174    The Bible and the Future of the World 

The Mark of the Beast: 666 (Rev 13:16 18) 

     Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and 

slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can 

buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast  or the 

number of its name.  (Rev 13:16 17). 

    No one will be allowed to buy or sell in this evil kingdom, unless they 

receive the mark of the beast (its name or number) on their right hand or 

forehead. This requirement is a perverse imitation of God's holy seal given 

to His servants on their foreheads (Rev 7:3 4). Similarly, Antichrist will 

mark those who serve him and his evil purposes. And Antichrist will do 

other things in evil imitation of Jesus, the true Christ. 

    In the first verse of the next chapter (Rev 14:1), Holy Scripture reminds us 

that God's true servants have Jesus' name and His Father's name written on 

their foreheads. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot be marked with 

both God's name and the name of the beast. Serve God alone. 

The Meaning of the Number 666 

     This calls for wisdom: let him who has understanding reckon the number 

of the beast, for it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty 

six.  (Rev 13:18). 

    The beast is Antichrist and the number of his name is  666. Antichrist's 

name will have six letters in his first name, six letters in his middle name, 

and six letters in his last name. Antichrist's name will have a total of 18 

letters, divided evenly between his first, middle, and last names. 

    Many other incorrect interpretations have been given for the meaning of 

this number. But several things confirm that this is the correct interpretation. 

    The footnote which accompanies this verse states,  Other ancient 

authorities read six hundred and sixteen.  Many verses in Holy Scripture have 

more than one true and correct meaning intended by God. Likewise, in this 

passage, both of these numbers, 666 and 616, are intended by God to signify 

the name of Antichrist. 

    As is the custom, people often use their middle initial in place of their 

middle name. So the number 616 stands for the six letters of Antichrist's first 

name, the one letter of his middle initial, and the six letters of his last name. 

This interpretation is simple and clear; it works for both versions of the 

number of his name. 

    Another confirmation that this is the correct interpretation is the total 

number of letters in Antichrist's name. With his middle initial in place of his 

middle name, Antichrist's name has 13 letters. With all the letters of his first,