What is the mark of the beast (Rev 13:16; 14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4)? John the Revelator describes it in Revelation 13:16-17: “Also it [second beast] causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 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.”
I’ve always thought of the mark of the beast (MOTB) as being some kind of physical branding or object on/in the hand or forehead that would allow one to participate in commerce under the Beast’s rule. Given the fact that technology has already been developed and tested that employs microchips in the hand or forehead, I considered it likely that the MOTB will be some sort of microchip that one is forced to implant in their body as a sign of their allegiance to the Beast and as a condition to engage in commerce.
I’ve begun a new podcast series on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. The series will not only cover the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, but also explore alternative (naturalistic) explanations, the evidence for Jesus’ existence, the theological and practical significance of the resurrection, questions and objections, our own future resurrection, an examination of the Shroud of Turin, and a harmonization of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Thinking to Believe 