Introduction Many supermarkets are installing "Swipe Card" machines that automatically transacts funds from your bank account to theirs. This is one sign that we are going to a cashless society. By swiping your card and punching your number, the whole transaction is made. Also popping up everywhere are machines in stores to do your banking at. Amazingly, 10 to 15 banks, credit unions, etc. are ALL tied into this one machine!
The Universal (not American, Canadian Product Code is commonplace today. Those black lines on every product you buy! Missionaries report that these marks are found all over the world. It's a one-world system. Just think: Someone, somewhere decides what you pay for everything!
The only flaw with carrying plastic cards is that they can be stolen or lost. The solution being experimented with in parts of Europe is marking the hand with an invisible tattoo that can be swiped across a machine. MARKING PEOPLE? That's right, thus replacing plastic cards.
These developments remind me of what the Bible predicted 1,891 years ago in Revelation 13:16-18: "And he causeth all ... to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name ... and his number is 666."
Advancing technology is making this system possible today!
More Indications Of His Coming The rise of Satan Worship is no coincidence with the times of the beast. Missing children, Heavy Metal music, and the Satanic Bible are indications of Satan Worship. This is relevant to the Beast for his "coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders," we are told in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. (Study Revelation 13:2 and 12:9)
Besides the coming one-world banking system and Satan worship, the apostasy of modern religion indicates the soon appearing of this man. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 says, "For that day shall not come, except there come a falling away (literally Apostasy) first, AND THAT MAN OF SIN BE REVEALED..." As we see religion today having beer blasts, carnivals, gambling, dances and pseudo-Christian Rock music, we know that is the days of Apostasy!
What Will The Beast Be Like? Many things are recorded of this man's character. A few are mentioned here. They can all be easily fulfilled today:
1. He will be the epitome of humanism. He will be the climax of Individualism! 2 Thessalonians. 2:4 says he "exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (They are collecting stones now to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem!) Humanism, the selfish, self-centered, me, myself and I religion of today has been the devil's deceptive lie to mankind since Eden. It was there he duped Eve promising her, "Ye shall be as gods," Genesis 3:5. In the last days, "... men shall be lovers of their own selves." 2 Timothy 3:1,2. Sound like today?
2. His message will be peace. Does the world desire peace today? What is the message of political and religious leaders alike today? PEACE! This war torn world is looking to someone that can bring about global rest. Daniel 8:25 says he "... by peace shall destroy many." During his reign, "when they shall say Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." Even this man will fail to bring peace. As long as man rejects the Prince of peace (Jesus Christ - Isaiah 9:16), he will never have peace!
3. Disregard for women. He'll have no "desire for women," Daniel 11:37. Perhaps an indication of homosexuality. Jesus said the last days would be like Sodom and Gommorha, plagued with the unnatural, sinful practice of homosexuality. There is more of this going on than we think.
4. He will be anti-Christ. He thinks he is God, and will stand up to all others, including Christ! "He shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes," Daniel 8:25. "Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers," Daniel 11:37. (Study 1 John 2:18) Being anti-Christ, he will also be anti-Christian. He "shall wear out the mighty and holy people" and "wear out the saints." Consult Daniel 7:21, 25 and 8:24. He will persecute God's chosen people, the Jews, and the nation of Israel, Revelation 12. Israel has always been a hated nation, because it is a testimony of God's power to preserve it. The fact that it exists today is proof that God still reigns in the affairs of men. (Study Ezekiel 37, 38, 39)
5. He will be aided by a well known religious leader. Revelation 18 tells of the coming one-world political system. Rev. 17 tells of the coming one-world religious system. Both are anti-Christ. Globalism was predicted 2000 years ago! The Ecumenical movement is the vehicle being used to bring about this one-world religious system and leader. Interesting to note, the word "ecumenical" means "universal!" A world renowned religious leader will gather the allegiance of all religions and give it to the beast, convincing all people to take his mark (666.) Read about this in Revelation 13:11-18, 16:13-14. He will appear as a lamb, speak as a dragon and do miracles by the "spirits of devils."
6. His reign will be short and troubled. See Daniel 11:40-45. Those who live selfishly will always have short and troubled lives. His reign will only last 7 years, a time of "great tribulation." (Matthew 24:21-22) A time worse than anything the world has ever seen. The world isn't getting better, but worse!
7. He will be lost forever. Revelation 19:20 says, "And the Beast was taken, and ... the false prophet. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone." (See also Revelation 20:10, Daniel 7:11) Why? Because he rejected Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvations," Hebrews 2:3.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him," John 3:36.
Conclusion Humanism's hour will be a devastating failure. Apostate religion has already failed, but JESUS NEVER FAILS! Christ will come and destroy the beast with the brightness of His coming! (II Thessalonians 2:8) He shall set up His Kingdom on earth that shall never be destroyed! (Matthew 6:10, Daniel 7:14) Everything on earth is happening the way God said it would! We are in the twilight of human history. Do not procrastinate! Receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour today! Setting aside religion, your good works, or any effort you are making to earn your own salvation, will you accept God's only way of salvation, faith in Jesus Christ? It was Christ who died on the cross, not any particular religion or church!
