Why is 666 the number of the beast?
The number 666 is the number of the beast because it is the number of man. Scripture consistently uses six to represent man. The beast's number is given as 600, three score, and six, which produces six, six, six. This identifies the beast's political and religious system as human in origin.
Les explains that the beast's number is the number of man, and in Scripture the number of man is six. The beast encompasses the power, the political system, and the religious system. The number 600, three score, and six yields six, six, six. He also clarifies that believers will not be present for this tribulation event and need not worry about receiving the mark of the beast. Many people will drag their feet before accepting the mark, just as some are slow to accept direct deposit, because human nature resists such demands.