A mark on the head or hand may be a metaphor that the beast will influence both the mind and the body, the product of your intellectual and physical components.
I believe that the bible is the truth, but I also believe it uses many devices to convey the truth. And that truth isn’t always a literal understanding of what the text says.
Clearly, Jesus spoke in parables to teach moral lessons, or to make moral points. His parables weren’t intended to be understood as they were literally, plainly stated.
There are alternate interpretations of revelation. It’s ok to believe they tell of literal events yet to happen. The whole book is filled with imagery and metaphor, so it’s ok to believe that the text is not to be taken literally.
The text plainly speaks of events that are fairly soon vis a vis the point of view of the author, too. Why anyone would choose to ignore that inconvenient detail, and take other things more literally, is peculiar indeed.
I think it speaks metaphorically of events that already happened. If it isn’t, my beliefs won’t matter either way. Like I wrote, I’ll be judged on my own record fairly - whether that happens in a sequence of events that fits an end times analysis or not. I don’t sweat it - my immortal fate is the same, either way.
True, if it is literal, and happens in my lifetime, my body may take a terrible beating, but my soul will be fairly judged by God just the same.
I find people fixated on end times, looking for evidence in the news of the day (much of the textual references, as interpreted, could fit any time period, really), to really miss the point.
See you on the other side, if I’m deserving.
That doesn’t fit with my understanding either. It doesn’t matter what you have done in your life or how you have lived it. There is no way that being judged by how you have lived your life will get you into heaven.
Rom 3:20-23
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
KJV
But there is good news.
Acts 10:42-43
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
KJV
That is what I believe. As for the time being close at hand, well, God doesn’t see time quite like we do. And nobody really knows when it will come.
1 Thess 5:1-2
5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
KJV
Rev 22:20-21
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
KJV