If the rapture is not pre-trib, Christ will get me through it, but in no way am I in danger of losing my salvation over end times doctrine. Again, the mark of the beast is not something you will be able to take without knowing its import.
It’s good that you’re open-minded, but if the mark is something that is not already existent, consider what I see as the “softening up” of newer generations.
Do you have and/or plan to get any tattoos? How about other body modifications, like body piercings?
Would you like to have a way to hedge your money against hyperinflation? Does the idea of a cashless society, which is almost a reality, excite you? Would you like to have a currency that’s impossible to steal, and would thus deter robbery and muggings? And make identity theft non-existent?
How about a paperless medical system, where you can go to the doctor and never worry about forgetting to tell them about allergies or other parts of your medical history?
Or how about your child or dementia-afflicted parent ever getting lost again? No more kidnappings or deaths from exposure for these loved ones?
These are just some of the things promised (and in some cases already delivered) by advanced mobile and tracking technologies.
Imagine this carrot dangled in front of you while the stick is waiting to whack you in the head: no more easy meals or medicine (even OTC) or countless other comforts of civilization unless you adopt a particular technology.
It would be VERY hard to resist, assuming you even knew what the implications were.
It will not be hard at all for the indwelt Christian to resist. And I have no doubt that those taking the mark will fully understand the implications. I believe it will require some form of worship of the AC or one world government to take the mark. God would not allow people to take a mark damning them for all eternity without understanding the consequences. I for one have no tattoos and will not allow anything implanted in my body, and have discussed the same with my children.
It would be VERY hard to resist, assuming you even knew what the implications were.
Likely most Christians would not be able to resist the mark...
Watch your kids starve or take the mark...
Die of pneumonia or take the mark...
Freeze to death in the Northern States in winter or take the mark...
Have your head chopped off or take the mark...
Thank God we Christians won't have to make those choices...
Rev_3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
You are so right about that!
May I add some other little “conveniences” and incremental innovations that could very easily lead to “The Mark of the beast”:
1. Loyalty Cards at Grocery Stores and Pharmacies:
It used to be that a “sale was a sale, a coupon was a coupon, and a deal was a deal. NOW, unless you present a “Loyalty Card” you can’t get the “2 for 1”, use coupons, or get discounts.
2. Obamacare:
Citizens are now required by law to have medical insurance. And it has to be just what the government demands or you get fined (or “Taxed!”)
3. Turnpike Passes:
A sticker in your window tells the government where you are driving, and what time of day it is, and you PAY for the privilege. Many turnpikes have removed their human occupied toll booths, thus making these stickers mandatory.
4. Surveillance cameras:
EVERYWHERE...yet they do nothing to prevent or solve crimes.
5. Red Light Cameras:
It has been shown that these cause more accidents than they prevent.
6. ATM debit cards:
All your purchases are being monitored.
(Plus, all the other things you mentioned!)