“Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.” (Revelation 13:11, NIV)
This second monster looks like a lamb but has the voice of its true master: Satan. It has the authority of Satan and he does miracles in the sight of people. He "makes" people worship the Beast and "and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain." [1] "God’s people had been sealed as a sign of his protection (7:3). Now the beast’s people are marked as well . . . People from all stations (small and great), economic conditions (rich and poor), and ranks (free and slave) will be included." [2]
This mark not only shows loyalty to the Beast but it also becomes a means "“so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” (Revelation 13:17, NIV).
The number of the beast is 666. "The invitation to one with understanding to calculate this number, however, suggests the use of gematria, an ancient code using the numerical values of letters." [3] "This second beast, accordingly, is the lie of Satan dressed up like the truth. It is Satan masquerading as a shining angel (2 Cor. 11: 14). It symbolizes all false prophets in every era of this dispensation. They come disguised as sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Mt. 7: 15)." [4]
These two personages of the wicked trinity work in perfect harmony. An anti-christian government and an anti-christian religion bring people into falsehood and captivity. So what of this infamous mark; this 666? Well it is clear in this passage this "mark" is impressed upon people while they worship. The mark is put on the forehead or the hand. It reflects an imprint on one's mind and deeds. "This interpretation harmonizes entirely with our explanation regarding the seal which the believer receives on his forehead. This seal indicates that he belongs to Christ, worships Him, breathes His spirit and thinks His thoughts after Him." [5]
You are what you worship. What we believe is valuable; what we love; what we cherish, we worship. What we worship we give our allegiance to. We think after what we embrace and we do what we think. The number of the beast is the superlative value of man. This is the essence of false religion -- it exalts man -- it is all about "me".
Father, it is so easy because of this horrid indwelling sin to even make the worship of Your Son about me -- about what I get. Lord I pray that this truth will invade our lives -- we are what we love -- we are what we give "worth" to. Lord forgive me for giving greater value to the things of man rather than the things of God. Turn our eyes upon Jesus. Help us to look fully into His face. May the things of this earth go dim in the light of His glory and grace.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)
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1. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Re 13:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
2. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (233). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2482). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
4. Hendriksen, William (1998-06-01). More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 148). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
5. Ibid, (p. 150).
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