The Mark of the Beast

We are given very little factual information about the mark of the beast. Over the years “prophecy experts” have had a tendency to exaggerate and create new details. If you accept what the Bible says, it tends to place many of the theories of the mark of the beast in the science fiction wing of the library. Most of the theories revolve around modern computer, scanning and tracking capabilities, however, the Bible description suggests something a bit more rudimentary.

Revelation 13

16 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:

17 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.

18 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.

1. The most important point from the verses above is the simple description of the mark­a mark. Not a technology or invention. Not an implant or device, Not a card or even a demon. Just a mark. Something that can be seen. Strong’s Concordance defines it like this; a scratch or etching, ie stamp(as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue):-graven, mark. The impression that we get from this definition is that a person will be left with a scared mark which is cut into the skin. The three most likely means for making this type of a mark are a tattoo, a firebrand or simply cutting into the skin with a sharp object. Given the nature of the beast, the most painful of these methods would seem the most likely.
2. The mark can be placed in one of two places. In the right hand or in the forehead. These are the most visible places on the human body while out in public. The mark can be concealed while out in public, but can be easily exposed by the individual when necessary in order to prove compliance, or by governing official or persecutors who are seeking out those who are not in compliance. The mark must be displayed to buy or sell.
3. The mark can be an emblem that is used by the anti-Christ, such as a crest or coat of arms. Something that is either peculiar to himself or something that suggests that he is God. It is not called the mark of the beast above, but is called that in other Scriptures.
4. The mark can also be the name of the beast. The anti-Christ will have a name, and that name is one option of how to display the mark. We know that Muslims are expecting Isa (Their version of Jesus) to return to the earth to fight against Jews, Christians and one that they call their anti-Christ (Our Jesus). His name will be written in the Arabic language according to what ever they call him at his arrival. It could be by a different name.
5. The mark can be the number of the anti-Christ’s name. We are given that number and are well aware of it. The number is 666.
6. It has been suggested that the mark is used to track individuals and their financial dealings by use of a barcode mark, an embedded chip or a magnetic credit car strip. However, given either the vague or extremely clear description of the mark, depending on your point of view, it is impossible to draw that conclusion, and we flirt with deception if we do. You cannot have a mark in the form of an emblem, a name or a number and use that mark to track the identity, dealings or location of different individuals. If everyone bears the same name, number or emblem then there is no differentiation between individuals. However, you can use a simple mark to instantly identify who is with the beast and who is not. The attempt to draw technology into the picture has only caused fear and confusion among the body of Christ. There is no certain way to determine in advance if an otherwise legitimate use of technology might evolve into, or one day be converted over to be used for the purposes of the anti-Christ. Once you have accepted the mark there is no repenting of it. It is not something that is going to be a stealth invasion of the anti-Christ. God is not saying that we could unwittingly accept the mark as a smart cart or chip implant. It will be a mark that is clearly tied to the anti-Christ so that all who take the mark are doing it knowingly, and can be legitimately held accountable for their actions by God. The verses that follow should make that clear.
7. The mark is a sign of allegiance to the beast, but the highly visible nature of the mark make it an easy means of singling out those who have not submitted to the beast. In Verse 15 we are told that the false prophet has “power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” One quick and easy way to eliminate those who do not worship the beast is to look at an individuals right hand or forehead for that sign of allegiance to the beast.
8. It is the false prophet in Revelation 13 who gives the directive to receive the mark of the beast. His purpose is to point people toward the anti-Christ. Revelation 13:2 tells us “he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast.” The false prophet comes after the anti-Christ, and as verse 16 above declares, it is he who demands the mark. There is absolutely no way to receive the mark of the beast until after the false prophet arrives and gives the order, and he won’t arrive until after the anti-Christ. The mark of the beast is not a technology that people take now by mistake and are judged for later on. It is something that will be unique to the anti-Christ.
9. The mark will be a part of the 3.5 year Great Tribulation after the anti-Christ has entered the temple and claimed to be deity. That provides for a very short implementation time and a limited killing spree by those who take the mark.
10. There is no indication, and it is ridiculous to think that the servants of the beast would all be supplied with scanners or sensors to detect the presence or absence of a chip or other high tech item in their zeal to eliminate infidels.

The following verses show the consequences of taking the mark, the fact that there is no repentance from taking the mark and the reward to those who refuse the mark.

Re 14:9 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,

Re 14:11 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.

Re 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

Re 16:2 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.

Re 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Re 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

In other studies we see that the mark is more likely to be localized to the Middle East and proximity during the Tribulation, and not spread to a world wide usage until after the Wrath of God begins.