I was driving yesterday with my son and we had an interesting conversation. Someone in his third grade class told him that the number of the beast was 666 and the number of God was 111. Interesting. The things kids talk about! Well, I don’t think there is any scriptural evidence for any special numbers for God. But his comment started me thinking, and we discussed it.
Mark of the Beast
In Revelations 13, John talks about an evil beast that will kill the saints of God and rule the earth. It says that beast will deceive the people and cause his mark to be on people’s hands or foreheads. There is SO much symbolism in the book of Revelations that just reading the verse, it’s hard to understand anything. You must know the symbolism and the people that John is speaking to. So, unless you are a Bible scholar, most of us speculate on what he could be talking about.
Revelation 13: 16 is key
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:
And then it hit me. What if the mark of the beast, the numbers mentioned in Revelations, is symbolic too? The scripture says that those who serve the beast will have the mark in their right hand or in their foreheads. So, what if that mark isn’t visible, and (stay with me) what if it is something the people put there themselves?
Many people mark themselves for decoration and special meaning (like the above example of mehndi, which has religious symbolism in the Hindu-Muslim culture)
Amlicites marked themselves
I remembered that in the Book of Mormon, there was a group of former Nephites who left to join the Lamonites. They called themselves Amlicites. They hated the Nephites and wanted NOTHING to do with them. But because the color of their skin was like the Nephites, they marked themselves to show they were different.
Alma 3:4 says:
And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for they had marked themselves with red in their foreheads after the manner of the Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their heads like unto the Lamanites.
Is it possible that the scriptures are talking about a similar time, where people will mark themselves to show they are different?
God’s Examples
As my son and I talked about special numbers in the Church, I remembered the Godhead. They are three Heavenly beings working together for one cause: to bring each of us back to live with God again. And there are twelve apostles, twelve men who have devoted their lives to serving God and teaching us how to be more like Him.
Are you still with me? Okay, so the mark of the beast may be something the people put upon themselves. But the adversary is cunning and often imitates the way the Lord works. Did you notice that the numbers of the Lord’s kingdom all refer to groups of men and women working to bring about the Lord’s work? I did, and it almost made me crash the car BECAUSE I realized that the mark of the beast is something that people put on themselves by their actions.
Are We Serving the Beast?
Those who serve the beast use their hands to do that work, thus marking their hands, and have dark thoughts in their heads, thus marking their foreheads. So, what if the mark of the beast isn’t what we have always thought? If it is something people mark themselves with by choosing to serve the beast, or the adversary, that changes everything. I have always known that it’s important to watch our thoughts, because thoughts lead to actions. But with this new thought, I can see how the saints of God can turn to serve the beast.
To read more of Abby’s articles in her Living in Harmony column, click here.
It also reminds me that there is repentance. And maybe the condition of serving the beast doesn’t have to be a permanent thing! If someone cleans up their thoughts, then the mark will no longer be in their foreheads. And if they stop doing harm, but instead choose to aid in the Lord’s work, couldn’t the symbolic mark disappear from their hands?
I honestly will leave it up to the Lord whether I am right or not. (Currently, there is no revelation about what the “mark” is.) But it was such a new and marvelous thought that I had to share. It encouraged me to work harder to help in the Lord’s work and to be sure my thoughts are ones He would be proud of—and anything that leads you to God, to be more like Him, and to serve Him is a good thing. So I wanted to share and hopefully inspire you too.
Abby is capable and caring. She is learning more about Autism and parenthood every day. Having completed training to be an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) for ABA therapy she is beginning to understand her son. And even though she is the first to admit she makes a lot of mistakes, she is so grateful to be on this journey. She comes from a family with many autistic members. She invites us to join her, as she shares her adventures. She wishes to emphasize that Autism is a difference not a defect. If you or a family member have autism, Abby wants you to know that the challenges can be overcome, and there are blessings in autism. You or your loved one are not sick or broken. Together we will teach the world this new language.
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Hey, Abby! Thank you for your post. I had a similar experience and it occurred to me that the mark of the beast is the mark of blood, uncleanliness – sin. Looking at our society and the world in general, it becomes apparent that we all are preoccupied with our style, status, image – hence, we all have the mark of the beast… I’m grateful for the Redeemer. Best to you and your family.
That’s a really cool perspective. Thank you for sharing! Best to you too.
To comment on the mark of the beast I think it would only be reasonable to look at a larger context. Yes the prophetic word speaks of a marking of the people. This could be literal or this could be symbolic. It’s not that far-fetched when we consider the cataloguing of people in concentration camps during World War II. One thing that can’t be ignored about this beast system that will exist is that it is a system of global commerce and absolute submission to this System is required for survival. If a person does not yield to the will of this beast, they will be excluded from the system, and they will not be able to buy or sell or trade. The Bible says people who refuse to be a part of this will die. That is really more significant than whether it is a symbolic mark or an actual physical mark. Physically it could be a digital tattoo or an implantable RFID Chip. Or it may be more subtle and nuanced. But the commercial side of it can’t be ignored, nor can the global nature. Never before in history could such a system exist as we are in now, especially with the potential of changing currencies over to digital currency‘s and just the far reaching power that the corporate world has now over people. I’m not saying anything good or bad about vaccines, but the vaccine passport is an interesting scenario. Unless you have one you may not be able to work, and maybe we might see it come down to people not even be able to have a bank account unless they have the vaccine passport. So this Scenario is not so far out of reach, or that deep into the realm of fantasy. It’s right at the door. There may be people in our society who could get completely sidelined and rejected because they’re refusing to comply with something that is being enforced on a global scale.
So the thing that confuses me still is the part where it says you can’t buy or sell without the mark. How do you explain that?
Honestly that one has confused me too. But this is what I’ve pieced together. First, remember this is all the gospel according to me. It’s not doctrine, just pondering. I wonder if the scripture means that unless you are like them they won’t let you buy or sell. It reminds me of the clicks some people form, where they only let in other like minded individuals. Like I said, gospel according to me. But I’ve thought a lot about it, since there were many times the scriptures were translated incorrectly to fit some agenda back in the day. That may have been an incorrect translation. Something to muddy the water so to speak. I suspect it may even be written to distract those who may be headed the wrong way, because they can say “but we don’t have the mark so we can buy or sell” and thus feel safe when they are not. Just my thinking though. In time all truth will be revealed and I may be totally wrong.
Wow! This is all making sense right now. I now understand how this can be. I happen to be in the technology field and have read and looked into upcoming technologies for the past 35+ years. There is technology out there that has been invented where you can have it placed in your hand or forehead for identification purposes, that could be used for records, possibly for buying and selling goods.
I really enjoyed this article! What an interesting idea and approach to the mark of the beast. It puts all the responsibility on us and our faith and trust in repentance and the Atonement of Christ. I will ponder and study this idea more. Thanks for planting the seed.
I’ve been pondering that too recently. Most of my current purchases are made via my cell phone (right hand) and my frequently used pin #s are memorized (forehead.) Probably not what scriptures were referring to, but did give me pause to think
I agree, It occurred to me this year regarding “the mark of the beast ie the devil” that it is something literal.
This year I was watching a documentary about negative effects of a cell phone and all the things that go with it including texting, social media and ease of banking and shopping especially on children and teens. At that moment, I felt that was it! I picked up my own cell phone and flipped it over to see the Apple with the bite out of it.
wow, an apple with a bite taken out of it. That is amazingly insightful. Seriously made me think…
Love this! You gave me new perspectives and insight on the mark of the beast! On the topic of symbolism with numbers I have a chart from a neat website I use for scripture study! It allows a flexible study of the scriptures and is super neat! But anyway, here’s that chart!
Number Symbolism
Number Possible Meanings
1 God’s uniqueness; Holy; Deity; Singleness of purpose
2 A few; Companionship; Division; Unity; Oppression; Different
3 Power of God; Perfection; Complete; Covenant; Solid; Entire
4 Divine revelation; Complete harmony; Sufficiency; Completeness and Perfection; Totality; God’s creations; Man; Glory
5 Semi-complete; A few; Penalties; Rewards; Atonement; Grace; Temple
6 Evil; Apostasy; Man; Incomplete; One less than seven
7 Association with God; Fulfillment; Completion; Perfection; Sanctified; Covenant number; 3 + 4 (2 holy numbers added)
8 A new beginning; Abundant; Witness of Salvation; One after seven
9 The end; Last times or days; Judgment; Three times three; One less than ten
10 The Creation; Divine order; Completeness; Whole; Perfect under the covenant; Quite a few; Two times five; Three plus seven
11 Disorder; Disorganization
12 Union of the people of God; Elective purposes of God; Earthly Government; 3 x 4; Number of Israel
13 Rebellion; Apostasy; Defection; Corruption
14 The Messianic number (number of David)
15 Acts wrought by the power of God
20 Expectancy
24 Heavenly Government and worship
40 Time of spiritual preparation; Renewal; Newness; Life; A generation
42 Antichrist; Evil; Man’s opposition to God
50 Jubilee; Deliverance; God’s administration of the world
70 Gentiles; Those who bring gentiles into the house of Israel; God’s administration of the world
666 Number of the beast (Six, three times)
1000 The most; The highest number; Hyperbolic number for very large
144000 Number 12 (elect) squared times 1000
and here’s a link to their website! Have a look! https://scripturenotes.com/number-and-color-symbolism-in-the-scriptures
Fascinating!
My comment comes much later than othes. Consider the COVID vaccine that Bill Gates says can contain a nano particle “passport” that can be scanned with infrared light to verify that a person has received the “needed” vaccine. He has suggested it is needed before the economy can fully open again. Consider the devastation done to world economy in recent months. Already is Gates’ discussion of a “second wave of COVID or even another virus” that may close the economy again around October
Also research Gates cryptocurrency patent that will be given for compliance. You might laugh at this Patent number, but check the options there. The patent number is WO2020060606 Look it up.
He has also brought in 5G network systems and purchased one billion dollars of satellites.
Perhaps the flight of saints to Missouri will be because it’s the only place where we will be able to buy and sell among ourselves. Our flight might be by foot if we cant’ buy gasoline
I’m not offering this as prophecy, but many things are coming into place. We just need to be aware and discerning.
Yes, we must be focused on our Father’s work, while being aware and discerning. We will give ourselves to God.
I think you’re on the right track! I’ve been podering this lately as well. My thoughts and study have led me towards similar conclusions. God wants a righteous, humble people. To be righteous and humble (or at least striving towards that) is to have the mark of God upon our foreheads. What is the opposite of that? Sin and pride!
I don’t believe it’s as simple as being symbolic, although the symbolic actions can lead to the choice to take the literal mark with no thought. The scriptures are also literal too… as literal as they were able to explain these things that were foreign to them. There is technology that is still being introduced that will lead up to the mark of the beast… The spirit of the antichrist and mark os already here but it will manifest physically too.
How do you explain the part that says “will RECEIVE the Mark”?
Also, Ensign 1983 stated … The followers of this beast are sealed in their foreheads to mark their allegiance.
I’ve always thought the beast spoken of represents Rome. Wouldn’t that dictate that a mark attributed to Rome would be more than worldliness? I would argue that the cross and the worship of this emblem, giving it superstitious powers, represents the mark. Opinions?
Beautiful and correct to a point. the mark of the beast is literal just like the fruit Eve took was fruit from a type of tree. it was not symbolic. Neither is the mark. to be blunt , some scripture should be taken bluntly. The mark will cause many, many, of the saints to fall away from the “CHURCH” It will be the cause of a great sifting among the members and will separate those who have the “oil in their lamps” and those who do not. yes, i believe it may be a type of tech. it will not be the technology itself that is so evil but the author and true meaning {in the fine print} of the particular agreement and sweeping technology. There is much more to be said and shared about this but always remember the Lord through his prophet will warn and council us on this then it will be up to each of us to follow the prophet. To follow him in this regard will be done by those who are truly in tune to the spirit. May we all be “in tune”.
I googled what the mark of the beast actually is because I had the same exact thought. I asked God to reveal it to me on my plane ride home and these were my exact thoughts. It’s symbolic, you can see it in people and feel it, I’ve felt it in myself before. I know it’s always possible to come back to Him.