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RFID Technology and the Mark of the Beast
Have you ever wondered how much control the government or higher authorities are
gaining over you or will gain in the coming years? We are warned about this in Revelation when
the Bible tells us about the beast who comes out of the earth. One example of this mark is radio-
frequency identification (End Timers Prophecy, n.d.). "RFID tags, essentially microchips with
antennas, are embedded in many of the products we buy, from medicine containers, clothing, and
library books to computer printers, car keys, and tires. (Stair & Reynolds, 2017). RFIDs will
eventually serve as the beast's mark. How does technology fit into the broader scheme of
eschatology? Well, it seems as though "we feel a duty to use science and technology according to
wisdom and inspiration, to identify and prepare for risks and responsibilities associated with
future advances, and to persuade others to do likewise" (Cole-Turner, 2011)
This can be a remarkable thing, or it can be dangerous. “Technology may play an
important role in God's plan for the human race and in fulfilling His great commission of taking
the gospel of salvation to all nations" (Parshall, 2014). However, about the end of the day, the
increase in technology could, no doubt, lead to global control. In regard to the beast, John warns
us in Revelations 13:16-17, “Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both
free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell
unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.” (Revelation
13:16-17 [ESV], 2016)
This is when the Antichrist will take over. No one will be able to buy or sell anything
without a chip, which is "the mark". (Parent Ministry, n.d.). There will be full control over what
we are allowed to do, and technology has paved the way for this to become possible. The author
disagrees with the idea that the chip serves as the mark of the beast. As it is evident that Satan's
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mark will be deceptive since everyone knows about it, a physical mark will not be necessary. He
refers to "the mark" on the hand and forehead as spiritual and physical choices that will be made
to decide who we worship. That doesn't seem to quite line up with the verse, and the verse
specifically states that "no one may buy or sell" without the mark. This tells us that it has to do
with the economy, which leads right to theroid being implanted and used for a cashless society
where the government or other authority can have full control to interfere with them if they want.
The people are warned, “And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If
anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he
will also drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will
be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the
Lamb" (Revelation 14:9-10, 2016)
It seems that today's world is in fact representative of the world described by Daniel,
Ezekiel, the apostle John, and Jesus himself in their discussions of the last days. There are many
metaphors used and the dates are a little difficult to understand, but the events are adding up. We
have no reason not to believe that what is written in the Bible is what it will be. "Since the
prophecies of Christ's first coming were literally fulfilled, it stands to reason that the prophecies
of His Second Coming will be literally fulfilled” (Knorr, 2020). Whether or not the chips will be
the mark of the beast, no one knows. However, there is no other clear verse than the verse in
Revelation that tells about the mark. Society must be aware of the control that’s being given
away by being susceptible to this type of thing and one must be aware of the consequences, such
as persuading others to join in without knowing the damage it could cause. The mark of the beast
is not a myth, it is real and could be right in front of Christians in the coming days. Christians
must be aware.
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References
Cole-Turner, R. (2011). Technology and Eschatology. Metanexus.
https://www.metanexus.net/technology-and-eschatology/
End Timers Prophecy. (n.d.). Is the mark of the beast the RFID chip or technology?
https://www.end-times-prophecy.org/mark-of-beast-rfid-technology.html
Parent Ministry. (n.d.). What is the mark of the beast? https://www.markofbeast.net/
Knorr, E. (2020). Revelation and Bible Prophecy: A Comparison of Eschatological Views:
Dispensationalism and Preterism. PDF.
https://www.cs.ubc.ca/~knorr/public/comparison_of_eschat_models.pdf
Revelation 14:9-10. (2016). . Bible Gateway. ESV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Revelation+14%3A9-10%2C%26version=ESV
Revelation 13:16-17. (2016). . Bible Gateway. ESV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Revelation+13%3A16-17%26version=ESV
Stair, R., & Reynolds, G. (2017). (013th ed.). Cengage Principles of information systems
Learning.
Parshall, C. (2014). Dark innovation: The role of technology in revelation 13. Israel My Glory.
https://israelmyglory.org/article/dark-innovation-the-role-of-technology-in-revelation-13
