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. Revelation 13:18 (AV)

In this post we are going to explore the biblical definition of the mark of the beast and reveal what it actually is among all the speculation out there. It is vitally important today that Christians are made aware of just what the mark of the beast is, its implications upon society and the church and how much time we have before its arrival as we move forward in these escalating end times.

Destroying The Confusion

To begin to understand what the mark of the beast is, we need to dismantle the different aspects of confusion surrounding the prevailing theories and thought schools on the subject. Most of the confusion is caused by differing opinions concerning prophecy interpretation. Let us now briefly explore where relevant the prevailing theories with their corresponding Bible prophecy interpretation methods.

The Historical Theory

In our first brief analysis of Bible prophecy theories we approach the Historicist/Preterist viewpoint. Certain theological schools hold to the opinion that Bible prophecy has come to a close and been fulfilled especially regarding the Book of Revelation. They allege that the apocalyptic prophecies have found their fulfillment in the past following their release in the days of the apostles or at other times in other past events. A prime example of Historicist/Preterist theology is the view that the Roman Emperor Nero is said to be the Beast of Revelation, who was a vicious persecutor of the Christian church in the first century in the apostolic period. It is said that his name is numerically equal to 666 and being an infamous persecutor of the church and economic controller of the Roman Empire, he fits the description of Revelation 13. Other examples used follow the same pattern, although changing their view on the person or historical context when looking for the Beast.

Problems with this viewpoint are apparent in the non-fulfillment of scripture in the most important senses. For example, the Beast who is prophesied to come must still be yet to come when judging from the magnitude of Revelation 13, its descriptions and the surrounding prophetic events yet to be fulfilled. Again there is the yet to be fulfilled second coming of Jesus Christ and establishment of the Kingdom of God in Jerusalem, which is to follow the downfall of the Beast and beast system. These and many other prophetic events ought to be fulfilled by now if the former rising of the beast has been fulfilled as historicists and preterists claim. The other obvious problem is in the arbitrary application and ‘reading in’ of the characteristics of the beast to historical figures, who although being formidable historical tyrants, despots or otherwise, are still not the biblical Beast of Revelation we are looking for indicated by the sheer power and infamy of the character and his worldwide tyrannical achievements declared in scripture–all of which, no historical figure has fulfilled.

The Symbolic Theory

The second prevailing school of theory and interpretation method deals with a purely symbolic or spiritual approach. Taking this interpretational approach predisposes the reader to disregard literal or physical applications of scripture, especially in apocalyptic literature such as the Book of Revelation. According to this view there is to be a ‘non-literal’ approach taken to the mark of the beast; therefore, the idea of some kind of literal or tangible mark as described in the passage is dismissed with little consideration.

Proponents of the non-literal approach spiritualise the meaning of prophetic scripture to the point where it can be applied to anything they desire. One of the clearest examples of this more figurative meaning is the Seventh Day Adventist interpretation of the mark, being the enforcement of Sunday worship for the whole world in defiance the seventh day Sabbath. With this example, it is clear to see that their fixation with the Sabbath has led them to apply the mark of the beast to Sunday worship through a purely spiritualised interpretation. Other symbolic or spiritual applications limit the phrase, ‘a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads’ (Rev. 13:16) to a figure of speech meaning the dedication of people’s actions (right hand) and minds/hearts (forehead) to the Beast.

The Literal Theory

The third prevailing mainstream school of theory takes its form in the opposite direction as a completely literal interpretation of Bible prophecy. This theory has always had problems in the area of over-literalising symbolic language to the point where carnal considerations overtake spiritual meaning. Not all is bad with the literal theory as it does ground us in an actual prophetic fulfillment, taking place in a way that can be tangibly identified, which is a must. All that is needed is to apply the correct discernment and restraint when trying to identify what is literal in the elements of the prophecy.

Errors in an extreme literal approach can be easily seen in well known mark of the beast theories such as the credit card as the possible mark of the beast in the days leading up to its release. Or when barcodes were invented, barcodes became the next candidate with all kinds of analysis on barcode numbers and lines in attempts to decode the 666 number of the beast even to this day. Others have offered the interpretation of two literal tattoos placed upon the right hand and on the forehead. These literal examples are basically stabs in the dark at whatever remotely sounds like it corresponds with Revelation 13 without taking into consideration the whole of scripture and other events running in parallel.

Here Is Wisdom

All of these approaches have something to offer if we understand them correctly.

Historically speaking there have been types of the beast and mark of the beast such as in the Book of Daniel (which is an essential read when trying to understand the Book of Revelation) where King Nebuchadnezzar as a type of the Antichrist reigns over Babylon and institutes the forced worship of his image. This indeed is a crucial prophetic correspondence to end time prophecy where in Revelation 13 we see the beast is prophesied to do exactly the same thing in worship of a universal image to be created as a component of the beast system and mark of the beast. In this sense, the historical examination of the biblical types and other like figures reveals insight into the nature of the coming Beast or Antichrist.

Symbolically or spiritually speaking, we see the manifestation of the literal beast system and mark of the beast as representative of deeper spiritual realities. For example we understand from Revelation 13 that the Antichrist is indeed an empowered agent directly embodied or inspired by Satan himself, revealing the spiritual control of the Satan over the whole system described. The mark of the beast itself is also a manifestation of a greater spiritual reality, in that the mark once taken indicates the true nature of a person and their spiritual worship as we are told that those who take the mark are in direct conflict with the worship of God having now identified themselves as worshippers of the Antichrist–and such an allegiance is worthy of the punishment of hell fire (Revelation 14:9-11; 16:2). Therefore, we must pay attention to the deeper spiritual meaning of the mark of the beast as the symbolic/spiritual theory attempts to do without consideration for literal fulfillment.

In terms of the literal viewpoint, we are needful to acknowledge the plain truth that prophecy is clearly to be fulfilled in a literal sense as the whole of scripture testifies. There is no prophecy that is not to be literally fulfilled and it is the pattern of scripture for prophecy to be literally fulfilled. In other words, we need to literally see that a prophecy has been fulfilled rather than look for some imaginary fulfillment in principle or figurative spiritual fabrications. Therefore, to identify a literal beast and mark of the beast is needed and we must refer to what the scripture says exactly to gain the closest and most precise definition.

So What Exactly Is The Mark Of The Beast?

Scripture speaking in apocalyptic, symbolic and prophetic language tells us the mark of the beast is a physical apparatus used to identify the world’s population with the Antichrist and control them at physical and economic levels. It simply being called the ‘mark of the beast’ tells us that it is an identifying mark that would declare those who have taken the mark as the property of the beast or Antichrist.

The Greek text leads to the word ‘charagma’ defined as a stamped, scratched or branded mark of servitude. This allows us to understand the mark of the beast is something physical either imprinted on or implanted in the right hand or the forehead. The Authorized Version of the Bible states the mark of the beast will be ‘in their right hand, or in their foreheads’ (Rev. 13:16), which points to something implanted. And with the heavy emphasis in the original Greek on a scratched, etched or carved mark, this interpretation is highly supported.

All of this therefore, points to the most probable technological candidates at this time, which are, RFID microchip technology, biometric technology and the now developing biological/physiological/DNA altering bio-tech or nanotechnology. The mark of the beast will highly likely be a combination of all the above in a single apparatus, which is to be implanted under the skin in either the right hand or forehead or both.

First having established that this mark is to be implanted in the right hand or forehead and is used as an identification method for the worshippers of the Antichrist, we secondly see that it is a tool of economic control in the phrase ‘that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark’ (Rev. 13:17). This mark will control the economic system of the world at the ground level and will be the apparatus through, which the world’s mainstream commerce and banking is conducted.

This is highly suggestive as the world’s technological, banking and authentication systems are shifting strongly towards RFID and biometric control platforms with new innovations occurring on a daily basis. With such technology being applied right now in the various online, retail, business and manufacturing sectors and in the personal sphere at the beginning stages, it is only a matter of time before it reaches invasive personal applications at the mainstream and governmental level.

The third striking identifying characteristic of the mark of the beast is the number of the beast–666 (Rev. 13:18). It can be suggested that the name and number of the Beast will be a component of the physical mark whether a brand name or number representing the beast himself, being some kind of corporate identification mark for the technology or the application system of the beast.

The identification aspect of the mark of the beast may also have deeper implications as touching the spiritual and physical nature of his worshippers. Just as God’s people are partakers of the divine nature and are renewed in His image spiritually, and created in His image physically, it is possible that the people of the beast will be partakers of his nature in the same ways both spiritually and physically via his number and name. This may be pointing to the more invasive and manipulative technological/physiological potential incorporated into the mark of the beast.

This is the mark of the beast. It is a technological control apparatus identified by the name or number of the beast, either an advanced RFID chip or biometric solution, or a combination of both, with bio-tech or nano-tech components to be implanted under the skin, which identifies a person as a worshipper of the Antichrist and embeds them within his worldwide economic, religio-spiritual and sociopolitical control system. It can be assumed that those who take the mark of the beast are already worshippers of the beast and his universal image. Enforced worship of the beast’s image will eliminate dissenters and those who refuse to worship it, so by the time the mark is applied at the mainstream level, his worshippers will already be following the entire program of the Antichrist.

It can also be assumed that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are worshipers of the One, True and Living God of Israel, who are full of the Holy Spirit and live fully by the truth of the Word of God, will never take the mark of the beast even at the risk of prison or death.

Consequences

There are serious consequences for taking the mark of the beast and for not taking the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be enforced upon the nations of the world, and all who will not receive it will be ostracised from society, barred from access to everyday social systems, and will be considered criminals and dissenters in the eyes of the beast system and its authorities.

Those who refuse to take the mark of the beast will be refusing to worship the satanic Antichrist and will ultimately be put to death for their refusal. True Christians at this time will refuse the mark of the beast, never renouncing the Lord Jesus Christ to worship Satan. Many of them will be thrown into prison, killed and beheaded for their faith, but they will also be received immediately into glory with the Lord Jesus Christ as the Bible says,

…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13 (AV)

At the same time, there are serious temporal and eternal consequences for taking the mark of the beast. Firstly the Bible says in revelation 14:9-11 that all who will take the mark of the beast will suffer the punishment of eternal hell fire. There is no coming back from taking the mark of the beast, once it has been taken it expresses the highest form of idolatry in direct worship of Satan himself. The fiery judgment of God awaits all such as take the mark of the beast.

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:9-11 (AV)

Secondly, in Revelation 16:2 the Bible reveals that all who receive the mark of the beast will receive what is termed a ‘noisome and grievous sore.’ This noisome and grievous sore will be a supernatural judgment of the wrath of God for those who take the mark of the beast and it will literally be a horrible, painful and untreatable ulcer or cancerous growth located in the body, perhaps resulting from the presence of the implanted technology as a divine judgment. Whatever you do – DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST. It is not worth going to hell for and suffering the wrath of God in the way described above.

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Revelation 16:1-2 (AV)

Projection And Trajectory

Now how much time do we have and how far away until the mark of the beast is implemented? According to Bible prophecy and the signs which are being fulfilled right now, the mark of the beast is right around the corner. Right now the UN is working to unite the world’s governments under the guise of sustainable development and climate change, and the current ‘Pope Francis’ Fransisco Bergoglio is working effectively to unite the world’s religions under the Roman Catholic ecumenical movement.

At the same time the financial elite are working to establish a global economy and cashless society throughout the world with nations such as Sweden, India and others exploring the use of RFID implants and biometric technology to organise their economies. All of this tells us that we are headed right for the establishment of the beast system in a serious sense and it is now the time to prepare. We would suggest according to current prophetic climate, that within ten years we will either be right in the throes of the beast system or entering directly into it.

Further adding to our projections, the current coronavirus or Covid-19 pandemic has certainly provided insight into implementation methods that could be applied to the mark of the beast. When tracking the fast moving situation regarding vaccines, medical procedures and the reshaping of societal infrastructure surrounding this pandemic, we can see how the implementation of the above described mark of the beast can easily take shape. Judging by the magnitude of this pandemic and particularly its flow on effects upon the world, it can be said with some certainty that this is the precursory system now being implemented and used to prepare the world for the actual mark of the beast.

Advice To The Unsaved

So what do we do in light of this revelation? Our first piece of advice to the reader would be to seriously seek the Lord Jesus Christ. To the unsaved, you must be born again to even have a chance to resist what is coming upon the world. Without the Lord Jesus Christ there is no hope whatsoever in escaping the mark of the beast and the judgments that will result in pledging allegiance to and worshiping the Antichrist. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ today and be saved by repenting to God and putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross for your sins and rose again from the grave on the third day that you may be forgiven and receive the free gift of eternal life. All you have to do now is to repent of your sins in living life contrary to God and believe the invincible Gospel truth that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and that God loves you and sent Him to save you. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 (AV)

Advice To The Church

To the believers out there, it is time to prepare and get serious about your relationship with God so that you will be ready for the tribulation. Christians please know this, we will be here during the tribulation when all these things will take place and you must be ready and full of the Holy Spirit before the time comes. If you haven’t received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit or are on the fence about the manifestation of the Spirit and the reality of true miracles, signs/wonders and the prophetic, the time is now to seek God for revelation and the infilling before it’s too late and you fulfill the parable of the foolish virgins being without oil in your vessels and lamps–that is, without the Holy Spirit and His power within you.

My final piece of advice to the believers of this hour is to be fully immersed in the scriptures and prayer to develop strong and advanced communication and intimacy with the Lord. This is the ultimate preparation needed to be able to stand in the tribulation that is about to take place across the earth. Also, make a habit of being alert to major changes and world events as they relate and correspond to Bible prophecy. And finally, have hope in the fact that as the mark of the beast and tribulation approaches, and prophecy is being fulfilled rapidly, it all only further indicates that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent, which is our blessed hope.

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