The World Famous 666 – What is this Often Misunderstood Number and What Does it Mean

Question
What is the mark of the beast, the now world famous 666?
Answer
There is more controversy flying around this loaded question than I care to address, but for the sake of those who have no knowledge at all on this subject I will try to break it down in terms that are understandable. What can be known about it for certain is that it is the mark that represents the antichrist’s economic system. Those who don’t have this mark will not be able to buy or sell anything. Whose name it actually represents, is too soon to say. It does seem to be a representation of the trinity of Satan, Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet being the three constituents of that trinity.
An interesting development of late has been something called, Recommendation 666. This is one among many recommendations being adopted by the emerging government of the EU. This particular recommendation was introduced by the European Union’s security minister, Mr. Javier Solana. It is a matter of concern for many people for two reasons. The first is that the final vote on the European constitution is only about a year away. The second reason is because recommendation 666 seems to be worded in such a way that it gives emergency war powers to the leader of the EU if he has been sufficiently apprised of a terrorist threat or the country has actually undergone an actual terror attack. I have thoroughly read every word in this document and while I’m not sure that it something to worry about, it certainly is something to keep an eye on.
My strongest sense of conviction is to go with what we know about this dreaded number and keep a watchful eye on what develops hereafter. Using biblical numerology to point to some particular person is highly questionable and has only failed so many times before. A cautious and thoughtful approach is highly advisable, and a large application of watchful patience will win the day on this subject.
Question
If the pre-tribulationists are mistaken, and some of us are called upon to die at the hand of the antichrist, how will we he able to face this terrible and fearful matter.
Answer
Years ago I showed the movie that is now part of Billy Graham Ministries, called The Hiding Place. The movie is about Corrie Ten Boom who was delivered to tell her story to the world after spending time in the notorious Nazi prison camp named Ravensbruck. Besides seeing her parents and her siblings die under the Nazis, over ninety thousand women met their death in that dreaded camp. In one of Corrie’s books she tells a story about a question she asked her father when she was just a little girl. Her question to him was. How will I be able to find the strength or courage to die if I should be asked to die for my faith in Jesus Christ? Her father answered her question with a question of his own. He said, Corrie, when you go to see your aunt in the country every summer on the train, when do I give you the ticket to board the train? She replied, you give me the ticket the day I’m boarding the train. Her father said, that is correct, and Jesus will give you the strength and the courage to die for him if you have to on the day you are asked to die. I have never heard a better answer anywhere over the years. Gods grace for living will shift to Gods grace for dying as it is needed and not until then.