Who or what is the mark of the beast? Part 2
Published:Thursday | June 30, 2016 | 12:00 AMTamara Bailey
Mandeville, Manchester:
The facts surrounding the beast and its mark have been a topical issue since the beginning of time. While some share similar views, many have different opinions and interpretations of scripture.
Last week, we highlighted the view of a Seventh-day Adventist evangelist, who posits that the beast is a religious system and its mark is the enforcement of Sunday worship.
This week, we'll look at the views of pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy, Lascelles Allen, on this topic.
Allen is of the belief that the beast is in fact a system, but one that will cause economic implications.
"It is a system: it is not a physical mark, as some people believe, with numbers going around," he began.
"Let's think about your TRN (Tax Registration Number): you cannot do any business without it. Think about the Internet and what it is needed to do. Now, it's not that the TRN is wrong or the Internet is wrong, but it is a facilitator of what the devil will do down the road."
The pastor further stated that accepting life under this system will put a rift between God and man, though earthly life will be made easier.
"It is a system that will facilitate the evil one and if you are not a part of it, then you will not be able to go to the doctor or pay for anything, so you have to be a part of that system in order to get along. The choice you have is either to accept or not to. Some people will resist and suffer the consequences, but God will give them the strength and the grace to endure."
"God is able, it doesn't mean that if you are thrown in the fire, you are not a Christian because some may have to go that way, but what will keep you is your commitment to God. That is going to keep you."
In response to whether the mark is the enforcement of Sunday worship, Allen established.
"People will interpret the Bible to suit their beliefs, but my view is that the beast is a system and that worldwide, there is going to be a time when you cannot do any business and the Bible tells you that you won't be able to do business without the mark. If you follow the same principle, you will see that it's what the beast, which is a system will enforce.
"The mark is the vehicle - whatever is being put in place for that evil thing to come is the mark. The mark is here but it has not yet been enforced by the beast."