The mark of the beast is something that will be given in or around the seven years of tribulation. The mark of the beast will be put on the hand or forehead and will dictate whether people are able to buy or sell things. (See Revelation 13:16-17.)
The mark will symbolize faithfulness to the beast. This devotion to the beast will be in complete opposition to the things of God. Therefore, there will be consequences for those choosing to bear the mark. (See Revelation 14:9-11.) There will be no salvation for those who align themselves with the beast!
Through the mark of the beast, the enemy will mimic and pervert the mark God prescribed for the Jews as a sign of His grace following their deliverance from Egypt. Exodus 13:9 says, “It shall be a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord's law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt.” The Lord used similar language when He told His people to teach their children God’s commands. Deuteronomy 6:8 says, “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” In response, the Jews began to wear phylacteries (small boxes containing Scripture they were to be memorizing). These things were to be done in an attitude of worship and gratefulness for the freedom found in the Lord.
See the difference? The beast’s mark will be a sign of enslavement; God’s mark is always a sign of freedom.
