There are numerous descriptions of the beast and virtually all of them portray him as the obvious villain and the literal opposite of Jesus the Christ. While the latter portion is certainly true, has Satan ever really operated so overtly? Or, is not his design to always deceive, often by mimicking the very nature of God? What does the Bible say about this? Perhaps no single detail is more widely known about the beast/antichrist other than that of his number: 666.
666 is a source of much confusion. Some good Christian people might run away from it; others believe it's a type of code for a leader to come or that has already appeared on the world stage. Presidents, Emperors, and infamous figures always seem to have a name that somehow equals 666.
Let us begin by examining the passage where this number appears. To set the stage, we're in the book of Revelation, or the unveiling, and the second beast is being described.
On a positive note, the ESV Study Bible notes notice what is really important about this verse. As I previously mentioned, this is the second beast to rise. This beast is diverse from the first, and we have a couple important clues to cement this status. First and foremost, this beast looks like a lamb, having two horns.
Without jumping into a whole other exploration of horns in the Bible, suffice to say that they are a sign of power. As Luke declares, Christ is our horn of salvation. (Think of the Old Testament characters that would grab the horns on the alter.) Jumping back to Revelation 13:11, we have a beast that appears to look like a lamb with horns. Let me ask you, who is THE Lamb? This second beast looks just like our Lamb, even appearing to have the power necessary to be the Lamb.
Yet it speaks like a dragon. So who is the dragon?
The mouth of the beast is what is so important, so pay attention to this beloved. This beast looks like Christ, but the moment he opens his mouth to speak, it becomes evident that he is not our Christ. What do we have here but a “religious” beast and a false savior! Keep this in mind and as we get deeper in God's Word.
You have a homework assignment with this lesson. Read the first part of Revelation 13 and learn about the first beast. The first beast is quite political in nature. Although religious language is certainly used here, it is evident that this beast really deals with the people. Satan always has a plan, and this plan is perhaps his most coordinated assault ever devised. Fortunately we have the blueprint as to how it's going to go down, so we know what to do. Have you read that blueprint?
The goal of the second beast is to supplement the first. Whereas the first establishes the political, the second establishes the religious. The first beast will suffer quite a wound – mortal itself means along the lines of liable to die. The first beast will miraculously survive a deadly wound. And for those of you who don't understand, yes Satan can perform miracles too for those that do not know better. As the Apostle Paul informs us:
Satan can both look and play the part. This is where it becomes absolutely imperative that you know the Scriptures and know them well. As the verses say, he will deceive. He will command fire to come down from heaven and will be able to perform other miracles and signs. Remember that God did this very act? Sodom and Gomorrah ring a bell? Could he go around healing and working his own Christ-like wonders? I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen. Those who do not know Jesus the Christ and his Word will easily be taken hook, line, and sinker. Our cultures go wild over someone who sings a few songs and takes up a cause. What do you think they will do when this beast shows up, able to work miracles? Welcome to the strong delusion, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Moving along, we reach the infamous mark. Is this mark a security chip, bar code, or RFID device? Try none of the above! All receive the mark who want it. It is found either in the forehead or on the right hand. What's so key about these two locations on your body you ask? The head is where the mind is and specifically the right hand is where the power is found. The mark won't be physical; instead, it will found in what is said and done. As conveyed later on, one is either sealed with the name of God or sealed with the name of Satan. You think God needs a mark on your hand to know who you are we he named and numbered the stars? Do you think a miracle-working beast needs it either? Do not make the mistake of ignoring Scripture and underestimating a desperate nemesis.
This verse requires wisdom – distinct from knowledge which is that which you know. This detail alone refutes the notion that there is some special numbering system where you get Nero or some other name. That would clearly be knowledge (IE: Something you know. Wisdom does not tell us how to decode something; that's knowledge because you know the code and then apply it.) The next red herring is that the beast is a man. Folks will take this statement and make something profound here, while in reality we just have the basic knowledge that this beast is not a monster but a man. Satan himself is called a man in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, in the new testament he is called the son of perdition. Satan wanted and wants the mercy seat, so he has no qualms about playing god. He will put on a convincing show for those that do not know better.
At last we come to that hated number, 666. Even as I compose this study, I have no fear of that number. No one should, because we are on God's side! Remember to use wisdom, and so let's apply the wisdom that God gives us to use. Where else in the Bible (not in man's traditions) do we find three 6's alongside one another? Some of you might answer in the Old Testament! Well yes, but remember that 666 is also a number. Does it manifest elsewhere in Revelation?
There are seven trumps, seven seals, and seven vials (bowls) that are major subjects of the blessed book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. This would mean that at some point there a sixth trump, sixth seal and sixth vial/bowl. Is wisdom speaking to you yet, beloved? Man is not going to reveal this, for its a lesson of the Holy Spirit. He might choose to work through man, but search this out.
Let us begin with the 6th trump:
Much speculation persists about the four angels and whom they are. To understand them, we simply refer back to the four horseman spoken about in Revelation 6. These are not identified as angels of God and they lead a demonic horde that sounds curiously just like the one described in the first part of Revelation 9! That horde is led by the one titled Apollyon or Abbadon, both meaning destruction. These are names for Satan. These demons, like our second beast, are described in beautiful and majestic terms. They have fine minerals as armor, yet they are horrific and (pay attention!) fire and sulfur come forth from their mouths. They attack with their mouths and tails – prime weapons of deceit. Just like the lamb that speaks as a dragon, these demonic beings hurt with their tails (not a primary weapon at first glance) and what they say.
So here we have a demon horde led by Satan himself exhibiting the same characteristics of the second religious beast. This all takes place in the number 6 trump. Here is the first part of the number of the beast's name. Got a clue as to who the beast is, yet?
Next we have the 6th seal:
Revelation 12 is the place to go to understand much of this passage. We have the great dragon, Satan, drawing stars in heaven and casting them to Earth. In the interest of keeping this study relatively short, you have more homework. Read Revelation 12 and notice a couple things. Satan and his angels are cast down, and the dragon himself issues a flood (of lies) from his mouth. Notice how Satan's primary weapon is his mouth – going all the way back to the 40 days in the wilderness with Christ back to Job back even to the Garden of Eden. This is his method of operation. As is said elsewhere, this time period will be a great time of tribulation like the world has never seen. Now this highlights and important point about the seals, trumps, and vials (bowls). They are not necessarily linear in time 100%. For example, the 6th trump, vial, and seal won't all go at the same time. However, there will be a point where we are in the 6th seal, 6th trump, and 6th vial at the same time. This admittedly hangs some up when it comes to 666, but look at this with wisdom, beloved. This is a time of great upheaval, and while this is a time where a savior will be anticipated, remember that the religious beast appears putting on quite the show. Note the other world religions that anticipate a savior coming in the future.
Last but not least, we are at the 6th vial or bowl:
Now let us tie this together by the Holy Spirit. It's quite evident now that the river Euphrates figures prominently in this period of time. The 6th trump saw four angels released and the 6th vial or bowl reveals the same river is dried for the “kings of the east.” The evidence here is that there will be some earthly powers involved at this stage, but right now we are interested in the following verses.
Do you see the unholy trinity? Satan loves to play God, and in this case you have the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. Here is the wisdom of 666. Do you see the link to the “three plagues” in the 6th trump? The angels and demon horde have these three unclean spirits. This is the moment of Satan's great deception. He wants to be God, and he'll appear as God to those who do not have wisdom and know better. They perform signs (miracles) that will entice many to join them. Yet there will remain this remnant of God's children, to which this evil horde is arrayed against.
I'll close with one last homework assignment. Turn your Bibles to Jeremiah 46:4-10. While this was certainly fulfilled by a type, we see here that Jeremiah 46 also covers the “day of vengeance.” This is that time as the Word of God tells us. Those who read it and understand will be ready. Those who don't know it or have never read it will be in trouble. There is nothing to fear if you are on God's side, but woe to those who are not. Being on God's side means you know who is who.
Please find a PDF copy attached of this Bible Study. Feel free to redistribute this lesson, provided the link to Christianity Board is kept intact.
Thanks!
666 is a source of much confusion. Some good Christian people might run away from it; others believe it's a type of code for a leader to come or that has already appeared on the world stage. Presidents, Emperors, and infamous figures always seem to have a name that somehow equals 666.
Let us begin by examining the passage where this number appears. To set the stage, we're in the book of Revelation, or the unveiling, and the second beast is being described.
On a positive note, the ESV Study Bible notes notice what is really important about this verse. As I previously mentioned, this is the second beast to rise. This beast is diverse from the first, and we have a couple important clues to cement this status. First and foremost, this beast looks like a lamb, having two horns.
Without jumping into a whole other exploration of horns in the Bible, suffice to say that they are a sign of power. As Luke declares, Christ is our horn of salvation. (Think of the Old Testament characters that would grab the horns on the alter.) Jumping back to Revelation 13:11, we have a beast that appears to look like a lamb with horns. Let me ask you, who is THE Lamb? This second beast looks just like our Lamb, even appearing to have the power necessary to be the Lamb.
Yet it speaks like a dragon. So who is the dragon?
The mouth of the beast is what is so important, so pay attention to this beloved. This beast looks like Christ, but the moment he opens his mouth to speak, it becomes evident that he is not our Christ. What do we have here but a “religious” beast and a false savior! Keep this in mind and as we get deeper in God's Word.
You have a homework assignment with this lesson. Read the first part of Revelation 13 and learn about the first beast. The first beast is quite political in nature. Although religious language is certainly used here, it is evident that this beast really deals with the people. Satan always has a plan, and this plan is perhaps his most coordinated assault ever devised. Fortunately we have the blueprint as to how it's going to go down, so we know what to do. Have you read that blueprint?
The goal of the second beast is to supplement the first. Whereas the first establishes the political, the second establishes the religious. The first beast will suffer quite a wound – mortal itself means along the lines of liable to die. The first beast will miraculously survive a deadly wound. And for those of you who don't understand, yes Satan can perform miracles too for those that do not know better. As the Apostle Paul informs us:
Satan can both look and play the part. This is where it becomes absolutely imperative that you know the Scriptures and know them well. As the verses say, he will deceive. He will command fire to come down from heaven and will be able to perform other miracles and signs. Remember that God did this very act? Sodom and Gomorrah ring a bell? Could he go around healing and working his own Christ-like wonders? I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen. Those who do not know Jesus the Christ and his Word will easily be taken hook, line, and sinker. Our cultures go wild over someone who sings a few songs and takes up a cause. What do you think they will do when this beast shows up, able to work miracles? Welcome to the strong delusion, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Revelation 13:15 is up for debate amongst many scholars. Breath is a curious word, is it not? The good ole' King James Version chooses to skip the metaphor and use life instead. Both words convey the meaning of what is said here, and I think this refers back to the mortal wound. Here is the Christ-like miracle when the second beast restores the life of the first beast. Or perhaps the second beast is the true life of the first! The part up for debate is the second half. Will the beast actually put those who choose not to worship to death? Once again I'll draw from the KJV where the word “might” in the ESV is rendered “should”. Don't believe this will be a reign of killing and slaughtering like many Christians teach. Now don't get me wrong, the beast will certainly have the capacity to kill. However, the larger problem will be the star struck masses that cannot understand why these strange Christian folk won't accept this cool and amazing savior.
Moving along, we reach the infamous mark. Is this mark a security chip, bar code, or RFID device? Try none of the above! All receive the mark who want it. It is found either in the forehead or on the right hand. What's so key about these two locations on your body you ask? The head is where the mind is and specifically the right hand is where the power is found. The mark won't be physical; instead, it will found in what is said and done. As conveyed later on, one is either sealed with the name of God or sealed with the name of Satan. You think God needs a mark on your hand to know who you are we he named and numbered the stars? Do you think a miracle-working beast needs it either? Do not make the mistake of ignoring Scripture and underestimating a desperate nemesis.
This verse requires wisdom – distinct from knowledge which is that which you know. This detail alone refutes the notion that there is some special numbering system where you get Nero or some other name. That would clearly be knowledge (IE: Something you know. Wisdom does not tell us how to decode something; that's knowledge because you know the code and then apply it.) The next red herring is that the beast is a man. Folks will take this statement and make something profound here, while in reality we just have the basic knowledge that this beast is not a monster but a man. Satan himself is called a man in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, in the new testament he is called the son of perdition. Satan wanted and wants the mercy seat, so he has no qualms about playing god. He will put on a convincing show for those that do not know better.
At last we come to that hated number, 666. Even as I compose this study, I have no fear of that number. No one should, because we are on God's side! Remember to use wisdom, and so let's apply the wisdom that God gives us to use. Where else in the Bible (not in man's traditions) do we find three 6's alongside one another? Some of you might answer in the Old Testament! Well yes, but remember that 666 is also a number. Does it manifest elsewhere in Revelation?
There are seven trumps, seven seals, and seven vials (bowls) that are major subjects of the blessed book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. This would mean that at some point there a sixth trump, sixth seal and sixth vial/bowl. Is wisdom speaking to you yet, beloved? Man is not going to reveal this, for its a lesson of the Holy Spirit. He might choose to work through man, but search this out.
Let us begin with the 6th trump:
Much speculation persists about the four angels and whom they are. To understand them, we simply refer back to the four horseman spoken about in Revelation 6. These are not identified as angels of God and they lead a demonic horde that sounds curiously just like the one described in the first part of Revelation 9! That horde is led by the one titled Apollyon or Abbadon, both meaning destruction. These are names for Satan. These demons, like our second beast, are described in beautiful and majestic terms. They have fine minerals as armor, yet they are horrific and (pay attention!) fire and sulfur come forth from their mouths. They attack with their mouths and tails – prime weapons of deceit. Just like the lamb that speaks as a dragon, these demonic beings hurt with their tails (not a primary weapon at first glance) and what they say.
So here we have a demon horde led by Satan himself exhibiting the same characteristics of the second religious beast. This all takes place in the number 6 trump. Here is the first part of the number of the beast's name. Got a clue as to who the beast is, yet?
Next we have the 6th seal:
Revelation 12 is the place to go to understand much of this passage. We have the great dragon, Satan, drawing stars in heaven and casting them to Earth. In the interest of keeping this study relatively short, you have more homework. Read Revelation 12 and notice a couple things. Satan and his angels are cast down, and the dragon himself issues a flood (of lies) from his mouth. Notice how Satan's primary weapon is his mouth – going all the way back to the 40 days in the wilderness with Christ back to Job back even to the Garden of Eden. This is his method of operation. As is said elsewhere, this time period will be a great time of tribulation like the world has never seen. Now this highlights and important point about the seals, trumps, and vials (bowls). They are not necessarily linear in time 100%. For example, the 6th trump, vial, and seal won't all go at the same time. However, there will be a point where we are in the 6th seal, 6th trump, and 6th vial at the same time. This admittedly hangs some up when it comes to 666, but look at this with wisdom, beloved. This is a time of great upheaval, and while this is a time where a savior will be anticipated, remember that the religious beast appears putting on quite the show. Note the other world religions that anticipate a savior coming in the future.
Last but not least, we are at the 6th vial or bowl:
Now let us tie this together by the Holy Spirit. It's quite evident now that the river Euphrates figures prominently in this period of time. The 6th trump saw four angels released and the 6th vial or bowl reveals the same river is dried for the “kings of the east.” The evidence here is that there will be some earthly powers involved at this stage, but right now we are interested in the following verses.
Do you see the unholy trinity? Satan loves to play God, and in this case you have the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. Here is the wisdom of 666. Do you see the link to the “three plagues” in the 6th trump? The angels and demon horde have these three unclean spirits. This is the moment of Satan's great deception. He wants to be God, and he'll appear as God to those who do not have wisdom and know better. They perform signs (miracles) that will entice many to join them. Yet there will remain this remnant of God's children, to which this evil horde is arrayed against.
I'll close with one last homework assignment. Turn your Bibles to Jeremiah 46:4-10. While this was certainly fulfilled by a type, we see here that Jeremiah 46 also covers the “day of vengeance.” This is that time as the Word of God tells us. Those who read it and understand will be ready. Those who don't know it or have never read it will be in trouble. There is nothing to fear if you are on God's side, but woe to those who are not. Being on God's side means you know who is who.
Please find a PDF copy attached of this Bible Study. Feel free to redistribute this lesson, provided the link to Christianity Board is kept intact.
Thanks!
