“Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast: for it is the number of man: His number is 666.” Revelation 13:18
Dear Ones:
The existence, purpose, and meaning of man, from heaven’s standpoint (I take great liberties here, as that which is of heaven is so very vast as opposed to our concepts), resides in the perspective of Adam, the perfect man before the fall, and that of Adam, after the fall, who before was the crown of God’s creation, but which had forfeited his high elevation, to forsake not only his place, but also his glory. In speaking of his glory, we speak of that glory of God which was given him, revealed in him in fullest measure possible in creation. By virtue of his unhindered communion with God, the glorious nature of God was consequently revealed in him. That revelation was one of true and eternal LIFE, and the love of God. When Adam fell by virtue of his sin, he forfeited that glory, embraced darkness as opposed to the light and life of his soul, to be in every way, an independent, “lost” soul, whose end would be death, both spiritual and physical. Void of this eternal LIFE, he would be aimless, helpless, and hopeless in view of his end, without the true knowledge of God. Perhaps the clearest manner of describing him at this point is that he would be his own master, ruler, determiner of his fate, resting and trusting only, and wholly in himself for his existence. His existence would therefore be in total opposition to God, not only with regard to his nature as opposed to that of God, but also with regard to the manner in which he lived…and died. In essence, man had become defined by his “godlessness,” as opposed to Christ’s example and hope, as the second Adam, without sin, wholly dependent upon the Father, and living by a perfect faith, receiving all from heaven, to give Life to that which was dead, and to find and save that which was lost.
One of the great kings of antiquity was Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. His renown and power had so expanded, and empire become so vast, that he began to think of himself almost a god. It was at this time that he had a dream, which Daniel interpreted for him. Daniel warned him to abandon the pursuit of his own greatness, and concentrate on doing that which was righteous in the sight of God. This he did not do, as he came to declare: “Is this not great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of MY power, and for the honor of MY majesty?” God would judge Nebuchadnezzar by that statement, and send him into the wilderness to live, with the heart of an animal for seven years, until the day that he lifted his eyes to heaven and declared: “I blessed the most High (God), and I praised and honored Him that lives for ever, whose dominion (reign) is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:34) God alone is the Sovereign, Almighty God, Creator and Redeemer.
Perhaps the whole story, essence, attitude, and defiance of natural man towards God, can be summarized by John’s description of him in the book of the Revelation. His number is 666. It is the same as the “beast,” who essence is of Satan. Natural man’s only hope to be saved from such a condition is by the cry of his heart to God for mercy. And this God will do, for Christ came to seek and save that which is lost.
Dear Father, give us grace to understand that we are naturally, totally lost, without the capacity to save ourselves. But You have intervened in Christ, and wait to hear our heart’s cry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad