I appreciate your reply. Actually made me sit back and think about the whole thing over again.
It is difficult to think that the "mark" (
charagma), could be in the figurative sense because there are no good examples of this Greek word being used in this fashion. So yes, the "mark" could be some kind of physical indicator. Perhaps an ID card. After all the Soviets were all card carrying communists.
However, I think the base of this idea - the mark - should be seen as figurative. Just as the "seal" of believers is figurative. I am driven to this thought also by what is said in verse 20 of Revelation 19 "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight,
wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone:" and verse 4 of Revelation 20 "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as
worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
We know that one being "deceived" and "worshipping", (The reverse of verse 4), is a state of mind and heart. No mark or ID could cause one to be deceived or to worship something that they do not believe in. Therefore, the real issue here, is being deceived, in such away, as to believe in that which is false. One who is sealed for Christ cannot throw away their position in Christ because of a physical mark that would allow trade or purchases.
Thankfully, a true believer does not have to worry about these things because Scripture says it can not happen.
Mat 24:21 for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Mat_24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. The construction of the sentence, is understood, as NOT possible.