Yes, the mark of the beast is a future system of economic control and identification that leads to divine judgment.
According to Scripture, the mark is required to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17). Les Feldick teaches that it will likely be an 18-digit computer number placed on the hand or forehead, enabling electronic transactions. Those who take the mark receive God's wrath, as seen in the first bowl judgment.
Revelation 13:16-17 — This passage directly defines the mark and its economic function, making it central to understanding its significance.
Revelation 13:16-17 states that the false prophet causes all people to receive a mark in their right hand or forehead, and that no one can buy or sell without it. This indicates that the mark is a form of identification and economic control. Revelation 16:2 indicates that those who have the mark and worship the beast's image will be struck with painful sores as part of God's judgment.
Les Feldick identifies the mark as an 18-digit computer number, consisting of three sets of six digits, similar to universal product codes. He suggests it may be placed on the hand or forehead and revealed under ultraviolet light for electronic scanning, enabling cashless transactions. He clarifies that this mark will not appear until the Tribulation, and since believers will be raptured before then, Christians need not fear being forced to take it. He also notes that modern precursors like social security numbers and transaction cards indicate the technology is already in place. Taking the mark results in eternal doom, and during the Tribulation, those without it may still have an opportunity for salvation through the 144,000 Jewish evangelists.
Les explains that the mark will function as a computer number enabling electronic transactions. People will use it for buying, selling, and receiving salaries, likely by scanning it without needing a card.
Les says that precursors of the mark exist today, such as the universal product code and social security numbers. He points to a card in Europe with personal health and financial data as a stepping stone, but emphasizes that the actual mark will not appear until the Tribulation.
Scripture shows that those who receive the mark and worship the beast's image will suffer painful sores as part of the first bowl judgment. Les adds that taking the mark seals one's doom with no opportunity for salvation.
What Are the 7 Bowl Judgments? Revelation 15–16 Explained
and so on and so forth." You see the praise and the exalting of that song? Well now come back to Revelation and this is exactly what they are going to be singing and proclaiming here in the very presence of God. Now come down to verse 3, and they will sing the song of Moses, the song of the Lamb, saying, "...Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy ways.
Mark and the Number
The mark is a number required to buy or sell, and computer systems use numbers like universal product codes.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream That Predicted Every World Empire — Daniel 2
And so, verse 16, so this false religious leader will cause all, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead so that no man may buy or sell except he has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name. Now, we know that when it comes to computers, everything is based on numbers.
Mark as Computer Number
The mark of the beast is an 18-digit computer number, and taking it means eternal doom.
Mark and Electronic Transactions
The mark will be an 18-digit number on the hand or forehead for electronic scanning, and believers will not be present.
Precursors of the Mark
Social security numbers and transaction cards are precursors to the mark, indicating the technology is ready.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream That Predicted Every World Empire — Daniel 2
So, I have taught since computers came on the scene in the early seventies that I'm convinced that this mark of the beast is nothing more, nothing less than an 18-digit computer number that will either be put on the hand or on the forehead, maybe in such a way that only an ultraviolet light will make it appear, so that as people come through a checkout line or they receive their salaries or so for…
Mark and Economic Control
The false prophet forces all to receive the mark, and no one can buy or sell without it.
Revelation 13:16-17: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, 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.
This verse defines the mark and its economic necessity.
Revelation 16:2: And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
This shows the divine judgment upon those who take the mark.
The mark of the beast is a sign of allegiance to the Antichrist, required for buying and selling. Les Feldick believes it will be an 18-digit computer number, possibly on the hand or forehead, used for electronic transactions.
Les Feldick teaches that believers will be raptured before the Tribulation, so they will never face the choice. He emphasizes that Christians need not worry about being forced to take it.
Taking the mark results in God's judgment, including painful sores (Revelation 16:2). Les also says it seals the person's eternal doom with no chance of salvation.
Watch the Teaching: What Are the 7 Bowl Judgments? Revelation 15–16 Explained