TODAY’S WORLD: Digital Identity
Is “the mark” about to appear? …..
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. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (Revelation 13:16-18 KJV)
THE MARK OF THE BEAST
The words recorded at the end of Revelation 13 have intrigued Christian believers for centuries. Much has been written on “the mark of the beast” as Bible students have attempted to identify the coming dictator and his “mark” in particular. Over the past 50 years interest has mounted as technology has advanced. Some have linked the mark to bar-coded products while others believed in-the-wall cash dispensers were introducing something sinister.
Before propagating unfounded theories it is important to understand what the Bible actually teaches. Revelation 13 introduces two beasts. “The first beast” (identified in this way in verse 12 to distinguish him from the second beast) is both a system and an individual. The latter part of the passage seems to focus on the individual – an unbelievably evil man whose mouth blasphemes God (v.6). The second beast works in conjunction with him, is a miracle worker, and has the ability to succeed in deception. It is this second beast (also known as “the false prophet” in Rev.19:20) who orders the construction of “an image to the beast” (13:14) and the imposition of “a mark” in the right hand or forehead (13:16).
The word translated “mark” is charagma meaning something impressed or engraved. All people, whatever their status in society, are ordered to receive this mark. Without it there is no possibility of doing business (v.17). It therefore represents a kind of economic dictatorship. Unless one has this mark, “or the name of the beast, or the number of his name,” he or she will be excluded from social interaction (v.17). The beast’s number is “the number of a man” – 666 (v.18). In Scripture 6 represents man, so a triple 6 suggests a trinity of evil.
THE MEANING OF IT
It is not possible to correctly interpret this number at the present time, but its true meaning will be absolutely clear when that day dawns. However, as we think of the implementation of a system which excludes those who refuse to comply, there are a few points to consider.
At the time of writing (2023) there is a lot of debate over digital identity. It is no secret that world leaders and the heads of global entities are enthusiastically promoting such a scheme. In September 2022 the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided $200 million to create an infrastructure that “encompasses tools such as interoperable payment systems, digital ID, data-sharing systems, and civil registry databases.” In their own words, this will make countries “more resilient to crises such as food shortages, public health threats, and climate change, as well as to aid in pandemic and economic recovery.”
At the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering in Davos in January 2023, the grinning Tony Blair spoke of the importance of “national digital infrastructures” which will identify individuals who have not been “vaccinated”. Some months earlier Tony Blair branded all who refused the experimental Covid-19 injections as “idiots”. Why does he think it so important to “vaccinate” people and force them to have a digital identity?
When digital identity has been implemented, it can track, trace, and monitor the activities of individuals. This digital identity will be the gateway for Central Bank Digital Currency. The aim is to bring in a global social credit system similar to China’s. Once such a scheme is in place we will lose our individual freedom to spend our money as we choose. This will make supporting the Lord’s work difficult. In August 2021 the World Health Organization published a booklet entitled “Digital Documentation of COVID-19 Certificates: Vaccination Status” in which it reveals that the work was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.
Developments are happening constantly. We have reached a point in human history that we have not reached before. Events prophesied in Revelation 13 are about to be fulfilled before our eyes. It is high time to wake up and take notice.