Most people hear 666 and think of symbols, speculation, or scary imagery. But when you read Revelation straight through—especially chapters 11 through 20—a clear storyline appears.
In this framework, 666 is not just a symbol.
It represents the final period of Satan’s rule on Earth, clearly bracketed within the Book of Revelation.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
1. Everything Changes in Revelation 11
The turning point of Revelation happens in chapter 11, with the two witnesses.
“And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them.”
(Revelation 11:7)
After they are killed, their bodies lie in the street for three and a half days, and the world celebrates.
“For three and a half days… those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them.”
(Revelation 11:9–10)
This moment matters because restraint is removed. The beast now moves openly.
Immediately after this, the seventh trumpet sounds:
“The seventh angel blew his trumpet…”
(Revelation 11:15)
This trumpet does not end history.
It starts the final phase.
2. The Seventh Trumpet Releases the Seven Bowls
Later in Revelation, we are told what flows out of this trumpet:
“Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”
(Revelation 16:1)
The seven bowls of wrath are poured out during the reign of the beast, not after it. These bowls are acts of judgment that strike the Earth while Satan is ruling.
This is the period understood here as the 666-year reign.
3. Who Is Ruling During This Time?
Revelation names the power behind the system:
“They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name… is Apollyon.”
(Revelation 9:11)
By Revelation 13, this authority is total:
“And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.”
(Revelation 13:2)
This rule is global:
“Authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation.”
(Revelation 13:7)
There is no rival power on Earth during this period.
4. The Mark of the Beast Is Literal
During this reign, everyone is forced to choose.
“It causes all… to be marked on the right hand or the forehead.”
(Revelation 13:16)
This mark is required to live normally:
“So that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark.”
(Revelation 13:17)
Refusal brings consequences:
“If anyone worships the beast… and receives a mark… he will drink the wine of God’s wrath.”
(Revelation 14:9–10)
In this framework, the mark is literal, enforced, and unavoidable.
Without it:
-
You cannot participate in the economy
-
You are hunted
-
The penalty is death
5. What Happens to True Believers?
Revelation is clear: believers are not spared during the reign of the beast.
“It was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them.”
(Revelation 13:7)
This is not random persecution—it is systematic execution.
Those who refuse the mark are killed, and Revelation tells us where they are kept while the reign of the beast continues.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.”
(Revelation 6:9)
The altar is the resting place of the martyrs during this period.
They are not yet raised.
They are not yet reigning.
They cry out:
“How long… until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
(Revelation 6:10)
Their question confirms that judgment has not yet arrived. The beast is still ruling. The killings are still ongoing.
Each is given a white robe, but they are told to remain there:
“…until the full number of their fellow servants… were killed just as they had been.”
(Revelation 6:11)
From the death of the two witnesses until the bowls of wrath are finished, every true believer is murdered or dies because they refuse the mark, and their souls are kept under the altar.
Only after this period ends does Revelation show what happens next:
“I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded… who had not worshiped the beast or received its mark… They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
(Revelation 20:4)
The same souls once seen under the altar are later seen reigning.
Faithfulness equals martyrdom.
Martyrdom ends at the Millennial Reign.
6. The Collapse of the Beast System (Revelation 17–19)
As the bowls conclude, the system begins to fall.
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!”
(Revelation 18:2)
Everything Satan built collapses—political power, economy, religion.
Finally:
“The beast was captured, and with it the false prophet…”
(Revelation 19:20)
This marks the end of the 666 period.
7. Revelation 20: The Transition
Revelation 20 completes the story.
“He seized the dragon… and bound him for a thousand years.”
(Revelation 20:2)
Satan’s rule is over.
“They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
(Revelation 20:4)
The Millennial Reign begins.
Final Summary
In this framework:
-
666 is a time period, not a metaphor
-
It begins after the death of the two witnesses (Rev 11)
-
It includes the reign of Apollyon, the mark of the beast, and the seven bowls (Rev 13–16)
-
It ends with the destruction of the beast (Rev 19)
-
It transitions into the Millennial Kingdom (Rev 20)
Revelation does not call believers to escape this period—but to endure it.
“Here is the endurance of the saints.”
(Revelation 14:12)
No comments:
Post a Comment