Reflections on Revelation #238

Day 238

“Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six..” Revelation 13:18. (NASB.)

Over the centuries teachers of prophecy have forced many names to come out at 666. Nero Caesar was a popular choice in the early centuries of Christian thought. Hitler was certainly a character that many sought to tie to this prophecy.  

One creative suggestion was Ronald Wilson Reagan because he had six letters in each of his three names. After leaving the presidency, he moved to a home in Los Angeles. Evidently the numerology bothered him enough that he had the address changed from 666 St. Cloud Drive to 668! 
One recent favourite is the allegation that 666 appears on some international product codes. Since this relates to buying and selling (Rev 13:16-17), some think this is significant. If we adapt the rules to make names conform (say multiply by seven, add four, then divide by three) we can eventually make any name fit 666. 

As previously noted, the statue of Nebuchadnezzar where worship was commanded in Daniel 3 was constructed using the Babylonian base system of 6. Sixty cubits by 6 cubits (Dan 3:1) and 6 instruments of worship were listed in v5. Through the centuries many Christians suffering intense persecution supposed that they were experiencing the final tribulation before the Second Coming. It is not surprising that they wondered if Stalin, Hitler or some Muslim ruler might not be the final Antichrist. While they may have been wrong in thinking they were the last generation, they gained courage from grasping the larger principles of the Book of Revelation. And in quality, if not in time, they tasted in part the final struggle with the forces of evil. 6 is the number of man, and rebellion. 666 is the last day trinity of evil, the dragon, the Beast, the false prophet – the final rebellion. Don’t be part of it.

The last week of our Lord’s life typifies the events of His body, the church at the end of time. He had a small time of trouble in Gethsemane, where the sin of the world was upon Him. Then the greater time of trouble on Calvary – it was the church of the day using the power of the state that put Him there. The women of Revelation 12:17 (not a denomination) will experience the wrath of the devil. When the church is going through its good Friday; remember Sundays coming! 

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