Revelation 13:18

Its number is 666. Not having our system of numbers, the ancients wrote numbers using letters of their alphabet. But almost any name can be added up to "666," if the letters are juggled enough. It may be that John intended this to represent the name of the Roman Emperor at that time. But since the number represents the beast's name, it is symbolic. 7 is perfect, 6 is one less than perfection. The church of Christ could be represented by 777, since it is perfect. The number of the beast is 666, complete imperfection! Christ's church does not terminate, but rises to Eternity to the "Feast in Heaven." The beast and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). Christ's church CANNOT fail! The beast has failed already! [Christians must think of themselves as being in active rebellion against Satan and all who follow him. See Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philippians 2:12-16.]

In the last chapter, we saw Satan introduce two agents in his battle against God's people. But he had already lost, even before he began. This chapter shows the TRIUMPH OF THE CHURCH!