I've seen some interesting discussions about the "mark of the beast", and we have several on the forum. In fact, "the mark of the beast" is an interesting part of other discussions on other events in Bible Prophecy.
I simply want to say that Christians have a SEAL on their hearts WITH the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. Place note that "WITH" is different than "BY". "WITH" indicates the current and actual presence of the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. "BY" might indicate something less than the current and actual presence of the MOST POWERFUL FORCE in existence, THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD. No power or force in the universe can break the SEAL WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, and no power or force can defeat the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
SO, Christians are set aside, SAFE AND SECURE in the Hands of ALMIGHTY GOD. No power can pluck us out of HIS MIGHTY HANDS, and HE has already given us that Promise. We have been purchased by the Precious Blood of JESUS CHRIST, and we belong to HIM. We are no longer our own - have been bought with a Precious Price - and have ALREADY been DELIVERED to HIM. At the moment of Salvation, we were QUICKENED - TRANSLATED into THE BODY OF CHRIST. We are still on this earth, but we are ALREADY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST!NOW - think about the above in context with many events in Bible Prophecy. Please consider them carefully. We do currently have to endure the presence of evil around us, but GOD has Promised that HE will remove us from the presence of evil at HIS appointed time. We also have to fight against the devil and the forces of darkness, so many things are quite miserable in this short life. We must remember WHO is most willing to do most of our fighting for us, give us strength, give us guidance, and give us encouragement for the battles.
HE is with us and in us, and HE can never be defeated.
NOW - put everything together and ask yourself a few questions as a SAVED Child of GOD:
Can the devil, the beast, or any other name suggesting the powers of darkness pluck you out of the Mighty Hands of ALMIGHTY GOD?
If you become ill, have a stroke, lose your mind, go into a coma, or otherwise lose your presence of mind - will ALMIGHTY GOD ever desert you or leave you?
Is there any power or set of circumstances that can cause GOD to break a single one of HIS Promises?
Are you ever alone during a time of trial, danger, illness, or fear?
Brothers and Sisters, our faith and trust isn't in ourselves or men. Our faith and trust is in the most Mighty Power in the Universe WHO NEVER fails and NEVER breaks a promise - THE CREATOR - ALMIGHTY GOD - GOD THE FATHER - GOD THE SON - AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT! We are still on this earth for right now, but we've ALREADY been DELIVERED to our LORD AND SAVIOUR - JESUS CHRIST! We haven't been removed from this evil world yet, but we have been RESCUED AND DELIVERED from the curse of sin and death.
Our remaining trials and battles in this short life might not be pleasant, but HE is with us and IN US!Love In Christ,
Tom
Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable GIFT, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour Forever!