By John Roberts, November 17, 1999

What is the significance and relevance of this story to last days prophecy?

This story shows just how dependent modern society has become on computers and the data used by information systems.

In the Holy Bible we find a prophecy concerning computers.

Revelation 13:16-18

16    He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,
17    and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18    Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

Obviously this is a description of an electronic funds transaction system. And those who enter into this system will be required to wear an identification mark to use the system - for transactions like buying products, getting paid by your employer, paying your taxes.

Revelation 16:2

16    So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.

By accepting the mark of the beast a person will in fact be siding with Satan in this grand struggle of good against evil. And this would be a very bad decision because scripture tells us the punishment for worshiping Satan over God.

Revelation 19:20

16    Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Centuries ago no one knew exactly what the mark of the beast could be. The idea of buying and selling with a mark sounded absurd.

However, today we are being forced to make more and more electronic transactions. The idea of a checkbook has already come and gone. The new system will be all electronic.

Only in our generation has it become possible to have a worldwide paperless economy. And the growing computer industry has made "the mark" possible.

I believe that the Internet has provided the final piece to the puzzle of the mark of the beast. Have you used E-mail yet? Or perhaps you have bought something on-line? It is very easy and quick.

When telecommunications, the web, and fast computers are combined with corrupt politicians we will see the mark of the beast and the literal fulfillment of this prophecy.

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