You might want to step away from the mirror.
TWICE...I posted the actual Greek words and their meanings. The second time I provided sources.
These aren't my superior translation powers. These are from Strongs Concordance and Vines dictionary.
No, now you are blatantly LYING. I specifically stated that my own study of scripture led me to my understanding. I never said anything about 'special revelation'.
There is this command about bearing false witness, perhaps your translation of Greek and Hebrew into English negates those commands to something different?
You stated in #4: "Yes. This IS what constitutes ‘The Mark’ - not some bar code or implant." Then in #121: " My understanding comes from God, not from men who push doctrines du jour."
Well, I'M SORRY, the words used in the Bible signify a physical manifestation, a mark. You specifically said that is not what the Bible says. That it refers to something else. Then you say your understanding comes from God, not from men who who push doctrines du jour. These are word translators. These are people who specifically study languages for years. They translate word by word. Not doctrine by doctrine.
If that were so, provide your source for a different meaning of the word that has been translated into English as "mark". Show how the scholars are wrong about the meaning of the word. The only thing you've come up with is "my understanding from God". I love when people claim "understanding" from God, that runs contrary to what the Word actually says. You can't argue with them, because hey, their "understanding" comes from God.
You haven't provided any sources that the word is wrong. That numerous translators who spent years translating got the word wrong. All you have is your "understanding" from God.
I'll stick by my charge.
Then you have the audacity to compare me to a Pharisee.
Audacity???? Who was it who compared me to Satan in reply 122? Who was it in the very first post you pinged me to, accused me of making things up and listening to false teachers??? You got a lot of audacity yourself there pal.
Let's see...here is EXACTLY what I said:
"Words have meanings. You can't just make up new meanings to suit yourself and your ideology, unless of course you're a liberal or satan."
Let's break this statement down.
"Words have meanings." Check.
Yup, they do. Specific meanings.
"You can't just make up new meanings to suit yourself and your ideology," Check. That's exactly right.
" unless of course you're a liberal or satan." Check. And there we have the Satan comparison.
So, since you were offended by the Satan comparison, you're admitting to the previous part of the sentence, of making up new meanings to suit yourself and your ideology.
You can't have one without the other.
If you aren't just make up new meanings to suit yourself and your ideology, then the comparison to Satan would be inaccurate and there would be nothing to be offended about. But since you are offended...
Now here is where I can begin to agree with you, but only to a point.
I'll state this again - just for the record. I DO NOT subscribe to the tradition and doctrine that the "mark" in Revelation is a physical branding. Instead I understand "The mark" to be thinking (forehead) and acting (right hand) in support and submission to the Beast, which I understand to be an all-intrusive government power given power by Satan himself.
I have no problem with believing that people will think and act in accordance with the AC. But the Bible specifically describes a physical/action representation. Very much akin to baptism. A person is baptized as a physical action representing their belief/allegiance to Christ. You stated that the mark was not a physical mark...but RATHER a belief system. You are presenting it as one BUT NOT the other. AS FACT. You have nothing to present to anybody that your "understanding" is true or real. You are stating that the words used in the Bible are wrong, or don't mean what they say. And yet have nothing to back that up.
Cults are built upon people having "understanding" and teaching others their "understanding". (I am not calling you a cultist)
As far as the rest. It's an issue I'm dealing with.
I will agree its not a salvation issue.
Cults are built upon people having "understanding" and teaching others their "understanding". (I am not calling you a cultist)
Then why make the statement at all if that was not your intent to imply it??
It's interesting that religionists like you ( and I know PLENTY) are so eager to attack other Christians who are not in lockstep with their "truths", but these same insistent Correctors Of The Faith rarely if ever stand up against hedonists and secularists pushing their agenda. I guess your kind thinks themselves safer attacking Christians than the wicked and the heathen.
The church in America is full of your ilk; insistent pushers of "new truth" or "Faith once delivered" doctrine, while the culture rots and the Gospel is no longer preached in places where the Name of Christ has yet to be heard.
Enjoy lecturing to yourself. I have no time or patience with self-anointed hubris pharisees like you.