Technology for the Mark of the Beast

This is an interesting “technology” blog that includes insightful comments about a well-known text in the book of Revelation from the perspective of a non-religious blogger – The Mark of the Beast is coming…or is it here?

The Apostle John (in the first century AD) was clearly given a very accurate vision of what the world would look like in the future. We would argue that the book of Revelation is a divinely inspired text and precisely relays many forthcoming events. Although we imagine the technology for the “mark of the beast” will be incredibly advanced, it’s very difficult (and maybe a little unwise) to speculate on the precise nature of this mark. Technology surrounding nano tattoos, electronic implants, etc. is rapidly progressing, all of which could be used for this mark.

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Revelation 9:6)

It is possible that the above verse hints that this could be more than just a mark that stores data and may possibly have the capabilities to interfere with our bodies genetic make-up in some way. It’s hard to imagine a huge population of people “trying” to commit suicide, but are incapable of dying. At present, “immortality” is the ultimate goal of medical science – maybe if this is achieved some time in the future, we will subsequently wish it hadn’t!

Safe to say that whatever happens, we are all becoming more and more linked to “the grid” as every movement, transaction and conversation is easier to monitor and observe. This is all fine while we have trustworthy, good leaders that have our best interests at heart. If a malevolent dictator ever takes power, we may all be helplessly integrated to a far more ominous, oppressive and frightening environment!

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had 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. 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. 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 13:13-18)

Whilst it is probably pointless and unwise to speculate to the identity of the beast described in the above verses, we are told to exercise wisdom. We believe no-one will accidentally be able to take this mark. In other words, anyone who takes this mark will knowingly pledge allegiance to this beast. Although we believe the rapture of the church is the next prophetic event on the horizon, there are many signs that the events described in the book of Revelation could unfold in the imminent future – this is both fearsome and exciting if you are saved in Christ – it should be terrifying if you are not!

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