Are we truly grasping the essence of Revelation, or have we merely relegated its message to the past? In Part 4 of our series "From Eden to Empire," we invite you to see Revelation as a lens for understanding all empires, not just Rome. Discover how its profound teachings can guide Christians in navigating their relationship with worldly powers. We’ll reexamine the imagery of beasts and Babylon, often interpreted as symbols of Rome's might, revealing their relevance to any empire marked by oppression and idolatry. What does it mean to bear the mark of the beast? We’ll explore this as a symbol of allegiance to earthly powers over God, contrasting it with the divine mark of believers. Plus, we’ll dive into the origins of the notorious number 666, uncovering its historical context and broader implications for complicity with imperial power. Revelation's urgent call to "come out of her" challenges us to disengage from the ways of empire, urging believers to live as citizens of God's kingdom. We’ll also redefine the concept of the antichrist—not as a singular figure, but as any force opposing Christ's reign. Join us as we unpack these themes, fostering a historically grounded understanding of how Revelation speaks to the intricate dynamics of power and faith. With the U.S. presidential elections on the horizon, this episode is sure to provoke thought and inspire reflection on the intersection of empire and spirituality. Tune in and engage with these enduring questions!   For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-120   3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT: TASTE IT BAD ROMAN SALSA, ADD TOTHE BAG thebadroman.com/donate, and share it (it's free!).   Connect with Matt and Expedition 44: YouTube Website Covenant Theological Seminary Expedition 44 episode on Romans 13   Starting Points and Key Moments: 00:02:42 Matt's perspective on Revelation and dispensationalism 00:04:34 Interpretive views of Revelation 00:08:35 Babylon and its representation in Revelation 00:12:17 The whore of Babylon and its implications 00:20:43 Call to come out of Babylon 00:23:08 The 144,000 and their significance 00:28:34 Introduction to Revelation 13 00:32:08 The beast from the sea and its symbolism 00:35:26 The fatal wound and its historical context 00:42:23 The mark of the beast and its meaning 00:50:23 The number 666 and its interpretations 00:55:08 The concept of Antichrist in John's writings 01:02:27 Overview and conclusion of the series   For more on The Bad Roman Project: Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links Want to get more involved? Request to join the private discussion group on Facebook (Bad Romans Only!!) No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com