First let us begin by looking at some commonly held beliefs regarding the taking of the Mark. Many Christians believe they will be informed that the Mark is of the Anti-christ and they will be conciously choosing between Satan or God. Those who hold to this view have not payed attention to Revelation 13:13 Which states "And he doeth great wonders so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men". (King James Version) In the very next verse, Revelation 13:14 John states "And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles...." It is clear the Anti-christ will be trying to convince people he is the true Christ by performing these miracles. If he is trying to deceive people about who he is why would he give people a clear decision regarding the Mark. I don't beleive he will. Those who take the mark will be deceived in to taking the mark. Let us look at the Strongs Concordance definition for "receive" (G1325). According to Strongs Concordance receive is defined as;
- 2. To Give something to someone
- (a.) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
- 1. to bestow a gift
- (b.) to grant, give to one asking, let have
- (c.) to supply, furnish, necessary things (Strongs Concordance)
Based on the Strongs Concordance definition above those who receive the mark will not be forced through violence, with a clear cut choice between Satan or God, they will accept the Mark perceiving it as an "Advantage", "a gift" and they will "ask" for this mark viewing it as a "necessary thing".
The question you may ask is why would anybody view the Mark of the Beast in such a manner. The answer is because they will have no other choice. The technology required to implement and enforce the Mark is currently being put in place. The whole system of how we buy and sell is changing. This system, when in place will offer no other way for you to engage in commerce other than with the Mark.
Take for example JC Penny. JC Penny has been one of the largest retailers in the US for many years. They have announced recently their plans to change the way we shop by removing traditional cash registers and replacing them with self checkout systems which will use RFID chips located in the items. The result will be shoppers will no longer be required to scan the items they are purchasing. the system will be able to read all of the items and then allow you to pay using your mobile device. (Thompson, 2012) The excuse given for this transition to a cashless transaction is almost alway cost. Most companies adopting this technology will cite the added cost of managing cash transaction as a main driver towards the implementation of mobile transactions. This is why people need to re-think this topic.
Let me end this blog by painting a more plausible scenario regarding implementation of the Mark of the Beast. Imagine every store you visit requiring you to pay with your mobile device, to include kiosks and vending machines. Imagine this system being in place for 5 or 10 years and everybody becoming dependant on this economic system. Then imagine the Anti-Christ showing up with miracles and all. After so many years of being dependant on this system who will then throw their mobile devices away and return to living like the Amish? This is how things are trending folks! For those in the US who don't believe this scenario is possible then go ahead and return to watching your analog TV. That is another example of how a change to the system forced everybody else to change.
For those interested in reading more regarding the topics discussed in this post please read "In Your Hand or On Your Head".
You should also check out my research for an indepth look in to the Mark of the Beast from a Marketing perspective. "Missed the Mark"
For similiar research regarding smartphones and the Mark of the Beast, from a Catholic Theologians perspective please see Emmet O'Regans work "Cell Phones and the Mark of the Beast".
References:
Thompson, Steven R. "J.C. Penney CEO Reveals Plans for Mobile Checkout, RFID." - Dallas Business Journal. Dallas Business Journal, 19 July 2012. Web. 11 Aug. 2012. <http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/07/19/jc-penney-ceo-ron-johnson-reveals.html>.
