The Mark of the Beast: It Is A Choice

This is a brief examination of the term "mark" as used in Revelation. My compelling interest here is for the reader to understand that the mark will not simply be a microchip or some type of nanotechnology, although that may be a component of it. The mark will be something clearly visible on those who receive it.

“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.” (Rev. 13:16-17)

The Serpent encircling the Earth

Two things cannot be separated from our impressions of the coming anti-Christ; the mark of the Beast, and the number, 666 (Rev. 13:18). These two things have provoked both fascination and great fear in readers for centuries. What is clear about the mark is this; that it will be a visible etching or brand, something that can be clearly seen by others. Many have reasoned in recent decades that the growth of nanotechnology and the reduced size of microchips would mean that the mark would be something of this nature. While it is possible that the mark may include some advanced technology, the scripture uses the Greek word charagma, which means “imprint”, or “brand”, like what might be seen on a domesticated animal. Those who take the mark of the Beast take his “brand”.

In verse 17 we see that to do any transactions, you must either have the name of the Beast, the number of his name, or the mark. While we don’t know what the mark is yet, if one does not accept the symbol or mark that represents the Beast, the option will be available to take his name or the number of his name, 666, in a form similar to the mark.

It must also be said, that there is no clearer dividing line in history than between those who take the mark of the Beast and those who don’t. Those who take the mark will live, do business, and continue for a short time. However they will eventually be subject to the wrath of God (Rev. 14:9-11) which includes being tormented with fire and brimstone forever. Those who reject the mark will be slain, but spend eternity with the Lord. (Rev. 12:11, 17, 13:15) It is likely that the mark of the Beast is a symbol that is already in use around the world today.

The mark has parallels in scripture. In Ezek. 9:3-7 the Lord has an angel “mark” the foreheads of all those who “sigh” and “cry” over the evil that is done in in Jerusalem and the Temple. Here the mark was the Hebrew letter “tau”, which looks like a cross.

The Tau

It's further clear from the scriptures that a command goes out to the whole world to take the mark.  If someone does not take the mark, then "no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."  (Rev. 13:17)

All will be given a choice.  Take the mark, or the name, or the number.  If you don't, you won't be able to buy or sell.  You won't even exist in the new world order to come.  Now some will obviously resist.  This is in Rev. 13:7, where it is written "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints (holy ones/faithful), and to overcome them:  and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."   Further we read that "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."  (Rev. 13:8)  So the only ones that will resist worshipping this beast are those whose names are written in the Book of Life.  That is those believers who don't fall prey to the "great delusion" (2 Thes. 2:11) or the "powers, signs and lying wonders" (2 Thes. 2:9).

The Ourobouros

   We also know the result of the resistance by believers.  We see them "under the altar (in heaven) the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony that they held."  (Rev. 6:9)

Now it does seem reasonable that some escape this decision.  Those are seen judged by Jesus Christ in Matt. 25:31-46.  This is known as the judgment of the sheep and goats.  While being called "sheep" has taken on a negative connotation in recent times, especially on the internet, it will be the difference between heaven and hell in this judgment that happens after the Battle at Armageddon.  In short, the key to this judgment is those who obviously did not take the mark, but did make a choice.  They chose to show mercy to the Lord's "brethren" (vs. 40).  They did this by providing water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, clothes to the naked, and visiting the Lord's brethren in prison. (vs. 35-36)

The Last Judgment by Giotto

So the mark of the beast becomes a dividing line for all humanity.  Those who take it, continue on in their lives for a short period of time.  Those who don't go into prison or worse, are killed for their refusal.   For those who take the mark, they will receive one of the vial judgments (Rev. 16:2) that will cause a "noisome and grievous sore", which is old english for a really painful wound or ulcer on the mark. 

A final promise to those who refuse the mark is found in Rev. 20:4.  In this we learn that they "lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years". 

The point of this is to show that even though technology in genetics, nanotech and microchips may actually have the power to alter the human species in myriad ways, the mark of the beast will not be slipped past us in the water supply or sprayed overhead in the air, or given in a vaccination.  It will be a choice that each individual will have to make.  A choice that affects the eternal destiny of each person.  Be prepared to make the right choice.