"This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666."
(Revelation 13:18)
Virtually all other numbers in the book of Revelation are figurative or symbolic of some spiritual or theological reality. The number refers to the beast as the archetype man (a very typical example of a certain person) who falls short of perfection in every respect. Triple sixes are merely a contrast with the divine sevens in Revelation and signify incompleteness and imperfection. 777 is the number of deity and 666 fall short in every digit. That is, though the beast attempts to mimic God, Christ, and the prophetic Spirit of truth, he falls short of succeeding. Thus the number does not identify the beast, but describes him. It refers to his character.~(Sam Storms)
John calls attention to this distinguishing mark, this proper coin in contrast with the spurious. “Here is wisdom.” In other words, wisdom calls for discernment, recognizing the distinction between that which is of God and that which is of the devil. Here’s something to ponder that will help you apply the gospel more effectively to your lives. “Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast.” He doesn’t mean that smart people will be able to add this number and come to a conclusion. Rather, he implies that the Christian will be able, by the Holy Spirit, to discern and identify the work of the beast that would destroy the church. Remember the deceptiveness that characterizes the devil and his agents. By wisdom from the Lord, Christians will be able to perceive the character of the beast that would deceive and destroy.
Christians live in a world hostile to the gospel. The spirit of antichrist and the false prophet continue throughout the centuries, attempting to distort the gospel, deceive Christians, and destroy the church. Let us, by the Holy Spirit, exercise wisdom and understanding. Let us recognize the ways that the devil would deceive us in order to move our hope away from Christ and His redemptive work. And let us stand firmly in dependence upon our triumphant Lord.
(Phil A. Newton)
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