The implementation of a global identification system, as I was saying before, is well underway. This web page from an immigration service shows just how far on we are towards implementing a global "Mark of the Beast" system. The document states that every Western nation is now working towards implementing RFID identification systems, replacing paper documentation with high-tech solutions. Everything from visas and passports to social services and national identification systems are being completely overhauled. The US and UK are already issuing RFID passports, the UK will start issuing identification cards in 2008 to EU immigrants and Australia is proposing to introduce a voluntary RFID social services card. By 2010 the UK hope to introduce a compulsory national identification card. And by 2010, according to the document, you will need RFID enabled identification to cross any border, by land, sea or air... 

Quote: "Beginning in 2007, all travelers across the U.S. border by plane, boat or train must present new, secure travel documents. For citizens without passports and nationals of countries without other biometric identification, something called a "PASS card" is currently under development. The policy applies to U.S. citizens and all immigrants and visitors, with or without visa. By 2008, the next generation of identification documents will be ready, and all travel across the border will require documents. By 2010, it is unlikely that any border crossing will be legal without a biometric RFID document of some sort, even a daytrip to Canada. That trend is being seen across all the western nations of the world. The European Union especially is devoting enormous resources toward an EU solution using RFID technology.

And because this push towards a biometric identification system is global, when it comes to launching the Mark of the Beast, it will just be a natural progression to start receiving a chip in your hand or forehead. I wonder if Prime Minister Tony Blair would have any "civil liberties" problems with that, after all they've already got all your data, they just want to make it more secure. I do believe there is nothing to fear from having a card with biometric information on it (my only concern being who would abuse that information), and the real Mark of the Beast system will be linked with worship of the Antichrist. But today's news shows us just how far we have come, and how little in the way of prophecy actually needs to be fulfilled before we start seeing passages in Revelation coming to pass.

Revelation 14:9-10 
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

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