terry
That assumes you are correct in your identification of it, doesn't it?!
The fact that it is on the forehead or hand is an obvious reference to Deuteronomy 11:18, which means that the mark has got to be some kind of explicit commitment to the beast and thus an explicit rejection of Jesus. I am sure it is going to be something visible.
There is a strong tendency for Americans to think that their circumstances are the norm. In fact, the widespread use of RFID in the Third World is extremely unlikely, because the infrastructure for it does not exist. A market trader selling for cash in a small town in Africa isn't going to have the ability to scan an RFID chip, still less to decide to whom he should sell on the basis of it.
Visble? Yes, it will be clearly shown where the line is between the wicked and the just. However, a literal, physical mark? No. Deuteronomy 6:6-8, 11:18-19, Exodus 13:7-9,15-16 prove hands down that it won't be a literal physical mark. It will be a choice, something human beings will have full capability to make an intelligent decision over, and none will be without the light of it (that's why there is no mercy mingled with the wrath, this has been warned about, and talked about for ages, it's the Final Time of Trouble, that we have had ample time to get ready for). The Mark and the Seal will be a sign of obediance, to either Satan or Jesus Christ.
It is also depicted in Revelation 14:1-12. In verses 6-7 we are shown the angel warns us about worshipping Him who created Heaven and earth. In verses 8-11, it is shown the people who accept the Beast's mark, and worship the beast and his image, so it's obvious from previous verses it's of obediance of some sort. Then Revelation 14:12 confirms that by stating that the Saints keep the faith of Jesus, and the commandments of God. Obediance vs disobediance. The Worship of God vs the worship of the beast.
