Revelation 13:16,17
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. (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 (666).
No Man Might Buy Or Sell Except He Has The Mark
There is not a more spine chilling chapter in the entire Bible than Revelation chapter 13. This chapter describes the rise to power of a demonically inspired world dictator, similar in nature to Adolph Hitler. He is called the Beast, but is better known as the Anti-Christ. He uses a world financial system to control the people, as no one can buy or sell unless they are linked by a mark with a number to this system. This is found in Revelation 13:16,17 with the number being 666. It seems that everyone knows about the number 666, even those with little knowledge of the Bible, as it is identified as the devil's number! This is probably one of the best known verses in all the Bible.
For centuries, the fulfillment of these verses was a mystery. The mark was believed to be a tattoo. Christians believed by faith that, just prior to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus, a system would be in place where no one could buy or sell without this Mark. However, the understanding of these verses along with the possible fulfillment has really come into focus in the last 25 years.
There have been dramatic technological developments, which have spilled over to both the government and private industry on a world-wide scale. This technology, in the very near future, could monitor all buying and selling. The heart of this monitoring system is the computer and the digitization of all information.
The entire world is heading towards total computerization with a system that is linked world-wide through satellites and electronics. Literally, the day is now upon us that it will be possible to monitor all buying and selling. The computer and the world economic system are creating, at unbelievable speed, the conditions in which Revelation 13:16-18 could be fulfilled. It will soon not be possible to buy or sell without a computer being involved with the transaction.
How is this all coming about? The prophet Daniel predicted that at the time of the end, the period just prior to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus, there would be a tremendous increase in knowledge.
Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Knowledge, and especially computer technology has exploded, and now in less than every two years knowledge doubles. Computer related technology only a few years old becomes obsolete. The ability to monitor and store vast amounts of information about people and have it on instant recall is now available to all levels of government. Society has reached the point where now there is a total computerization of all information.
This explosion of knowledge and computer technology has led to a nearly cashless society. The vast percentage of transactions today is now electronic while the use of cash and checks are becoming less and less. Many banks are phasing out checks. Many items are so expensive that it makes it impossible to carry large amounts of cash for the payment. The use of credit or debit cards is by far the most common instrument for purchasing an item.
A person may use a credit card virtually any place in the world. It has become the universal financial instrument throughout the entire world. This instrument is taken for granted today, but think how technologically advanced economics have become, when a person can make a purchase in a foreign country without currency! And, this purchase then is instantly registered to your account at home and the funds withdrawn!
The entire world is heading toward this system and the only way to avoid it will be by bartering. The technological ability to operate a world-wide cashless economic system is now in place for a good percentage of the world. The elimination of cash is all that is needed to bring this system totally on line. The present world-wide economic crisis with the collapse of many currencies and economies is a major indicator that a world-wide cashless economy is very possible.
Along with the move toward a developing cashless society is a universal numbering system. America already has one called the Social Security number (SSN). This number is used for nearly everything. If you open any type of bank account or make any financial transaction, it is needed. It is required for a driver's license, to obtain medical coverage and virtually all contact with government.
This number is the common denominator which allows the various levels of government, along with business to merge computerized information about you. The social security number has become the universal key in society. Whether you realize or not, your identification is already by number. Try dealing with the government, or obtaining a job, or opening a bank account without this number!
The use of this number is endless, but it is a universal numbering system. It is very possible that in the future the government could monitor all buying and selling through a numbering system which includes in some way the SSN. All commercial transactions would be linked to government computers and, through the SSN, the government could allow or block transactions. The technology to do this is available now. All it would take is a concerted effort by the government, and in a relatively short time this system could be operational. The computer hardware and software is in place along with the electronic connections through fiber optics, the internet, and satellites. What is needed is the directive to accomplish it.
In addition, crime and terrorism factor into the development of “The 666 Surveillance System.” Crime and now terrorism are major factors in the unification of this surveillance system. White collar crime is a key in merging many independent arms of the government. To combat fraud and schemes, government computers are being merged. What has developed is a national computer network to fight white collar crime. In addition, there is a vast merging of computers to identify and thwart terrorists. Huge data bases have been created to watch for terrorists. This includes monitoring travel and telephone calls.
The effort to combat crime and terrorism is creating a vast world-wide interlocking computer network. This network will be the very heart of the coming surveillance system. As technology increases, more and more information about individuals will be compiled and centralized until no one can by or sell without the government being aware. What is ironic is that crime is at the heart of creating this system. On one hand, people are inspired by satan to steal or commit acts of terrorism, while on the other satan then uses these acts to create “The 666 Surveillance System!” I doubt whether this system could come together without crime and terrorism.
The above Bible verses mention a mark on the right hand as the source of the numbering system allowing one to buy or sell. Again, the technology is nearly complete to allow this. What has been developed is a small chip that can be placed in the body, right under the skin. This small chip is about the size of a grain of rice. It gives off a signal that can be detected by various scanners. This technology has advanced now to the point, where people with a chip in their hand can have it function as a credit card or signal to unlock doors or turn on computers. In Mexico , officials in the government use this type of chip for security. In order to gain access to certain locations or computer files, a person needs the chip in the hand with the correct code!
This chip has been used for years to identify pets and livestock. Its function was perfected on animals, and now the technology is nearly in place where it can be used in humans for all types of applications. This would have been radical thinking 20 years ago, but today the technology is falling into place to activate such a system on a massive scale.
When studying the Bible about the Greek word "mark," it gives the impression of being engraved or etched. It could represent a stamp, maybe a tattoo or more like a branding. The chip under the skin does not fit this description. The technology fits but not the chip under the skin. There is technology now being developed where by a tattoo type of stamp is placed on the skin which contains electronic circuitry on it! The technology is being perfected as I am writing this. What I see in the future is a form of stamping on the skin that will be able to send and receive information. This stamp or electronic tattoo will be visible for all to see, and it will not be a chip hidden under the skin. Maybe the tremendous surge in tattoos is a precursor to what is coming. Years ago hardly anyone had a tattoo, but now a very large percentage of the population does. Is it possible that this surge in tattoos is preparing the population to receive the "Mark of the Beast"?
What appears will happen in the near future is that technology reaches the point where all buying and selling will come under the control of the government. The governments of the world through technology will have nearly complete control over people's lives. All information will merge into a massive computer system which I identify as "The 666 Surveillance System." This massive system will be tied into sources of information such as passports, GPS, UPC, RFID (Radio-frequency identification), biometrics, security cameras, cellphones, iPods, etc., in order to monitor all travel and information. The use of the Internet will be monitored. All financial information and medical records will be tied into this surveillance system. The government will control people through legislation such as Environmental, Banking reform, and Health Care.
This legislation will grant government more control over the lives of the people, and the advanced technology will be applied to the details of the law. This system is already in play. To complete this system, it is just a matter of tying it all together and applying the controls. There will be no way to avoid or hide from this system. It is the advanced technology which makes it so dangerous. The control of buying and selling is just the tip of the iceberg of this coming surveillance system.
All the advanced technology that is now in place or coming on line will be used to create this system. It will be the ultimate "mouse trap." The electronic marvels we now live with and make life easier will be harnessed and used by a Fascist type state for complete control. What is needed is a cataclysmic world economic crisis to create the atmosphere for world unity which will drive the desperate masses of people to accept it.
Right now the world is on the verge of such a crisis. There are numerous world and financial leaders who are calling for a New World Order. They are out in the open calling for a one-world economic and political system. (See my blog: johnmcternan.name as I have posted many articles about the New World Order being out in the open.) A world economic collapse, with the chaos that followed, would create the situation, which could forge a New World Order virtually over night.
Adding to the instability of the world's economy, an all out war in the Middle East would strike fear throughout the world. Such a war would collapse the world economy as the price of oil would spike to unprecedented heights and paralyze the financial markets. Even a spike for a short time would collapse the fragile world economy.
In addition to the world economy, it is highly likely that during this war Israel would resort to nuclear weapons. The Bible details that entire Arab nations are going to disappear and in some cases, become uninhabitable. The nations directly involved are Egypt , Jordan , Syria , Lebanon , the Palestinians, Iraq and possibly Saudi Arabia . It is highly probable that other nations like the United States will be involved. There is the possibility of millions dead with tens of millions of refugees. This war would create fear throughout the world and create new political alliances. People will become overwhelmed by fear because of the magnitude of both the war and the world-wide economic collapse. The combination of the war and economic meltdown could simply overwhelm the nations.
At this time, the New World Order will come to the forefront. It will use all the advanced technology available to create a world government and economic system for controlling the people. A man will rise to leadership over this system. The Bible refers to him as the antichrist, Beast or "Man of Sin." He will have the answers for the people's fears and will implement "The 666 Surveillance System" with nearly complete control over people's lives. The Beast will be just like Hitler or Stalin only on a world-wide scale. And, just like tyrants of the past, he will use all available science and technology to control the people and destroy all who resist him. All the tyrants of the past did this, and, according to the Bible, the future Anti-Christ will follow this pattern.
What will happen is that all who have rejected the Holy God of Israel and the Lord Jesus will be herded into this system as evidence of judgment by God. Satan is the one who created this system, through the minds of scientists and a vast array of other people, building the ultimate trap, to ensnare the masses of people with no way out. The technology for accomplishing this is now in place. All that is needed is the crisis to create the conditions for the people desiring this false security and for the masses to accept it. The technological explosion we are now witnessing has an end game. It will result in the perfect trap for everyone who rejects the Bible and the salvation God offers through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The coming Beast is different than was Hitler or Stalin in that he demands worship. He will be both a political and religious leader. He is going to use "The 666 Surveillance System" as part of His religious system. The Bible always associates together the Mark of the Beast with the Image of the Beast. In the book of Revelation, these two are always mentioned together as part of a worship system. This is found in Revelation 13:14-18; 14:9-11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; and 20:4. The following is an example of the two found together:
Revelation16:2 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.
I fully explain the Image of the Beast in my article titled Singularity and the Image of the Beast. It appears that man through technology also is racing to create a cyborg type creature that will become the exact image of the Beast. When it is completed and in operation, the Beast will require worship of both him and his Image. The political, economic and religious realms will be merged into one system headed by one man. The technology that now surrounds us will be used to create both the Image of the Beast and the surveillance system. There is an end game at play, even though the vast majority of people at this time cannot see where this is all heading; however, the Bible explains the direction where this technology is heading.
When studying the linkage between the Image of the Beast and his mark, it appears that receiving the mark is the initiation into this religious system of worship. The mark will be the visible seal that a person is a member and will worship the antichrist and his Image. The Bible states the mark will be in the right hand or forehead. It is possible that the mark in the forehead is reserved for high ranking officials in this system, while the hand is for the average person.
Receiving the mark will then allow the person to function and live in this 666 system. No person will be tricked into joining, but they will know exactly that this system rejects the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. This mark is not just for buying or selling, but it is the initiation into a religious system of worship. This will be absolutely clear to all who receive it.
If a person refuses to worship the antichrist and receive the mark, he is killed.
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (9) If any man have an ear, let him hear. (10) He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The Bible is very clear that once a person receives the Mark of the Beast and is initiated into this 666 system, he is damned forever with no hope of escaping from it. With the strongest possible wording, the Bible warns that whoever receives the Mark is forever separated from God in a literal place called hell.
Revelation 14:9-11 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.
While it is very clear from the Bible that anyone who receives that Mark will be eternally separated from God, I think there is a human angle to this damnation. It might be possible that people who receive the Mark will damn themselves.While modern intellectuals scoff at the Bible as a collection of "myths, and fairy tales" and strive in vain to prove that "Rational Science proves evolution, and that there is no God;" there is an enigmatic prophecy in the New Covenant book of Revelation that is right on the cutting edge of "High Tech Surveillance" ,"biometric identity authentication," and economic systems designed for the soon coming digital currency "cashless society."
HOW CLOSE ARE WE TECHNOLOGY WISE TO THE MARK OF THE BEAST? JUST WATCH SHADOW GOVERNMENT: A FILM BY GRANT JEFFERY!
the Bible itself contains numerous referecnce to mankinds scientific development. In the TANACH (or more commonly referred to as the "Old Testament) we read that when the House of Judah was taken into Babylonian Captivity that Nebuchadnezzer who at the time was already the ruler of all of the "known world" desired to add to his court of advisors a select group of the princes of Judah who were "skillful in wisdom, cunning in knowledge, and understanding science."
What King Nebuchadnezzar did not understand at the time was that the source of all true wisdom and understanding of all things is YHWH (YAHUWEH GOD) of Da Hebrews.
The fear of (the LORD) is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding Proverbs 9:10
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Daniel 1:1-6
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3:1-6
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And 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, whose deadly wound was healed. 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.
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. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, 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.
By Patrick Henningsen
21st Century Wire
Jan 31, 2011
The 21st century has certainly witnessed a progression towards a ‘cashless society’, but social networking giant Facebook are taking things a step further, throwing their hat into the ring with the introduction of a new compulsory monetary policy that will initially govern its share of the multi-billion dollar online games industry.
Imagine a virtual world where all goods and services are to be offered, bought and paid for by a new virtual-local form of electronic currency. Facebook will be piloting such a scheme for their multimillion dollar online games market. As of July 2011, every social game developer on Facebook will have to offer the social network’s “virtual currency credits”. READ FULL ARTICLE