Answer: Who killed JFK? What is the Illuminati? Do 5G networks cause the coronavirus? Is QAnon true? Was there equipment on the space shuttle that caused earthquakes? If God reveals the answer to any of these speculations, we should be thankful He has brought light to our mysteries. If not, we should leave well enough alone—especially if dwelling on those mysteries brings fear.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-OBhk_c0tE&feature=emb_logo
Will the mark of the beast be a microchip implant, national vaccine, ID card, etc.?
I'm worried about governments mandating microchip implants/vaccines/identification cards...could these things be the "mark of the beast" from Revelation 13?
Scripture teaches that the events of the seven years of Tribulation, including the requirement of a mark to buy or sell, will come to pass years after the Church has already been removed from the earth (see our teaching on the Rapture). Therefore, we should not expect to be present to witness such developments, which means speculating on current events and trends is likely unhelpful.
Moreover, the mark required during Tribulation is very specific and very different from a "microchip" solution:
Rev. 13:16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,
Rev. 13:17 and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.
Scripture says the mark taken during Tribulation will be the name of a man or 666, the number of his name in Hebrew. The Bible never specifies the way the number of the antichrist will be applied to the body, except to describe it as a "mark". The Greek word for mark is charagma, which means "to sharpen, to engrave; a stamp, impress." This description likely precludes the possibility that the mark will be based on technology like a chip, as many speculate. More likely, the mark will be a simple tattoo or branding on the skin.
Finally, as Pastor Armstrong explained, the worldwide destructive effects of the seal and trumpet judgments will almost certainly render all modern technology (and infrastructure) useless. The Bible says cities will be leveled, mountains and islands gone, and the entire world rocked by immense earthquakes. When we consider how easily basic services can be interrupted today by more modest world disasters, then we can safely assume that the Tribulation judgments will put an end to all technology forever.
Therefore, by the time the mark of the beast is required at the middle of Tribulation, the world will likely exist in a rudimentary state without basic services like electricity, transportation, internet, and the like, and under those circumstances, it's likely that the mark will be something simple and physical. Therefore, Christians should avoid speculating on future events beyond what is given explicitly in the Bible.
https://www.versebyverseministry.org/bible-answers/could-the-mark-of-the-beast-be-a-microchip-in-the-body
On one level, conspiracy theories are entertaining. Trying to connect the dots through disparate historical events brings a sense of order to chaos. Speculating about mysteries incites a titillating anxiety of the future that relieves boredom and distracts from more pressing dilemmas.
Speaking up and uncovering the truth is certainly biblical. The prophet Nathan uncovered David’s conspiracy to cover up his sin of murder (2 Samuel 12). Paul’s nephew uncovered a plot to assassinate Paul, and his knowledge foiled the attempt (Acts 23). Wickedness likes to hide. John 3:20 says, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." We should always seek the truth. “Love truth and peace” (Zechariah 8:19).
Two warnings concerning conspiracy theories: first, we should never get ahead of what God wishes to reveal to us. God reveals the truth in mystery (Daniel 2:30; Genesis 40:8). He will tell us what we need to know in His time, and there are things we do not need to know (Mark 13:32; Revelation 10:4). We should not indulge in useless speculation that takes time and effort away from our work for Christ (1 Timothy 1:4).
Second, we should not fear. "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Many conspiracy theories feed fear and prey on ignorance and gullibility. God has called us to something better.
One problem with conspiracy theories is that they place too much emphasis on worldly matters. It’s good for political intrigue to come to light, but that is not a necessary condition for the Christian life (2 Timothy 3:12). It is right for corruption to be brought to justice (Isaiah 1:17), but it is still possible to live a godly life, even if justice never happens. In our search for truth, Romans 8:31 should always be in mind: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?"
Exposing the truth is good. Obsessing over rumor and hearsay and half-proven theories is harmful. Ephesians 5:11-14 is an excellent guideline. Verse 11 says to expose "the fruitless deeds of darkness." But verse 12 says not to mention them. How do we expose them? Not by conjecture or worry or fear or never-ending deliberation, but by waiting on the words of verses 13 and 14: "Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible." Speak the truth and wait for God’s timing.
Endless speculation about conspiracy theories is, at best, a waste of time. At worst, the obsession induces paralyzing fear as our attention is drawn away from Christ. Avoid the mysteries God hasn’t chosen to reveal yet. Let Him work according to His timing. Rest in His plan, which can never be thwarted (Job 42:2).
Above all, do not fear. “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” But “He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them” (Psalm 2:2, 4).
https://www.gotquestions.org/conspiracy-theories.html
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