666. The Mark of the Beast!
Perhaps nothing else holds such fascination in the minds of believers and non-believers alike in these last days.
The first thing to note is that the beast or false prophet decieves the people of this earth (Rev. 13:14). This he is able to accomplish because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast. His very appearance is deceptive. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon (v. 11).
So deception is one word you need to keep in mind.
Secondly, there is delegated power. Earlier in the chapter we find that the dragon, that is Satan himself, giving the first beast “his power, his throne and great authority (v.2b).” And the second beast was exercising all the authority of the first beast on his behalf (v.12). So we find here Satan, the Antichrist (first beast), and the false prophet (second beast). There is an attempt to imitate the Holy Trinity by the forces of darkness and evil.
So see behind the forces of evil in operation in this world as originating with Satan and his demonic forces.
Again, we find these evil forces craving the worship of mankind. It was this original craving that turned Lucifer the guardian angel into Satan (Isaiah 14:12–14, Ezekiel 28:12–19). He tempted Jesus in the wilderness to worship him (Matt. 4:9, Luke 4:7); but it did not succeed. So here Satan is gaining worship through the two beasts (vv.4, 8, 15). All those whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life will worship the beast (v. 8). Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life?
So remember the evil forces in this world is trying hard to gain worship from men and women; the worship that rightfully belongs to God alone.
Finally, technology that can make all this happen is here. Scanners and chips that make possible to buy or sell without cash is already here (v. 16). The point is that all classes of people are included. Again, we read about an image that was given breath so that it could speak (v.15). It does not amaze us in the 21st century as we have seen Sophia the robot speak. But what should amaze us is that this was written around AD. 96, nineteen centuries ago! The Biblical account seems like a post-modern newspaper; doesn’t it?
So know that there is no longer any privacy for you or me as all our digital transactions including Google searches are under close surveillance.
To conclude, whatever is the meaning of 666, the question is, “Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life?” Again, the rapid advance of technology tells that Jesus is almost here. Lift up your heads. Jesus is coming to take you home!
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Insight
While Jesus loves us as we are, he wants us to walk blemishless—like any father would want his child to be.