C
I have to admit I find this discussion to be very interesting. I doubt that one who believes strongly a certain way could be easily moved to another. However we might consider what a mark represents. The mark of the beast is not the only mark spoken of in scripture. We also are sealed with a "mark" showing our relationship to Christ. The mark denotes ownership. We might ask ourselves "Where is our mark and what does it look like?"The truth is we don't know. We are sealed [or marked] with the Holy Spirit. That is in our hearts. It is only known to others by our actions. There have always been sins unto death. There have always been men in rebellion against God. If the reward of sin is death does it matter if you are killed with a gun or a knife? I don't think the question here is of a mark on the body but a mark on the soul. Whatever the mark is it has been in the heart of men from the beginning. If your heart belongs to Christ and you are marked with His Spirit saten cannot take you by force. I once heard an old preacher say the mark on the hand was those who profit from the world system weather they fully believe or not while those marked on the forehead represent those who know exactly what they are doing and put their full strength into it.