Replies:Reply to two threads. Each reply should contain at least 100 words and include at least 1 citation. Each reply should say something meaningful rather than just “Great job…Well-said...I rea

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Reply to two threads. Each reply should contain at least 100 words and include at least 1 citation. Each reply should say something meaningful rather than just “Great job…Well-said...I really agree with you…” Use this as an opportunity to discuss the topic. This will likely be a heated debate as many people are quite passionate about the topic. Please remember that as you approach these replies, it is fine to hold different opinions, but these differences should always be addressed with kindness. As you write your replies, remember Christ’s humility, kindness, and love for all of us as he bore our sins on the cross. Model your replies after Jesus’s example.

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Thread #1

RFID's are one of the many technologies that people believe are the coming mark of the beast. I however do not think this is the case, let me explain why. Revelation 13:16 says "He required everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to be given a MARK on the right hand or on the forehead" (Holy Bible NLT). The word MARK is orginally χάραγμα pronounced khä'-räg-mä (Strong's). This word means a stamp, imprinted mark, something carved, much like a brand on horses. This word is used in the same way in Acts 17: 29 "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, GRAVEN by art and man's device" (Holy Bible KJV). This is significant because the scriptures refer to the MARK as a stamp or etching rather than an implant of some kind.

Here's what would make more sense to me. Databases are being created and our information is being saved everyday. Not just the things we like to eat and places we like to go, but how about when we go to the airport, are we not under surveillance? Actually, we're under so much surveillance that our faces are being ran through biometric scanners. These scanners can track the wrinkles on our face to our fingerprints. They force everyone through these scanners too. The anti christ doesn't need to touch us or implant us with something to track us. We are tracked everyday through the technology that we choose to use like the phones in our pockets. Therefor, it would seem to me that the mark of the beast would be more of what the root word says that it is, an etching, carving, or stamp that would be used with biometric scanners. It says in the Revelation that peoples heads were being chopped off for not taking the mark. This tells me that we will know what the mark is when it comes. Rest assured, we win in the end and the beast will be crushed once and for all.

Thread #2

Are RFIDs destined to become the mark of the beast? I don’t believe they are. I don’t believe that the use of a technological device would mark me as a follower of evil. These verses inspired my thoughts for this thread:

“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months” (Revelation 13:1-18)

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12)

I believe the mark of the beast will be more of a symbolic thing. I believe that when there is an uprising of evil those who follow this evil will choose to mark themselves in some way to show their allegiance and to allow recognition of fellow followers. Perhaps I am confusing this with the past and how Hitler used the swastika as his symbol?

I believe that giving your life to God and not harming others will be what defines our connection in this world and beyond. It is my belief that God gifted us with knowledge and the desire to grow intellectually. A desire for creation and to test boundaries. “But test everything; hold fast what is good” (Thessalonians 5:21). With this gift we must choose to use these creations for good or for evil. I don’t believe RFIDs, which could be placed anywhere in the body and may not even leave a residual mark, is the “mark of the beast”.