The beast that gives “the mark” is the carnal mind. It’s the head of the serpent. We are all born with it, no exceptions. In the end it gets cut off…that’s what the curcumcision is about, cutting away the flesh. Carnal = carni = carnivorous = flesh = meathead. What does the carnal mind bring forth? The works of the flesh. What does the mind of Christ bring forth? The works of God. This requires a change of mind.