Disclaimer: I am not a scholar. I am a student of the Word. I believe God had His Word written so students could either understand it or use some simple, practical means to decipher it. And that’s what I have attempted to do here. I present this not as a “thus saith the Lord,” but rather as a human opinion of what I have studied. My resources are inspired writings and Strong’s Concordance. If you see some areas where I have misinterpreted Scriptures or know of other verses that help shed greater light on the subject, please let me know.
THE SHORT ANSWERS:
What is the name of the beast?
~ Names in Scripture are used to describe character. So those who have the name of the beast are those who identify themselves by the beast’s worship ethics, laws and traditions.
~ They will be on the records as Catholics, but the Bible calls their church Babylon.
~ Their leader, the pope, will likely be gifted with much wisdom, giving helpful counsel to nations worldwide.
~ They will not be those in the mark group or number (image) group, yet will be able to participate in commerce (by authority of their Church).
~ It is against this church that two of the three angels direct their messages.
~ The Third Angel’s message is not reformatory (for the Church). It is a warning to her worshipers to leave her.
What is the image to the beast?
~ It is a Sunday Law proclaimed by Protestants (not the State) and observed only by tradition rather than Biblical authority.
~ They will use this singular act to express their union with the Mother Church though not fully adopting all of her doctrines.
~ The State will enforce the decision of the people.
~ It is characterized by the numbers 6 + 60 + 600
< The Protestants will admit using Sunday as a Sabbath is unscriptural. [6]
< Because it is an “image of the beast” the Protestant group will follow in the RCC path
(of persecuting those who do not follow their lead) [60]
< If persecution (in whatever way) does not work they will follow with a death decree
[600]. But it is at this point that Jesus comes and delivers His people!
~ It is this (Protestant) group that leads out (with the eventual authority of the State) in enforcing the death decree for not keeping Sunday sacred. It will not directly be the Church.
And what is the mark?
~ It is a legislation the State invokes on its citizens (perhaps initiated by the US but later copied by other governments)
~ It is some way the State uses to identify Sunday keepers (everything the State does in Rev 13 is to direct worship to the Church, and the Church uses Sunday worship to identify her claim that tradition has authority over the Bible).
~ I suspect at first it won’t be permanent while probation is still open and the Gospel is still being proclaimed. Those who have been given the “mark” and answer the call to come out of Babylon will have it removed.
~ It will not have “worship” overtones as the name and number have, because it comes directly from the State. It will involve a cessation of labor on the first day of the week for possibly humanitarian, environmental, and/or family connectedness reasons. It will not of itself invoke a death decree, except by starvation (not being able to buy or sell).
~ Receiving the “mark” will not require a confession of faith, just participation in the requirement (the “mark” is put either on the forehead or hand).
~ John says the State’s actual “mark” is just one of three options (he uses the word “or” in Rev. 13:17). However, the privilege to participate in commerce will be extended by the State worldwide to include all three groups.
~ The keeping of another day of rest may or may not (at first) affect the receiving of this mark, but the 4th Commandment includes 6 days of labor along with 1 day of rest. Keeping two “sabbaths” is not an option to God’s witnesses.
THE LONG ANSWERS:
~ Looking At The Forest
First let’s look at the forest, then we will look at the trees. Revelation 13 and 14 are both focused on worship. Chapter 13 addresses how a blasphemous church tries to divert worship to herself (and takes us back to the book of Daniel to help us understand more about this ecclesiastical power), and in chapter 14 we read about an angel bearing the everlasting gospel calling all to worship the Creator (and takes us back to Creation to understand what is involved in the call to worship).
As we draw a little closer we are given another characteristic that will help us considerably as we carefully study Revelation 13. The information is in Daniel 2, and talks about two separate powers (kingdoms) that work together but retain their separateness.
Dan 2:41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. [42] And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. [43] And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
When the Bible talks about clay it refers us to the weakness and vulnerability of man. God is the potter and man is the clay (Isaiah 64:8). Daniel does an interesting thing when he talks about the clay.
Three times all the kingdoms, represented by 5 elements of the earth, are mentioned in Daniel 2. And all three times the relation of the metals to each other is respected, even though Daniel speaks of them in an ascending or descending order. But the clay moves around! In verse 33 clay holds the 5th position. In verse 35 it holds the 4th (between the iron and brass). And in verse 45 we see clay listed between the kingdoms of brass and silver, the 3rd position!
A simple conclusion that Nebuchadnezzar supported is that the whole image was made of clay and the metals were only veneers. The king of Babylon did not at first accept this. In Daniel 4 we read about another dream the king had and Daniel’s interpretation of it. But in this interpretation God spoke through His prophet to warn the king about his vulnerability and what to do about it.
Dan 4:27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
“Sins? Iniquities? You talking about me, the king of Babylon? No, Daniel. That counsel is not for me!”
It was when he voiced his rebellion against the God of heaven a year later (in verse 30) that his dream came true and he became as an animal for seven years. Did he learn his lesson?
Dan 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: [35] And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Yes, the Babylonian king realized that he, too, was only a clay vessel, though veneered with gold.
Going back to the feet, do we know of a kingdom that is associated with clay, actually and figuratively? Yes. Egypt in the time of Moses. Pharaoh set his heart against God and enslaved His people, forcing them to make bricks out of clay. And he used these bricks to build treasure cities, among them was Raamses—interestingly, the city devoted to sun worship (Exodus 1:11). There is no record of Pharaoh ever humbling himself before God. And so we see a clay kingdom in Daniel 2 that represents a civil power that also sets itself up against God—not to blaspheme His name but to resist His powers.
Now with this information let’s look at a contribution Mrs. White gives about the iron mixed with clay. (Emphasis is mine.)
“The mingling of churchcraft and statecraft is represented by the iron and the clay. This union is weakening all the power of the churches. This investing the church with the power of the state will bring evil results.“ (MS 63, 1899).
So it appears that two powers will work together during the final days of this earth’s history to advantage one another, but retain their uniqueness and not mingle. Those two powers would be churchcraft and statecraft. Daniel goes on to describe a “little horn power” that speaks against the Most High, making it very clear that the iron in the feet represents a blasphemous church. And the clay? It represents a civil, human power that also sets itself against the God of heaven. Revelation 13:11 adds more detail to help identify who this clay power is identified by at the end times. These two kingdoms work together but they always remain separate.
Now we have the tools to look at the details in Revelation 13. Still in overview mode we do see two powers working together just as Daniel pictured. One is a blasphemous church power clamoring for worship and the other is a civil power focused on itself.
~ Looking At The Trees
THE FIRST & SECOND BEAST
Revelation 13:1-10 addresses the first beast and identifies it with the little horn power that comes out of the iron kingdom (compare Dan. 8:9-10 and 14 with Rev. 13:5-6 [42 months = 1260 days]). That one will be Churchcraft. She is identified as the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and later called the great whore (Rev 17) and Babylon (Rev 17:5).
Verses 11-16 speak about what the second beast does in league with the first beast. And John uses its pronoun “he” or “him” to distinguish it from the first beast (according to the word John used for “beast”, both beasts are considered dangerous and venomous). So, except for the first time, whenever “beast” is mentioned in this section it is in direct reference to the first beast, the Church power.
Rev 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. [12] And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. [13] And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, [14] And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast;
This beast is doing things we would think the church would be doing, but John makes it clear that it is being done in the power of the church, the great whore, not the state, and for the purpose of deception! It also makes it clear that the church and state are working together, but not as a single unit (there are two separate beast involved). But why would the second beast who is focused only on matters of state be interested in working closely with the first beast, or Church? We get our answer in Rev. 18. Look what happens when this church power meets her demise. When the church goes down listen to what the kings of the earth and merchantmen say at the end of verse 11.
Rev 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, [10] Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. [11] And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
The blasphemous church controlled not only the souls of men but also their minds and pocketbooks. If the state wants to do commerce before this time, it must keep the harlot happy. And that is what we see in the 13th chapter—the state doing things to cause the people to worship the blasphemous Church power. Beginning in verse 14 we see pressure being put on the state to drive more worshippers to the RCC (Roman Catholic Church).
THE SECOND BEAST = AMERICA
As I look at these verses, I try to keep consistent with the idea that the beast that rises out of the earth is not another church/state creation (one power trying to do both parts), but simply represented as STATECRAFT—the clay in the Daniel 2 image. It has no ecclesiastical authority or interest—but her wealth and influence is received only to further his own agendas. The beast 2 counterpart is the pharaoh of Egypt who was so caught up in himself that he even turned away from the confession of his spiritual advisers, the magicians (Ex.8:19). Beast 1 is pictured as a harlot and sleeps in bed with beast 2, advantaging him with the great wealth and power that come with CHURCHCRAFT.
[14] …saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. [15] And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. {Obviously the second beast (representing statecraft) has found sufficient reason to cooperate with the apostate church—a reason that appeals to a state-driven mentality.}
The Image To The Beast = Protestants Demanding A Sunday Law
So with verse 15 we see an aggressive move the church requires. The theme of Rev. 13 and 14 is, as we have observed in our “forest” view, about WORSHIP. In chapter 13 we see the apostate church doing all she can to get people to worship her (prodded on by the serpent who controls all). In chapter 14 we hear an angel proclaiming to the world to “worship Him that made” (the Creator).
At this point the church is telling the state that it needs to coerce those who are not called by her name to officially adopt her insignia of authority (to change times and laws). What “times and laws”? That will become evident shortly. But notice it is not the state that does this. That would be playing religion, and that is not its commission. So how does the state get around this? By telling the people to make an image to the beast (church). Note, this will not be purely a federally orchestrated event. The state will not make the image and then command the people to bow down to it (thus worshiping the beast)–like Nebuchadnezzar did. No this beast tells the PEOPLE to do it. An “image” (according to Strong’s Concordance) is a likeness. It holds within itself something to be worshiped, and in this case the image is to be of the first beast, the Church, and honor is directed to her through the day of worship she has declared.
Romanists declare that “the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the [Catholic] Church.”–Mgr. Segur, Plain Talk About the Protestantism of Today, page 213.
“The enforcement of Sundaykeeping on the part of Protestant churches is an enforcement of the worship of the papacy–of the beast. Those who, understanding the claims of the fourth commandment, choose to observe the false instead of the true Sabbath are thereby paying homage to that power by which alone it is commanded. But in the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the churches would themselves form an image to the beast; hence the enforcement of Sundaykeeping in the United States would be an enforcement of the worship of the beast and his image.” GC 448-449
A catholic priest expressed it this way (and note the amount he offered and the year he offered it. $1000 then would have had the buying power of $23,416.80 in 2014.):
Catholic Priest T. Enright, CSSR, lecture at Hartford, KS, Feb 18, 1884:
“I have repeatedly offered $1000 to any one who can furnish any proof from the Bible that Sunday is the day we are bound to keep…The Bible says, ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,’ but the Catholic Church says, ‘No, keep the first day of the week,’ and the whole world bows in obedience.”
In contrast to this, chapter 14 of Revelation calls people to worship Him that made heaven and earth. As we look to Creation Week we see who instituted the 7th day and for what purpose. Many centuries later that same God wrote on tables of stone a commandment underscoring what He did at Creation, to honor the 7th day. Nothing had changed in OVER 2000 YEARS. And those who obey that commandment give honor to its Creator. In short, worshiping God on the day of His creation will honor Him.
THE NAME
The Bible often associates names with character traits. As the name so is the person. In fact, when the person has a character change (for the better or for the worse) another name is given. Lucifer (Isa 14:12) is degraded to Satan (Luke 10:18). Jacob (supplanter) is changed to Israel (God prevails).
The name of the first beast is known historically as the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), but in the Bible as “the great whore” (Rev 17:1) and “Babylon” (verse 5), which associates it with Babel erected by Nimrod some years after the great flood. It is interesting that though cities and nations come and go God often considers them in the present tense, like He does in Daniel 2. When the Rock destroys the great image in the feet, it destroys all the kingdoms (Dan 2:45) and their influence forever.
At the point in Rev 13 the RCC now has the worship of her own followers (which she doesn’t need State’s help for). They are called after her name as followers of Christ were called Christians. Her people ignorantly give her the worship she craves.
THE IMAGE TO THE BEAST
The Church now has the worship of her people, and the worship of the protestant churches that left so many years ago. But she is still not happy. So she goes to State and cries on his shoulder.
“What’s wrong, my Dear?” he says.
“Oh, there are still many who don’t go to church and thus are not worshiping me– people like the nature lovers and the New Age group.”
“Don’t worry about them,” State says reassuringly. “I have a plan.”
And soon we hear State making a new proclamation to all peoples.
“Since the State is dedicated to look out for the welfare and safety of its people, we see the wisdom and value of Church’s counsel to have a day of the week set aside where no labor is done so families can enjoy being together. We understand this will also have a positive impact on Nature, for on that day there will be far less commercial toxins polluting our air and waterways. And to keep everything simple we will use the same no-labor day of rest the world uses for their worship, Sunday. That way everone can enjoy life together. Those who agree to this plan to honor that day by cessation of labor will receive a special State mark, which will allow them to participate in commerce. Those who refuse to refrain from working on this day will be exposed as traitors to the State, to the family, and to the environment, and be unable to buy or sell.”
Notice in verse 17 the mark is not identified as “the mark of the beast” because John is using the word “beast” in this section to only refer to the first beast (the Church), and she does not initiate this mark. Nor does the Image the Protestant group forms. Beast 2 (the State) does, and because he does there is no requirement for worship!
But in reality it is inspired by the prince of darkness and designed to direct worship to the first beast, and thus to the dragon himself who empowers the first beast. And the second beast is in actuality a vassal of the first.
It is possible some Sabbatarians may opt for this agreement if they can keep BOTH days free of labor. But the 4th commandment is not just about not working on the 7th day. The rest of the commandment says that we should also work the other six days. And it is expected that 6 days of labor will also become part of the conditions for receiving the coveted mark (for the State does want its citizens to be productive—that is tax revenue in their pocket). Whether this mark is extended to all three groups of people is questionable (though the privilege to participate in commerce is) because in verse 17 John uses the word “or”.
Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, OR the name of the beast, OR the number of his name.
THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST
I noticed God puts special emphasis on this “number” (verse 18). When we study numbers in the Bible, as well as promises, colors, and other things, we must keep in mind that they all mean different things to the righteous than to the wicked. The Second Coming, for example, is looked very favorably by the righteous but the wicked call for the rocks to fall on them to hide them from God.
I believe the number is associated with the image–those who agree to worship on the day the Church has created, not God, though they retain their peculiar Protestant doctrines. Otherwise, why isn’t the image to the Church mentioned in these last verses? We have just been told (in verse 15) it contained a death sentence. The answer, as I see it currently, is explained below.
Let’s look at verse 18 and the only reference to 666 I have found so far in the writings of EG White (from one of her earliest visions).
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
“I saw all that ‘would not receive the mark of the Beast, and of his Image, in their foreheads or in their hands,’ could not buy or sell. [Revelation 13:15-17.] I saw that the number [666] of the Image Beast was made up; [Revelation 13:18.] and that it was the Beast that changed the Sabbath, and the Image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope’s, and not God’s Sabbath. And all we were required to do, was to give up God’s Sabbath, and keep the Pope’s, and then we should have the mark of the Beast, and of his image. {Word To The Little Flock p19}
Someone has observed that the number 666 was not in the original writing, but added by a contemporary Bible scholar. However, this quote was printed thus with Mrs. White’s permission. We have observed that she was extremely careful to protect what she shared especially when it was from a vision, and this information was from one of her earlier visions (less than 3 years after The Great Disappointment in 1844).
God first tells us that “here is wisdom.” There is a similar call to wisdom later.
Rev 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
Apparently God intends what is to follow as of great importance to help us define what this number signifies. But it could also mean the one this number signifies will be characterized by (worldly) wisdom, being able to give wise and timely counsel to world leaders to help them know how to fight their enemies and be profitable. At least that was the case with its counterpart in 1Kings 10.
In the Old Testament God’s chosen nation was at its peak of performance during Solomon’s reign. He fought no wars, nations came to him for his great wisdom, and wealth poured into his treasury (expressed as 666 talents of gold in one year—a talent weighs about 75 pounds). That’s about 800,000 ounces of gold in one year. Today’s price for gold is over $1000/ounce. That would be pretty good for a little kingdom like Israel way back then. And this was only from one source (verse 15). Gold was used so lavishly he didn’t even count silver valuable (verse 21).
Then God tells those who have “understanding” (the intellect, intelligence) to “count the number of the beast”. And John wrote it down as he heard it: 600…+ threescore (also translated as 60 = same word)…+ the single digit 6. Here are three forms of the number six. In Biblical numerology 6 is considered an “overplus” (1 digit beyond the 5 digits of the hand—according to Strong’s Concordance).
This revived an earlier study I did on the 5 giants that were the counterparts of the kingdoms in Daniel 2. The giant that represented Rome was characterized by having no name and having six digits on each hand and foot (4 sets). You can access this study here:
https://counterpartstudies.wordpress.com/giants-2/ .
In that study I found that the “overplus” which usually is associated with positive things is used in a different way when associated with an enemy. We see six when we expect to see five. It is freakish, out of the ordinary, unexpected. An extra digit is added, even though it isn’t needed. There is no indication from the Bible that this extra digit made the giant more fearsome or adept at killing his adversairs. It didn’t enhance the giant’s abilities. It’s not an improvement on God’s creation. And so it is with the first beast of Rev. 13, the Church, identified with the number 6.
So I begin this study with this added information. The number 6 used in this way stands for a DECEPTION– an unbiblical principle being among its central pillars. It is really not needed to function as God designed the church to work. And from the giant study I learned that this deception was not going to be hidden. It would be out front, known to all (because the 4th giant had six digits on each hand and foot—very difficult to hide).
Then I see it is also multiplied by ten (60). “Ten times”– 5 of the 6 times it’s used are in reference to sin in the Bible – referring to the idea of being tricked, tempted, or persecuted.
Gen 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
Gen 31:41 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
Num 14:22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
Neh 4:12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
Job 19:1 Then Job answered and said, [2] How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? [3] These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
Finally this mysterious number is also a multiple of 100. This phrase “hundred times” is used rarely in the Bible (only twice). Look how it is used—as an extreme limit.
1Ch 21:3 And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
Ecc 8:12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
So what do we see when the number 600 is associated with sin? We see death for the enemy and (often) deliverance for God’s people!
Gen 7:6 And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.
Exo 14:7 And he [Pharaoh] took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them [and headed after the escaping nation].
Jdg 3:31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
1Sa 17:7 And the staff of his [Goliath’s] spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
But sometimes it is too much for God’s witnesses, and they cave in. Consider this passage. The 600 were renagade Danites, one of the tribes of Israel [like Protestants]–though one that is not included in Revelation. And they were armed. And they were choosing to worship images. This is exactly the picture John shows in Rev.13.
Jdg 18:16 And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which were of the children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate. [17] And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, and came in thither, and took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men that were appointed with weapons of war. [18] And these went into Micah’s house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye? [19] And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel? [20] And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.
John adds that all we learn about the number 6 and its multipliers can be attributed to a man.
Mrs. White associates 666 with the image to the (first) beast. And for good reason we find out, as we “count the number of the beast.” She says it is the Sunday Law. Let’s see if that fits the criteria.
- Q. Does this change of worship day fit into the claimed power to change times and laws? [one of the characteristics of the little horn power of Rome and the 1st beast of Rev. 13]
A. Absolutely. The Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments and the only one which directly involves time. - Q. Is the change of worship day from the 7th to the 1st Biblically supported? [#6 = overplus, unnecessary, unbiblical]
A. No. - Q. Does the Church try to hide this fact? [4th giant had 6 fingers and toes on hands and feet]
A. No. In fact it boasts that the Church had power to change it and all the world accepts that power— they claim that though it is unscriptural it is traditional, and both are viable in God’s Word. - Q. Has the Church used this Sabbath change to tempt or persecute God’s people? [ten times 6 ]
A. Yes. Early in its formation as a church (3rd or 4th century) - Q. Has the Church placed extreme measures on those not keeping her day of worship? [100 times 6]
A. Yes. Death penalty (as is expressed in Rev. 13 as well as during her reign for 1260 years) - Q. Is a Sunday Law easy to monitor? [civil power will mark those who are faithful]
A. Yes. It doesn’t matter if you obey because you believe the law is right (mark on forehead) or just obey out of fear (mark on right hand). If you do any work you are guilty. No other acts of worship are required. - Q. Can a civil power legally authorize and enforce a Sunday Law? [clay = statehood]
A. If the people whom the state serves demands it, the State says he must do their bidding–as Pilate turned Christ over to the angry mob and washed his hands, claiming innocence of the blood that would be shed (Matt 27:24).
There seems to be three categories (reasons for Sunday-keeping)
- Mark: Those who have no religious affiliation but keep the first day as a “no-work” day for the sake of family unity and respect for the conservation of nature (or some other “logical” –not spiritual– reason).
- Name: Those who have joined themselves to the RCC, and call themselves Catholics.
- Number: Those Protestants who do not want to affiliate with the RCC system but are willing to use her day of worship and share a few other “common” doctrines for the sake of “brotherhood”.
All the information is there for us to make informed decisions and know beforehand what is coming.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
