Folks, for centuries true Bible believers have recognized that the number of the beast is "666."  But so have the Satanists, witches, New Agers, Baal worshippers, etc.  The number can not only be verified by God's Word, but also by the enemies of God's Word.  Then look at the frequency with which the number shows up all through our "end-times" society.  Which number?  Not "616" for sure.  Try "666."  Isn't this evidence enough that the correct number is exactly like God's Word gave it..."666?"
 
      But let me add something that very few people, even "Christians," have ever noticed.
 
      Years ago I made an intense study of David and Absalom.  I came to realize that Absalom is a type of both Satan and the Antichrist.  When studying about Absalom I noticed that his name occurs about 100 times in the OT.  I have forgotten the exact number because I made the study years ago and cannot find my notes.  However, at the time I noticed that his name, in keeping with the Hebrew use of suffixes and prefixes, was spelled differently in various Scriptures.  A few times it is spelled with only five letters.  Most of the time it is spelled with six letters. Then a few times it is spelled with seven letters.  And once or twice it is spelled with eight letters.  This was so unusual that I determined to count the exact number of Hebrew letters used in the OT for the spelling of the word "Absalom."  I got out my Hebrew Bible and began counting.  Guess what?
 
     In the Hebrew Bible the exact total number of letters used to spell "Absalom" is "666" letters.  Count them yourself!
 
     I rest my case.  God's Word will stand when all the theories, opinions, and idiocies of man have fallen to the ground.  Folks, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly [completely; totally; lacking nothing] furnished unto all good works."  Either this means what it says or it is a lie and a deception.  Which is it?  I know the answer.  Do you?  Then why don't those who "profess" to be God's people get back to depending on the Word rather than on the vain and silly theories of men, especially those involved in so-called "higher criticism?"
 
     Praise the Lord and trust His Word!
 
                Pastor F. M. Riley