The number of the beast is concerning to many. Crossing paths with “666” often makes people wince. The number is identified in Revelation 13:18, but what should we learn from the number of the beast? What is God signifying to us through John’s writing? Truthfully, the literal number is harmless, but the message God signified through it must never be forgotten.
A common theme throughout the Scriptures is that God is the only being worthy to be worshipped. We see this theme in Exodus 20:1-6, when God spoke to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. The Psalms also recognize that God alone is worthy of our worship (Ps. 81:9; 99:5, 9). When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded in Matthew 4:10, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Similarly, when God’s faithful servants were offered worship, they turned it away (see Acts 10:25-26; Rev. 19:10; 22:9).
That God alone is to be worshipped is a theme in the Revelation, also. All those who worship God, whose names are in the Book of Life, gain eternal victory (Rev. 20:4; 21:7, 27). However, those who worship others, like the dragon and the beast, receive the full strength of God’s wrath in eternity (Rev. 14:9-11).
God does not permit anyone to worship the beast since he is not worthy of it. The reason he is not worthy of it is signified by his number: six hundred and sixty-six. By inspiration, John wrote in Revelation 13:18: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six” (Emphasis added). 666 signifies that the beast is “NOT-GOD” and so must not be worshipped. What should we learn and remember? Worship God only, because only God is worthy. Don’t fear 666; fear God and worship Him (Matt. 10:28).