Imagine paying for groceries by scanning your hand at the check out, or giving your family the ability to track your whereabouts worldwide. With today's ever-changing technology, these ideas are not so far-fetched. VeriChip, one of the latest technological advances created by Applied Digital Solutions, will supposedly take medical and security applications to higher levels.

The VeriChip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice that can be easily inserted under the skin in an outpatient office setting, requiring only a local anesthetic. Once the skin heals, the device is undetectable to the human eye. When the chip is scanned, an identification number is transmitted to a secure data storage site either by telephone or over the Internet.

Proponents of VeriChip say it has a variety of security applications, such as enabling one or more individuals to control and authorize access to high security areas. In the financial arena, it can be used as a means of deterring identity theft and the unauthorized use of credit and debit cards. The chip can also contain an individual's medical history in the event that he or she is incapacitated. Doctors would have access to the patient's complete medical history after the patient's forearm has been scanned.

Implant technology is moving forward at a rapid pace. Kevin Warwick, a professor of cybernetics at the University of Reading in England, is working on adding to the current implant advances. He has received an implant in his arm that allows him to wirelessly connect to a personal computer, enabling his whereabouts to be determined through a PC.

VeriChip will initially be used to store personal identification or medical information, such as details about any implanted medical devices or whether a person is allergic to certain medications.

While supporters of VeriChip believe it to be another technological advance that will greatly benefit mankind, many others feel that it is really laying the foundation for a new system that will be introduced to the world by the antichrist after the rapture of the church.

Regardless of whether or not you are a Bible scholar, it is clear that the progress of technology points to the beginning of a tracking system that may well pave the way for the "Mark of the Beast" spoken of in the book of Revelation - an identification number that will enable people to buy and sell food and other necessities during the Tribulation period (Revelation 13:16-17). Though the chip is not a required device for buying and selling at this time, there is no guarantee that this will not be the case in the future.

With security concerns escalating on a daily basis, it is not unreasonable to believe that the practice of chip implantation will give the illusion of safety. Unfortunately, it may prove to be a hidden trap for those who are not aware of what God says about end-time events.

You don't have to be caught off-guard by any ungodly plan. Keep yourself informed of what is going on around you; more importantly, walk in the love of God and stay in constant communication with Him through a life of prayer. In doing so, you will never go wrong, regardless of who is getting "chipped."

First published in the June 2003 issue of
Changing Your World Magazine
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