“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 13:18, KJV)
I believe it is the number of a political, economic and religious system of mankind that is opposed and at war with the kingdom of Christ. We are seeing it coming into a fuller and more complete order as we approach the coming of the Lord.I used to think 666 was representative of Nero. I made an assumption that the Beast is an individual man. If that assumption is incorrect, then the Beast very well could be a number of men (and women).
It's really strange in some respects. The Dispensationalist will say the same thing. I suppose most of the eschatologies can agree on this...I believe it is the number of a political, economic and religious system of mankind that is opposed and at war with the kingdom of Christ. We are seeing it coming into a fuller and more complete order as we approach the coming of the Lord.
Well..., at least that helps us to quit guessing what particular man is the beast/Antichrist and realize it is a system of fallen humanity, with particular traits, that is opposed to Christian faith and Christ Himself. There is a clash between glorifying fallen man and his love of self and ways, as opposed to the Christian and his love of Christ and being obedient to His law.It's really strange in some respects. The Dispensationalist will say the same thing. I suppose most of the eschatologies can agree on this...