Biometrics, RFID and Bio Hacking and Biblical Prophecy?

Are Biometrics and RFID part of Revelation Prophecy?

A delve into the future technological world of RFID, Biometrics, Bio Hacking and Cyber Security and looking how this fits in with Biblical Prophecy, if at all? A highly complex topic and massive article combining two polar opposite topics, Science and Technology and Religion. About a weeks worth of research and writing here and it's a mind boggler. Does the latest ID technology tie up with what is mentioned in the Book of Revelations the last book of the New Testament of the Bible or even any other books of the Bible, is it something to be concerned about, what are it's applications, will it become compulsory in the future, health issues and privacy concerns and many other questions that come to mind with this brave new world that is emerging on our doorstep as we speak.

Vid: Biometrics, RFID and Bio-Hacking Latest News

Many companies are hopping on the RFID, Biometrics and Bio Hacking band wagon and seeing this as the future for global ID, financial transactions, healthcare, security, communication, enhanced human culture and an increasing multitude of other uses. This topic is so new, if you Google any of these 3 keywords, there are things out there, but not a huge amount at present. Delve deeper,
and it has been lurking behind the scenes for some time. Some are saying it ties with the controversial, mythical and conspiracy theory based New World Order. See a previous article on this website for further details at The New World Order. Myth or Future Reality .

This is the infamous Bible quote that is often quoted, that gives rise to concerns regarding these recent creepy technological developments taken from Revelation 13:13-18 with 16-17 being the most relevant.

13. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

In a later Chapter the Mark is mentioned again in Revelation 14:9-10!

9. 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,
10. 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:

RFID and Biometrics fits in very closely with this bible quote, but does it? Bar Coding when it first came out and was applied to almost everything in our lives was hailed initially as the "mark of the beast" with a human form close on it's heels back then being predicted in the form of a bar code tattoo or something similar which never materialised on a mass basis.

With RFID the situation looks similar and has all the hallmarks of the Revelations "Mark" but to understand this technology, firstly it's advisable to find out and understand what this emerging technology is, what it can and cannot do. Here's the Wikipedia definition of all 3 with some extra words from other tech sources where applicable.

RFID: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. . The RFID chip is typically at present the size of a grain of rice. RFID technology can sense when either a certain device or if that device is on a person, where they are, what they're doing, and depending on how you want to use it, it can help with things like data collection. A passive chip is used, which means there's no battery, so it lays dormant on your wrist until it comes in contact with an RFID reader. The human body in fact becomes a device much like an Ipad or Mobile Phone able to communicate electronically with other devices. Since RFID tags can be attached to cash, clothing, and possessions, or implanted in animals and people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised serious privacy concerns

Biometrics: Biometrics refers to metrics related to human characteristics. Biometrics authentication (or realistic authentication) is used in computer science as a form of identification and access control. It is also used to identify individuals in groups that are under surveillance. Biometric identifiers are used and are often categorised as physiological versus behavioural characteristic, Physiological characteristics are related to the shape of the body. Examples include, but are not limited to fingerprint, palm veins, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition, retina and odour/scent. Behavioral characteristics are related to the pattern of behavior of a person, including but not limited to typing rhythm, gait, and voice which form our unique behavioral fingerprint/DNA Further information at Wikipedia

Bio Hacking: Bio Hackers or Bio Hacking is a tech culture who's members are often referred to as Grinders which embraces Biometrics, RFID and other similar forms of Technology. These are people who apply the hacker ethic to improve their own bodies with do-it-yourself cybernetic devices. Many grinders identify with the biopunk movement, open-source transhumanism, and techno-progressives. The Grinder movement is strongly associated with the body modification movement and practices actual implantation of cybernetic devices in organic bodies as a method of working towards transhumanism, such as designing and installing do-it-yourself body-enhancements such as magnetic implants. Biohacking emerged in a growing trend of non-institutional science and technology development. Further information at Wikipedia

3 distinct categories but all with a similar purpose to bring technology and people closer together to being as one and enhanced.

What are it's applications and how is it  used right now?

What's happening in 2016? At present RFID and Biometrics is still in it's infancy but is being used in various situations increasingly and NOW, and has become a now-multi-billion-dollar industry and is growing rapidly. This industry was developed 10 years ago and the technology is already in use today in cars, merchandise, swipe cards, phones and other IT items, but has has yet to gain steam and hit the mainstream as a viable option to insert into the human body. There appears to be some resistance but it is making gradual progress.

Here is where Biometrics and RFID are currently making an impact: 1. Access Control 2. Civil ID 3. Criminal ID 4. Facial Recognition 5. Fingerprint Recognition 6. Gesture Recognition 7. Iris / Eye Recognition 8. Middleware / Software 9. Mobile Biometrics 10. PC/Network Access 11. PoS Authentication 12. Signature Verification 13. Smart Cards 14. Surveillance 15. Vein Recognition 16. Voice Biometrics 17. Workforce Management.

Some examples where Biometrics and RFID are being used right now below.
1. In organisations for simple tasks much like a staff ID card but in the form of an implantable RF ID chip commonly in the right hand that can be used to gain access to buildings via specially modified doors, use office machinery, pay for meals at the staff canteen and use office equipment such as fax, photocopy and computers and communication devices. In January 2015, a high-tech office block in Sweden pioneered this with their staff using RF ID.

2. It is also appearing in Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo via Wristbands to speed up the transaction process and make for ease of movement with large crowds

3.It is also making itself known in the world of pets such as dogs with a recent UK law saying all dogs have to be micro-chipped by April 6 2016. News via BBC

4. With the recent migrant crisis biometrics have been employed for faster identification of a large number of people on the move helping to speed up the process of border crossings. Migrants have been able to use the system once registered to buy food and drink via this biometric system. News via Planet Biometrics

5. Used as a tracking system for prisoners and those on parole when out in the community, so that their movements can be monitored and any further potential offences mitigated. News via GovTech 

6. Children of school age is another area that is being looked into, have your child chipped, if they go missing you have a higher chance of finding them. That's the billing, but it seems to be meeting resistance amongst parents. News via Alternet 

7. Digital RFID tattoos are now being made available for those who want to monitor their body temperature, hydration levels, UV exposure, and other bodily factors. News via Curtis D Ward 

8. Hospitals have also begun to harness it to diagnose and treat patients that have their medical data embedded via RFID and they have no either ID on them at the time..News via RFID Journal 

9. Banking is starting to adopt various forms of Biometric s, currently in a trial phase such as Iris scans at Cash Machines, it's only a matter of time before this is rolled out on a national basis then global once it actually catches on. Biometrics in Banking News via BBC

10 Shopping and Payment Systems. Actually has arrived in certain shops in the US again as an alternative to card payment but it is out there but presently in limited form.

11. London's Oyster Card System is another example of RFID being used in Public Transportation systems.

11. Airport Security: Iris scans are now used increasingly at airports

and many others, far  too many to mention here

Future Developments?

1. The biometric payment card technology, designed to work with chip or EMV cards, uses a built in fingerprint reader to authenticate a user’s fingerprint to activate the card. It is estimated that by the end of 2016 more than 80% of payments cards in use will be EMV chip cards.

2. Counter-terrorism. Continued attacks in public spaces will encourage both U.S. and European lawmakers and border security professionals to ramp up the collection and real-time analysis of biometric data from travellers, along with the expansion of terrorist biometric databases.

3. Mobile identification company TeleSign launched Behavior ID on Tuesday, an online application that tracks a user's behaviour to prevent cybertheft. The application records behaviour such as how a user moves their mouse, presses a touch screen, or the way they type. This increases the level of identity assurance for every user account a company has

4. Researchers at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China’s Police Equipment Joint Research Lab have developed a police vehicle equipped with a facial recognition system that can pick criminal suspects out of a crowd News via Bio Metric Update

5. Mobey Forum survey, the use of biometrics in banking and payment systems is on the verge of becoming mainstream as major technological advances and economies of scale have enabled biometrics to gain strong momentum as a secure authentication factor to verify a customer’s identity in the areas of mobile banking and payment. News via Bio Metric Update

Is it something to be concerned about?

Privacy Concerns?

In theory  RFID technology, apparently nobody is being tracked. There's a two- to three-inch read range required to be able to read that information on the tag, and if you can read that information on the tag, there's nothing you can do with that information because everything is encrypted also on the back-end server. That's the theory?

A consumer privacy expert Dr. Katherine Albrecht is concerned about RFID technology in general and what the future holds.

"They want RFID tags in your refrigerator, in the objects that you buy, and ultimately, as Dr. Katina Michael is making so clear, they want these tags in us,"

"We're using radio frequency to identify things and transmit information all the time nowadays," Albrecht says. "I think what is coming next, though, is what the marketers and developers of this technology call the 'Internet of Things.' This idea is that every physical object would have its own equivalent of an IP address encoded into the microchip."

The Mark and Biblical Prophecy. Is this it?

One result of her research is the book, Spychips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID.

She especially wants to reach younger readers with her book I Won't Take the Mark, a Bible Book and Contract for Children to help kids understand the book of Revelation.

"If it isn't, and it may well not be; there may well be something that comes next beyond that to become, to fulfil that biblical prophecy, but every one of those steps was getting us closer to that end destination," she said.

Health Concerns?

Does having your Iris scanned on a daily basis lead to health problems, does having an RFID chip implanted in your forehead or right hand cause health problems by having radio frequencies in your body under the skin, some recent information concerning just two of these  futuristic methods of identification

The FDA has identified potential health risks with RFID Chips. Information courtesy ANTI CHIPS  as follows

1. Adverse Tissue Reaction 2. Migration of Implanted Transponder 3. Compromised Information Security 4. Failure of Implanted Transponder 5. Failure of Inserter 6. Failure of Electronic Scanner 7. Electromagnetic Interference 8. Electrical Hazards 9. Magnetic Resonance (MRI) Imaging Incompatibility 10. Needle Stick

Traditional Iris Scanning

This new Iris scanning technology is less invasive and is basically an infra red picture so the health risks with this type of Iris scan seem limited. Further details at The Verge We know who you are: the scary new technology of iris scanners

Users fear -- without scientific backup -- that the infra red light used in the traditional retina scan damages their vision. Other optical recognition technology like iris scans, which take a greyscale photo of the iris, are considered less intrusive and are proven to be much faster. It's a bit like mobile phones, they are considered safe but nobody knows the long term health implications of mobile phone usage?

Recent Events and Security bringing this technology into the spotlight.

Recent terrorist based events such as Brussels 2016 and Paris 2015 have brought the idea of Identification and Security into the spotlight and highlights the fact that although we live in a slightly Orwellian Society that is becoming increasingly global, with our movements being monitored on a daily basis via Bank Card Transactions and Cash Machine Usage, shopping habits on and offline, browsing habits on-line, security cameras on every street corner, increased security almost everywhere these days, it is still possible to not be monitored 100% of the time as the recent Paris and Brussels attacks demonstrate.

In a recent interview on a prominent UK news channel this was mentioned and it was almost hinted that unless there is 100% surveillance of every persons movements, situations like Belgium and Paris will continue to happen. Which begs the next question.

Will it become compulsory?

Nobody knows at this present time. But here's the thing if cattle are being chipped, then pets (which is compulsory now in the UK from 6 April 2016), migrants involved in the current migrant crisis, criminals...... where next. Babies on birth, children then slowly but surely adults would be the next option. Whether this would be made compulsory remains to be seen. If it was I don't think force would be used, there would be a massive incentive to take the form of Identification with Speed and Convenience being one of the most prominent incentives. AS with all new technology there is resistance, then there are the pioneering types and then then the masses will follow.

Here's some of the benefits that ensure that this form of ID will get accepted by the masses and they are very seductive indeed. In our time poor lifetstyles there would be no more having to carry — and worry about losing — numerous credit cards and other forms of identification and bulky keys. No more fumbling for them when performing transactions; a wave of the hand will suffice. No more showing passports when you travel or your driver’s license to police. And since microchipping would facilitate a cashless society, there’d be no more worries about cash loss or theft, and it could put an end to black-market drug and other illegal transactions; identity theft could be eliminated although not 100%, no technology is full proof.

The pioneering types are already out there. They are called Bio Hackers they are in various places all over the world, these are individuals who open doors, start cars, and control their computers with a mere gesture of their hands or arms. They are among the first wave of people who have voluntarily allowed a miniature computer chip to be placed inside of their bodies. Most are part of a group that advocates biohacking, a concept in which activists seek to enhance the human body through the use of technology. They are the Guinea Pigs, the masses wil follow.

So will it become compulsory. I think so, it's just a question of "when" and not "if". Once the masses get on board the old technologies would still be around, but we all know what happens to older technologies............ they eventually fade and away and die.

Is it something to be concerned about?

With the rapid rate of technological advancement in this field of Biometrics and RFID and it's increasing introduction into normal everyday society at present mainly behind the scenes, there is concern that things are maybe moving way too fast without the consequences of this new technology being considered. Privacy is the immediate concern, but other concerns include the hacking of personal data, the long term health implications of using such technology or having it implanted into your body and whether in the future you have a choice in using this technology or whether it will be compulsory

Other concerns are is Technology development moving at too fast a pace and being introduced without being aware of potential pitfalls? This technology is growing at a frightening rate and is being adopted in many industries as noted earlier. The question is has all the pitfalls been taken into account?

Biblical Prophecy, The Mark and RFID and Biometrics. Do they fit?

Three different views presented below along with The Twelve Gates view on whether Biometricsand RFID in particular fit in with Bible Prophecy.

The last Book of the New Testament "The Book of Revelations" mentions the rise of a Governmental system and the rise of a powerful new political/military figure or both (Daniel 2:26-45; 7:1-8, 15-27; 11:36-45; Revelation 17:7-18). When Jesus returns, He will personally throw both that political/military figure and his "False Prophet" into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20) but will be allowed to rule for a short period of time.

The emergence of a new false religion is an integral part of this new Governmental system. With the emergence of Biometrics and RFID and the right hand and forehead analogy these items do tie in quite nicely with bible prophecy. BUT it can also be said that the Bible uses the symbols of the forehead and the right hand to represent a persons loyalty by thought and work, a sort of mental and physical allegiance and that the mark is not exactly a physical object, but more about giving allegiance to this new government (one world) and religion.  Satan, the power behind this new Government system and Religion would counterfeit God's way to deceive even true believers into forsaking the truth (II Corinthians 11:13-15; Matthew 24:24). The Beast's system will therefore be a counterfeit of God's.

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The Mark of the Beast and Bible Prophecy General according to Focus on Jerusalem

EXTRACT: Throughout the past 2000 years, people have been at different stages in deciding for or against acceptance of the gospel. People accept or reject this message at various points of their lives: some in childhood, some as young adults, some at middle age or as seniors. On this occasion the process will be accelerated or forced because of the mark of the beast, so that all humanity will be consciously divided into two segments. The polarizing issue is the mark of the beast.

All people will be polarized into two camps. It will be impossible to take a position of neutrality or indecision on this matter. Scripture is very clear that those who do not receive the mark will be killed. The Antichrist will not allow anyone to buy or sell without the mark, and the coming cashless society will be the means that he will use to enact such a policy.

A reading of Revelation demonstrates clearly that the wicked will not understand, because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In contrast, wisdom and understanding will be given to those during the tribulation as to who the Antichrist is, so that they will not take his mark

Technology and the Mark

Some have suggested that the mark of the beast will be the universal product code, a chip implanted under the skin, or an invisible mark requiring scanning technology to recognize it. Such applications do not align with what the Bible actually says. The mark of the beast-666-is not cashless technology or biometrics. The Bible speaks precisely about what the mark will be. It will be:

the Antichrist's mark, identified with his person

the actual number 666, not a representation

a mark, like a tattoo or a branding like given to cattle

visible to the naked eye

on you, not in you

recognized, not questioned

voluntary, not involuntary, thus not given through deception??

used after the rapture, not before??

used in the second half of the tribulation

needed to buy and sell

universally received by non-Christians, but universally rejected by Christians

show worship and allegiance to the Antichrist

promoted by the false prophet

the destiny of all receiving the mark will be eternal punishment in the lake of fire

RFID or Biometrics and Biblical Prophecy according to End-Times-Prophecy.org

EXTRACT 1. The RFID Chip is not a deception. But I tell you what is ... the WHOLE world is waiting for the RFID chip or some physical mark to be enforced. THAT is the deception! See 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 13:14, Revelation 18:23, Revelation 19:20

They go onto say

2. How does getting a physical mark STOP us from giving TRUE worship to our Creator? It doesn't! Which is why the mark of the beast CANNOT be a physical mark.

the mark of the beast cannot be any kind of technology device. The beast's mark is a SPIRITUAL mark, as this is a SPIRITUAL issue, and our war against Satan is a SPIRITUAL war. Don't get me wrong. Technology WILL be used to help enforce the mark of the beast. But in of itself, the RFID, or ID Card or Tattoo, or whatever else CANNOT be the mark. The mark HAS to be a spiritual one. Which is why we receive it in the hand OR the forehead. And do you know where we make our decisions? In the front of our forehead. So those who decide to go along with the beast's mark will receive it (spiritually) in their forehead. And those who don't accept it, but continue to break God's commandments and reject Christ Jesus, will receive the mark (spiritually) in their hand, which represents their ACTIONS against God.

The Mark and Biblical Prophecy According RealTruth.org

EXTRACT: The frontal lobe of the human brain is the area where a person makes decisions. With his hands, he performs actions, deeds or works. Through the “right hand,” a person acts upon choices made in his “forehead” the mind.

God's Word states what this mark actually is. When the political-military leader known as the Beast rises to power, the world will ultimately be divided into two groups: those who obey the Beast and those who refuse. Remember, the mark is tied to obedience. The decision to accept or reject the mark will present a great world test. All people will face it. Those who take it will incur God’s wrath; those who refuse it will have His favor.

The Mark and Biblical Prophecy. The Twelve Gates View?

I agree with the three views above that the mark is a mark of faith, a spiritual mark, rather than a physical mark such as a chip or tech tattoo, but also think it's dangerous to assume that the current technological developments can be entirely dismissed and not even remotely considered to be "the Mark" as mentioned in the Book of Revelations. The mark in the form of a cattle branding or tattoo could be used in conjunction with Biometrics or RFID, but the mark could be introduced after Biometrics and RFID and not before. The Book of Revelations contains a lot of symbolism, is on first reading a walk into a world of madness (something like Alice in Wonderland), is NOT a tick list (yep that's happened, this comes next) and contains a lot of deep meanings that can be interpreted in many ways by many people, but very few can say they truly understand it, I mean really understand it. If you have read and heard and kept, as opposed to just read, then you will be blessed as this verse states

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Rev 1:3

Deception I think is the keyword here as stated in Revelation 13:13-18 , not only in what is coming in the future (if it is coming) as in "the End Times" but also in the here and now. I'm not a Prophet (as far as I'm aware) but RFID and it's variants (Biblical Prophecy or otherwise) are things to be wary of, if it did become global and made compulsory it would be the dividing line between those who can buy or sell and have the mark and those who cannot. It's the strict enforcement of that technology within a certain time period by some global organisation/government (New World Order?) which would definetly put it in the Book of Revelations Prophecy camp. If people have a choice then I don't think it is "The Mark" as mentioned but the mark will probably be made so attractive it would seem foolish to not accept it, that would be the deception leading to a voluntary adoption instead of an enforcement.

Getting back to deception, mentioned many times in the last book of the New Testament "The Book of Revelations", of more concern is the current trend for Mega Churches, TV Evangelists. False Teachers and Preachers (wolves in sheeps clothing) who spin very attractive False Doctrine, change the word for ear tickling purposes and preach the Broad Way and Prosperity Gospel (God wants you to be rich and succesful and drive a Ferrari?), you could say a fake Christianity. These are far more dangerous than a microchip which you can physically see and decline.

Biblical Prophecy aside though, plastic cards and metal keys that have done me fine for most of my life with no privacy concerns or creepy microchips dotted around my body will be continued to be my staple for most things in life! I think Technology and Humans should remain as two seperate entities. Combining the two is going to lead to all sorts of problems we cannot even begin to fathom, problems which far outweigh the technological benefits that they bring.

Finally, remember as always "test all things in the light of scripture" and also "Jesus confounds the wise and reveals himself to little children". All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Biblical knowledge and facts are important and should form the foundation of your life and can be relied on every day for strength, encouragement, wisdom and direction but on it's own will not produce an inward change. If you are truly in the faith, have a relationship with Jesus, are walking the way Jesus walked and talking the way Jesus talked and have the Spirit, then you will know deep down what is right and what is wrong. When those final days come, the spirit will lead you to the truth and guide you to the right place every time including "The Mark" and how to avoid. No knowledge of the Bible or Book of Revelations no matter how good can replace that, but it does help to know what is coming!

2Tim 3:15-16

15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Bible Quotes

Some bible quotes to chew over, nothing to do with RFID or Biometrics per se but worth taking on board none the less

Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 18:5
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

1 Corinthians 1:27
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Luke 18:17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Daniel 5:8
Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

Matthew 19:14. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.