From time to time, people get a little bit twitchy about different things that are seen as end time signs. In particularly, the so called “Mark of the Beast” has caused much eschatological angst over the years as people have tried to work out what it is. Different things have been suggested from bar codes and microchips through to the covid vaccine. For some, the idea of digital ID, especially if it is required to be able to participate in wider society seems to fit the category.
“The mark of the beast” is referred to in Revelation 13 where a beastly creature exercises authority and dominion. People were required to worship this beast or face death We are told:
16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.[1]
The number 666 (v18) is a number that identifies the beast itself rather than the mark used and is likely symbolic to emphasise that despite the beast demanding worship, it has only human power and authority.
So what is this mark? The imagery here seems to tie in with Exodus 13:16 and Deuteronomy 6:7 where the people are told to bind God’s laws to their foreheads and their hands. God’s covenant was meant to leave an indelible mark on them. The law was meant to be visible, always within sight, so that whatever they were doing, they would constantly be reminded of it. It would always be on their mind and it would shape and control their actions. They were to remember and to live out God’s covenant. The mark of the beast offers an alternative, counterfeit covenant with human, beastly powers.
Now, in addition to the imagery from the Torah, the early church would also have been familiar with the constant, unavoidable imager of the emperor, there to remind them of his authority. Most notably, it was seen on coinage. You literally could not buy or sell without that image or mark. This means that it would be practically impossible for us to avoid using the image today. We already use coins and banknotes with the image of our rulers on them.
The imagery in Revelation is therefore intended to point to the choice God’s people have to make in terms of worship. Will they choose Christ, a costly decision or seek the comfort of this world. The issue then is a heart issue. Who has captured your heart. Its not to do with digital ID, ID cards, barcodes or even owing certain rock albums.
The mark of the beast has always been present and the choice there. Will we choose it and the way of this world by allowing our minds and actions to be shaped by its ideology and agenda. Or will we receive the seal/mark of the Spirit so that we are filled and controlled by him.
[1] Revelation 13:16-17
Faithroots 