The prophecy of Revelation 13—the Mark of the Beast—is a subject deeply rooted in our understanding as Seventh-day Adventists. We have long taught that Roman supremacy will re-emerge, and that the world—yes, even the United States—will render homage to the Papacy and its religious institutions, especially through enforced Sunday observance. According to this view, this veneration will exalt the Pope as the undisputed authority—the one associated with the mysterious number 666—who will ultimately compel all to comply, even under the threat of death. But is this truly the complete picture? Is the Pope himself to be the final enforcer of the Mark of the Beast or have we overlooked something deeper, more startling, and profoundly relevant to our time? Keep reading to uncover the full story.

COULD WE HAVE BEEN WRONG?

Could there be more to the story of the “world despot” than we’ve traditionally believed? Alongside the well-known narrative, there are other potential players on the global stage—economic and political elites, influential religious leaders, spiritualists, even the lingering shadow of Communism. Communism isn’t quite as dead as some may think—but that’s a discussion for another time.

While it has long seemed logical to identify the Papacy with the mysterious number 666, we must ask ourselves: is this conclusion firmly grounded in Scripture?

There is no denying the dark and violent history of Ecclesiastical Rome—the Crusades, the Inquisition, the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre—all testify to the dangers of church and state united. And indeed, prophecy reveals a revival of that kind of oppressive religious-political power. ¹ But here’s the question: Have we perhaps misunderstood the specific role the Papacy will play in the final crisis? Could it be that our long-held assumptions need revisiting? Might the true identity behind the number 666 point somewhere we haven’t fully considered?

If that possibility feels unsettling, take heart—it’s okay to ask hard questions. In fact, we are encouraged to do so. Inspiration reminds us: “We have many lessons to learn and many, many to unlearn.” 2 And again: “There is need of a much closer study of the word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy; but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God.” ³

So why not take a fresh, prayerful look at what the Bible actually says? This study may be brief—but its implications are profound. The truth is not something to fear, but to seek. And in seeking it, we are better prepared for what lies ahead.

A BEAST LIKE NO OTHER

In Daniel Chapter 7, we are introduced to four ancient world powers—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (both Pagan and Papal)—symbolized respectively by a lion, bear, leopard, and a non-descript beast. In Revelation 13:1–10, we encounter a ten-horned, seven-headed crowned beast rising from the sea. This beast possesses the mouth of a lion, the feet of a bear, the body of a leopard, and the ten horns of the non-descript beast.

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1–4)

The composite makeup of this beast testifies that it is a descendant and amalgamation of the ancient empires. The beast’s forty-two-month reign (verse 5)—equals to 1,260 years—spans from 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D., corresponding to the era of Ecclesiastical or Papal Rome. Its wounded state (verse 3) symbolizes the period of Protestant influence that followed. In essence, the beast represents three phases: before the wound, during the wound, and after the wound is healed. Therefore, this conglomerate beast encompasses the histories of both the Papacy and Protestantism.

Moreover, the ten horns which represents the kings—of Daniel’s fourth symbolic beast, Rome, were originally crownless. Why? Because during that time, the Popes held dominion—they ruled. However, the crowns on the horns of the leopard-like beast indicate a time when monarchs reclaimed their authority. This shift reveals that John’s beast represents the world following the fall of the Papacy, a time when civil governments regained their independence. Once again, this confirms that the leopard-like beast symbolizes the modern world following the collapse of Vatican power in 1798. In short, this beast is a symbol of the world we live in today.

Turning our attention to the seven heads, we note that one of them is wounded and subsequently healed. It is commonly interpreted that this wounded head symbolizes the Papacy particularly in relation to the previously diminished Papal Rome. If one head represents a religious body, then logically, the remaining six uninjured heads must also symbolize religious institutions—churches, if you will. The number seven often denotes “completeness” or comprehensiveness.⁴ In this light, the seven heads represent the entirety of Christendom, while the ten horns symbolize the civil powers that were once under Rome’s control but later regained freedom.

Together, the horns and heads symbolize the modern global landscape particularly the Western world just as Daniel’s beasts once represented the dominant world powers of their era.

In other words, the first beast of Revelation 13 cannot represent the Papacy alone. Instead, it signifies a universal system led by Western ideals, of which the Papacy is only a part.

In summary, this multi-headed, multi-horned beast must represent a world composed of diverse Christian denominations and nation-states. Nations shaped by the turmoil of the Dark Ages and Papal Rome; a world dominated by Catholicism, Protestantism, Democracy, and Capitalism – free market. And if that sounds like Western culture, you’re not mistaken. It is clear that today is largely led by the West – the very culture that once broke away from Rome and shapes global values and direction. Generally speaking, the world aspires to live the Western lifestyle. No wonder the leopard-like beast boasts:

Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4)

And it’s no surprise that “all the world wondered after the beast [the system],” and the dragon gave it “power”. (Revelation 13:3–4).

Revelation 13, verses 11-18, describes the second beast in this chapter:

THE SECOND BEAST

And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. . . He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” (Revelation 13:11, 12, 15–18)

It is widely recognized—especially within Adventist circles, that this two-horned, non-royalist power represents none other than our own blessed country, the United States of America.⁵ You’re likely familiar with the reasons why. Unlike the first beast, this one emerges from the earth representative of the New World. Its two crownless horns symbolize a non-monarchical, two-party government grounded in Republican and Protestant principles. The lamb-like appearance foretells a nation established on the noble ideals of peace and liberty.

Yet despite this gentle appearance, this beast speaks as a dragon. And the fact that it possesses the power to control commerce—determining who may buy or sell—indicates its role as a dominant force in global economics and industry.

With only two horns, not ten, this beast clearly represents a local—not a universal—government. Nevertheless, it plays a leading role in global influence, compelling Christendom to “make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” (Revelation 13:14 )

In other words, the United States will spearhead a global movement to resurrect a church-state system modeled after Papal Rome. This is now reflected in Catholicism, apostate Protestantism, and Capitalism. The world will imitate the leopard-like beast (verse 12), adopting a religious-political framework shaped by Western values but rooted in the oppressive systems of the Dark Ages.

Importantly, the text does not say that the two-horned beast urges the world to worship the —the Papacy—but rather the —the system. This system includes Catholicism, apostate Protestantism, Capitalism, and ultimately, Spiritualism. It is during this time that:

Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power; when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism; when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government. . . .” ⁶

THE “BEAST” AND THE “MAN”

Now that we’ve examined the context of Revelation 13, we are better prepared to identify the meaning behind the number 666. “,” declares the Scriptures. “Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” (Revelation 13:18)

To identify this “man”, we must first identify the “beast”—the power the man represents and leads. So the key question becomes: which beast is verse 18 referring to? Is it the leopard-like beast or the two-horned beast? Look at it again! Notice that it doesn’t say, “count the number of the beast that was wounded,” or, “the beast whose deadly wound was healed.” It simply says, “count the number of the beast.”

Every time the Bible refers to the leopard-like beast, it clearly highlights the wound (see verses 3 and 12). In contrast, the term “the beast,” without any mention of the wound, applies to the two-horned beast—the ‘image beast’. Therefore, the beast spoken of in verse 18 is not the Papacy, but the United States of America, that is represented by the two-horned beast.

Moreover, if this is not the case, then why are there so many prophetic symbols assigned to the Papacy? We have the little horn of Daniel 7, the leopard-like beast, the 666, the woman of Revelation 17, the seven heads on which she sits, and the scarlet-colored beast. Do these all point to Rome? Why such repetition? What about the rise and fall of Protestantism? What about the emergence of Western culture? What about the condition of the present world? Would God leave all that out?

Still unsure? Consider the following inspired references:

This power is the last that treads down the true church of God, and as the true church is still trodden down, and cast out by all Christendom, it follows that the last oppressive power has not ‘come to his end;’ and Michael has not stood up. This last power that treads down the saints is brought to view in Rev. 13:11–18. His number is 666…” ⁷

I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast [the two-horned] was made up; and that it was the beast [leopard-like] that changed the Sabbath, and the Image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope’s and not God’s Sabbath.” ⁸

The first quote is from James White, in conjunction with Ellen White. The second is from Ellen White herself. Both make a compelling point: that the number 666 applies not to the leopard-like beast of Revelation 13:1–10, who changed the Sabbath during the Dark Ages, but to the image beast—the two-horned beast of verses 11–18, representing the United States. This is not only clear and logical—it is Biblical. The context of verses 11–18 reveal the identity and work of the United States, not the leopard-like beast.

Therefore, the “man” who stands at the head of the United States at the time of the prophecy’s fulfillment will bear the enigmatic number 666—not the Pope! The Bible affirms that America will pay homage to the leopard-like beast. But as we’ve already seen, that beast is not the Papacy alone. It represents a Western world system—Catholicism, apostate Protestantism, Capitalism, and Spiritualism combined. Once again, the Bible does not say that America will urge the world to worship the head, but rather the—the system.

The truth is: the Papacy will never again rule as it did during the Middle Ages. That time has passed. Yes, it will be influential. It may revel in the symbolic homage of a global Sunday law, but it will never again sit atop the world. You may be thinking, old ideas die hard. That may be true—but let’s not keep them alive.

Ellen White wrote:

I saw that the two-horned beast had a dragon’s mouth, and that his power was in his head, and that the decree would go out of his mouth. Then I saw the Mother of Harlots; that the mother was not the daughters, but separate and distinct from them. She has had her day, and it is past, and her daughters, the Protestant sects, were the next to come on the stage and act out the same mind that the mother had when she persecuted the saints. I saw that as the mother has been declining in power the daughters had been growing, and soon they will exercise the power once exercised by the mother.” ⁹

Clearly, the enemy is working to keep our attention fixed in one direction while his real attack comes from another. While we watch every movement of the Papacy, the true danger is quietly positioning itself behind us—ready to ensnare unsuspecting souls in its cunning grasp.

She further warns:

…All who will not bow to the decree of the national councils, and obey the national laws to exalt the Sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to the disregard of God’s holy day, will feel, not the oppressive power of popery alone, but of the Protestant world—the Image of the Beast.” ¹⁰

THE HISTORY OF THE NUMBER

Now you might be asking if the number 666 doesn’t point to the Pope, why do the Latin numerals in the papal title ‘Vicarius Filii Dei’ add up to 666? That’s a fair and reasonable question. But perhaps we’ve overlooked something: this numerical phenomenon is not unique to the Papacy. In fact, the numbers 6, 36, and 666 have long held sacred significance in paganism, astrology, and witchcraft. So should it surprise us that a title associated with the Papacy—an institution deeply influenced by pagan elements—would also reflect that number?

Moreover, countless other names throughout history numerically total 666. It is by no means exclusive to the Pope. For instance, XIUN, one of the names for the sun god in Greek, adds up to 666. 11 The mythological phoenix—venerated by Egyptians, Phoenicians, and many Native American tribes—was considered the bright and morning star. In Egypt, it symbolized the nocturnal aspect of the sun god Osiris. In Greek transliteration, the phoenix was spelled FENEX, whose numerical value equaled 666.¹² Even the ancient Greek name TEITAN, a name used for Satan, adds to 666. Additionally, the original Roman numeral set—I, V, X, L, C, D—when added together also equals 666.

Astrologers frequently used the numbers 6, 36, and 666 in their divinations. One method involved creating magic charts resembling a roulette wheel. These charts were divided into 36 numbered sections, arranged in six columns with numbers 1 through 36. Each column added to 111, and with six columns total, the sum was 666. Even more interestingly, adding all numbers from 1 to 36 also equals 666. As historians have noted, “the number 666 was the summary number of the sun-god, because it was his sacred number as the Ruler of the Zodiac.” ¹³

So while many continue to focus on numerical patterns in the Pope’s title, the Bible clearly places the number 666 on the two-horned beast—representing the United States, not the Papacy. Therefore, the widespread belief that 666 is merely a numeric code for the Pope is a clever diversion—spawned by the Prince of Darkness himself—intended to obscure the true identity of the beast with two horns. Scripture is clear: God places the number on the United States, and there we must leave it.¹⁴

This brings us to a sobering conclusion. The civil authority of the beast—symbolized by the “man 666”—joined with the supernatural influence of the >False Prophet, forms a union of state and church. Together, these powers will lead the United States to dominate the world’s politics, economy, and religion, and will ultimately seek to compel all to worship the Image of the Beast.

Perhaps it’s time we stop focusing so much on the Pope, and start looking more closely at ourselves—and at the condition of apostate Protestantism. No wonder Inspiration suggested that if we studied Daniel and Revelation more thoroughly, we “may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the Papacy.” ¹⁵

ARE GOD’S PEOPLE NOW READY?

The time is not far off when the United States of America will enforce the Mark of the Beast. The pressing question is: Are God’s people truly ready for that fearful and decisive hour?

The people of God are unready for the fearful, trying scenes before us, unready to stand pure from evil and lust amid the perils and corruptions of this degenerate age. They have not on the armour of righteousness, and are unprepared to war against the prevailing iniquity. Many are not obeying the commandments of God, yet they profess so to do.” ¹⁶

Sobering words. We must admit that too many among us are unprepared—not because the light hasn’t been given, but because it has not been heeded.

The church has turned back from following Christ her leader and is steadily retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power. Doubt, and even disbelief of the testimonies of the Spirit of God, is leavening our churches everywhere. Satan would have it thus. Ministers who preach self instead of Christ would have it thus. The testimonies are unread and unappreciated. God has spoken to you. Light has been shining from His word and from the testimonies, and both have been slighted and disregarded. The result is apparent in the lack of purity and devotion and earnest faith among us.” ¹⁷

This is not merely a spiritual decline—it is a spiritual crisis. We are told that God’s church has begun to resemble the world it was called to warn. Rather than calling the world to obedience, the church has been steadily converted by the world’s customs and values.

The people are subordinating themselves to the world—to its practices, its customs, its selfishness. The church has gone over to the world in transgression of the law, when the world should have come over to the church in obedience to the law. Daily the church is being converted to the world.” ¹⁸

REVIVAL OR RUIN

A revival and reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.” ¹⁹

We are not merely in need of better programs or clearer doctrines—we are in need of a spiritual resurrection, a deep transformation of life and thought. This work begins not corporately, but personally:

Let each put the question to his own heart: ‘How have we fallen into this state of spiritual feebleness and dissension? Have we not brought upon ourselves the frown of God because our actions do not correspond with our faith? Have we not been seeking the friendship and applause of the world rather than the presence of Christ and a deeper knowledge of His will?’ Examine your own hearts, judge your own course.” ²⁰

The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.” ²¹

This is no time to remain in spiritual stagnation. Our safety lies not in clinging to tradition, but in surrendering fully to the ongoing voice of the Holy Spirit:

We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.” ²³

Led of God, but not infallible—we must not think, ‘Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge.’ The truth is an advancing truth and we must walk in the increasing light.” ²⁴

To reject light because it is unfamiliar—or because the messenger is unwelcome—is a dangerous mistake:

…When new light is presented to the church, it is perilous to shut yourselves away from it. Refusing to hear because you are prejudiced against the message or the messenger will not make your case excusable before God. To condemn that which you have not heard and do not understand will not exalt your wisdom in the eyes of those who are candid in their investigations of truth. And to speak with contempt of those whom God has sent with a message of truth, is folly and madness…” ²⁵

THE CHURCH’S FINAL TEST

We have been inclined to think that where there are no faithful ministers there can be no true Christians, but this is not the case. God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself. God has never made the flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalities.” ²⁶

The time is fast approaching when God will purify His church. His desire is for a people who are pure and true—loyal to Him in heart and in life. He is about to measure the strength of His people through a mighty shaking:

But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor.” ²⁶

This solemn work is directly connected to Ezekiel 9—a prophecy that is not merely symbolic, but literal in its fulfillment:

Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. Time is short. God is calling, will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity.” ²⁷

This is no time to delay. The judgment is near, and in that day, only the righteous will be delivered:

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” — (Isaiah 33:14–16)

Those who have endured trials and temptations through the strength of Christ will be appointed to deliver the final warning to the world.:

Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it [the Third Angel’s message] when it shall have swelled into the loud cry.” (Review and Herald, November 19, 1908)

“Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners’ (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” ²⁸

Those who grasp both the glory of the reward and the weight of the penalty will not delay in seeking God with full purpose of heart. The joy set before the faithful will compel them even now to rejoice. And the solemn fate of the unprepared will drive them to tears and repentance.

A full realization of the glorious reward that awaits mankind will even now compel us to shout for joy! And a like realization of the dreadful penalty that awaits all who fail to make God their refuge, will cause them even now to weep and gnash their teeth.

Therefore, in light of all this, “Let us strive with all the power God has given us to be among the 144,000.” ²⁹

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REFERENCES

1. 2 Thessalonians, 2: 3.

2. E. G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p . 37

3. E. G. White, Counsels on Sabbath School Work,

p. 65

4. E. G. White, The Acts of The Apostles, p. 585

5. E. G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 440-442.

6. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.

451.

7. James White, A Word to the Little Flock, p. 9

8. E. G. White, Ibid. p. 19

9. E. G. White, Spalding-Magan Collection, p. 1.4 “Copy of

Three Visitors.”

10. E. G. White, Selected Messages, Book Two, p. 380.

11. Higgins, Anacapypsis, Vol. 2, p. 210.

12. Mythology of All Races, Vol. 12, p. 54.

13. W. J. Sutton, The New Age Movement and the

Illuminati 666, pp. 66, 67.

15. V. T. Houteff, The World Yesterday, Today, and

Tomorrow, p. 27

16. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, pp. 446, 447

17. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 217.

18. E. G. White, Christ Object Lessons, p. 316.

19. E. G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 128.

20. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, pp. 217, 218.

21. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 216.

22. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 214.

23. E. G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 37.

24. E. G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 33.

25. E. G. White, Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 32.

26. E. G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 80.

27. E. G. White, Letter 106, September 26, 1909, Manuscript Releas-

es, Volume 1, p. 260.

28. E. G. White, Prophet and Kings, p. 725.

29. E. G. White, Review and Herald, November 19, 1908.