it has been quite clear for some time that the internet is the matrix - they have moved banking and government services online in many 'developed' countries, as well as decimating the use and desire for cash.

but the internet is for control, surveillance, manipulation and of course when all currency goes digital, whether blockchain, spyphones, debit and credit cards, if you don't go along with the coming world religion you will be cut off from it, exactly as john tells us in rev 13:17.

however, i wouldn't describe the net as 'the beast' - if only because then the 'image of the beast' doesn't make any sense, unless you start trying to change the meanings of words, which is never satisfactory.

pretty sure john would never have imagined the big and small screens that we have today, but when he describes people worshipping the 'image' of the beast it absolutely describes looking at the image on the screen to say 'hail bob the fake saviour' etc.

believers should have a plan now for when the day comes that all cash is digital so every thing is tracked, and the 'great' world leader arises that seemingly solves all the world 's problems, while also instigating the worst persecution the world has ever seen on all those who won't accept him.

hope this comment finds you with peace & grace