So, several prominent evangelists and pastors have concluded that the "Mark of the Beast" does not equate to "the unpardonable sin". Any thoughts on that? That once the mark is received, they can still be born again? I'm still chewing that over.
Here's one of the explanations This is not a pro idea video since the author is not pre-tribulational. The guy making this video was against the idea.
The number of the beast is referring to Nero. In the early church period, everyone had to offer a sacrifice (incense or wine) to the emperor. Many early Christians refused and were subsequently tortured and killed. Those that did, were called termed 'lapsarians' and the church struggled with how to handle those people, some leaders not allowing them to return to the church and others who held the other view. I don't agree with the interpretation of the mark being a future event. I don't think it is the unpardonable sin.
OK, that's fine. You don't have to agree it's a future event teddyv. That's betwixt you and the Lord. And I personally believe that rejection (blasphemy) of the Holy Spirit "IS" the only unpardonable sin. So no, accepting the mark (future) can't be the unpardonable sin.
I'd say I agree with that statement. I don't see how anyone can even equate the mark with the unpardonable sin.
I believe so as well. Interesting... because I always wondered if Nero equals 666 (thus past) what the mark of the beast was. Any reference to offer?
On what basis do you conclude that Nero was the Antichrist mentioned in Revelation and that it’s not referring to a world leader that has yet to come on the scene?
On what basis do you conclude that Nero of Rome was the Antichrist mentioned in Revelation and not a world leader that has yet to come on the scene?
I sort of alluded to it with reference to the emperor cult; failure to acknowledge it led to some dire consequences for those that were challenged on it. And as mentioned, it was not an onerous imposition to offer a bit of incense or wine to the 'genius' of the emperor, hence many people 'took the mark'. By the way, I'm not dogmatic about this, but it just seems to make more sense contextually to the era that John was writing as well as within the style of writing. As far as reference, I read about much of this in a multi-volume series called "The Christians". I'm sure that was a compilation of primary sources.
Nero was the 'beast', or at least the representative of the beast (Rome). I don't think he is specifically referred to as the Antichrist, but I'd have to review Revelation to confirm my memory on that.
I guess I would have started with what scriptures do people use to propose that taking the mark is unforgivable.
I admit it’s interesting. However, I’m far from convinced. I will keep an open mind, though, as I look into it more.
I have some questions for those that believe the events of Revelation have ALREADY occurred...If we Christians are NOT waiting for the rise of a world leader (Antichrist) who is head of a One World Order that controls the world for Satan in these “end times,”...are there ANY major prophetic events that have NOT yet occurred that supposedly STILL must occur before the return of Christ? If so, what are they? If there are none... why hasn’t Christ returned yet?
I don’t believe there are any prophesied events that have to occur. Only God knows when he’ll return and why he hasn’t yet. It his plan. He has his reasons.
My question caused me to look into things. I found something interesting. Supposedly, there ARE various events concerning Israel that have NOT yet occurred that are supposed to occur before the return of Christ. It’s a lengthy read, and I admit I just kinda skimmed through it and haven’t read it thoroughly, but, here’s a link worth looking at... https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/s...must-be-fulfilled-before-jesus-christs-return
Sorry for hijacking the thread, Parsons. Back to the original question. It’s interesting. Not sure at this point if I think taking “the mark” is “unforgivable” or not.
Premillennialism dispensationalism believes various things are prophesied about Israel and other events that must occur. Dallas Theolgoical Seminary, Master’s Seminary, Moody Bible Institutes and others adhere to such. I think they misinterpret the passages.