WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE “MARK”
Revelation 16:2 and 19:20 cite the “mark of the beast” as a sign that identifies those who worship the beast out of the sea ( Rev 13:1 ).
This beast is usually identified as the antichrist. This mark is first mentioned in 13:16-17, where it is imposed on humanity by the beast out of the earth ( 13:11 ).
This second beast is the false prophet ( 19:20 ), who forces the worship of the antichrist and brands those who do so with the mark.
This mark is equivalent to the beast’s name or number ( 13:17 ; cf. 14:11 ). This enigmatic number is announced in 13:18 as 666.
When you fully understand the issues surrounding the mark of the beast, you comprehend something much larger than simply the identification of the beast power. You’re looking at this controversy between good and evil.
You’re looking at the value and dignity of human worth. If we simply evolved; if we’re just skin covering bones; if we’re merely an elaborated amoeba molecule; if we’re no more than a genetic accident—then human life has little value. So the Sabbath speaks about Creation. It speaks about my value in God eyes.
