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Many of us are familiar with what Rev 13, 16-18 says: 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, 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. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Without going into all the various scenarios of how this is going to unfold in the world events, how do we go on providing for our basic needs, if we cannot buy nor sell? How do we rely on the Lord? Shall we experience the manna principle or the multiplication of "fish and bread loaves?"
Any ideas?
-------------------- ...all blessings be with us all... Benoit Couture
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I used to wonder and worry about that too. Since then, I have seen the Lord provide for me when in very poor financial circumstances by providing just what I needed for just the amount I had. I do believe the Lord can and will provide for his.
However, I have also come to understand the buying and selling is not literal in Rev. Why should it be? Think of the many symbols used in the book of revelation. Is the scarlet woman really a literal prostitute? Is the beast she rides a literal animal, etc.?
Do a word search on buying and selling in the NT. you will find some instances of literal buying and selling. But what of the fine white clothes and gold we are to buy in the book of revelation? Are these literal? What of the oil the virgins are to go buy. Again not literal. These instances deal with the spiritual condition of a person and so does the buying and selling referring to the mark.
Another thing to look into is the mark. You will find that God's own are sealed or marked with the Holy Spirit. The mark on the right hand or forhead can represent the actions and thoughts of a person. Cain was marked. So is the mark actually literal or symbolic of one's beliefs, loyalties, etc.?
Since Rev. is a book of symbols and spiritual revelations, we must be careful to let it tell us what is means rather than force it into a literal meaning everytime.
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
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Faith. That is a very good reply. The more and more we listen the more this seems to be true. Definitely seeing a little of this come to its fruition in the institutionalized church.
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