As I am not educated much in the book of Revelation, it is a very disturbing yet complex chapter as it is basically our future for sure, I do have to say that this is a very "simple" thing.
For years people have considered things to be the "mark of the beast", such as when the scanners at the grocery stores came out, or some spoke of a Social Security Number (as some parent have children and not apply for the ssn for them), then it was money etc...
Revelation speaks clear to me in Revelation 14:9 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:
To me, this just means that if anyone is to worship the beast and his image (those who follow the anti-christ and profess what all he stands for), and take the mark --as the bible is specific on location.
Identifying the mark: Rev. 13:18 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.
The consequence for not taking the mark while on earth... ---Rev. 20:4 4I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
This "chip" (I think it is the veri-chip?) which is being implanted in military soldiers and in animals could very well be the beginning of the "studies" needed to invite the anti-christ to set the stage for this mark.
Let's steer clear, be wise and not turn our ear from hearing God on this matter for sure!!! :medieval: