The Mystery of 666
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; but He who now restrains it will do so until He is completely removed” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
Most saints know that the letter to the Thessalonians describes a power that is restraining the emergence of the antichrist. Some theorize that it is Rome, an earthly government, or an angel like Michael. But many Bible scholars believe that “He” is the Holy Spirit. When He is removed from the earth, darkness will prevail, and the power of lawlessness will be revealed.
What I want to discuss today is the sign 666 that will appear when that restraint is removed. According to the Bible, after the church is raptured, people will be forced to worship the Antichrist or be removed from society. Those who refuse to accept the mark of the beast will be unable to buy or sell, will be persecuted, and may even lose their lives. The mark of 666 is more than a number—it is a symbol of the system that opposes God.
At that time, the world will experience three and a half years of great tribulation. This system will not allow you to live outside its control, because those who do not accept the mark will be eliminated. Some will panic and accept the mark to survive, but that will mean losing their salvation.
Now I want you to imagine a world where all moral barriers are removed. When the Holy Spirit—the restrainer—is taken away, people will fall into moral chaos, lawlessness, and spiritual darkness. Without restraint, the world will be filled with evil, people will lose direction, and they will be open to dangerous evil forces.
This situation will lead to the world honoring man rather than God, rejecting the cross, and entering an era of spiritual deception. The Antichrist will rise, and his power will be established by false miracles, leading many astray from the truth. There will be people who think they are serving “the truth,” but are actually opposing the true Christ.