Revelation Chapter 13

VERSE 18 continued “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.”

Once again as stated in our previous post:

“Jesus, who gave this revelation to us (Rev 1:1), well knew that this symbol could not be properly understood until about the present time, for the reason that the Image of the Beast (The Evangelical Alliance) was only first made in 1846 A.D. Jesus also knew, of course, that English would be the language used by probably four- fifths of his earnest truth-seeking children, in the “time of the end.” He likewise knew that not many wise, not many great, not many learned in all languages (specifically Greek and Hebrew) would be of the chosen “little flock”. Moreover, it was his custom to adapt his teachings to the “common people,” and of this sort his Jewels have been from, the twelve disciples and since.

Therefore, the number 666, should be open to the comprehension of us all–we being the ones told to count. Let us try, then, to apply these figures in English.

First, then, the number is that of the [first] BEAST. Let us see whether it will apply to some of its names, that system which Paul calls the Man of Sin is the,

“Roman Catholic Power”

Count the Letters in the Name or Title given i.e., R-1, O-2, M-3, A-4, N-5, C-6, A-1, T-2, H-3, O-4, L-5, I -6, C-1, P-2, O-3, W-4, E-5, R-6 = 666

He is in Revelation likewise called a BEAST (once again count the letters in the name or title)

Roman Catholic “Beast” = 666

The system is also called the “woman” (Rev 17:18)

Roman Catholic “women” = 666

She calls herself the

“Holy Catholic Church” = 666

She is really and truly (Rev 17:5)

“The Mother of Harlots” = 666

Thus, we see that the number fits the BEAST well.

The second BEAST was anxious likewise to have exactly the same NAME, and in fact it claimed to have pre-eminent right to the name-

“Holy Catholic Church” = 666

Other names, by which it is known, are-

“The Church of England” = 666

“English State Church” = 666

“The Episcopal Church” = 666

“Episcopalian Church” = 666

This application of the number, will doubtless appear to some too simple to be accepted, but thus God ever deals with us–hiding truth under the Vail of its own simplicity, so that it may appear to the Greek (worldly wise) foolishness, but unto them which believe (not to those who believe without evidence, but who believe on the strongest kind of evidence –the harmony of His Word) the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  (1 Cor 1:23)

The Image causes all who claim relationship, or whom it recognizes, as having a right to buy or sell—to teach–to have as a creed, that which shall mark them as having either “the name” of the BEAST, or the “number” of his name–666. Many take the name and, in their creeds, recite, “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church” = 666.

Among those who thus openly mark themselves in their forehead (by their creeds) are Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians and others. But others give a seeming support (mark in their hand) to the general principal by organizing under various sectarian names. After these are blended in the IMAGE, (and no one would be admitted to membership in the Evangelical Alliance, unless he be a member of some such sect), they all are collectively known as the “Protestant Churches,” = 666.

If we ourselves for instance (as Bible Students) were to organize, though we protest more than all others against the errors of Rome, and also against the errors of the Image and second BEAST, yet we would not be reckoned one of the “Protestant churches,”

WHY? because we would not be recognized as upholding the common or orthodox doctrines–They would not count our organization a church, but rather as a fringe group or cult. (R323)

“…And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev 20:4)

If the scriptures state that only the faithful, the elect will not bear the mark, ask yourself, how important is it TO YOU to know or understand (i.e., be able to identify) who or what the ANTICHRIST is, so as to be sure that you are not bearing his mark or the number of his name?

Don’t be deceived by those who speak of some future Antichrist to come, the Antichrist is already here and has been for some time. Many bare his MARK even now, and are totally unaware of it.

If you are waiting for your minister or your church to give you this information, you are going to be sadly disappointed (the blind guides of Christendom know nothing of the truth on these matters). The scriptures state, “Here is wisdom, let him who has understanding (spiritual insight) calculate the number of the beast (the Antichrist), for it is the number of man: His number is 666.” (Rev 13:18)

Lastly and most importantly do not be deceived into believing the vein imaginings of those who lack understanding (spiritual understanding) who spout all matter of nonsense, claiming that the mark of the beast is or will be some kind of bar-code which is to be imprinted upon the flesh or a capsule of some kind inserted into the flesh, these are but the foolish ramblings of nominal professors, the worldly or “tare class”, who lack spiritual insight. Likewise, don’t fall for the idea that it is only the world, the non-believer who is to receive this mark, this has NOTHING to do with the non-believer. This applies only to the professed followers of Christ, whether they be true or nominal. As stated, the majority of those baring this mark today reside within the church nominal and are totally oblivious of it.

 Ah! Yes, one very last an important point, let none be deceived into believing that those who bare the mark of the beast or the number of his name are eternally lost. Possessing the mark of the beast does not in any way deny one the opportunity of salvation (salvation from the original curse) that has already been secured to ALL through the ransom sacrifice of Christ. However, baring the mark does preclude one from reigning with Christ as a member of the very elect and the body of Christ.

We move on to Chapter 14 in our next post.