There’s a lot of “and” in the scriptures. Receiving the mark (of the beast) AND worshipping its image. There is no distinction between receiving a mark, but not worshipping its image. How did these people get the mark? They were deceived.
“And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image.”
Some commentary talks about this system coming from two beasts and a devil. Basically telling people that government is the only moral authority, and those that received the mark are identified as obeying that authority.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7IH9mjuhE
According to this commentary, the “on the hand or forehead” is symbolic of actions and beliefs. This is how I understand it too. Imagine if you had a choice to receive the shot in your forehead or hand. That wouldn’t deceive anyone.
https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/what-is-the-mark-of-the-beast/
There’s a lot of “and” in the scriptures. Receiving the mark (of the beast) AND worshipping its image. There is no distinction between receiving a mark, but not worshipping its image. How did these people get the mark? They were deceived.
“And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image.”
Some commentary talks about this system coming from two beasts and a devil. Basically telling people that government is the only moral authority, and those that received the mark are identified as obeying that authority.