Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (Revelation 13:18)
Those of you who have been following my commentaries for awhile know that I have written about the coming mark of the beast a couple of times before. There has been, however, a very recent event that may be the catalyst and needed rationale for the government to soon begin implementing a universal, secure, personal encoded identification system.
This personal identification system could then be the precursor of the coming Antichrist's mark that will give him alone universal control of financial transactions and the world economy during the seven year tribulation period; And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:16, 17)
Recently, one of the major credit reporting companies confessed that 143 million of their consumer's names (including mine), social security numbers, dates of birth and other personal data had been stolen via hacked computers. This stolen data is perfect for identity theft, such as getting a loan in your name or getting a tax refund from the IRS in your name. And of course once the information the hackers obtained is out there, your're vulnerable to identity theft for the rest of your life.
As I have previously written, a universal, secure, personal encoded identification system makes a lot of sense from a humanistic perspective. By providing government oversight and control of every financial transaction, we could eliminate tax fraud, bad debts, illegal drug sales, credit card fraud and other illegal financial transactions. However, in the wrong hands (Antichrist), this economic power would allow for total control with evil motives and ultimately dire consequences for humanity. Fear not...The Lord is near! Maranatha!