The year 1948 is the year Jerusalem became a nation and the generation who witnessed it will by no means pass away until Christ returns.
The beast is Ronald Wilson Reagan because it was the number of his name which all three of his names have exactly 6 letters. (now old light)
The B.E.A.S.T. is a supercomputer in Belgium and no man may buy, sell, or trade unless he or she has its mark. This mark, by the way, is a barcode tattooed on you right hand or forehead with your social security number on it. (old light) microchip implanted in your skin on your right hand or forehead because 666 somehow means to prick your skin (new light correction).