I'm sure that most folks that go to church on a regular basis and study
prophecy have heard about the mark of the beast. I've run across many non-christians that at some point in their life have heard about it. But there seems to be a growing concern about this, as more new technology is being introduced for tracking and identification purposes. The concern of many is that all of a sudden the government is going to require everyone to submit to some new type of identification system.
Even India just announced a new national identity program using biometrics and iris scanning. RFID chips are already being placed in clothing and other retail items. The United States has also been pushing for a national identification system. There is more "people" tracking going on, than at any time in human history. Domestic pets are being chipped by their owners, even some governments are implementing RFID chips in certain employees to monitor their whereabouts at a given time for security reasons.
Could all this be the lead-up to the final system known as the infamous mark of the beast? Probably, but is it really the time for it? Are we in the end times? "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: 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." (Revelation 13:16,17). We may be heading in a direction towards this mark, but not quite yet.
This mark of the beast will not be introduced on mankind until the mid-point of "Daniel's 70th Week". This is at least three and a half years after the rapture takes place, and that hasn't happened yet. There will be a warning from an angel sent by the Lord to caution the whole world not to accept this mark and of the dire consequences of doing so. (Revelation 14:9-11).
Even before the mark of the beast is instituted, there will be another angel flying in the midst of heaven proclaiming to every inhabitant on earth the everlasting gospel, so that everyone left will have an invitation to be saved. (Revelation 14:6,7). And this happens even before the angel with the warning not to take the mark sounds off. Let's remember, the
rapture of the church takes place at least three and one half years before the anti-christ's mark will be required. By the way, the rapture of the church is an imminent event, which means it could happen at any minute. These things may be closer than we think. I am ready and waiting, I hope you are too!
