Truth Magazine

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Question: Does 666 in Revelation 13:18 refer to a future pope? Is “Babylon the Great” a clear, direct prophecy of the Roman Catholic Church?

Reply:. As to the identity of the number 666 in Revelation 13:18, many interpretations have been given. It has been identified with about every known sinister character in history, from Nero to Mussolini. Futurists see the number 666 as some wicked ruler who will appear just before the final return of Christ and the end of the world.

A method of solving the identity of the number 666 was used by later Jews and early Christians known as Gematria. It is described as “the use of letters of a word so as by means of their combined numerical value to express a name, or a witty association of ideas” (ISBE, Vol. IV, p. 2162). Men have been deciphering the name of the beast for centuries. One theory reduces “Nero Caesar” to the Hebrew consonant equivalent “Nron Ksr.” The Hebrew numerical equivalent is N = 50, R = 200, 0 = 6, N = 50, K = 100, S = 60, R = 200. The total is 666. So, many interpreters believe that the number 666 is Nero. It has been pointed out that “the recent discovery of an Aramaic illustration of Nero Caesar, spelled so as to equal 666 at Qumram gives credence to this as a solution” (J.W. Roberts, The Revelation to John, p. 116).

Irenaeus (120-202 A.D.) introduced the view that the first Roman ruler was named Latinus (spelled Lateinos in Greek). Using the Greek evaluation method, L = 30, A = 1, T = 300, E = 5, 1 = 10, N = 50, 0 = 70, S = 200. The total is 666. So, the number of the beast came to be identified later with the Roman Catholic Church because of its association with Rome and its use of Latin. This has been a very popular view, especially among older expositors. Alexander Campbell, in his debate with bishop Purcell (held in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1837), identified the number with papal Rome. (See Campbell-Purcell Debate, p. 287.) He affirmed that the Roman Catholic Church “is the Babylon of John, the Man of Sin of Paul, and the Empire of the Youngest Horn of Daniel’s Sea Monster” in the third proposition of the debate (Ibid., p. 281).

Systems have been worked out to identify the code 666 with Hitler, by giving numerical equivalents to the letters of our English alphabet. Many names in different languages have been deciphered to solve the code 666. These are but a few examples of these efforts.

We must bear in mind that the book of Revelation is an apocalypse; thus such writings is characterized by imagery, symbols and signs. For this reason, modern readers are in a more difficult position to positively identify codes which were most probably understood by the Christians who lived at that time. They were in peril, their lives being in jeopardy because of persecution; so most likely codes or symbols were used for their protection. The number “6” (Rev. 4:8) and “666” (Rev. 13:18) had significance. In oriental numerology the number “6” indicated doom when by itself. The number “666” denoted greater evil; it was evil intensified (see Pieters, Milligan, et al).

In chapter thirteen, John saw two beasts (one coming up out of the sea, v. 1, and the other coming up out of the earth, v. 11); both are allies of Satan. In harmony with the symbolic use of numbers in the book of Revelation, “six” represents that which is evil. Tripled it would be intensified evil, as we have seen. Being short of the number seven (a symbol of perfection), the number 666 also emphasizes failure or doom. It should be noted here that there is no definite article before man. Therefore, the idea is the number of man, not some specific man. Homer Hailey comments: “the number of the beast stands for the complete and total failure of all human systems and efforts antagonistic to God and His Christ” (Commentary on Revelation, p. 299). This is a reasonable conclusion in view of the context.

To suppose that the number 666 refers to some future pope would be of no significance to those Christians living in John’s day. The purpose of the Apocalypse was to comfort Christians. Portrayed for them is the defeat of their enemies and the ultimate victory of Christ (Rev. 17:14). Neither would “Babylon the Great,” being identified as the Roman Catholic Church, be of any significance or consolation to the saints at the time the book of Revelation was written.

It seems more in harmony with the context to conclude that human devices and systems which oppose Christ and His cause are symbolized by the cryptogram 666, rather than some specific man. “Babylon the Great” more logically refers to Jerusalem, if the Revelation was written before 70 A.D.; or to Rome, if the book was written at a later date, c. 96 A.D. In either case, “Babylon” symbolizes lust and seduction (17:3,4) rather than some specific institution such as the Roman Catholic Church.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 293
May 21, 1987

By Irven Lee

“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). In speaking of Christ it was said, “He needeth not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:25). There are some soul searching questions one might consider because God is not mocked. He knows our thoughts and motives, and He judges according to what He sees inside.

It is better that man not be left to handle this matter of trying to settle the question as to each man’s destiny. He would make many mistakes. Two older men were talking about whether it was best to withdraw from a certain man. They did not agree as to the guilt of the man in question. One said, “I would hate for one who was considered a member in good standing with this church to die and go to hell.” The other said, “I would hate for one who dies and goes to heaven to be one from whom we had just withdrawn.” Men should be very careful in obeying the command to withdraw from the disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17, 18). Patience, love, and wisdom should be there to help us when we seek to use righteous judgment (John 7:24).

The hypocritical Pharisees and the unbelieving Sadducees did condemn the Christ and many saints to harsh persecution and death. When Stephen and other such people were condemned, their eternal destiny was not endangered. Heaven’s court is the supreme court and makes the final decisions. In our generation many of the supporters of institutionalism and church support of recreation have considered those who walked in the safe way to be unworthy of fellowship. I am glad that these bitter digressive preachers are not the ones to determine our final destiny.

For what will Christ, the great Judge, be looking when He separates the sheep from the goats? He will be looking for genuine love for God and men. The two greatest commandments are evidently very important * He will look for the love that will bring about obedience (read John 14:15, 21, 23; 1 John 2:4; 5:3). He will also look for the love that will properly regulate man’s behavior to his fellow man (Rom. 13:10; James 2). A little touch of emotionalism will not suffice as a substitute for loving obedience.

The Judge will be looking for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. (See Matt. 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:15, 16; Heb. 5: 12-14.) People perish through lack of knowledge. We speak as the oracles of God and we walk by faith. It is very important for us to be able to discern between good and evil. We are to be able to give a reason for the hope within us. We are to be apt to teach and to stop the mouths of gainsayers. Is the lack of knowledge and the lack of desire to learn about the greatest dangers facing us now? It is a noble spirit that searches the Scriptures daily to see what is true.

The Judge looks for those who grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. We never learn all there is to know, but we can grow in this precious knowledge. We are to go on unto perfection. We are to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling (2 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 6: 1; Phil. 3:14).

All men everywhere are commanded to repent. If we ever decide that we have graduated with the class that knows everything and has added all the faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love that can be added we are unprepared for judgment. We all will need to find mercy even when we have done our best.

That man who works out his salvation with fear and trembling and gives diligence to make his calling and election sure is the best man I can picture in my mind. That devout person who is in his Father’s kingdom contending for the faith needs to study and press on toward perfection, confessing his sins and his need of mercy along the way. This servant will make it to heaven, but only by grace. Christ died that people like this may enter in through the gate into the city. Now, at this time, if we truly set our affections on things above we may lay hold of the hope set before us.

The Philippian jailer and his family were babes in Christ the morning after they were baptized as penitent believers, but their sins had been washed away. If they lived for years but never walked in newness of life they would surely be lost. The Lord handles the final judgment as one who knows what is in man and He knows His Father’s will. Each will be judged fairly according to the deeds done in his body.

A first grade pupil at school may have high marks on his report card even though his big brother knows more than he does. The graduate student should know much more than that one in the first grade. The assignments given the graduate student will be much more difficult than that which is expected of the beginner. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 299
May 21, 1987

By Ronny Milliner

Introduction:

A. Text: 1 Cor. 15:52

B. Even those whose radios blast so loud that it can be heard for a country mile, will hear this trumpet.

C. What will happen when this trumpet sounds?

I. Time Will End.

A. While many think that Christ’s return will be the beginning of His kingdom, I Cor. 15:24 declares it to be the end of His reign.

B. It is the “last day” (Jn. 6:39-40, 44, 54).

II. The Resurrection of the Dead.

A. Our text declares this fact (1 Cor. 15:51-52).

B. There will not be a resurrection of the righteous and then 1,000 years later a resurrection of the wicked (Jn. 5:28-29).

C. All the dead will be raised (Rev. 20:13-14).

III. An Universal Judgment.

A. The small and great will be there (Rev. 20:12).

B. Each of us will be there to give an account to Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

C. Knowing such should lead us to repentance (Acts 17:30-31).

D. The words of the Lord will be the standard of judgment (Jn. 12:48).

IV. The Material Universe Will Be Destroyed.

A. Jesus said it would pass away (Mt. 24:35).

B. Peter tells us how (2 Pet. 3:10-12).

V. Punishment For The Sinners.

A. For those who do not know God and for those who have not obeyed the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

B . Notice the terms used to describe what they will experience (Rom. 2:5-9).

C. Rev. 20:15; 21:8 tells of those who will be cast into the lake of fire.

VI. Eternity Will Continue.

A. While time as we know it will end (as discussed in point one), eternity goes on forever and ever and ever.

B. So the state of the wicked and righteous are both described as being forever and ever.

1. Wicked (Rev. 14:9-11; Mt. 25:46).

2. Righteous (Mt. 25:46; Rev. 22:5).

VII. The Triumph of the Saints.

A. Our hope will be realized (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

B. What a glorious experience (Rev. 21:1-4)!

Conclusion

A. If that trumpet were to sound now, would you be ready?

B. Song: “There’s a Great Day Coming.”

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 300
May 21, 1987

By Irvin Himmel

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Prov. 14:12).

So important is the thought of this verse that it is repeated in Proverbs 16:25.

Things Not Always What They Seem

To an infant, a pair of scissors may seem desirable, for the child does not realize the danger in playing with a sharp cutting instrument.

It seemed proper to Saul of Tarsus in his earlier years to persecute the disciples of Jesus. Looking back on that part of his life, he acknowledged, “I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:9-11). It seemed to Saul at the time that he was rendering God a service by persecuting the followers of Jesus, but he was actually fighting against God.

When Paul clashed with the Greek philosophers at Athens, some of them said, “He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods” (Acts 17:18). They made this judgment because he preached unto them Jesus and the resurrection. But in this case, as in many others, things were not what they seemed.

Right Not Determined By “Seeming”

A way may seem right but that does not make it right. A number of years ago I was traveling south on interstate 75 in the early hours before dawn. A heavy fog made visibility difficult. I stopped at a restaurant. Daylight was just beginning as I negotiated several turns to get back on the interstate. It seemed that I was heading in the direction of Florida until I began noticing road signs. I had traveled a number of miles before realizing that I was going in the direction from which I had just come. I turned around and headed south, but for a while it seemed that this should be north. Finally, when the sun broke through the fog, my sense of direction cleared.

In the course of one’s life it may seem that he is on the right track. “But a man is not the highest surveyor of life, and the map that he draws is not the supreme authority” (W. F. Adeney). Thinking a thing to be right does not make it so.

Many people rely on their feelings. They say, “This seems to me to be the right thing to do.” But what does the word of God say about it? We may honestly feel that we are on the right road and all the while be on the wrong road.

God gives us the standard of right. No matter how things seem, or how we feel, or what we personally may be inclined to think, we must let the Bible be our guide.

Ways That Seem Right

(1) The end justifies the means. In many situations people pay little attention to whether or not they are following the Scriptures. They suppose that so long as some good is resulting from their actions, they must have God’s approval. But it is never right to do wrong in order to accomplish something worthwhile. One is not justified in stealing in order to give to the poor. There is no warrant for perverting the gospel in order to gain favor with sinners.

(2) God will make an exception. There are people who think that no matter what the Bible says, they can do otherwise and get by. Recently, a woman who entered into an adulterous marriage was questioned by a preacher about her conduct, and she replied that she felt that God would make an exception to Matthew 19:9 in her case. Apparently, some feel that God will make an exception to Mark 16:16 in their case, and they can be saved without believing and being baptized. The way of the “exception” rule seems right, but do not be deceived by it. God has not revealed that He is going to make exceptions with any of us.

(3) Many others are going this way. It is hard for some, old and young alike, to resist the current popular opinion. To them it seems right to do whatever the multitudes around them are doing. Moses warned Israel, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude, to do evil” (Ex. 23:2). Jesus taught that the way is “narrow” which leads to life, “and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14).

A way is not right merely because it seems so!

Destination Death

A way may seem right, but consider the end thereof. No one can judge’ the end of a road by the appearance which it has at the beginning. The broad road which leads to eternal ruin offers many attractions at the outset. There are bright lights, the promise of fun and pleasure, and the crowd entering this way seems to include the most influential and best educated. Alas, look at the destination!

The end result of what one does should be contemplated from the beginning. A sinful act may offer temporary pleasure, but it is followed by remorse, regret, and misery. A way may seem right, but if it ends in eternal separation from God, it should be avoided at all cost. Read Romans 6:23.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 298
May 21, 1987