Revelation 13:17-18 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.
Many years ago, I conducted a prophecy series on the Revelation. One of the lessons dealt with the mark of Antichrist, mentioned in the passage for this week's article. Please note that the mark of Antichrist is not merely a number since it must also represent a name. Consequently, the mark must simultaneously include both letters and numerals. But how can that be? How can the mark that John mysteriously mentioned both spell a name and have numerical value?
Unlike our Phoenician Alphabet and Arabic Number System, John wrote in Greek. Similar to the Romans and the Hebrews, many ancient civilizations used their alphabet for both writing and counting. Greek was also one of the languages that made letters do double duty.
Since the Apocalypse of John (the Revelation) was written in Greek, then the numbering of Antichrist (666) was based on the Greek alphabet rather than the Arabic Number System that we use today. In Hebrew, the numeral 6 is represented by the letter Vav. In Roman, the numeral 6 is written like VI. However, in Greek, the numeral 6 is Zeta, or our letter Z (the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet).
So, when John referred to the mark of Antichrist (666), the designation might have looked more like ZZZ, which could also stand for a written name by the presence of letters. But how does this apply to us currently?
Well, if you've watched recent news about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, you have noticed a most unusual oddity. Suddenly, the letter Z has appeared as a Neo-Nazi emblem of Mr. Putin's war. The letter Z is painted on Russian military equipment. The letter Z is worn by Russian athletes who support the invasion while competing at the Olympics in China. Although no one can actually explain the enigmatic appearance, the letter Z has suddenly acquired a life of its own regarding Russian politics. World news outlets are even discussing this strange phenomenon (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/world-war-z-what-s-the-meaning-behind-russian-propaganda-symbol-emerging-as-the-new-swastika/ar-AAUKM0u?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&fbclid=IwAR0oAjWzoKuOZh3F9bIYik-9OCGL3imn7b_GAh0X5zmnb93HrhGX-8hFHSA).
No, I am not saying that the President of Russia is the Antichrist (although the citizens of Ukraine might be convinced of that possibility). But I am saying that End-Time prophecy is being fulfilled right in front of our eyes, and we should be keenly aware at this pivotal moment in world history. Unseen forces are at work as the Mark of Antichrist begins to take shape.
Watching the nightly news, our curiosity should peak as our blood runs cold! Time is short, and we should prepare, “But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
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