In the Book of Revelations, John the Revelator gives the terms by which we will know the Beast. It is represented by the number '666'. There have been many Hollywood movies made about the number and many a priest / pastor have expounded about it, but what does this mean for you? is it a special person or place or event?
Revelation 13:17-18
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
From the scripture, we see that the mark of the beast seems to be something people take upon themselves willingly, and therefore also an avoidable mark. It will be deceptive and subtle, yet detrimental.
The number 6 in the context of scriptural numerology is one less than seven, which symbolizes perfection. Six is incomplete - it often represents an attempt to impersonate perfection or Deity. The number 666 is a trinity of sixes - in my view, an impersonation of the Godhead. When we read about the beast elswhere in the book of Revelation, we also see that he had ten heads, ten horns, ten crowns, etc., which symbolize royalty and power. The beast is trying to impersonate the Savior.
Now, as far as the mark goes, I doubt that it is a literal tattoo or radio transmitter. The forehead symbolizes knowledge and understanding, and the right hand symbolizes action, especially as related to holy ordinances. Therefore, the mark of the beast would seem to impede personal revelation and righteous acts.
Given all these associations, it seems to me that there is not only one way to receive the mark of the beast - there are many options. When we make choices against the will of God, inasmuch as we know it, in order to gain popularity or wealth, we take upon ourselves the mark of the beast. In contrast, the 144,000 righteous high priests that are mentioned in Revelation were also marked in their foreheads. By accepting and obeying the covenants and ordinances of the gospel of Christ, we may receive his mark upon our minds, hearts, and hands.
Offtopic but, I believe the 144,000 does not represent a literal number of saved people, but rather is a representation of perfection among chosen people. It is a perfect square of 12,000 - twelve obviously representing the tribes of Israel, the chosen people of the Lord. |
666 wrong number of prophetic beast?
From Worldnetdaily.com
https://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article....RTICLE_ID=44169
QUOTE |
For centuries, people have been intrigued by the number 666, the "number of the beast" from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Not only is it mentioned in the Bible, it has been associated with the Satanism, universal price codes and the game of roulette, as the numbers on the wheel add up to 666. Now, the legendary number is getting a fresh look, as researchers are re-examining evidence the number may actually be 616. |