As mentioned previously different people "prep" for different reasons, but if we're Christians and are prepping in anticipation of GOD's judgement of FIRE on the earth (with the first judgement having been WATER, with Noah) then what is there to consider?
It seems to me that the future holds
two phases, (neither of which include a Tribulation era "rapture"), with the
first as follows:
Rev. 13:16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.
There will be a time when no man will be able to buy or sell, without receiving the "Mark of the Beast", and thereby agreeing to worship the One-World-Government (United Nations). This is analogous to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian Kingdom in which all were commanded to bow down and worship the Image of Metals, and when Shadrack Meshack and Abendigo refused, they were thrown into the Firey Furnace.
Daniel 3:4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnez′zar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.”
It appears to me that "Mark of the Beast" on the "
right hand" or "
forehead" have an inherent connection, -- that being "Security" IDENTIFICATION. The
right hand (not the left hand) is used for "palm scan", which simply measures the size of your hand/fingers versus the file information; and the "retinal scan" compares the iris versus the file image.
However, some expect a physical or electronic "mark" either on the surface or embedded under the skin. And where it may seems impractical to inject something in a persons wrist, it seems even more impractical to do so in a persons forehead.
And of course, there are other "interpretations" for the Mark of the Beast, but what does Scripture add to the discussion?
Rev. 16:2 So the first angel went and poured his bowl on the earth, and foul and evil sores came upon the men who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
Here we find what appears to be a immune system response to an injection of some type of barcode/capsule under the skin, -- which seems to be in contradiction with my proposed "Security" IDENTIFICATION "palm" & "retinal" scan expectations. And although this should be a consideration, this is not the significance I am attempting to bring to your attention.
Rev. 5:3 Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth; 4 they were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green growth or any tree, but only those of mankind who have not the seal of God upon their foreheads; 5 they were allowed to torture them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torture was like the torture of a scorpion, when it stings a man.
Per this passage, it appears that the "mark of the beast" will last
at least FIVE MONTHS, with "
two more woes" (
Rev. 5:12), before Jesus returns. So it appears that the "mark of the beast" will be in effect for approximately 6 months before Jesus returns.
To conclude this "
first phase", one should consider whether they will have enough supplies and accommodations to last at least these
first ~6 months.
Thanks,
DaDad
