Why would anyone agree to be marked with a number that has evil implications? Even if people who have never read the Bible are generally uneasy with the number 666 because of the attention it has been given in movies and such. Hollywood uses it to invoke terror and mystery. Some people even joke about the mark, but Satan’s demonic activity is no laughing matter.
So why will the world accept this mark during the tribulation? To answer to that question, we must first understand the power of words and persuasion of the Antichrist. So, how will this mark be implemented?
Many are surprised to learn that the “Mark of the Beast,” will not be implemented personally by the Antichrist- the beast that rises from the sea (Revelation 13:1). The Apostle John explains that this mark will be initiated by a second beast, the “beast coming out of the earth” who is identified as the False Prophet in Revelation 16:13.
While the False Prophet will be the implementer of the mark, he will be acting on the authority that comes from higher up. John tells us in Revelation that the False Prophet exercises all authority of the first beast (Revelation 13:13). The first beast (the false prophet) gets his power from the Antichrist (the dragon). Satan himself gave this power, his throne, and great authority (Revelation 13:2). Satan himself will instigate all the terrible evil of the tribulation period and with the Antichrist and the False Prophet acting as his diabolical agents.
If you look closely at the world and its economic system you can see this already happening. Chips that go into your hand so you can buy food and the things you need to survive. Their are some that are using this today.
John tells us in Revelation that “he will cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive the mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has this mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name”(Revelation13:16-17).
The False Prophet will be a religious leader, the kind Jesus warned of when He said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you In sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Many false prophets have come and gone, but none will have had the devastating impact on the world’s population that the False Prophet of Revelation will inflict. He will use religion to deceive the world, and once deceived, he will use the mark of the beast to enslave all people economically, forcing them to endure the unrelenting tyranny of Satan and the Antichrist.
Refusing the Mark will lead to financial ruin
Revelation 13:17 tells us what the mark will do on a day-to-day basis. “No one may but or see except the one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Only those who have the mark of the Antichrist’s name or number, identifying them as followers of Satan, will be able to buy or sell goods and services to support themselves and secure what they need. Any one refusing to wear the mark will struggle to survive.
The word mark is translated in Greek as charagma. The charagma was a symbol used somewhat like notary seals are used today. This symbol used to be used as a portrait of the emperor and the year of his reign. It was required in ancient times to complete commercial transactions on official documents in wax to authenticate their validity. The mark of the Beast will function in a similar way. Identifying those who bear it as worshippers of the beast and permitting them to conduct financial transactions.
The fusion of government and religion will put the squeeze on rebels (who do not take the seal), leaving them nowhere to turn. Those who refuse the mark will be shut out of society altogether. No one will buy their products or services. They will barred from employment and from shopping in stores or online, they will face bankruptcy and starvation.
BRICS (look it up), is trying to implement a cashless society right now. Which is headed to the mark of the right hand (chips) soon. The Bible makes it clear that Satan’s intent is not only to keep believers from means of survival, but also to force them to a decision.
Will they continue to stand for Christ, refusing the mark despite the promised hardship? Or will they succumb to the loyalty demands of Satan and take the mark to relieve that hardship?
Today there are many Christians that face persecution and death when they stand for Christ. During the Tribulation these questions will be put before the entire world’s population, without exception.
The mark will come in the form of the offered mark, supposedly to promote the good life, but with the intent to make clear who will live for Christ and who will yield for Satan.
It’s coming sooner than we think.
From Pity to Praise 