Based on Scripture’s description of the Great Tribulation and the Antichrist’s demands in Revelation, it seems illogical that unbelievers would choose death over receiving the Mark of the Beast. However, the Bible does not make the clear distinction that everyone who refuses the mark is a born-again Christian. Instead, it states in Revelation 13:16-17, “He [the False Prophet] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Therefore, we must never go beyond what Scripture affirms.
We know the Antichrist will force everyone to take the mark (Revelation 13:16-18). We also know that those who receive this mark will be eternally lost (Revelation 14:9-11), and those who refuse it will be killed (Revelation 13:15). However, it is important to remember that many people will be born again during the tribulation period (Revelation 7:13-14; 20:4), which is encouraging.
A few verses that seem to imply that only believers refuse the mark are Revelation 14:12-13. These verses follow John’s description of the eternal torment awaiting those who willfully take the mark. Afterward, he writes, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”
Based on the context of these passages, it seems highly probable that only born-again believers will refuse the mark—not a mixture of believers and unbelievers. However, we cannot say so with absolute certainty but only assume this is the case.
