Rev 13:16  “He required everyone–great and small, rich and poor, slave and free–to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead.  Rev v17  And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.”

This passage is speaking of events that happen half way through the Great Tribulation period, and it shows us two things are still required.   A.  An International Monetary System.   B.  A New World Order.            Both could be achieved within four years if necessary.

Most nations are screaming for a new world currency to replace the US Dollar, which they believe is the cause of this financial disaster which has cost most nations dearly.  Leading the charge are China, Russia, India and Brazil.  Muslim nations and most others will soon follow if it gets up.  How easily could a New World Currency be controlled?  Very easily, through the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund.

Cash, credit cards & debit cards are accelerating down the path to extinction, according to reports from many sources.      http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25640061-5015839,00.html

Today’s micro chip can not only to conduct your banking, it can also give doctors your medical history, track lost Alzheimer sufferers, stolen children, escaped prisoners, even open the door of your house or car, plus much more.   Link these chips to a central bank and you have it.  By Rev 13:16 the world’s population will have halved, many raptured, many dead from famines, plagues and war, and many already beheaded, so the job will not be so big by then.  These chips are already being mass produced for Visa, Mastercard etc.  Is the chip the mark of the beast?  I doubt it, but it would help him greatly to control the world financial system when it gets going. (See  http://www.av1611.org/666/biochip.html )  Part B next time.