by sunny » Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:10 am
<!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>"Nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name. Here is where wisdom comes in: Let the one that has intelligence calculate the number of the wild beast, for it is <!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>a man's number</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->; and its number is six hundred and sixty-six."—Revelation 13:17, 18.<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END--><br><br>In the Scriptures, certain numbers have symbolic significance. The number seven, for example, is often used to symbolize that which is complete, or perfect, in God's eyes. For instance, God's creative week comprises seven 'days,' or extended time periods, during which God completely accomplishes his creative purpose regarding the earth.Genesis 1:3–2:3. God's "sayings" are like silver that has been "clarified seven times," thus perfectly refined. (Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5, 6) The leper Naaman was told to bathe seven times in the Jordan River, after which he was completely healed.—2 Kings 5:10, 14.<br><br>Six is one short of seven. Or, a falling short of the perfection of God. Repeated three times, it indicates <!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>gross</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END--> imperfection, or pure evil. Being a "man's" number, the beast has to be worldly, or human, governments, which have behaved like beasts throughout history.<br><br>Those having the mark of the beast proclaim their servitude to the beast. Thus, the mark, whether on the right hand or on the forehead, figuratively speaking, is a symbol that identifies its bearer as one who gives worshipful support to the beastlike political systems of the world. Those having the mark give to "Caesar" that which rightly belongs to God. (Luke 20:25; Revelation 13:4, 8; 14:1) by giving worshipful honor to the political state, its symbols, and its military might, to which they look for hope and salvation.<br><br>I realize many here are atheist or agnostic, and I do not mean to offend. Just thought I would contribute my understanding of this subject. If you think about it, the Torture Bill 6166, fits right into this interpretation.<br> <p></p><i></i>