Mark of the Beast

relating to the number 666 will probably be a silicon chip storing all the important information without which they will not be able to buy or sell. To all choices, there are consequences; refusing to receive this identifying mark (which signifies allegiance or worship of Satan), may well result in martyrdom, while all those who receive this Mark of the Beast will face God’s judgement in the lake of fire and so Christians must not yield to this pressure.  This mark distinguishes Satan’s people from those who have God’s mark on their forehead – only those with God’s mark will enter heaven (Rev 7:3, 14:9-12, 20:4). It is one mark or the other – not both! It would appear that taking the mark of the beast will be a blasphemous act of willful defiance against God, essentially worshiping Satan. Those who take the mark have made the choice to serve Satan rather than obey God and receive Christ as Saviour. Credit cards are not the Mark of the Beast. 

There are various different views as to the timing of the rapture (when Christians are taken to heaven). The most widely accepted view is this will take place before the Antichrist implements this measure of requiring everyone to take his mark on/into their body, and so it is only those who turn to Christ during the tribulation who will be subject to this major decision that will impact on their eternal destiny. Whatever the timing the Bible is clear, if you want to go to heaven do not receive this identifying mark.

See also: Antichrist, end times, rapture, tribulation.