“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 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.”
–Revelation 13:16-18
For as much as the world (and the church folk) talk about 666,–-the mark of the beast in Revelation 13–-the only thing we know about this number is from the Book of Revelation, particularly the three verses recorded in Revelation 13:16-18.
Which brings to mind other questions: “What is the meaning of 666 and where did it come from?”
For as much as the world seemingly concentrates on those three end times numbers (666), surprisingly little is known for sure about them.
This is certainly a 666 conundrum.
The only information we know for sure is that the God’s Word states that 666 is the “number of a man.” There are a number of stories associated with this information, mostly told by the world and, especially the tares.
Some of the tales involve the number SEVEN representing God, so that SIX is one less and represents man, who is imperfect and wicked.
Others claim that NINE is the number of the devil and that 666 is merely three nine’s upside down. (Of course, this last one does not work with Roman numerals or any other number system than the ones we currently use now.)
Some claim that 666 is really 616, but then, centuries have passed without that tale gaining much traction in the public’s mind.
There are a number of modern groups–such as hard rockers, gang members and motorcycle clubs–who have adopted 666, mainly because that number signifies end times rebellion against God.
There is some speculation that 666 is a number once used by the wicked men who ruled the earth before the flood.
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”
–Genesis 6:5, 11-13
The thinking goes that because the wicked have such a love of ancient knowledge–particularly ancient EVIL knowledge–666 will be dusted off once more and used again before the return of Jesus Christ.
Really, not much is known for sure about 666–other than the world LOVES to weave 666 into all sorts of everyday modern motifs and patterns, as well as into the logos of many major corporations or their products.
The one sure thing we know about 666: it will be used by those who desire to rule the earth through Satan.
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
–2THESSALONIANS 2:9-11
When the time comes, those who are not subject to great delusion will recognize 666 and will exchange their lives in order to NOT take the mark of the beast.
Something else about 666: practically everywhere the mark of the beast is mentioned in the Bible, worship of the beast is also mentioned. So the mark is rigidly associated with WORSHIP OF THE BEAST.
“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.”
–Revelation 16:1-2
Oh. One additional thing that is KNOWN FOR SURE about 666: ALL who take the mark will be damned forever.
There is NO repentance once one takes the mark of the beast–regardless of what various wolves in the pulpits might claim.
There is NO changing of the mind once one worships the beast and receives his mark.
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
–Revelation 14:9-11
Seems very clear, right?
So where did 666 originate?
666 originates in Revelation 13:16-18.
That is what is known for sure.
Otherwise, the conundrum continues to be puzzling.
DOES the reader believe the earth will be asked to make a choice between taking the mark of the beast and declining to take the mark of the beast?
DOES the reader believe that God will always forgive someone who was deceived?
It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.
DOES the reader believe he is saved?
Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival
DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: Making a Choice
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The Power of God Unto Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The End Times Power of God Unleashed
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: September 30, 2019.]
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
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Filed under: Biblical Teachings, End Time Deception, END TIMES PREPARATION, End Times: What does the Bible say, 666 conundrum