There are many people who are afraid of taking the mark of the beast.
The teaching of Christianity is that whoever does not take the mark of the beast will be tormented and killed.
However, the Bible makes no such claim, and it is actually those who take the mark who will suffer the consequences.
The only downfall for those who refuse it, is that they will not be able to buy or sell.
There is no evidence that anyone who refuses the mark will be killed.
It is only those who do not worship the image of the beast who will be killed.
(See Revelation 13:16-17).
Regardless, of the facts, people are still afraid to receive the mark of the beast.
But what most do not realize, is that the mark is already here.
In order to understand what the mark is, we first have to understand who the beast is.
Simply put, the beast can refer to either the Jews that lived at the time of Jesus' death, or the Roman Catholic Church.
Both the Jews and the Roman Catholic Church were ordained to carry out the gospel to the world.
But instead, the Jews crucified Jesus, and the Roman Catholic Church persecuted and martyred many Christians.
As a result, both of them can be referred to as the beast.
So then, to have the mark of the beast, simply means to have a similar character as the beast.
It simply means to go against the teachings of Jesus, or to persecute the true believers.
The three sixes are not yet completed, but they are being put together.
And once everything is in place, then no one will be able to buy or sell unless they have the mark.
It is interesting to note that the mark of the beast can be taken either on the forehead, or on the right hand.
This is symbolic language which translates into thoughts and actions.
To receive the mark of the beast on the forehead, simply means that one serves the beast within the mind.
This could be negative thoughts towards another person, anger or even living in fantasy.
With a wicked thought life, the person can still look righteous on the outside, as the mark is within the mind.
Taking the mark on the right hand, however, will make the wickedness visible to everyone around.
In this case, the individual might engage in gross sins such as stealing, adultery, murder or other criminal acts.
In light of this definition, the mark of the beast really is not that scary.
No one will be forced to take it, but rather, it is something that people voluntarily engage in.
Yes, Revelation says that the beast will cause men to take the mark, but it does not mean that it will force them to do so.