case, then how is the individual to determine what is true about Christianity?

Sam

The individual must have a personal revelation (understanding) of their relationship with Jesus Christ. That determines their spiritual condition.

When it comes to understanding doctrine, I do not believe it is profitable to believe something just because your church teaches it that way. Like the noble Bereans who Paul spoke to (Acts 17:10-11) we need to search the Scriptures for ourselves.