The Israeli government have revealed plans for the creation of a nation-wide biometric identification database that they hope to launch within the next couple of weeks. The pilot scheme is to run for an initial period of two years, after which a decision will be made whether or not to make it permanent. Israelis renewing their identification papers or passports within this timeframe will be asked whether or not they want to take part in the trial. Those that do will be issued with a 'smart card', which can be used to verify an individual's biometric identification details, including fingerprints, facial features and more...

Quote: “The biometric database is a computerized compilation of data, collecting and centralizing fingerprints and facial features of all citizens of Israel, as part of a process of issuing new ‘smart’ identification documents. The digital chip in the new ‘smart’ I.D.s will contain biometric data to enable the bearer to be identified according to physical traits, fingerprints and facial features.

The Interior Ministry believe that this card will help to facilitate international travel by providing an easier way for airlines to verify the identity of their passengers. But the initiative has been opposed by the Association for Civil Rights who believe that the centralized database will infringe on civil liberties by providing authorities with a massive 'police database' that could be used to collate information on individuals and track their movements.

Israel is of course not the only country in the world implementing such a system. Around five or six years ago I commented on British government's plan to introduce a similar system here. Thankfully the UK's plans for a national biometric identification card were scrapped after the House of Lords rejected the Prime Minister's attempt to bring the legislation in the back door. The government relented but the electronic passports were brought in as a compromise measure, and now anyone wanting to obtain a passport will automatically receive an RFID-enabled one containing all their their biometric information.

RFID is fast becoming the preferred method of identification, not only for passports and driver licences, but also for financial transactions. You may remember how the Baja Beach Club in Spain are already using the VeriChip, a tiny RFID chip implanted in the right arm or wrist, as a preferred method of payment for their clientèle. Look at the following advertisement produced by IBM around 2006. The video shows a suspicious looking character walking quickly through a supermarket. He lifts various items and hides them in his trench coat. He is closely watched by a security guard, two sales clerks, security cameras and several shoppers, the inference being made that he is a shoplifter. The security guard closes in. But as he walks out of the store, the items in his coat are scanned by RFID. He is also scanned and his account automatically debited. The security guard stops him, but only to give him his receipt. The advertisement then states, “Check-out lines, who needs them? This is the future of eBusiness”.

It is a scary future. Perhaps RFID enabled checkouts will eliminate queues and drive down costs. Perhaps a cashless society would reduce petty theft and make it easier and quicker to purchase items. But it is chilling when you remember that it was IBM that built the machines that enabled Hitler to track the six million Jews that were sent to their deaths during the Nazi Holocaust. The Bible also foretells of a time when a world leader will arise, and will compel all people to receive an identifying mark in their right hand or in their forehead. And that without this identifying mark, or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name, no man should be able to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-18). Today we have the technology to implement such a system. And as you can see, with advertisements like these, the global population is already being conditioned into accepting it as normal.

As believers, we are not against these systems because we have something to hide, nor are we fearful of them. The Bible tells us that we should be subject to the higher powers for they are ordained of God (Romans 13). But the Bible also forewarns us what can happen when such information falls into the wrong hands.

This news shows us how close we are getting to the time of the great tribulation, as mentioned in the books of Jeremiah, Daniel and Revelation. It also shows us just how close we may be to the return of Israel's Messiah. Most of the Old Testament prophets had something to say about His coming, but Zechariah describes both events in great detail. Zechariah 9 tells of the Messiah's first coming, His entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey. Zechariah 11 mentions His betrayal to the temple priests, and how He was sold into their hands for 30 pieces of silver. Zechariah 12 speaks of how the Messiah would be crucified (see also Psalm 22). Zechariah 13 and 14 will be fulfilled at His second coming. In chapter 13, the identifying marks of Israel's true Messiah are mentioned. The wounds in His hands will be evidence to a repentant nation of Israel that the one that they had preciously rejected and crucified was indeed their own dear Messiah. And just as Joseph's brothers were reconciled to him in the book of Genesis, so the nation of Israel will one day be reconciled to their Messiah. And Zechariah 14 tells us the manner of His coming, and how He will save His people from the enemy.

Do you recognize Him? There are many other Scriptures we could quote to show that the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed Israel's true Messiah. Isaiah 53 is a beautiful passage showing us how the Messiah would suffer and die for our sins. This passage cannot be referring to the nation of Israel as some modern rabbis now claim, because verse 8 says, “For the transgression of my people was he stricken”. He died for you. He gave His life a sacrifice upon the cross so that your sins might be forgiven. And the Bible says that all who receive Him as their Lord and Saviour can know their sins forgiven and have everlasting life in heaven. Have you trusted Him for salvation? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Source Haaretz