Have you ever heard someone say, “The end is near”? Maybe you’ve seen it on a sign or joked about it. It can feel easy to shrug off. But Pastor Greg Laurie says the Bible talks about a real moment in history where the world as we know it will change. This is the focus of Revelation 13. It describes a world leader, a global system, and something called the mark of the beast. So, what is the mark of the beast? People wonder what it is and why it matters. Greg Laurie explains it clearly and gives hope along the way.

A World Leader With Evil Plans

Revelation 13 introduces one of the most feared figures in Scripture: the Antichrist. Laurie explains three goals this man will have:

1. Make the world worship Satan The “dragon” is Satan. The “beast” is the Antichrist. The world will worship both.
2. Replace Christ The word “anti” means against, but it also means instead of. Many will think he’s a savior.
3. Destroy Christians There will be massive persecution against followers of Jesus.

Laurie points out that this leader will even survive a deadly attack. Many will see that as a miracle and worship him because of it.

The False Prophet: The Antichrist’s Partner

A second evil figure appears—the false prophet. He will look harmless. Like a lamb. But will speak like a dragon. Meaning Satan speaks through him.

His job? 👉 Push the world to worship the Antichrist

He will perform miracles, amaze people, and set up an image of the Antichrist. Those who refuse to worship the image will be killed.

This leads to the most well-known part of Revelation 13.

The Mark of the Beast

Revelation says everyone will be forced to take a mark:

• On the right hand or forehead
• Required to buy or sell
• Connected to worship of the Antichrist
• Identified with the number 666

Laurie explains that this will be part of a cashless global economy. No mark → no ability to buy food, pay bills, or live normally.

Technology is already heading in that direction. Implants. Digital tracking. Digital IDs. Nothing futuristic anymore.

But the Bible warns this isn’t just economics. It’s worship. Accepting the mark means rejecting Jesus. And that choice brings eternal consequences (Revelation 14).

Spiritual Deception Will Mislead Many

Why would someone choose the Antichrist?

Laurie says they won’t be thinking clearly. They will be deceived. Scripture says people who reject the truth of Jesus will fall for a lie instead. God allows people to choose their path. Those who push Him away will be hardened in that decision.

A Different Mark — The Mark of God

After the darkness in chapter 13, Revelation 14 shows hope. A group called the 144,000 appears in heaven. They have God’s name on their foreheads. They belong to Him.

Laurie lists five traits they show—and says believers today should show them too:

1. They belong to God – God knows who are His.
2. They sing a new song – Not just music, but a story of God’s work in their lives.
3. They live pure lives – They stay faithful to God.
4. They are honest – No fake faith.
5. They follow Jesus wherever He goes – Not just on Sundays. Daily.

The Real Question: Who Do You Follow?

Laurie closes with a personal challenge. Many claim to be Christians. But the real issue is whether someone follows Jesus right now. Truly. Daily.

He reminds the crowd:

• Jesus knocks on the door of every heart
• We must choose to open the door
• That decision affects both life now and eternity later

He invites anyone listening to turn to Jesus, receive forgiveness, and be ready for His return.

So – What is the Mark of the Beast?

The mark of the beast isn’t here yet. But the world is moving closer to what Revelation describes. The warning is real. So is the hope.

✔ The Antichrist will demand a mark

✔ Jesus offers a different mark—His name written on your life

✔ Only one leads to life that never ends

Laurie’s message is simple: Follow Jesus now. If you know Him today, He will know you on the final day.