See Topic: Space Travel and Widespread Use of Global Satellite Communications System for more information)
One of the methods to seek out and destroy Christians in the Great Tribulation period (last 3 1/2 years of 7 year tribulation) is the use of a global computer network. It is currently in place. We hear people talking about it almost every day in reference to the "Information Superhighway" and the Internet. These are only part of the system which will be used.
(Rev 13:16-17) 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.
Every day another store enhances its options by making it more convenient for the shopper to buy their groceries, get their gas, and purchase new clothes. The global computer finance network hooks up thousands of banks to local and global merchants. At an ever-growing number of retail outlets, use of debit cards to connect directly to checking and savings accounts is being implemented.
This is not the only amazing piece of technology linked to scripture. In a recent CNN report, it was shown how horses are identified by injecting a computer chip underneath the skin which could then be read by computer scanners. It is also being done to dogs and house pets. These chips will later be used for a more convenient method of buying and selling for human beings.
Today, we use credit and debit cards all over the world. But as crime grows and people get more insecure concerning the safety of their "plastic" money, a new and much more "convenient" method will be introduced.
The implementation of a computerized material placed on the right hand or forehead will be the cure-all to financial crime and insecurities. It will be a windfall for governments in terms of controlling criminal activities as well as the revenues produced from the collapse of the underground markets. No longer will people be able to avoid paying taxes by compensating workers or selling products "under the table".
This new method of finance could also be implemented because of a financial collapse caused by the extraordinary national debt and a general lack of confidence in the currency. Since the United States stopped exchanging dollars for gold in 1971 and soon thereafter stopped the exchange of silver, confidence is all the dollar has left.
Today, we are seeing a growing amount of counterfeiting resulting from an increase in technology which enables one to copy money more easily. Look for this problem to escalate. Look for changes in our paper currency in the government's desperate attempt to slow this problem.
The technology is currently in place for Antichrist to use. These different methods of payment are not wrong to be using currently, but soon they will be. Soon, Antichrist will be demanding the use of electronic computer chips to purchase and to sell. However, there is a warning to not take the mark. We are told not to inject this chip under the skin of our right hand or forehead no matter how convenient or compelling it may seem.
(Rev 14:9-11) Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, {10} "he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. {11} "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
(Rev 19:20) 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.
Antichrist will be overthrown, but so will many of his unknowing followers who take his mark.
The implementation of the mark will take place somewhere inside the second half of the tribulation's seven year period. However, avoiding the mark will be only one of many difficulties facing the Christian. There will be many natural and man made disasters to avoid or endure.
Notice this recent article in USA Today:
NATIONAL ID CARDS LET UNCLE SAM SPY ON YOU
USA Today (US) - FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY July 15, 1994
Think the federal government already knows too much about your private life? Hang on. The granddaddy of all privacy invasions - a national ID card - is marching onto Capitol Hill. Startling numbers of Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, are embracing variations of the identity card - all in the name of immigration reform. They contend the cards could keep illegal immigrants out of American jobs by requiring potential bosses to use the cards and accompanying national data base to verify citizenship. Most plans on Capitol Hill - and there are dozens in various bills - require all U.S. citizens, not just recent immigrants, to get cards.
Still, proponents believe the means justify the end - closing the jobs door to illegals. They believe "tamper-proof" IDs, verifiable through the national data base, will stop the use of fraudulent documents to get jobs for non-citizens.
Not likely, say technical experts. Right now, on street corners in California, Texas and other states, fake Social Security cards, passports and driver's licenses can be had for a price. Should a national ID card go into effect, these same counterfeiters would merely turn their talent to producing fake IDs or to producing the fraudulent documents necessary to obtain the national ID.
It would be difficult, however, to counterfeit a chip embedded in your right hand or forehead, wouldn't it.
http://caps.fool.com/Blogs/come-on-boys-line-up-v-chip/109758