Mark of the Beast

The last book in the Bible is so misunderstood. (And if that isn't one of the greatest understatements...) The book of Revelation ~ of course there are many prophetic systems /scenarios of interpretation (and it's not my design here to deal with those) ~ but what I do want to talk about is how there are dynamics in Revelation ~ they ultimately have their fulfillment in the book ~ while (and here's my point) they are already at work in our day. These "dynamics" are already at work.

Let me give you an example from another place. The apostle John wrote: "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour." (1 John 2:18) John wrote that two thousand years ago. The point is that the dynamic of "antichrist" (which it's believed will see its ultimate fulfillment in an actual person in the end times) has been part of human society and culture from the first century until now (and increasing). Clear as mud?

Which brings me to the book of Revelation and chapter 13. Of course, "Antichrist" (Revelation 13:1-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) is talked about here (though the word is not used) and also another interesting (frightening) concept. The "mark of the beast" is also mentioned:

And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (Revelation 13:16-18)

Now whether or not the "mark" is a computer chip just under the skin is beside the point (though we see that already coming?). The main thing is that this "mark of the beast" dynamic is already at work in our day ~ and in this way: There is a push to control all aspects of human life more than ever before and intensifying. And if you don't "buy into the system" (submit to it) your functioning in society and culture will be greatly hindered (if not shut down completely). (Separation of Church and State. No Christmas carols at school. No prayers at graduation.)

The other side of the same coin is how the greater portion of humanity (Matthew 7:13) has bought into the system. Listen: Many have already "taken the mark" (though not physically). And here's how: They are totally committed to the world as it is and apart from Jesus Christ. For somebody (the False Prophet) to come along and say they must receive a mark to operate ~ they won't question it because they are already a part of it.

You might also be interested in:

• Abomination of Desolation
• On the Subject of Martyrs