Yada, I quickly read your post and while much, okay, most of the world (but not all thank Yah) recognizes the Pagan dates instead of the Scriptural miqras, the reference to the Beast makes me think this refers to the end times open reign of anti-Messiyah event. This because as I understand in the later portion of this reign the Advesary will be permitted to perform counterfiet signs and wonders to decieve many into accepting his rule in place of Yahuweh's.

This seems to me consistant with Yahuweh's respecting, almost balancing the scales of free will. While Yah presents evidence of Himself, He does not coerce belief much less relationship. In the endtimes events will compel the people of the world to make a decision whether to trust Yahuweh or the Advesary.

The fullfillment of the 5th Miqra, Taruw'ah would IMO tip the scales of people to accept the validity of Yahuweh's Scriptures including the Renewed Covenant's depiction of this ingathering harvest of souls. However the restraining influence of the Set-apart Spirit will permit the Advesary and his agents to rule openly and perform deceptive signs that will tip the scales the other way. The revelation of the ark of the covenant would IMO along with other events such as the power of the witnesses restore a balance and allow souls to choose whom to accept and rely on and conversely who to reject.

I've not viewed Ron Wyatts evidence first hand but that it impressed Yada speaks well of it to me and the beauty of the mercy seat receiving the shed blood of the Lamb fits the message of the Good News spiritually and figuratively but I'd never considered before that this would also be so physically before Yada and KP described and linked me to Ron's site.

Just my $0.02

Swalchy, I'm pretty sure there's no compelling reason to render ἵνα δῶσιν αὐτοῖς as "so that they will grant and provide themselves" the mark. αὐτοῖς is simply "them," a dative, plural, neutral personal pronoun. The same form is used in John 10:28...And I give them eternal life." The phrase should thus be rendered "so that they will provide to them..." or "that they should give to them..." The "them" refers back to verse 14: "Those who dwell on the earth" who were deceived by the signs performed by the beast from the earth. It is these same people, the deceived, who will make the image of the beast (again, v14). The whole point of the mark is so that the Antichrist's government can impose top-down submission upon the world's populace, and the place to start is personal commerce---restricting who can buy or sell. A do-it-yourself "mark" that you'd give to yourself or your friends would not even pretend to do this. I think the Greek is pretty clear: the administration and application of the mark will be done by the Antichrist's official minions.

That being said, it's important to remember that it's not the physical "mark" that does you in. It really doesn't matter if it turns out to be an RFID chip or a tattoo or some other technology we haven't even dreamed up yet. What's fatal with the mark of the beast is the oath of allegiance that goes with it. Although the oath per se isn't discussed in scripture, it will surely be part of the deal. Today, you can't get a driver's license or credit card without agreeing to abide by the rules. This system will be no different, except that your soul is at stake, not just your driving privilege.

kp

Y'know, Swalchy, I keep asking myself that. Actually, I used both versions in TOM, the NLT in the introductory bits, and the NKJV in the "body" of the book. I think my original idea was to use a version that "flowed" better in English (which the NLT does) for the "conversational" portions of the book, and use one that leans more toward a word-for-word approach when dealing with the Torah passages itself. But it's all an exercise in futility, like trying to figure out whether it'd be better to wear the pink tennis shoes or the flip flops with the tuxedo---neither translation is anywhere near flawless. Sigh.

kp

We need to keep in mind what Satan's overall object is: to exact submission from people. Whatever else it is, the mark is his means with which to achieve that goal. Remember what the times will be like: total anarchy, famine, fear, and uncertainty in the wake of a thermonuclear war that took out a quarter of the earth's population. The mark will be put forth as a means to solve those problems. It will be required by law, meaning those who refuse it will be by definition, outlaws. And don't think you can just "hide out at Mom's house" for a couple of years. " You won't be able to trust anybody. (See Micah 7:1-7.) I'm reasonably certain that it will entail a cashless society. A "cash equals crime" mentality will be the order of the day. All legal transactions will be credit based. Scamming the system will be well nigh impossible (See FH chapter 19 for why I think so.) The only way around it will be barter, which precludes any semblance of a normal life.

But the choice will be crystal clear. Three angels spoken of in Revelation 14 warn the whole earth concerning what's coming. The first proclaims the good news to every living creature. The second confirms that the old order (Babylon) has fallen, and that includes its financial component: the Antichrist is therefore in charge of the pursestrings of the earth at this time (i.e., immediately after the mark is instituted---Rev 13). The third angel specifically warns mankind not to take the mark. So it's a question of who you trust, the angelic messengers of Yahweh, or the officials of the Antichrist's new world order.

kp

KP's response has reminded me that it has been a long time since I read FH, and perhaps I should revisit it. I remember it as one of my favorites reads, so it is my pleasure. Unless of coarse we have the technology for me to just download your brain contents.

I found a few additional videos about Ron Wyatt's discovery of the Ark of the Covenant and the Blood of the Messiah.

1. You can watch a short version which includes a description of the cricifixation scene using a model of the site here.

2. This is a much longer series which you will have to download in parts (there are 27 in total) but it will give a much more detailed description of Ron's discovery. What I found really interesting is that the presentation is given by an actual (eventual) member of the dig team - someone who initially set out to disprove Ron's claims. It will take you some time to watch all 27 parts but I found it well worth the time. The video can be found here.

-Yada