16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let him who has understanding reckon the number of the beast, for it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty-six. Revelation 13:16-18
Remember, The Revelation is a book of symbolic prophecy. Literal marks fall outside the parameters of the rules of hermeneutics. Bank Cards, Social Security numbers, UPC barcodes, or computer chips, and whatever technologies are next, are not what is meant.
The Dispensational Futurist has generated considerable speculation. They tickle the ears, alarming the gullible, often those who never actually read the Text and consider carefully that it takes wisdom to figure this out. This symbolic mark cannot, by definition, be a literal or the next advancement in streamlining commerce.
There are other such marks elsewhere in the Bible. In Exodus 13:16, the Lord instructs the Israelite’s to bind His words on their hands and foreheads as a sign. This is a type of symbolic seal or mark of those who follow the LORD. [Ezek. 9:3-8] Believers are now sealed with the Holy Spirit. [Eph 1:13; 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22] There has never been a literal mark that God puts on His people; it is a spiritual identification of ownership. The Torah forbids such marks. [Lev. 19:28]
The Greek word charagma means a meaningful mark that has been engraved, imprinted, or branded. It is a mark of relationship or loyalty. Such marks were historically a ritualistic cutting in the flesh that identified the participant with a specific cult. As such, it is foremost a sign of belonging to the beast’s party, religion, or followers. It is a sign of membership. There is nothing here to indicate that this is about worldwide commerce. Only those with this mark of an insider may participate in the buying or selling within the cult.
So is there such a “mark” in the Roman Church?”
The Roman Church Marks
In an older Roman Catholic Church Catechism, it used to read, “What is a Christian? One who has received the mark or sign of the cross made with the right hand on the forehead.” In the most recent English version, it now says: —
1671 Among sacramental,s blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father “with every spiritual blessing.” This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the holy sign of the cross of Christ.
It is important in the Roman Church that this sign be performed perfectly. Here is a post on how to teach children to make this sign. [See Also: The Sign of the Cross] This mark or sign is used as an outward sign of membership or identification with the Roman Catholic Church.
The mark of the beast was also required for people to buy or sell church offices and roles or sacred things! Although from time to time, normal commerce was also affected. The buying and selling of indulgences, ritual liturgy, penance, relics, and church office (simony) have been rampant in the Roman Church. One’s salvation is usually dependent on some payment made in some way to the Roman Church.