From the time the book of Revelation was written to the present day there has been an enormous amount of speculation about the evil power that will rule the world at the time of the end. Who is the dreaded “beast” of prophecy? What is his “mark” exactly? How could any government have the power to control commerce across the entire globe? Many of the answers to those questions are still speculative. However, more and more we can see developments that are capable of enabling the type of dominance outlined in Bible prophecy.
One such innovation is digital identification. As we delve into the specifics of currently available or proposed roll-outs of digital ID it is important to remember that no system currently in place fits that of the end-time. Rather, we WATCH these developments because they are steps along the way. They demonstrate that the potential for such a system to be deployed exists in a way it never has since the creation of man.
We do not claim “the sky is falling.” There are and will continue to be legitimate arguments in favor of the digitization of many aspects of our lives. As with many other innovations such as driver’s licenses or Social Security cards, there will likely be concerns and resistance to full adoption. Many with well founded logic and objections behind them.
Yet as with those objections, time, necessity or force will eventually overcome them. Far from being the forehead tattoo envisioned once upon a time, the accouterments of the final system most likely will be something humanity is largely comfortable with. Technological progress and its incorporation into existing systems show us how the prophetic becomes possible.
Why Digital?
Security and cost are some of the major inducements touted. Physical cards and documents open the potential for forgery. Leading nations like the US incorporate elaborate measures such as holographic images and other unique security features to prevent reproductions. All of this involves time, effort and expense. Many other nations lack the resources or technological sophistication to create secure physical IDs, making them an unreliable method of identification. Even reliable physical IDs end up being verified by an individual. This leaves the process open to abuse and criminality regardless of how sophisticated the document itself is.
It is estimated that over 30% of the population in low income countries does not have any form of ID. When you think of this in terms of refugees storming the beaches of Europe or caravans to the US border the problem is clear. Most have no documents of any kind, and verifying those who do can be nearly impossible. This is even a problem with travel, or vetting those who cooperate with the US military in foreign operations. Look at the recent case of the Afghani who was granted asylum for his assistance, only to end up opening fire on the National Guard. Not knowing who you are dealing with is a problem, regardless of whether you would prefer to let them in or send them home.
This is a major reason why organizations such as the UN push the roll-out of digital IDs worldwide. They believe lower cost will lead to wider adoption and tout the inclusion of biometrics as a benefit for all sides. Impossible to forge, ease of verification for authorities, security for the individual. A permanent personal record.
Gradual Implementation
It is hard to argue against these inducements. For this reason we already see a blurring of the lines between physical and digital IDs. We do not balk at the inclusion of a photo on our drivers license. Fingerprints are willingly given. Bar-code on the back for extra verification.
Even more advanced methods such as facial scans are becoming commonplace. They are in use at the airport. And compared to the scan that sees through your clothes or a questionably motivated frisking…
The United States is actually requiring facial scans for all non-citizens entering the country as of December 26, 2025. The EU also requires facial scans and fingerprints upon entry. Neither creates an entirely new system; they incorporate new technology alongside the traditional IDs and Passports people are already comfortable with.
Full Digital
Britain is taking it a step further. Digital ID will be necessary to work in the UK by the end of this session of Parliament. It is optional for other uses. The rosy portrayal includes that it’s free (as opposed to the fees that come with traditional IDs) and claims that it will stop people from entering the country illegally and working (which doesn’t bode well for cash). Their government website (gov.uk) claims, “Your free digital ID will be stored securely on your phone… simplifying access to government services…”
Simplified? Perhaps, but the same type of system can be used to restrict as well as allow. China has such a system that can be modified in real time, restricting the ability to travel (particularly to protest), changing your health status, manipulating your finances. Extreme examples, but evidence of what is possible. The system has to be in place before it can be abused.
Yet, convenience can be a strong incentive, as can fear. A quick scan as opposed to mustering your trove of documents. Comfort in not sharing personal details like age or address with everyone who wants to check your ID. Cancellation if lost, as opposed to worrying your information is being misused if a card goes missing.
Many already enroll in optional, private digital ID services for security reasons. Others pay for protections to monitor and ensure fraud isn’t taking place. Digital ID can offer all of that and will be a strong inducement to voluntary adoption.
Nor is bribery off the table. Consider Sam Altman of Open AI. He helped found “Tools for Humanity” which offers an app called “World.” Advertised as a digital ID to ensure humanity and exclude bots from many online services, World distributes their own cryptocurrency to those who are verified through an iris scan.
It is an interesting example of creating a problem and a solution. An oversimplification perhaps, but not without merit. As governments race to create more powerful and advanced AI tools (or weapons) more elaborate protections will be necessary to ensure your identity and financial security. It all leads to more oversight, which equals control. However benevolent or reasonable the path may seem along the way, we have to beware of the destination.
Inevitability
The final chapter of the book of Revelation includes the phrase, “…these words are trustworthy and true” (Rev. 22:6 ESV). God clearly reveals what will befall humanity in the last days. It is not pleasant, but it will ultimately result in God’s victory over evil and salvation for the faithful. As with the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25, it is important to WATCH and be spiritually prepared at all times.
These events cannot be avoided. The final, world ruling system is not here yet but we can see its shadow looming. We see that it is possible in ways never before envisioned. Do not let this be a cause of discouragement or terror, but a reassurance of our faith and the promises of God. Do not let fear make you disengage from life, but share the warning of what is to come and the hope that lays beyond. As Christ told His disciples, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).
