666
“16 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:
17 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.
18 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.”
(Rev 13:16-18 KJV)
The antichrist will control the world’s economy by requiring a mark in order to buy or sell. Those without the mark will starve as they will not be allowed to buy food, or anything else for that matter. The mark of the beast is one of the most speculated topics in prophecy. It seems that the mark is the number of the beasts’ name. Many have counted the numbers in someone’s name to try and figure out who the beast is (Ronald Reagan was even a candidate because of this). It doesn’t say ‘six letters, six letters, six letters.’ It says six hundred and sixty six. In Greek, letters have a numerical value. This means that the numerical value of the beasts’ name adds up to six hundred and sixty six.
Some have suggested that the mark is a bar code that will be imprinted on their foreheads or hands. Others believe that it could be a microchip that is injected under the skin. Others have suggested it’s the Social Security number.
The Scriptures are not clear on the details of the mark. What it does tell us is that the mark is required for buying and selling. We are also told that God’s wrath will be poured out on those that took the mark and the mark will cause grievous sores.
“9 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,
10 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:”
(Rev 14:9-10 KJV)
“2 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.” (Rev 16:2 KJV)