Originally posted by Badfish
No I think it's going to be physical, no man will be able to buy or sell, save he that bears the mark. I am pre trib, so I believe Christians will be raptured before this, however the people that see this and are left are going to have a second chance to redeem themselves by NOT taking the mark, they will be persecuted in the name of Christianity.
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Hay, thats OK by me! And you could be right, in part anyhow? We can agree to dis/agree, huh?
Case in point: I believe some 'sports' are very dangerous & presumptuous!
I think of the motor speedway in the southern states in Charlotte South Carolina. (my area) Try Psalms 19:12 and 13. But I am sure that we will be judged by a perfect record book. Eccl. 12:12-14 & Rev. 20:12.
Anyway, back to the main thought: We [openly see] several countries that can/not buy & sell USA goods today. They do not have a VISABLE MARK to my knowledge? Cuba seems to still survive, even if only barely. But as for [the real Christian], as I see it, in the end result they will be handed down the death decree, because the MARK (as in all quarantine cases) will not do the trick of forcing one to dis/obey their conscience. And the death decree will not do the job either! Read Daniel 3:17-18. Ones [mind] will already be set (MARKED or matured) in the moral concrete of CHRIST! see Phil. 4:13 & 2 Cor. 12:9
And the mark in the hand? These to me, represent perhaps the most of society, non/christian & professed ones? Their
attitude (MARK or mental consent) is such as, who cares?? Again, check some in the Ex. 16 chapter, versees 25-28. Yet, these were the professed Christian ones huh? Try Eccl. 1:9-10 & Eccl. 3:14-15 for these.
The 'first table' of the Master's [everlasting Royal covenant] forbids any such yoked alliance & dis/obedience. "Then Peter and the [other apostles] answered and said, [We ought to obey God rather than man]". Acts 5:29
Yet, if you are right? We will know what it is that we are NOT to be a part of, for God will not let any be caught off guard in this FINAL TESTING! Case in point: Adam & Eve were for/warned! And in Ex. 16:4&5 & verse 28 we [see] that for 40 yrs. before they could enter [their] land of Canann in verse 35 ibid. that the [end result] is in KNOWLEDGABLE WARNING!
And the rapture that you talk about?
We will agree to disagree on that one for sure! (at this end
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Your true friend in the Master's quickly finished work for the 'house of God FIRST' 1 Peter 4:17.
Pastor N.B.