It's obvious that there are only seven different names. All are mountains, that is; having several popes that are using these same seven names. The name of Pius appears six times and is already seen as a mountain. In order that Gregory and John and Paul are to be mountains, requires that the entire time of the beast is considered. There, the papal record displays them all as mountains. It is precisely that verse (Revelation 17: 9) which introduces the symbol of a mountain, that is linked to the verse (Revelation 13: 18) which gives us the number 666. The numbers of these mountains are what is counted.

The passage that outlines how these seven heads are to appear, is written in Revelation 17: 8-11. This outline must be aligned with the seven heads of the papacy, if the papacy is the correct identity of the beast. History reveals a perfect alignment. The last pope who completes this count, is the man whose number is 666. Shortly after that time, power is restored to the papacy.

Applying the seven heads as seven mountains to the papacy and the popes, works like this; The seven different names that have been used by the popes since 1798 constitute the seven heads. Each different name comprises one of the seven heads. These are the seven heads of the beast, which Revelation 17: 10 also calls mountains. All the popes that use the same name are a mountain. John Paul I was not a mountain, nor was he a part of a mountain, until John Paul II arrived, then the head name of John Paul becomes a mountain. A mountain is the line of popes that all bear the same name, differentiated by a number. Pope 1, Pope 2, Pope 3, etc. It is these numbers that are derived from the popes, that are used in the counting of the number of the beast. The popes of these `mountains,' throughout the papal reign are represented. Counting all the numbers of all the popes that use these seven papal names, produces the count of the beast, up to the current point in time. There is no dispute regarding the conversion of letters into numbers, because these are already numbers begging to be counted. With John Paul II, from 1978 to 2005, the cumulative total of all the numbers of these seven mountains is now at 665. The eighth completes the count of the beast and he is thus revealed as the 666 man of sin.

Though some think that this recent election that introduced Benedict XVI has changed the count, and has voided the prophecy. This is false. The count continues to stand at 665, because this prophecy has already identified Benedict as one of the first five that have ``fallen'' and is thus identified as an antipope, in which his number is zero.

Errors in the Papal Record

If the papal record had contained no errors, we could just use the numbers that are shown after their name. The errors in the papal record are thus corrected to what they actually are, without any errors. The count is thus corrected to reflect the legitimate number of popes within each mountain. Since there was no John XX; and Benedict X and John XVI were deposed, the number of legitimate popes named John and Benedict are corrected to 21 and 14 respectively. All other popes of these seven mountains are legitimate and their numbers are counted directly. If the Vatican would move to correct the errors in the numbering of the popes, to eliminate the gaps in the official papal list, then the count would be exactly as it is shown in this research, and there would not have been any need to explain the errors of the papal numbers, and anyone could readily produce this same exact count themselves. The papal numbers are corrected to reflect their respective count as though no errors were made. Thus, antipopes are not counted nor do their numbers affect the count in any way. If their number has been skipped, then their number is applied to the next legitimate pope. The official papal record has failed to maintain this rule in all instances and thus they have introduced error into the record. These errors are corrected to eliminate the errors in the count.

There is no John XX in any papal record, and John XVI and Benedict X (1058-1059) were deposed, so the ``actual'' number is reduced by the same amount. This corrects the count to the true number that was naturally done with the following antipopes not listed in the record: Benedict XIII (1394-1423), Gregory VIII (1118-1121) and John XXIII (1410- 1415) were deposed and their count continues with the true Benedict XIII (1724-1730), Gregory VIII (1187) and John XXIII (1958-1963). Gregory (1012) and John (844) were deposed and were not even numbered, therefore the count was never affected by them.

An explanation of the discrepancy in the numbers assigned to the name John; ``It should be observed that there is no John XX in the catalogue. This is due to the fact that, in the `Liber Pontificalis,' two dates are given in connection with the life of John XIV (983). This introduced confusion into some of the papal catalogues, and a separate pope was assigned to each of these dates. Thus three popes named John were made to appear between Benedict VII and Gregory V. The error led the pope of the 13th century who should have been called John XX to style himself John XXI (Duchesne, ``Lib. Pont.'' 2:17).

Pope Benedict IX ascended to the papacy three times and was deposed as an antipope twice. In spite of his vile life and having been deposed, he retired from the papacy as a legitimate pope and of him it is said that he died penitent.

The table below is derived by adding up each number of their names in a ``mountain'' fashion. Pope Paul for example adds 21 to the count by adding the numbers of all the popes named Paul; 1+2+3+4+5+6. Thus the mountain of a head consists of all the numbers of the valid popes of that name added up. The names of the seven heads are beside their respective number.

Table 2

1+3+21+78+91+105+136+231=666

Example: There were 12 popes named Pius: 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+ 8+9+10+11+12=78

The 7 heads are;

Head..Name........Number......Count
1 Pius XII...............(12)..................78
2 Leo XIII...............(13)..................91
3 Gregory XVI.......(16)...............136
4 Benedict XIV.....(14)...............105
5 John XXI ............(21)...............231
6 Paul VI..................(6).................21
7 John Paul II...........(2)...................3
Antipope...Benedict XVI................0
8Antichrist..New Name..(1)...........1
Total.............................................666

Anyone capable of performing math calculations, can confirm from this record, that the count is correct. These facts hold up against all scrutiny.

Revelation 13: 18 confirms that the number 666 is both the number of a man and the beast.

Revelation 17: 9, and 10 confirm that the eighth head that arises after the seven, is the beast, and is only one person, who is alive to the end and is destroyed by the second coming of Christ. He is the eighth, following in sequence after the first seven, but not included in the list of heads that are also called mountains. The eighth is not a mountain.

There is only one more space to fill to make the count complete. **There is the possibility of an interim antipope, preceding the Antichrist. The number of an antipope cannot count toward the total, because an antipope counts as a zero. Only a legitimate pontificate can contribute to the count of the number. **(This was written during the time of John Paul II, Benedict XVI has taken the role of the one who is the antipope.)

The events after the death of John Paul II also confirm the prophecy and this research as the correct interpretation. *Benedict XVI, because his name has been used by other popes, and is a name that has been declared ``fallen,'' constitutes an antipope. We have entered another interim waiting period of an undetermined length of time. He ``withholdeth, until'' he is ``taken out of the way'' (2Thessalonians 2: 6, 7) then the ``wicked'' one will be revealed.

7/24/05: This prophecy is shown to be correct, and a perfect match of the prophecy up to the time of John Paul. There is no reason to consider that with the papal election after John Paul II's death, that it does not also fulfill the prophecy. It indeed has fulfilled this prophecy. It has since shown that the antipope that I have always retained in this interpretation as a possibility, is indeed confirmed as outlined in the prophecy.

On Sun, 22 Mar 1998, I had sent this email; ``So far, in my study, I have figured that there will be a new pope shortly. This new pope will only reign for a short term. (unknown duration, but short). He will then be followed by the antichrist. Though the next pope would ultimately become an antipope due to his being deposed. The count will remain at 665, awaiting the antichrist pope, who will not adopt the papal names but use his own name. This results in adding the `1' to 665.''

7/24/05: The initial conclusion this research produced was that the next pope after John Paul II would be an antipope. In order to have an antipope, it was determined that it would be known at his election that he would become an antipope if the name that is chosen by the new pope elect was taken from the roster of 79 names of the popes that have already been used. Thus a new pope that chooses a papal name that had already been used, would automatically be an antipope, and the next new name would constitute the final ``1'' needed to complete the count to 666, and would be the antichrist.

So it was a simple outcome: a new name for the next pope would make him the antichrist, and a used name would make him an antipope.

I have since come to understand that the used papal name could not come from any name prior to the last seven papal names, because it would enter into the equation an eighth papal mountain that does not constitute a count of ``1'' but a count exceeding ``1'' and though he himself would become deposed, his introduction of another ``mountain'' is not permitted in the interpretation of this prophecy. It would change the number of the mountains, and it would permanently render the count in excess of 666. So the possible antipope must come from one of the last seven heads. Benedict is the fourth papal name since 1798, of which the prophecy declares as having already ``fallen.'' This declaration of being already fallen affirms the conclusion that Benedict XVI is an antipope. If Benedict is not declared an antipope, then his contribution to the continuing count will stand, for there is no other reason shown in the historic record for a legitimate pope's number to be nullified, other than if he becomes an antipope.

Many Catholic writers and theologians also have anticipated that the antichrist would become the last pope. A few ancient and contemporary Catholic writers have also predicted the rise of an antipope, who precedes the antichrist. Here are some notes from the web at ``betrayedcatholics.com''

``St. Cyril of Constantinople wrote: `Foretells the fall of the Church and papal throne.'

``St. Francis of Assisi wrote: `There will be an uncanonically elected pope, who will cause a great Schism...'

``Abbot Joachim wrote: `Towards the end of the world, Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See.'

``Sister Ludmilla of Prague `After the world war...one will endeavor to prevent the Pope from exercising his sacred office....'

``Father Jerome Votin ``..The shepherd (Pope) will be smitten and the sheep scattered.'

``Father E. S. Berry describes the False Prophet as an antipope. All these quotes prove, contrary to popular belief, that the papal See could be overthrown temporarily. And, as the Catholic Encyclopedia (Vol. I) article written by Fr. Maas concludes: `...since Antichrist simulates Christ, and the Pope is an image of Christ, Antichrist must have some similarity to the Pope.'

``I am convinced that it is theologically necessary that Antichrist be a pope. I agree... Antichrist, the Man of Sin, Son of Perdition, to deserve these titles must hold a unique spiritual office, one in which the greatest possible doctrinal disciplinary and moral corruption can be accomplished. And to oppose Christ who is all Truth the essential procedure of Antichrist will not be one of force but of deception. This follows from St. Paul's prophecy of a great spiritual blindness in the time of Antichrist and the Great Apostasy... With due respect for possible non-Catholic claimants, I scoff at the notion that anyone other than a pope could be the Antichrist. p. 31. Strojie is not alone among Roman Catholic writers in his concerns about the modern papacy. Malachy Martin is also concerned although not as outspoken in his criticisms as Strojie. Martin speaks of a `new agenda' which the pope seems to be desirous of fulfilling which involves far more than the future of the Roman Catholic institution.

``Saint Malachy was a 12th century Irish monk, who, while on a visit to Rome had a vision of all the popes who would ever reign. Malachy `saw' -and committed to paper- a series of Latin phrases describing the popes to come. He catalogued each one with an epigrammatic verse, such as `the tears of the sun'. Malachy made the prophecy in 1139. Reportedly it was entrusted to Pope Innocent II in 1140. But for some reason it was ``lost'' in the Vatican for 400 years, only to be `discovered' in 1595 A.D. Malachy's predictions reputedly were made in 1139 while he was on a pilgrimage to the Vatican, where he was appointed papal legate for Ireland. On his last trek to the holy see in Rome, in 1148, Malachy accurately predicted the place and time of his own death: Clairvaux, France, on All Souls Day, November 2, of that same year.

``In his predictions for the pope to follow John Paul II he gives this motto: The Glory of the Olive.

``It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is ``Gloria Olivae'' (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil. Traditionally, the olive branch has been associated with peace, but in both the Old and New Testaments it also serves as an emblem for the Jews. Putting the two together, some commentators believe that the reign of this pope will be a peaceful one during which the prophesied conversion of the Jews will take place. Several ex-Jews are said to be highly placed in the Catholic Church now. And, it is noteworthy that the previous Benedict XV was a pope obsessed with peace. Some others say, he will lead all faithful followers of the Lord Jesus to martyrdom and others say that he will tear down the walls of the Vatican, auctioning off all the objects within, in order to feed and enlighten those in the Third World who have not yet heard the Gospel of Christ.'' (end of web notes.)

The popes that were predicted in Malachy's line-up does not guarantee their status as being legitimate popes. Malachy listed all the antipopes from his time as well. The motto itself has led many to speculate that his name would be Benedict. Benedict XVI has said that he chose his name in honor of the peace efforts of Benedict XV. It appears then, that the prophecy of Malachy has converged with the element of the prophecy from the Bible, in regard to the name of Benedict, who is one of the first five that are fallen, which thus makes him an antipope.

Chapter 2

The Alignment of Thirty Four Matching Elements of This Prophecy

There are 34 elements of the prophecy shown here that are aligned with 27 of these elements that are seen in history. First, to correctly understand these 34 elements, you must put aside any other interpretations that you think concerning them, as they apply to the interpretation paradigm that you think you already know. No interpretation can be explained by using the meanings given to the elements from a different interpretation outside of its own paradigm. The definition of a head, or a mountain in one proposed interpretation, cannot be imposed upon a different interpretation. The definition of all 34 of these elements must remain with the explanation that is given here. The raw question is: Does the suggested historic evidence align with the words of the prophecy?

A Matching Alignment Confirms the Interpretation

When a prophecy is interpreted correctly, it will take all the elements of the prophecy and congeal them into one contiguous account. Where false interpretations are introduced, they fail to fit the whole account, often appearing to stand separate from the rest of the elements of the prophecy. When one portion of the truth is perceived, it is like striking a rich vein in a mine; it leads along a path to more truth.

By examining the template of prophecy that was written by John the Revelator, and comparing it to the recent historical record of the Catholic church, I see a clear and complete alignment. I ask that all who read this document to examine carefully all the evidence, study the book of Revelation, and watch and pray.

The papal record shows there to be seven heads from the demarcation point of 1798 as outlined in the prophecy, and the cumulative sum of the numbers of these seven heads, equals a total of 665 with John Paul II.

There are many elements within this prophecy and all these elements must follow a continuity within their fulfillment. They must fit accurately and be clearly evident. It aligns perfectly. I neither wrote the prophecy nor the history that it aligns with, but I can affirmatively write that they form the most detailed and precise alignment than any other prophecy that identifies the beast as the papacy.

The difference between this interpretation I present here, and other interpretations is this: I demonstrate a contiguous account that brings together all of the elements of this prophecy, and the contiguous historic record demonstrates that it matches all of the contiguous elements of this prophecy, like a strand of DNA; both history and prophecy form the same pattern. No other interpretation makes ANY connection at all. They are presented as singular elements that have a non-contiguous application. The number 666 is not shown by them to be related to the seven heads. They give the number 666 only one interpretation, and that interpretation is not associated with the other elements of the prophecy. But the interpretation I present, connects every element... together. It was from these first matching elements of the prophecy that were able to direct this research to the next set of matching elements.

Just as one half of a strand of DNA matches the other half, so also does this interpretation match that of the outline template of the prophecy. It was these elements of the prophecy that were able to direct this research to the next set of matching elements and it leaves no loose ends.

I am not asking anyone to discard their cherished belief, without providing it its place, a far more ``Perfect'' interpretation that is exceedingly better in every aspect, and has its roots in a Biblical interpretation only, and is not corrupted with false teachings. It is not predicated in any aspect on Catholic interpretation. The papal title interpretation, though it is directed at the papacy, is based on the conversion of letters into numbers as written in the Catholic Douay Rheims bible footnotes.

The correct interpretation demonstrates an alignment through all of the elements of this prophecy, whereas the belief most prominently held among Adventists, has only involved a few of the elements of this prophecy, and for those elements, it fails to draw any connections between them.

This research has revealed an exact match between the number 666, and the count of the popes' numbers. The mathematics of this prophecy require an exactness which is met precisely by the historic record. It also follows within the continuum of the straight line of truth and provides further knowledge along this continuum. The latter part of this prophecy is about to unfold before the whole world. As soon as the next papal *election takes place, it will be seen to fall exactly within the disclosed parameters of this prophecy. You should be able to understand now what this prophecy says and know what will soon take place. *(after John Paul II)

When I have personally observed from the historic record that the popes fulfill not only the number 666, but adds to the same record, a match for every sequential element from this prophecy. I can never accept any other interpretation, that does not display this high degree of accuracy and form this kind of alignment.

No other interpretation has been able to demonstrate anything near this depth or accuracy. Every prophetic element is easily seen to match the record with the same simplicity and accuracy as the previous matching set before it.

The Elements of the 666 Prophecy From Scripture

---and---

Their Matching Elements of Historical Fulfillment

In this segment, Revelation 13: 18 and Revelation 17: 8 - 11 to which it is chiastically linked, are listed with each of their separate elements, and showing their historic counterpart that matches with a brief note.

Listed Elements:

1) wisdom
2) count
3) number of the beast
4) number of a man
5) the number 666
6) was
7) and ``is not''
8) and ``shall ascend out of the bottomless pit''
9) and ``go into perdition''
10) and ``yet is''
11) The ``seven heads''
12) seven mountains
13) woman sits
14) seven kings
15) five fallen; 1-5
16) one is; 6th
17) not yet come; 7th
18) short space
19) the eighth
20) of the seven
21) names of blasphemy
22) head wounded and healed

The Scripture references for these elements;

Revelation 13: 18 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 17: 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Revelation 13: 1 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.

Revelation 17: 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

1) Wisdom

This word links these two verses together. They are part of the chiastic pattern of the whole book of Revelation. The elements of the prophecy written in both verses are brought together, and explains more detail about each other. The number 666 is given in Revelation 13: 18, and it is also reflected in the details of the seven heads written in Revelation 17: 9 and 10. The number 666 calculated from Revelation 17: 9, 10, links back to Revelation 13: 18. ``He that hath understanding''... As the many elements between these passages are correctly identified in history, the source of the count and the factors that guide it are provided to give the understanding of the how the count is to be done. Rev 17: 9, provides the mathematical parameters for the counting of the 666 beast.

Of the many elements of prophecy that are found to be fulfilled in the historical record of the Catholic church, this one is an exception. Here, the mind which hath wisdom, depicts someone who deciphers the mathematical clues from all of the elements within this prophecy, demonstrating that it requires the alignment of all of its elements in the correct interpretation. It does not state as some translators have rendered it to mean that ``anyone who has wisdom'' can solve this. If this were the case, where are all these wise people? As often with puzzles, one person solves the puzzle, then it is shown to others.

A previous application of the riddle of the number 666, refers to another writer who had made a calculation. Andreas Helwig (1572-1643) was the one who deciphered the count of the letters Vicarius Filii Dei in the year 1612, and others that are merely making reference to his work, need no wisdom to copy his research. Yet this application by Helwig has been met with such grand *apologetics, that it is impossible to convince a Catholic that it is true. And, they are right because it is not true. But with this new interpretation, no one can refute that the historic record of the popes bear out this number. *(and matched likewise by the Seventh-day Adventist church in their lessons from June 8, 2002). Seventh-day Adventists have ever sought for evidence to support this theory, seeking for that infamous papal tiara with the Vicarious Filii Dei inscription written upon it. Has anyone asked; From where did Andreas Helwig get his information? Do we as Adventists need documents from 1915 to prove a theory that was devised in the year 1612?

2) Count the number

The number is the result of counting. It is NOT a symbolic number, but a number that is the result of counting lesser numbers. Neither are these numbers to be counted, the result of letters that are converted to numbers, but are numbers that are derived from the papacy itself as numbers that already exist on the beast.

3) Number of the beast

The count of the numbers of all the popes from the seven heads make up the combined total for the beast. The count of the beast is from the seven heads plus the coming eighth, who is destroyed by Christ at His second coming. The number is 666, and the entire tenure of the beast is considered in the count. No errors imposed by the popes' failure to make an accurate count are included. Where there were errors in the numbering of the popes, they are corrected to what the count would be if they had made no errors. Only a perfect count of perfect mountains could be considered for this prophecy to be accurate.

4) The number of a man

The last legitimate pontificate that completes the 666 count of the beast, is the man whose number is 666. This is the eighth papal name since 1798. The historic record provides the count up to the seventh mountain, leaving only a count of ``1'' away from the total of 666. In defining the seven as mountains, this designation is not given to the eighth, but is said to be ``of the seven.'' In the Greek, this is given as an eighth that follows in sequence after the seven, and in the same likeness of the first seven. Since all factors point to a singular man as the antichrist, this requires that to match the prophecy, the next *legitimate pontificate must be a man with a new name, and in considering the prophecy given by Christ Himself in John 5: 43; ``I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.'' This man will have a name that is his own, and not used by another pope, thus it will constitute a count of ``one'' necessary to complete the count of the number 666. *(I have always been careful to include the word `legitimate' as a qualifying factor, because of the possibility that he could be an illegitimate pontificate... an antipope).

5) And his number is Six hundred threescore and six

This number is derived from the beast, and is given in the verse. That same verse is chiastically linked to Rev 17: 9, 10 and the seven mountains of that verse demonstrates that the same 666 number is contained within it, and thus links it back again to Rev 13: 18. The number 666 is the count given to the beast, and when this number is reached by the `eighth,' it identifies that man as the man of sin. Every element given in the prophecy can be seen is derived from the same source, thus linking all the elements together into one contiguous account.

6) The beast ``was''

The papacy in its power, as it is seen from 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D. In Revelation 11: 3 it shows that this same papacy obscures the Two Witnesses who prophesy in sackcloth for this same period of time.

Revelation 12: 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

During this time, the papal church executed its power and persecuted many and killed those whom it called heretics.

Revelation 13: 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. Napoleon took pope Pius VI captive in 1798, and declared that the papacy was dead.

7) And ``is not''

The papacy from 1798 A.D. to the end of the restrainer that follows John Paul, and who ``withholdeth'' the arrival of the antichrist until he is ``taken out of the way.''

After Napoleon captured Pope Pius VI in 1798, the beast is slain for its harm that it had done to the Two Witnesses. (Rev 11: 7) At that time, the beast received a deadly wound to one of its heads. The papacy is decreed ``dead'' thus it receives the status of ``is not.'' By this, it was put into the ``bottomless pit.''

The beast as it became ``is not'' was killed, and as it becomes ``yet is'' it will return again for one last war against God's people, His Two Witnesses, and then go into perdition.

Revelation 11: 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. As the papacy had put the Scriptures into seclusion, away from the people, so also was it placed into the seclusion of the bottomless pit in 1798. There it remains until it rises again, and with the aid of its ten Protestant horns, rise to power as the eight head.

The papacy was declared dead by Napoleon. Its rule over the earth was terminated.

8) And ``shall ascend out of the bottomless pit''

This is the papacy as it will be seen after Benedict XVI is deposed. The beast ascends from the bottomless pit and then it becomes the time of the ``yet is.'' This corresponds to the 8th head also referenced in Revelation 17: 11 and as the ``yet is'' at the end of Revelation 17: 8. Thus when the 8th head arises, it will do so by coming up out of the bottomless pit. This is the papacy as it regains its former power, and begins its war against the remnant.

Rev 11: 7 shows that when it arises from the bottomless pit, it will be this 8th head that will make war on the Two Witnesses, and kill them. Many of the remnant will suffer martyrdom as their brethren before them. Revelation 6: 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

9) And ``go into perdition''

The final outcome of this last presentation of the papacy in its 8th head, will suffer the seven last plagues and be destroyed at Christ's second coming.

10) And ``yet is''

The beast is seen in its three phases; ``was,'' ``is not'' and ``yet is,'' and the ``yet is,'' is linked to the eighth in verse 11, which when he comes, will ascend from the bottomless pit. This is the next legitimate pope following John Paul II. With the arrival of Benedict XVI on April 19, 2005, his name being one of the first five that preceded Paul VI the sixth ``one is'' head, is identified as having already fallen. Though he appears in all respects to be legitimate, this prophecy identifies him as an antipope. By asserting this interpretation, it is a prediction of the outcome of Benedict XVI's pontificate, that when this comes to pass, you will know that the ``yet is'' has arrived. The antichrist will then be the next ``legitimate'' pontificate, and he will take the papacy back from the antipope Benedict XVI.

11) The ``seven heads''

These are the seven papal names as seen since 1798;
1 Pius
2 Leo
3 Gregory
4 Benedict
5 John
6 Paul
7 John Paul

If the beast that has seven heads is the papacy, then the seven heads upon it must also be papal. This principle is seen in the Grecian beast in Daniel 7 having four Grecian heads. These are not just popes that are selected because they have numbers that can add up to 666, but they are taken from the very same seven that span from 1798 to 2004. This 1798 date is not randomly selected, but is indicated by the other verses of Revelation 17. The woman is drunken on the blood of the saints. Her days of dominion were temporarily ended, the papal beast was declared ``dead'' by Napoleon. Thus the prophecy in Revelation 17 speaks of the beast that `is not,'' when the first head was wounded, and ends with the eight that comes after these seven are finished. Beginning with Pope Pius VII after the death of Pope Pius VI in prison, we have now all seven heads presented.

12) Are ``seven mountains''

The entire seven lineages of these seven papal names. The complete group of each of these names constitutes a mountain. These seven heads are seven mountains. Each name has more than one pope. Thus the heads and the mountains are derived of the same element. A new head is formed from a new papal name, and it becomes a mountain when that name is used again.

13) On which the ``woman sits''

The woman sits upon seven mountains, representing the whole time of the beast. The beast arose in 140 A.D. and received its seat and power from the dragon in 538 A.D.. "Although Catholic tradition, regards St. Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and therefore as the first pope, there is no evidence that Peter was involved in the initial establishment of the Christian community in Rome..or that he served as Rome's first bishop. Not until the pontificate of St. Pius I in the middle of the second century (140-155) did the Roman church have one bishop as pastoral leader..." (Richard McBrien "Lives of the Popes" p. 25)

14) And are ``seven kings''

Pius, Leo, Gregory, Benedict, John, Paul, and John Paul. In the Greek, this is written; ``And are seven kings,'' equating the seven heads to seven mountains and then to seven kings. Then it supplies a ``template'' of how these seven kings are to appear.

15) ``Five are fallen''

1 Pius, 2 Leo, 3 Gregory, 4 Benedict, 5 John. These names do not appear again after the sixth head Paul. To say they are fallen, means that their use as a name has ended. There will never again be another one of these five. This recognizes the equal status of the seven kings as being the seven heads which are also seven mountains. It is only the last pope of each mountain that bears the same name that becomes fallen when each mountain count had reached its maximum. This fact stood ready to announce that Benedict XVI would become an antipope from the moment that he chose that name.

16) And ``one is'' the sixth

Pope Paul VI 1963-1978. John the Revelator was taken away in the spirit; Revelation 17: 1. ``And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials,'' ``saying... Come hither;'' and Revelation 17: 3 ``So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness'' John was shown the things in the future as though he was there. There is nothing in this language that indicates that it has anything to do with the time that John lived. On the contrary; it indicates that it is at a time that John is taken to in his vision. John himself did not live in the wilderness, nor did he write in the perspective of his own time. The time that this whore woman is put into the wilderness is at 1798. The perspective of the seven heads is then shown to John from the time of the sixth. Five mountains were fallen before this, and the seventh had not yet come.

This particular passage has been used by Preterists to pinpoint the sixth head to be the head ruling in power at the time the prophecy was written by John. This is also used by Historians who believe that the 7 heads are 7 kingdoms. There is no evidence that the emperors of Rome, have any place in the remaining end-time elements of this prophecy, and they do not fit. There are not only seven emperors, but eleven. The fifth emperor of Rome was Nero and the eighth was not the antichrist, and there remains yet an unexplained period of more than 1,800 years between the last emperor and the end. No explanation is given to explain this long delay.

The structure of this phrase does present a better explanation. John was taken in vision to the future. It is from the perspective of the sixth head that he is shown, that the whole of the seven heads are perceived. It places a demarcation point at the sixth, and before the seventh, that requires the seventh to appear only after the sixth. This requirement is met by John Paul, whose name was not present before Paul. While the five that have fallen, have arisen with a Pius on five occasions, interspersed between the second, third, and fourth heads, and Leo occurs twice. But after the fifth, this jostling of heads has stopped, and continues in a straight progression. This progression through history since John XXIII, aligns with the seventh head being ``not yet come.'' Each mountain that occurred before the sixth had been declared fallen, at the same time. They each had all achieved their maximum in their individual contribution towards the total of 666.

Rev 21: 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. Rev 21: 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The same language used in Rev 17: 1 and 3 is also seen in Rev 21: 9 and 10; ``one of the seven angels which had the seven vials'' ``saying, Come hither,'' ``And he carried me away in the spirit.'' John did not see the holy city descend upon the Isle of Patmos where he was, but in the context we see, we associate it to be in the future after the millennium. The angel bidding John with his words; ``Come hither,'' excludes it from being relevant to John's day.

17) The ``not yet come''

John Paul introduced a new name, and from the perspective of Pope Paul VI, the sixth head, John Paul had not yet existed. At the time of Paul, (1963-1978) there had never been a pope named John Paul. John Paul I said that he chose the names of his two predecessors, and fashioned his name after theirs. This directly fulfills the element; ``not yet come,'' with reference to the sixth head.

18) He must continue a ``short space''

John Paul 1978-2005; 26 years. John Paul comprises the smallest mountain. The short space is a measure that is short, in relation to the other six heads. The tenure of John Paul was 26 years, and in comparison to the other six heads, it is the shortest space. The next shortest tenure is that of Paul, where the total number of years of that mountain is 67 years. The other mountains number in years as follows; Pius 161, Leo 99, Gregory 125, Benedict 88, John 122.

Since John Paul is the seventh head, and seventh mountain, and the count has been taken to the last number possible (exactly 665, no more, and no less), before reaching the total of 666, it coerces the conclusion that the next legitimate pontificate must introduce a new name, and add only one to the count. This concurs that there is mathematically only one more space to fill to make the count complete.

19) ``The eighth''

The eighth is numbered in the sequence after the seven. This eighth is the ``yet is'' of Rev 17: 8. (See below on Rev 17: 8 and 11).

20) And is ``of the seven''

The eighth head follows after the seven and is set apart from them, he is not included in the listing of the seven that are also called mountains. Because he is the antichrist, he comes in his own name. This ``one'' completes the final appearance of the beast, and precisely finishes the count from 665 to 666. The Catholic church will turn the keys of their kingdom over to this eighth head antichrist, thinking that he is indeed the ``Christ.'' He will appear to fulfill their expectations of the coming of Christ.

21) Full of Names of Blasphemy on His Seven Heads

Revelation 13: 1. 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.

Revelation 17: 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

By falsely attributing the power to forgive sins to the popes and the priests, the papal church fits this identifying element. Any method by which man has employed to displace the true Gospel is false. God made the provision for the dispensing of man's sins, fully and completely, and to displace this with any other system, constitutes blasphemy. Thus the popes' claim to absolve a sinner of his sins is blasphemy. By first insisting that no one can have their sins forgiven except through the church, they then lay claim that no one can have salvation outside of their church.

The seven heads all have the name of blasphemy upon them. This element is given just before it is said that this beast has seven heads. Here, in chapter 17, it does not limit the papal heads to seven, but says that it is ``full of names'' of blasphemy. In Revelation 13: 1 it is written; ``and upon his heads the name of blasphemy'' thus it associates blasphemy with the names of its heads. If these heads were kingdoms such as Babylon, Medo-Persia, or Grecia, then explaining the presence of blasphemy would require a more convoluted definition of blasphemy, as they would not demonstrate blasphemy in the same way as the papacy does. It would not be defined as blasphemous for Babylon to forgive the sins of its people. They would only forgive the sins that might have been committed against its own laws, for it could care less about the sins committed against God's laws.

22) The Wounding and Healing of One of the Heads of the Beast

Rev 13: 3 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.

This wounding was to pope Pius VI in 1798. It was a Pius XI who received sovereignty again in 1929, thus the same head was healed. The Concordat of 1929 is the rescinding of Napoleon's 1798 decree that the papacy is dead, reinstating it into the political arena. It was Pope Pius VI that was the head of the beast that was wounded, and it was Pope Pius XI who was the same head that was healed in 1929. The beast has been ever rising in power. Pope Pius was the first of the seven heads. Pope Pius VI in 1798 was the head of the beast that ``was wounded with a deadly wound and did live.'' It was a Pius XI who received sovereignty in 1929, thus the wounded Pius head was healed.

``The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. `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.' Verse 3. The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, `his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.' Paul states plainly that the `man of sin' will continue until the second advent. 2Thessalonians 2: 3 - 8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: `All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.' Revelation 13: 8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church.'' (The Great Controversy 578.3)

Here is another parallel between the dragon and the beast; The dragon, while Rome was its head, received a head wound. Later, the beast would suffer a wound to one of its heads in 1798. History and prophecy show that two heads have suffered a wound; one of the heads of the dragon, and one of the heads of the beast. The head wound of the dragon occurred after the cross of Christ before the transfer of power to the beast began, and the head wound of the beast occurred in 1798 A.D.

Revelation 13: 3 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.

Rev 13: 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Napoleon, upon hearing of the new pope dispatched another order to take pope Pius VII captive, and he too was held in prison, to remind the world that the papacy is ``dead.'' He was released only after the death of Napoleon.

This element also indicates the nature of the identity of the beast's heads. It says that one of its heads was wounded. One of these heads of the beast was wounded with a deadly wound and did live. That head being Pius, indicates that the beast's heads are also popes.

From 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D., the beast ``was'' and in 1798 A.D. it became the ``is not'' and it will soon become the ``yet is'' when the eighth head arrives.

In a Wider Context

By enlarging the passage of Scripture to include the elements from both chapters 13 and17, this alignment of the seven heads is shown to also align within the larger context of the prophecy. Out of this list of 34 elements, 12 are not included in the 22 listed above, making a total of 34 matching elements. This brings the alignment to 26 elements which the papal church matches already and 7 elements that are yet future.

More Elements

23) The Whore.
24) That sitteth upon many waters.
25) The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her.
26) The inhabitants are made drunk with her wine.
27) Into the wilderness.
28) Sitting on a scarlet colored beast.
29) Arrayed in purple and scarlet.
30) Decked in gold and pearls.
31) Drunk with the blood of martyrs and saints.
32) The ten horns that reign one hour with the beast.
33) The many waters.
34) The ten horns turn on the whore to destroy her.

23) The Whore.

The largest church in the world is described here; Catholicism. It is called the whore because of its false doctrines that it has incorporated into its system and because of the nature of this church, it tenaciously clings to these false doctrines lest it should admit that their popes were in error. The Reformation reflects this. The whore woman represents the people within the papal system, and in the broader sense, includes fallen apostate Protestantism which are her harlot daughters, from out of which those of God's people must come. They are the primary target of this message. Satan wishes to usurp the power of God, and likewise, the papacy wishes to usurp the Word of God, in changing God's law by establishing Sunday as the Sabbath day instead of the seventh day. God is gleaning every precious soul of His that are still amidst their assemblies in the final call: ``Come out of her My people.''

24) That sitteth upon many waters.

During the 1260 year reign of the Catholic church, it had proselytized most of the inhabited world. No other church could boast of this.

25) The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her.

Many kings were anathematized by the popes until they repented before them, for refusing to accept their decrees. It was easier to follow the papal church than to resist her. Through the centuries of papal dominion over the kings of the earth, these kings have lent their power to the will of the papacy.

26) The inhabitants are made drunk with her wine.

The Catholic church had embarked on its own Douay Rheims Bible and have added to this, their own tradition which they have regarded above that of the Word of God. Their Bible was derived from the minor Egyptian Codices which were corrupted by the writers who did not believe in the truths of the Word of God. New doctrines have been created by the popes and their tradition has been elevated to a status higher than that of the Bible. Many of the false Catholic doctrines that are derived from the Apocrypha, which contradicts the established Word. Ultimately, the papal church has accumulated a long list of doctrines that are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Word of God.

27) Into the wilderness.

The true people of God were hiding from papal oppression during their 1,260 years of ruling over the kings of the earth. But since France had taken Pope Pius VI prisoner in 1798, she lost her power and had been driven into the wilderness. There she has remained until the rising of the eighth head, which is to come after Benedict XVI.

``Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.'' And, says the prophet, ``I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.'' And again: ``He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.'' The forty and two months are the same as the ``time and times and the dividing of time,'' three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7-- the time during which the papal power was to oppress God's people. This period, ...began with the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, ``He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.'' (The Great Controversy 439.2)

28) Sitting on a scarlet colored beast

The papacy is the beast whom this whore woman sits upon, and this beast has received its power and seat from the red dragon beast spoken of in Rev 13: 2. The additional elements of the whore woman riding the beast are added and contribute more details to the papacy, with actions showing its perspective from post 1798, and adds harlot daughters which expands it to include apostate Protestantism.

29) Arrayed in purple and scarlet.

The common attire of the Roman Catholic priests is that of the colors purple and scarlet. Their tradition has persisted in spite of this identifying feature.

30) Decked in gold and pearls.

The many cathedrals of the Catholic church are heavily decorated with a costly array of precious stones and gold.

31) Drunk with the blood of martyrs and saints.

Choosing to honor many of its adherents as saints, and declaring all opponents of Catholicism to be heretics, many of the Protestant reformers were persecuted and put to death.

32) The ten horns that reign one hour with the beast.

The Bible states that the ten horns have not received their kingdom yet, but at the last hour, they will rule with the beast and lend their power to its wishes. Benedict XVI has followed John Paul II in the attempt to unify the many Protestant churches back into the mother church. It's from among these that the ten horns form. Let the prophecy speak for itself when that time comes.

33) The many waters.

The Bible does well to define the waters in Revelation 17: 15. The waters which thou sawest... are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. It portrays the worldwide scope of the influence of the papal beast. The Three Angels' Messages are also to go to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, in a final loud cry, when the eighth arrives. The words of warning to the world are the words of these three angels.

34) The ten horns turn on the whore to destroy her.

After the ten horns have lent their power to this beast, and have come to realize that they were deceived, they then turn upon her to destroy her. This event will be fulfilled at the time appointed.

In my final analysis of all of the elements from this prophecy, the papal record accurately matches them all.

No other interpretation has been able to demonstrate anything near this depth or degree of accuracy. Every prophetic element is seen to match the record with the same simplicity and accuracy as the previous sets before it.

Chapter 3

Rules of Interpretation of Prophecy

There are basic rules of prophetic interpretation that cannot be violated, and every interpretation must meet these basic rules if it is correct.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, or making a list of new rules, I considered that there are some basic rules already in use. After searching the internet for the best sites that gave credible information regarding rules of interpretation, I found about seven suitable sites and extracted from these, rules and other guidelines that are credible. This is by no means an authoritative list, nor comprehensive. Here they are;

1) Applied to Bible study, rules are nothing more than a means of disciplining the mind by which we allow the Bible to mean what it must mean, not what ``we'' want it to mean. A passage has a certain meaning, and we need to study it to understand what it is trying to say.

2) A verse can only mean what it means in its context and must not be pulled out of its context. When it is pulled out of context, it is often presented as meaning something that it cannot mean within the context.

3) Many times another passage will shed light on the obscure passage and bring forth a sudden revelation of understanding. We know more than one instance in which this had happened. However, one word of caution is in order at this point. Such a practice can be overdone by ``forcing'' comparisons that are not relative. (similar to rule #2)

4) The Ultimate Test: Of course, no prophetic expositor can prove his or her predictions about the future. It is impossible to prove the accuracy of a conclusion before it happens. The most direct method to test a prediction for accuracy, is to record the prediction before the event comes to pass. Then, when the predicted event occurs, ordinary people can judge the accuracy of the prediction. This simple procedure allows an impartial jury of observers to decide which predictions and interpretations are accurate by simply noting the presence or absence of events which have been predicted.

5) The book of Daniel was written about 26 centuries ago, but unlike the other 65 books in the Bible, some of the prophecies in the book of Daniel were sealed up ``until the time of the end.'' The angel, Gabriel, said to Daniel, ``. . . Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.'' (Daniel 12: 9) What does ``closed up and sealed until the time of the end'' mean? It means that certain information in the book of Daniel remains ``top secret'' until the time of the end arrives. My study of Bible prophecy has brought me to the conclusion that we are living chronologically ``at the time of the end.'' If this conclusion is true, the time has come for the secrets of Daniel to be unveiled.

(I have had these same thoughts; That if we are at the time of the end, as near as many say we are, then these elements contained in the prophecies, must be able to show that there are corresponding fulfillments already within our recent history.)

God embedded secrets in the book of Daniel a long time ago. These secrets have remained hidden within the text of Daniel for almost 26 centuries. Now that we have come to the time of the end, it is time for the secrets of Daniel to be opened. No one can know the truth about some of Daniel's prophecies until all of the necessary information is unsealed. The book of Daniel was sealed up until the time of the end; therefore, only those people who live at the time of the end can know all the truth about Daniel's prophecies.

6) When God decides to disclose a truth or open to us its understanding, He enables ordinary men and women to discover what He has hidden. Through the ages we find this process at work: On or about the time of fulfillment, elements of prophecy are understood. For example, when it came time to understand the timing of Christ's birth, the wise men from the East figured it out. (Matthew 2: 2) The apostle Paul also noticed this phenomenon. Consider his words: ``Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, (as I have already written briefly.) In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.'' (Ephesians 3: 2 - 6) In Daniel 3, we read about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego facing a mandatory requirement to worship a golden image set up by the king of Babylon. In Revelation 13: 15 we read about the inhabitants of the world facing a mandatory requirement to worship an image set up by the king of modern Babylon. These dramatic stories of faith were recorded in Daniel to benefit all generations, but especially for the final generation!

7) Often, two or more prophecies describe the same event. Because of this, precise alignment of the prophecies is not only possible, but essential to understanding the big picture. Together they are the events that unite the 18 prophecies in Daniel and Revelation into one grand story. God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables; and in this way the same things are oftentimes revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine them all in one. Psalm 89: 19; Hosea 12: 10; Habakkuk 2: 2; Acts 2: 17; 1 Corinthians 10: 6; Hebrews 9: 9, 24; Psalm 78: 2; Matthew 13: 13, 34; Genesis 41: 1 - 32; Daniel 2, 7, 8; Acts 10: 9 - 16

8) This statement is critical: Rules are not invented; rather, man may only discover the presence or operation of rules by repeatedly testing the architecture which God created. We detect the presence of a rule when we recognize a consistent behavior or architecture. After finding the presence of a rule, it becomes necessary to carefully state the rule so that the behavior can be independently validated by others. When you see an unfamiliar rule that appears to be invented just to support a particular interpretation, or it is applied to one use only, it is not a legitimate rule.

Beware also of the ``wisdom'' of men who make up their own rules of interpretation, and tell you that all the heads and horns of the beast and the dragon in Revelation 12, 13, and 17 are all the same. The Bible does give its own direction to its study, and is simple enough for children to understand; 2Timothy 3: 15 And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

9) The historic record must accurately match the prophecy. If it appears that a compensatory explanation is needed to explain the apparent discrepancy in sequence or appearance, then it is not the correct historic fulfillment of that prophecy. To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfillment of prophecy: if you find every word of the prophecy (after the figures are understood) is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event; but if one word lacks a fulfillment, then you must look for another event, or wait its future development; for God takes care that history and prophecy shall agree, so that the true believing children of God may never be ashamed. Psalm 21: 5; Isaiah 14: 17 - 19; 1 Peter 2: 6; Revelation 17: 17; Acts 3: 18

10) And in applying such rules, and after arriving at an understanding... ``The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires - - character, living, occupation, friends, home, comforts, and worldly honors. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God's word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we ever believe so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit his word; and we can have confidence that He who takes notice of the sparrow's fall, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of His own Word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in His Word, from erring far from the truth, though they may not understand Hebrew or Greek.

11) The respective parts of a beast in a prophecy pertain directly to the beast that they are shown to be on. The most violated rule in many interpretations, is the relationship of the heads to the beast that they are on; To say that the papal beast has seven heads, and show them to be kingdoms that rose and fell before the papal beast had even begun, places them outside of the time of the beast shown. In all examples shown in the prophecies of Daniel, the heads of the beast shown, are the leaders of the kingdoms that the beast symbol represents.

In applying rule number 9 to the historic record, let it be understood that the numbers that the popes have used on their names, have not always been correct, and the actual count of the beast is done by the count of the popes as they occurred naturally; There were 21 legitimate popes named John, and though the record lists John XXIII (23), from 1958, he is the 21st John by natural count. While the actual numbers used on the names of the popes had given rise to the original question that I had sought to answer, it is only the natural numbers that are used in the true count of the number. Five of the seven mountains are numbered correctly. The historic record of these errors is listed here with the error that it contains and the correct number in {brackets}.

John XVII 1003 {XVI, 16}
John XVIII 1003-09 {XVII, 17}
John XIX 1024-33 {XVIII, 18}
John XXI 1276-77 {XIX, 19}
John XXII 1316-34 {XX, 20}
John XXIII 1958-63 {XXI, 21}

Benedict XI 1303-04 {X, 10}
Benedict XII 1334-42 {XI, 11}
Benedict XIII 1724-30 {XII, 12}
Benedict XIV 1740-58 {XIII, 13}
Benedict XV 1914-22 {XIV, 14}

The historic record reflects the absence of a Benedict X, and John XVI and John XX.

I encountered this ordinal rule that an antipope has no count, as the number that the antipope had used, is taken by the next legitimate pope who takes that same name. Thus the count continues unchanged as if there were never any antipopes. This is demonstrated in several papal lines where antipopes have been present.

Chapter 4

The ``Perfect'' Truth

The members of the Seventh-day Adventist church, many of them, outspoken and vocal, believe that the alleged papal title; Vicarius Filii Dei, is the interpretation that is intended in the prophecy giving us the number 666. Many also falsely believe that this interpretation is within the established truths and are foundational pillars of the SDA church. The Vicaruis Filii Dei calculation was produced by Andreas Helwig, in 1612.

The origins of this belief is not known by most SDAs and because SDAs are among the foremost in promulgating this, it is believed among most non-SDAs that this papal title interpretation originated from the SDA church.

They are not aware that the whole process, involving the conversion of letters into numbers, is not indicated in the prophecy, but is based upon the footnotes of the Douay Rheims bible which reads; ``Six hundred sixty-six... The numeral letters of his name shall make up this number.'' This error sets up for a whole line of errors.

The Douay Rheims bible also gives footnotes for Revelation 13: 1; ``A beast. . .This first beast with seven heads and ten horns, is probably the whole company of infidels, enemies and persecutors of the people of God, from the beginning to the end of the world. The seven heads are seven kings, that is, seven principal kingdoms or empires, which have exercised, or shall exercise, tyrannical power over the people of God; of these, five were then fallen, viz.: the Egyptian, Assyrian, Chaldean, Persian, and Grecian monarchies: one was present, viz., the empire of Rome: and the seventh and chiefest was to come, viz., the great Antichrist and his empire. The ten horns may be understood of ten lesser persecutors.''

The Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, has responded to an inquiry of their views and it is openly evident that it is predicated on the Catholic interpretation.

The BRI states: At John's time five were fallen, namely Egypt, which is mentioned in Revelation, Assyria, ancient Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. One is, which is Rome. John experiences the Roman empire. One has not yet come, which is the Papacy. The ten horn exists at the same time as the last head lives. From John's perspective this was still future. All of this belong to the period ``the beast was'' which brings us to the end time. The period ``the beast is not'' refers to the Millennium. In Revelation 20 Satan's fate during the Thousand years is described, and during this time he is in the abyss. The period ``it will be'' will take place after the Millennium, this is the eighth head. Satan will be freed from the abyss but will go to destruction.

Notice that there is only one small difference between the BRI and the Catholic view. The BRI has inserted the ``papacy'' as one of the beast's heads. It is obvious that the BRI has fallen for the Catholic's ``Preterist'' interpretation, mingling ``Historicism'' with ``Preterism.'' (Why do our ``leading'' brethren ``espouse'' Catholic teaching?)

As I examined the ancient-kingdoms-as-heads theory, I saw that the elements of the prophecy did not match. This observation was also noted by George McCready Price when he wrote in 1967:

"For many centuries the Catholic Church has had her own interpretation of this chapter, as will be found in her notes in her Douay Bible. Her theologians, followed closely by the Modernistic critics, have always assumed that the time viewpoint from which the angel’s explanation was given to John was the time of the Roman emperors. Accordingly they have always thought they had to bring in Egypt and Assyria to lead off the list of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece, in order to have five "kings," or empires, which at that time had "fallen," as stated in verse 10. Pagan, or imperial, Rome was then reigning, and would be No. 6 of the series. Of course the next one, No. 7, which at that time had not yet come, would be the horrible antichrist. This was also the teaching of the early church fathers.

``A number of years ago, before the paradoxical language of this chapter was well understood, even some Adventist writers were deceived by this part of the wine of Babylon. They adopted this Catholic interpretation of this most vital of all the prophecies, probably because they thought they had a clear case for making No. 7 of this series a symbol of the great antichrist. They overlooked the fact that Egypt and Assyria are never once referred to in any of the serial prophecies of Daniel. They also forgot the well known historical fact that the Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel is often called the Neo-Babylonian empire, or the second Babylonian empire; because the first career of Babylon antedated both Egypt and Assyria, going back to the time of Nimrod, soon after the Flood.

``As we shall see in later chapters, the religious factor is vastly more important to the conflict of the ages than is the political, and it is always more the concern of Bible prophecy. This was the case in ancient times. Neither Egypt nor Assyria, though cruel and oppressive, ever exerted anything like the bewitching, seductive, and deceptive influence which, during all the centuries from Nimrod to Belshazzar and long after, the cults and priesthoods centered in "holy" Babylon exercised over the surrounding nations. A. H. Sayce tells us that from the days of Hammurabi’s empire onward Babylon "continued to be the capital of Babylonia and the holy city of Western Asia.."—Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh ed., Vol. III, p. 98. In fact, both Egypt and Assyria were relatively insignificant in their religious and cultural influence on the rest of the world.

``The advocates of Egypt and Assyria disregarded the plain statement of the prophecy that No. 7 of the series would have only a very brief career—"and when he cometh, he must continue a short space" (verse 10), or "must remain only a little while" (R.S.V. ), or "his stay must be brief" (Goodspeed). But everybody knows that the Catholic Church has lasted almost as long as all the others put together.

``These are serious objections and indicate that this cannot be the correct interpretation. The true view will not involve any denial of facts. We need a sensible, self-consistent interpretation of this chapter, so that we can give intelligently the last gospel message, "Come out of her, my people." Revelation 18:4.'' George McCready Price, The Time of the End, chapter 3.

The Clear Word bible that many use today has also espoused this view because it includes the interpreted note ``within'' the text itself.

These specific corruptions of the Sacred Scriptures, are deceptions that are directly targeting the prophecies that apply to the very last days, and many are being deceived, ...EVEN THE ELECT!!

Examine the research I have produced here. It complements what SDAs have already known, and knits together all the parts of the prophecy. As for the removing the landmarks, I know that Ellen White spoke against those who accuse others of removing the old landmarks, when it was clear that they had no idea what the old landmarks were. Then she went on to identify the landmarks which she referred to. No, this 666 count interpretation does not remove the old landmarks.

The Landmarks Defined

``In Minneapolis God gave precious gems of truth to His people in new settings. This light from heaven by some was rejected with all the stubbornness the Jews manifested in rejecting Christ, and there was much talk about standing by the old landmarks. But there was evidence they knew not what the old landmarks were. There was evidence and there was reasoning from the word that commended itself to the conscience; but the minds of men were fixed, sealed against the entrance of light, because they had decided it was a dangerous error removing the ``old landmarks'' when it was not moving a peg of the old landmarks, but they had perverted ideas of what constituted the old landmarks.

``The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, also the first and second angels' messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, ``The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.'' One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God's law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary.'' Counsels to Writers and Editors p. 30.

History has already repeated itself here, because today's Adventist has fallen for the papal title interpretation as being an historic landmark of the SDA faith. It is not.

She made reference to William Miller's dream, in which the man with the dirt brush would come in and sweep away all the rubbish that has been brought in that has occluded the gems of truth that we have been given. The papal title interpretation that derives the count of 666 from the words ``Vicarius Filii Dei'' is not an old landmark that many seem to believe, but is rubbish that needs to be swept out of the Seventh-day Adventist church, starting with the outspoken public evangelists, and all the way to the laity. The Seventh-day Adventist church will never experience the unity that President Jan Paulsen has called for, until this and all such rubbish is swept out of the church.

The Identification of a Beast's Head from Prophecy

The example given in the prophecy in Daniel 7, of the leopard beast, shows that it has four heads. Alexander the Great ushered in the Grecian empire. His rapid conquest is shown by a fast beast with four wings.

When Alexander died, his kingdom was divided among his four generals; Cassandra, Lysemachus, Ptolemy and Seleucid. Ultimately Grecia was divided into four notable parts. These four heads of the Grecian beast are also Grecian. The Babylonian head was the king of Babylon. Thus it sets forth a very clear principle of interpretation that the heads of a beast, are of a like nature to the beast which they are on. And so are the three other beasts; their heads are the leaders of the kingdom of the beast that they are on. It is a straight conclusion that if the seven heads are the heads ``of the beast,'' then they are the heads ``of the papacy,'' then the seven heads must also be papal. By correctly identifying the dragon's seven heads, it is easier to understand the identity of the beast's seven heads. Since the seven headed beast in Revelation 13 is equated to the little horn, then the heads of the dragon cannot be the same as the heads of the beast. In all prophetic examples given that employ the symbols of the beasts and their heads, the known interpretation of their heads have shown that the heads are the leaders, kings, rulers, of the kingdoms represented by the beast they are on.

The beast has seven heads, and therefore if the papacy is to be the identity of this beast, the papacy then must show seven heads. I think that it is the most straightforward interpretation of this symbol; that the popes are the heads of the papal Church, and from among these compose the seven heads of the beast.

The seven heads cannot be the ancient kingdoms that many seem to believe. All but one of these ancient kingdoms have come to their demise long before the ``beast'' ever arose from the sea. How, I ask, can these ancient kingdoms be the heads of the papal beast? No one has answered that question. To make these ancient kingdoms of the beast, requires that the identity of this beast to be changed into being a representative of Satan, and to ``remove'' it from its ``papal'' identity. The primary source where this ``ancient kingdoms as heads'' theory is found, comes straight out of the footnotes on Revelation 13: 2, in the Douay Rheims bible.

The leopard-like sea-beast, and its seven heads, is similar to the leopard beast of Daniel; and its four heads.

Biblically showing that the four heads of the leopard beast in Daniel 7, are all Grecian heads. Revelation 12 identifies king Herod as the head of the fourth beast. A Roman head over the beast of Rome. Thus indicating that the seven heads of the papal beast of Revelation 17, are papal. Note that the beast of Revelation 13, has the body of a leopard, feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion.

The mouth of a lion refers to Babylon, whose symbol in Daniel 7 was the lion. The king Nebuchadnezzar set up a great image on the plain of Dura, and commanded all to bow down to the image on penalty of death. The papacy will do the same thing before the end. It will command that all bow to worship the image of the beast; to honor its false sabbath. The mouth of a lion is a characteristic of the papacy, of what it will yet do. It does not imply that the ``mouth of a lion'' that this leopard-like beast has, is an identifier of one of its seven heads.

The Leopard. What do you know about a leopard? A leopard is fast, but if you want to describe rapid conquest, you talk about a leopard 'with wings.' In Daniel 7: 6, we read, ``After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it..''

We know that the last days will be rapid ones. The papacy under the rule of the Antichrist will move quickly to seize the opportunity to take global power.

However, the seven heads are not these ancient kingdoms, and indeed, they cannot be. The three beast parts mentioned are not related to the beast's heads, nor do they describe the heads at all; they are descriptors of the ``papal beast'' and directly relate to its nature.

In Daniel 7 the three empires before Rome were pictured as a lion, a bear, and a leopard. So the power that followed pagan Rome, the Papacy, have similar characteristics of the empires that came before it.

The feet of a bear refers to Medo-Persia: ``a bear with three ribs in its mouth.'' After Babylon, came Medo-Persia. Daniel 7: 5 '' And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.'' The bear represents Medo-Persia. The three ribs in its mouth represent Babylon, Lydia and Egypt.

Lydia in 547 B.C., Babylon in 539 B.C., Egypt in 525 B.C.

``Daniel 7: 8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots'' The image portrayed by this beast, is the same as seen in the dragon from whom this beast received its power.

Chapter 5

The Seven Heads of the Dragon

In Revelation 12, the dragon is shown to have seven heads with seven crowns and ten horns. It also identifies the dragon as Satan, and as Rome.

Revelation 12 1. And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

The twelve stars are interpreted in Genesis 37, where Joseph's dreams employ the same elements of the Sun, Moon and Twelve Stars;

Genesis 37 9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?

The twelve stars present about the woman when she was about to be delivered were the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the heritage of the woman in the days of her child.

3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4a. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:

One third of the angels of heaven were deceived by Satan. These were cast out with the dragon to the earth, after the cross of Christ.

4b. and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

The Gospel of Matthew identifies this same account: Matthew 2 1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 16. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Thus the Bible identifies the dragon as Satan, and as Rome.

There are many parallels that are seen between the portrayal of the dragon, and the beast. These parallels also serve to identify the dragon's heads and horns. Both the dragon and the beast uprooted three kingdoms in their time. Both are having seven heads and ten horns. Satan is the power behind them, one being his civil power and the other his ecclesiastical power. The seven crowns upon the dragon's heads denote his power through these kingdoms represented by his heads, and the ten crowns upon the beast's ten horns, denote the power of the beast at the time of the eighth head, which is given to the beast by the ten horns that come from her daughter harlots in Protestantism, and both join with the civil powers of the dragon in the final battle against God's people.

``The line of prophecy in which these symbols are found begins with Revelation 12, with the dragon that sought to destroy Christ at His birth. The dragon is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9); he it was that moved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But the chief agent of Satan in making war upon Christ and His people during the first centuries of the Christian Era was the Roman Empire, in which paganism was the prevailing religion. Thus while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome.'' Great Controversy p. 438

From all the commentaries I have seen written regarding the seven heads, I find a common error among them; They do not differentiate between the passages of the prophecy regarding the dragon, and the passages of the prophecy regarding the beast, and by intermingling these elements of prophecy, they always produce error. I have not found this intermingling of these prophecies in any part of the Spirit of Prophecy. All of the amalgamating that I have seen in post-White Adventist theology, has come from their imbibing on parts of the ``Wine of Babylon.''

The 7 heads and 10 horns of the dragon, are not the same 7 heads and 10 horns as those that are on the beast.

``In Revelation chapter 13 verses 1-10 is described another beast, `like unto a leopard,' to which the dragon gave `his power, and his seat, and great authority.' This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman empire. Of the leopardlike beast it is declared: `There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies... And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.' This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.'' Great Controversy p. 439

``The lamblike horns and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking contradiction between the professions and the practice of the nation thus represented. The ``speaking'' of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities. By such action it will give the lie to those liberal and peaceful principles which it has put forth as the foundation of its policy. The prediction that it will speak ``as a dragon'' and exercise ``all the power of the first beast'' plainly foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the leopardlike beast. The Great Controversy 442.

Herein lies a clue amidst the contextual discussion of the beasts of Revelation, a brief identifier of the heads of the dragon; ``...the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon...'' From this statement, it is understood that the nations represented by the dragon's heads, are not popes, but are of the kingdom nations of this earth. Indeed, Satan, in his temptation of Christ in the wilderness, claimed ownership of all the kingdoms of the world as his own; ``And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.'' (Luke 4: 5, 6)

And Christ denied: ``Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.'' (John 18: 36)

The dragon - beast transition of power differs from being a representation of Satan's control as it was through the dragon's heads, but a new investiture in an eleventh horn, represented in Revelation as the beast, rounds up all the kingdoms of the earth and puts them under this new beast's control; the ``kings of the earth'' commit fornication with this beast. The eleventh horn of Daniel 7 rises above the other ten, and subjected all under its power. Thus the dragon persecutes the woman who is represented by Christ's people, through the power that he invested into the papal beast. The ten horns of Rome had been subjected to the control of the papacy. Satan puts his political kindoms of Rome's ten horns, under the ecclesiastical power of the little eleventh horn.

The Dragon of Revelation 12 is Fourth Beast of Daniel 7: Rome

There is an equation in Revelation 12, that Satan is the dragon, and the dragon is equated to Rome. In Daniel's prophecy, the terrible beast, and seventh head since ancient Babylon, had ten horns. And another ``little'' horn arose among the ten, uprooting three other horns. This ``little'' eleventh horn of the dragon's seventh head, is the beast of Rev 13. The eleventh horn emerging from the dragon's seventh head, is the beast. And this beast is seen coming up from the sea, also with seven heads and ten horns. The account of the dragon continues into Rev 13, where the dragon gives great power and his seat to the beast. Rome, is portrayed as having ten horns. It was three of these ten horns of Rome that the dragon gave up to accomplish the transferring of his seat and power to the beast. The Roman empire is the dragon, and therefore, Rome's ten horns are the dragon's ten horns.

The dragon is spoken of during the time before the earth began, and is seen to extend to the remnant of God's people, even until after the Millennium and is cast into hellfire before the New Earth. The beast begins in 140 A.D., and later receives power from the dragon in 538 A.D., and continues to the end. The vision as Daniel shows, depicts a rising little horn, that uproots three other horns of Rome's ten kingdoms.

Distinctive Differences Between The Dragon, The Beast

-and-

Their Fourteen Heads, Twenty Horns, and Seventeen Crowns.

The dragon has seven heads that have seven crowns upon them. The beast's heads do not have crowns.

The ten horns of the beast have ten crowns and receive power for one hour with the beast at the end. The dragon's ten horns do not have crowns upon them.

The beast's seven heads have in them many names of blasphemy. There is no blasphemy written upon the dragon's seven heads.

The dragon has a little horn that arises after them and destroys three of the ten horns. This little horn is also the seven headed and ten horned beast of Revelation 13. There is no eleventh horn on the beast.

The beast has after its seven heads, another eighth head that follows after the seven. The dragon does not have an eighth head.

Thus by the distinctions that are made in the differing characteristics of the seven heads of the beast, and the seven heads of the dragon, it shows that the seven heads of the beast are not the same as the seven heads of the dragon.

Daniel 7 depicts the same transfer of power from the dragon to the beast in the outline of the little horn, representing the papacy arising from Rome the terrible beast, and plucking three other horns out of their place.

The Dragon, His Seven Heads and His Ten Horns

In Daniel 7, there are four beasts, bearing seven heads, and ten horns. Since the dragon has been directly equated with Rome, and the dragon is also said to have seven heads and ten horns, that during the time that the dragon is represented through Rome, it shows that the head of Rome, is the last of the seven heads in Daniel 7. There is not shown another kingdom head after Rome. After Rome collapsed, ten kingdom horns arise from upon its head. The dragon's seven heads were then complete and the time of the dragon's ten horns began. The ten kingdoms from which rose out of the ashes of Rome are the ten horns of the dragon. The little horn of Daniel 7, arises after these ten horns of Rome, and is part of the subset of the other ten horns of the broken Roman empire. The papal beast is represented by the little horn of Rome, and Daniel's fourth beast is Rome and is represented as the dragon in Revelation 12. Its identity is marked by the parallel patterns that exist between the dragon and the beast, but these parallel structures are not clues to its being the same things, but that in both they are seen in each their own history.

Revelation 12 reveals that the dragon through Herod, the ruler of Rome, attempted to kill Christ as a child, but after the Crucifixion, Satan receives the promised bruising of his head. This same Rome is the seventh head of the subset of the heads that are shown in Daniel 7. Rome, as the agent of Satan, exercised authority over the world, and persecuted the people of God. Israel was taken captive by Babylon, continued in captivity after Babylon was taken by Medo-Persia, and was still in captivity by Rome. After Satan's head is bruised, he then redirects his attacks by infiltrating the beast, giving the papacy its seat and great authority. Satan, represented by pagan Rome, is the last of Satan's seven heads, and his ten horns appear after the breakup of Rome. Three of these horns are sacrificed to give place to the papacy. Revelation 12 calls Rome the dragon, and calls the dragon Satan. Thus the equation is given that places the seven heads as seen in Daniel 7, as the seven agent heads of Satan. The ten horns on the dreadful beast are the ten horns of the dragon.

``The final overthrow of all earthly dominions is plainly foretold in the word of truth. In the prophecy uttered when sentence from God was pronounced upon the last king of Israel is given the message: `Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown:... exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.' Ezekiel 21: 26, 27. The crown removed from Israel passed successively to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. God says, `It shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.' Education p. 179

Ezekiel 21: 24 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. 25 And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, 26 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. 27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.

The dragon's seven heads have seven crowns. These are the crowns of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia and Rome. Seven crowns, seven heads, and the last head of Rome bearing ten horns, of which three of these; the Ostrogoths, Vandals and Heruli were uprooted to give the beast its power and its seat. Rome, as representing the dragon in Revelation 12, is the time of the dragon as seen in its seventh head. Revelation 12 does not show the dragon at its first head, but showing it at Rome, placing the dragon in its seventh head. The seven heads and ten horns as presented in Daniel 7, are the seven heads and ten horns of the dragon.

Having made the correct identification of the dragon's heads, we are prepared to make the correct identification of the beast's seven heads. It requires that the beast's seven heads be something other than the heads of the dragon, for the beast is a separate entity from the dragon. Revelation 13, begins with the transition to the new beast from the dragon. Thus the dragon works through the beast in which he has infused with his power. The dragon's dominion is extended further than is the beast's. Thus their bodies, heads and horns are found within their times respectively; the dragon's, from the days of Eden to the end; and the beast's within its timeframe from 140 A.D. to the end.

In the latest commentary by Ranko Stefanovic; ``The Revelation of Jesus Christ,'' published by Andrews University in 2002 it reads;

``However, as William G. Johnsson states, the seven heads of the dragon represent `the kingdoms through which Satan has worked to oppress God's people throughout the ages.' '' ``It is significant that the beasts of Daniel 7 have together seven heads and ten horns in total.'' The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Ranko Stefanovic 2002 p. 404

``However, while the dragon had the seven crowns on his heads, the beast has ten crowns on his horns. We saw earlier that the seven crowns on the dragon's heads denote Satan's false claim of full authority and power over the world.'' ibid. p. 404

If Babylon has one head, and Medo-Persia has one head, and Grecia has four heads and Rome was the terrible beast that had one head and ten horns, then you have all of the parts for the prophecy that identifies the dragon as having these seven heads and ten horns. Rome broke into ten parts which are represented as horns, and of which the dragon gave up three of these Roman horns to give its power and a seat to the beast. (Another dragon-beast parallel is shown in this`; The dragon's head Medo-Persia is depicted with three ribs in its mouth, having uprooted three kingdoms and the beast has uprooted three of the dragon's ten horns.)

This is the Biblical explanation of the heads and horns of the dragon, as it is evidenced within Revelation 12 and 13, which cover the same prophetic details written in Daniel. Both chapters reference Rome. Israel was free, until it was taken captive by Babylon. The crown was then passed to Medo-Persia, then to Grecia, and finally to Rome.

When the papal beast came, power was then transferred from the political agents of Satan, to the religious institution of the papacy.

To say the crown passed means that these were the world powers. The crown is not given to any other world power after Rome.

If you align the imagery of Daniel and Revelation placing the little horn with the leopard-like beast, the chronology will show that the papal horn is one of a subset, placed on par with the ten horns of the beast of Rome, and uprooting three of them.

``Chapter 12 3-6, 13-17 (ch. 13:1, 2, 11). God's People in the Minority.-- Under the symbols of a great red dragon, a leopard-like beast, and a beast with lamblike horns, the earthly governments which would especially engage in trampling upon God's law and persecuting His people, were presented to John. The war is carried on till the close of time.'' Vol 7 SDA Bible Commentary p. 972

``It was the same Herodian spirit, only in another personality, as `the dragon' of Revelation 12: 17 is the same as the dragon of verse 3, the real inspiring power in each being the dragon of verse 9. In the one case he works through pagan Rome; in the other through our own government.'' (Footnotes from Early Writings p. 185, 186)

Revelation 12: 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 12: 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 12: 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Satan the dragon is ``that old serpent'' from Eden, who claims the kingdoms of this earth are his, and that Christ had said are not of His kingdom. Satan is represented as the dragon in John's prophecy, and in John's time, Rome was the dragon's last head. John did not write any explanation of the dragon's seven heads. He wrote from his time, and his prophecy is not a rehash of history, and since the dragon's six previous heads were already history, John only writes from Rome the seventh head of the dragon. The story does not begin with the first of the dragon's seven heads. but fron the time of his seventh head Rome. From there, we follow the action of the dragon's ten horns. First, to continue the persecution of the people of God, and then after the eleventh horn arose, he invested the beast with his power. The beast is not one of the dragon's heads, it is the eleventh of the dragon's horns. As much as pagan Rome was in the power of Satan, so also is the beast;

``Paganism had given place to the Papacy. The dragon had given to the beast `his power, and his seat, and great authority.' Rev. 13:2.'' Great Controversy p. 54. It was from the remnants of Rome, of the kingdoms that rose from her midst that gave the official power to the papacy in 538 A.D.

``As he influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God....'' Maranatha p. 32 ``Kings and rulers and governors have placed upon themselves the brand of antichrist, and are represented as the dragon who goes to make war with the saints--with those who keep the commandments of God and who have the faith of Jesus. In their enmity against the people of God, they show themselves guilty also of the choice of Barabbas instead of Christ.'' Testimonies to Ministers p. 38

It is chapter 12 of Revelation that reveals Satan's course through history from the Garden of Eden where he is called ``that old serpent'' to the work of pursuing the remnant of God's people through the kingdoms and governments of this world.

The dragon of Revelation 12: 3 represents Herod of Rome, and the dragon of Revelation 12: 17 is represented by our own government. The dragon thus represented today, comes from its still active horn power; the political kingdoms of this earth.

Revelation 12: 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The dragon is cast to the earth after his place is no longer found in heaven. His role in the death of Christ on the cross, sealed his fate, and his presence was cast out from heaven. His head was wounded, and Rome was doomed to fall. Genesis 3: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Here is another parallel to the beast; The dragon, while Rome was its head, received the head wound. Later, the beast would suffer a wound to one of its heads in 1798.)

The ending of the power of the Roman government in 476 A.D. corresponds to the end of the time of the dragon's seven heads. Then the time of the ten horns of the dragon begins. These would remain until the end of the world at the second coming, as many nations, that are some strong and some weak, never able to be mixed into one. Three of the ten horns of the Roman empire were plucked up as the dragon gave his seat and great power to the beast. The dragon then employs the newly formed beast to persecute the woman. For 1,260 years, the people of God endured suffering for the Gospel's sake.

The means that the dragon sought to persecute the woman is through the beast, because his face is hidden from the woman during this 1,260 years.

Thus far, history and prophecy show that two heads have suffered a wound; one of the heads of the dragon, and one of the heads of the beast. The head wound of the dragon occurred after the cross of Christ, before the transfer of power to the beast began, and the head wound of the beast occurred in 1798 A.D.

``In Gen. 3: 15 we have the prophecy that the Messianic seed, (Jesus), would bruise the `head' of the serpent. In Rev. 12, we have the dragon identified as `that old serpent, the Devil or Satan.' In Rev. 13, we have one of the heads (of the beast) receiving a deadly wound.

``From the Messianic perspective, the timing and circumstance of the wounding of the serpent was at the Cross, the crucifixion of our Savior. Drawing upon Ellen White's view that the dragon, Satan, has an `earthly reflection' consisting of paganism; and, drawing upon the subsequent imagery that the leopard-like beast is the Roman church, I remain accepting that the leopard-like beast has one of its heads wounded, just as Satan had his head wounded at Calvary. After 1,260 literal days of ministry, the Savior had His `heel' bruised. The Messiah receives a `deadly wound,' going into the grave, but then is `healed,' resurrected. So also, the head of the papal church, after a period of ministry of 1,260 years (538 A.D. to 1798 A.D.) receives a deadly wound.'' (S. Kraner August 24, 2001)

S. Kraner, another student of the Word, was the first to direct my attention to the fact that there were seven heads and ten horns presented in Daniel 7. These are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia, (4 heads; Ptolemy, Lysemachus, Cassandra, and Seleucid), and Rome, along with its ten horns. It suddenly became clear to me that the papal beast's seven heads were the seven names of popes since 1798, and it was the dragon's seven heads and ten horns that were presented in Daniel 7.

This has been the key to the whole problem in the interpretation of the seven heads of the beast, because everyone, regardless of their interpretation, have been mixing together all the references to the seven heads of the beast and the dragon. It became clear that the references in Revelation 12 and 13, have delineated the distinction between these prophecies. The dragon's seven heads are the same as presented in Daniel 7, and the beast's seven heads are the seven papal names from 1798.

The seven heads of the dragon are;

1 Babylon
2 Medo-Persia
3 Greece: Cassandra
4 Greece: Lysemachus
5 Greece: Ptolemy
6 Greece: Seleucid
7 Rome

The ten horns of the dragon are;

1 Alemani
2 Franks
3 Burgundians
4 Suevi
5 Anglo-Saxons
6 Visigoths
7 Lombards
8 Vandals
9 Ostrogoths
10 Heruli

After the Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Heruli were removed to make way for the papacy, the dragon then transfers his seat and power to the ``beast''

The first reference of a beast having seven heads and ten horns is found in Revelation 12: 3. John saw ``a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.'' In verse 9 we are told the identity of the dragon: ``And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan.''

The great red dragon pictured here having seven heads and ten horns represents Satan. Notice the last phrase in verse 3, ``and seven crowns upon his heads.'' A head portrayed wearing a crown conveys a connection with a civil power. The seven crowned heads represent the seven head powers through which Satan would attempt to control the world. Verse 4 identifies the power he worked through during the time period of this vision; Rome. Pagan Rome is the last of the crowned heads of the dragon.

Revelation 12: 4 And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Herod ordered the death of all male children under two years of age in an attempt to kill the Christ Child at His birth (Matt. 2: 16). In Revelation 12, Satan worked through the political power of pagan Rome.

As we travel through history, the seven heads rise and fall with the powers they represent. In the dragon of Revelation 12 and the composite beast of Revelation 13, we see Rome in its two phases, each having seven heads and ten horns.

In Daniel's prophecy, the fourth beast, and seventh head since ancient Babylon, had ten horns. And another ``little'' horn arose among the ten, uprooting three other horns. This ``little'' eleventh horn emerging from the dragon's seventh head, is the beast of Revelation 13. And this beast is seen coming up from the sea, also with seven heads and ten horns. The account of the dragon continues into Revelation 13, where the dragon gives his power and seat to the beast. Rome has ten horns. It was three of these ten horns of Rome that the dragon gave up, to accomplish the transferring of his seat and power to the beast. The Roman empire is represented as the dragon, and therefore, Rome's ten horns are the dragon's ten horns.

The rise of the little eleventh horn, removes three out of the other ten horns before it, and at the time, leaves the dragon with only eight horns. Two more horns are lent to the power of the beast that are represented on the two-horned beast that is said ``speak like a dragon'' and initiate the war against God's people in the final days of the world.

Revelation 12: 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 12: 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 12: 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Satan, the dragon, is shown first in the Garden of Eden in Revelation 12: 9 as ``that old serpent'' and is also who claims the kingdoms of this earth that Christ had said these earthly kingdoms are not of His kingdom. Satan is represented as the dragon in John's prophecy, and in John's time, Rome was the dragon's last head. John did not write any explanation of the dragon's seven heads. He wrote from his time forward, and his prophecy is not a rehash of history, and since the dragon's six previous heads were already history, John only writes from Rome the seventh head of the dragon. In John's identification of the dragon in Revelation 12, draws the identity to Rome through the actions of Herod. From there, we follow the action of the dragon's ten horns to the eleventh horn that arose afterward, which he invested with his power. The beast is not one of the dragon's heads, it is one of the dragon's horns. As much as pagan Rome was empowered by Satan, so also is the beast.

The dragon's place in the final war against the remnant is represented in the civil powers; the ten horns of the dragon, that are used to enforce the decrees made jointly by the beast and its ten horns. The civil powers that represent the dragon's ten horns will be seen making war on the remnant of the seed of the woman.

Revelation 12: 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Rome held dominion for a few hundred years after Christ's death, and the early Christians were persecuted by the horns of the dragon which still held power.

Note the following parallels between Daniel 7 and Revelation 13

Daniel 7

vs 4: Like a lion = one head, no horns
vs 5: Like to a bear = one head, no horns
vs 6: Like a leopard w/four heads = four heads, no horns
vs. 7: The terrible beast = one head & 10 horns
Total = seven heads and ten horns

Now, please note Rev. 13 vs. 1: a beast having seven heads and ten horns, each horn having a crown.
vs. 2: the body is like a leopard;
vs. 2: the feet are like a bear;
vs. 2: the mouth is like a lion's mouth
vs. 2: Dragon w/7 heads and 10 horns gives seat, power and authority to leopard-like beast.

Now, compare these insights:

Rev. 13 Dan. 7
Lion = Lion = one head
Bear = Bear = one head
Leopard = Leopard = 4 heads
Dragon = Terrible beast = one head w/ten horns
Total = seven heads & ten horns

In Gen. 3: 15 we have the prophecy that the Messianic seed, (Jesus), would bruise the ``head'' of the serpent. In Rev. 12, we have the dragon identified as ``that old serpent, the Devil and Satan.'' In Rev. 13, we have one of the heads (of the beast) receiving a deadly wound.

Chapter 6

The Book of Revelation is Written as a Chiastic Pattern.

The chiastic nature of the book of Revelation is real. It divides Revelation in the middle, and the back half forms an inverted parallel to the front half. There are many interpretations regarding the number 666. But this interpretation presented here, is the only one that reaches across the chiastic link from Rev 13: 18 to Rev 17: 9 - 10, and uses all the elements found in these two linked verses. It demonstrates that the same 666 number is reflected in Revelation 17: 9 - 10 as well. In Revelation 13: 18, the number 666 is given. In the verse that it is chiastically linked to; Revelation 17: 9 and 10, additional information is found that relates to this count. The second verse references the first, and provides a further explanation to the first. It identifies who it is whose number is 666. That same number is derived from the count of the seven mountains and the eighth, thus, the number 666 is also seen. This interpretation is the only one that is endorsed and confirmed by the Bible through its own chiastic structure.

The ``Vicarius Filii Dei'' papal title interpretation makes no connection to this chiastic pattern. It says nothing about seven heads in the papal title or reflected in the count of letters. The historic elements proffered in that interpretation do not align with anything across this chiastic link.

The Chiastic Patterns in Revelation

Two chiastic patterns found in Revelation are demonstrated here. The first example demonstrates the chiastic pattern from the entire book of Revelation. In the center core of this chiastic pattern in the book, lies a second chiastic pattern. It is demonstrated from the whole chapter of Revelation 12. In the first example of the book of Revelation, the first chapter bears wording that matches the wording in the last chapter. Some passages share a similar theme rather than specific words. This patterning yields additional information to the reader that is relevant to the context where the chiastic links are found.

From the chiastic pattern of Revelation, twenty seven chiastic links are shown. These chiastic links are found linking whole sections. They form parallel alignments within each matching section.

The Whole Chiastic Outline of Revelation:

A. Prolog .......................................................... Rev 1: 1 to Rev 1: 11
....B. Church Militant ...................................... Rev 1: 12 to Rev 3: 22
........C. Ongoing Activity of God, ...................... Rev 4: 1 to Rev 8: 1
...........D 1. 7 Trumpet Warnings .................. Rev 8: 2 to Rev 11: 19
..............D 2. Evil Powers Progressive ..... Rev 13: 1 to Rev 14: 20
Center: Revelation 12 (between D1 and D2)
..............d 1. 7 Last Plagues ...................... Rev 15: 1 to Rev 16: 17
...........d 2. Evil Powers Judged .............. Rev 16: 18 to Rev 18: 24
........c. Judgmental Finale by God, ............. Rev 19: 1 to Rev 21: 4
....b. Church Triumphant .............................. Rev 21: 5 to Rev 22: 5
a. Epilog ......................................................Rev 22: 6 to Rev 22: 21

Chiastic link #1
In section A
Things which must shortly come to pass
1: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
In section a
The things which must shortly be done
22: 6 ...and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Chiastic link #2
In section A
Blessed is he that readeth and keep those things
1: 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
In section a
Blessed is he that keepeth
22: 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Chiastic link #3
In section A
Behold He cometh.
1: 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him...
In section a
Behold I come quickly.
22: 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me...

Chiastic link #4
In section A
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.
1: 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. In section a
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
21: 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

Chiastic link #5
In section A
Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.
1: 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:
In section a
Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.
22: 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Chiastic link #6
In section B
The seven churches.
1: 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
In section b
The bride, the Lamb's wife.
21: 9. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Chiastic link #7
In section B
The morning star.
2: 28 And I will give him the morning star.
In section b
The bright and morning star.
22: 16 I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Chiastic link #8
In section C
The first voice which I heard.
4: 1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
In section c
I heard a great voice of much people.
19: 1. And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Chiastic link #9
In section C
Four and twenty elders
4: 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders... In section c
Four and twenty elders.
19: 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

Chiastic link #10
In section C
Lightnings and thunderings and voices.
4: 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices...
In section c
The voice of mighty thunderings.
19: 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Chiastic link #11
In section C
Give glory and honour and thanks to Him.
4: 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne...
In section c
Be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him.
19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him...

Chiastic link #12
In section C
Hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign.
5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
In section c
They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign.
20: 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign...

Chiastic link #13
In section C
Washed their robes and made them white.
7: 14 These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
In section c
Prepared as a bride adorned.
21: 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Chiastic link #14
In section C
God shall dwell among them.
7: 15 ...he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
In section c
God himself shall be with them.
21: 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Chiastic link #15
In section C
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
7: 17 ...and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
In section c
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
21: 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain...

Chiastic link #16
In section D1
Seven angels with seven trumpets.
8: 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
In section d1
Seven angels having the seven last plagues.
15: 1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Chiastic link #17
In section D1
Smoke of the incense.
8: 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
In section d1
Smoke from the glory of God.
15: 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Chiastic link #18
In section D1
Seven trumpet angels prepare to sound.
8: 6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
In section d1
The seven angels pour out the vials.
16: 1. And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Chiastic link #19
In section D1
The seventh angel.
11: 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
In section d1
The seventh angel.
16: 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Chiastic link #20
In section D1
Lightnings, voices, thunderings, and an earthquake.
11: 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
In section d1
Voices, thunders, lightnings, and an earthquake.
16: 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake...

Chiastic link #21
In section D2
Those who do not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
13: 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
In section d2
Blood of the martyrs.
17: 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus...

Chiastic link #22
In section D2
Names of blasphemy upon his heads.
Revelation 13: 1 ...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.
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies...
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. In section d2
Names of blasphemy.
Revelation 17: 3 ...a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Chiastic link #23
In section D2
Seven heads and ten horns.
13: 1. 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...
In section d2
Seven heads and ten horns.
17: 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Chiastic link #24
In section D2
Head wound and healing, the world wondered, names not written in the book of life.
13: 3 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. 13: 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
In section d2
(The time of the head wound: and is not) shall wonder, names not written in the book of life.
17: 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world...

Chiastic link #25
In section D2
Kindreds, tongues and nations.
13: 7 ...and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
In section d2
Peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.
17: 15 The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Chiastic link #26
In section D2
Wisdom, 666
13: 18 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.
In section d2
Wisdom, 7 mountains
17: 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

Chiastic link #27
In section D2
Power was given unto him
13: 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him...
13: 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him... In section d2
Ten kings power with the eighth
17: 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, ...and receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

The two chapters; Revelation 13 and 17 near the center, corresponding to this pattern, reveal seven chiastic links. This passage is set within a parallel structure that explains more specific details about the beast.

1 . Seven Heads and Ten Horns
2 . Blasphemy
3 . Wonder
4 . Whose Names Are Not Written in the Book of Life
5 . Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, Tongues, Kindreds
6 . Wisdom
7 . Power Given to Him to Reign Over the Kings of the Earth

All seven word phrases that link Rev 13 to Rev 17 point to the fact that it is describing the same papal beast power. The same elements in both chapters are describing the same things. In Rev 13: 1 - 10 it is describing the papal beast at the time before 1798. In chapter 17, the papal beast is depicted at the time following 1798. These are the similarities and common elements of this prophecy that demonstrate that the beast spoken of in these two chapters is identical. These two chapters demonstrate that they align accurately with the chiastic pattern of the whole book of Revelation. The beasts shown in Revelation 13: 1-10 and 17 are thus demonstrated to be identical.

``Others present an array of objections to any new view; and when these objections are plainly answered by the words of Scripture, they do not acknowledge the evidence presented, nor allow themselves to be convinced. Their questioning is not for the purpose of arriving at truth, but is intended merely to confuse the minds of others.'' Testimonies to Ministers p. 108.

The Chiastic Structure Brings Together Additional Information

The chiastic structure of a certain chapter, verse, or book of the Bible can be brought together to understand the meaning that God intends. Studies show there are chiastic patterns many parts of the Bible. In this one chiastic structure, there is a wealth of meaning God has placed within it. John was not aware of this structure when he wrote Revelation.

The Chiastic Center of the Whole Book of Revelation

The center of the whole chiastic book of Revelation contains another chiastic pattern. It does not share any chiastic match like itself, but it is a chiastic pattern of itself.

Revelation 12 is a panoramic view showing the whole career of the dragon.

The Chiastic Pattern of Revelation 12

A. Ten Commandments in the Ark, in the Temple...Rev.... 11: 19
...B. Wrath of God....................................................................vs. 19
.....C. Pregnant woman.........................................................vs. 1, 2
........D. Great red dragon..........................................................vs. 3
............E. Satan's warfare.........................................................vs. 4
................F. Woman in the wilderness 1260 years.................vs. 6
....................G. War in heaven...................................................vs. 7
........................H. No place for dragon......................................vs. 8
...........................I. Deceiver cast out ........................................vs. 9
................................J. To earth...................................................vs. 9
Center:.Salvation!!.The accuser of the brethren cast out.....vs. 10
............................... j. Devil come down....................................vs. 12
............................i. Deceiver limited.........................................vs. 12
........................h. Earth only for dragon.....................................vs. 13
....................g. War against woman..........................................vs. 13
.................f. Woman in wilderness 1260 years.......................vs. 14
.............e. Satan's warfare........................................................vs. 15
.........d. Dragon angry................................................................vs. 17
......c. With the woman...............................................................vs. 17
...b. Wrath of Satan....................................................................vs. 17
a. The commandments of God.................................................vs. 17

Chapter 7

The Mathematics of Wisdom

In Revelation 13: 18, the number 666 is given. In the verse that it is chiastically linked to; Revelation 17: 9 and 10, that same number is derived from the count of the seven mountains, thus, the number 666 is also seen in that chiastic verse. The elements defining this prophetic outline of the beast and its seven heads, are located in the very verse that is chiastically linked in the book of Revelation to the verse where the number 666 is given... ``Wisdom'' is the key chiastic word in both verses. The 11 delimiting factors are all precisely integrated to produce the exact count of the number 666.

The 11 Delimiting Factors in the Prophecy of the Number 666:

1) The number is comprised of eight numbers: ``eighth''
12..13...16.....14.....21....6...2...1
78+91+136+105+231+21+3+1

2) Each of the eight numbers are comprised of triangular numbers: ``count''
1+2+3+4+5+6+7 etc.
=3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 28, 36, 45, 55, 66, 78, 91, 105, 120, 136, 153, 171, 190, 210, 231.

3) The first five numbers are all terminal before the sixth arrives: ``fallen'' The counts of 78, 91, 136, 105 and 231, cannot increase any more, they have already fallen. A change in any of these would have altered the count and the sum total of 666 would have been unattainable.

4) The seventh number is the minimum it could be and still be a triangular number: ``mountains'' It leaves the cumulative count at the precise count of 665 leaving only one to be fulfilled by the eighth. From the sixth, the count was left at 662, adding the smallest triangular number 3 sets the total at 665 with only 1 left.

5) The eighth is a single ``one'' which is necessary to make the pinpoint identification of the man whose number is 666. ``a man'' The eighth is not included in the list of the other seven heads, who are also defined as mountains. The eighth does not receive this designation of also being a mountain, but it is sequentially aligned with the seven to show that it is of a like nature as the seven, saying ``of the seven.''

6) The elements defining this prophetic outline are located in the very verse that is chiastically linked in the book of Revelation to the verse where the number 666 is given... ``Wisdom.'' Wisdom is the key chiastic word in both verses. This includes the demonstration that all of the elements from the prophecy and the historic record are precisely matched and integrated to produce the exact count it specifies. History has made tracing this path far easier, because none of the elements of history need any additional explanations or compensatory adjustments to make them appear to match; they already align naturally and easily.

7) The combined sum, produces the exact total count of 666; ``his number is 666.'' All of the combined numbers are counted.

8) The seventh cannot have arrived before the sixth; ``not yet come'' The contribution to the count from the seventh number, must all be derived from its source after the passing of the sixth.

9) The seventh must be short in relation to the other six; ``short space'' The combined total of the tenure of the mountain of John Paul, was 26 years. The next smallest tenure is that of Paul, whose six popes held the papacy for 67 years. John Paul's count of three reflects this shortest papal term when compared to the terms of the other six heads.

10) The seventh must also be comprised of two numbers in order to correctly fulfill its identity as also being a mountain; ``seven heads are seven mountains''

11) This number is demonstrated to apply to both the whole beast and to the ``one'' man; the ``number of the beast...is the number of a man''

Chapter 8

Dealing With Current Views

From the New Commentary on Revelation, from Andrews University; Comments on Vol 7 of the Daniel & Revelation Committee Series; Symposium on Revelation - Book 2, Frank B. Holbrook, Editor. Kenneth Strand wrote the chapter on the Seven Heads.

``The problem lies in the foundational center of the Preterist stance, and therefore, is one that afflicts all Preterist interpretations in spite of any and all idiosyncrasies that may exist among individual writers. That `root problem' is the perspective that limits the scope of Revelation's message to John's own era. The Biblical evidence reveals, as we have seen, that the leopard- bodied sea beast, its seven heads, and its ten horns relate to things that were still future for John.'' Symposium on Revelation, book 2 p. 205.

This excludes then the application of the seven mountains to any kingdom that precedes 95 AD.

``Since the word `mountains' is obviously symbolic in (Rev) 17: 9, proper principles of interpretation would require that we look for the scriptural usage of the term `mountain' in cases where the term is employed as a symbol. When we do so, we never find `mountain' used to symbolize an individual monarch or ruler.'' Symposium on Revelation, book 2 pg 186

``This biblical usage of `mountain' as a symbol should lead us to look for a similar identity of the seven heads in Revelation, since they are called `mountains.' The second identifying term in (Rev) 17: 9-10, namely, `kings,' can be understood in the same way, as `rulerships,' `kingdoms,' or `empires.''' Symposium on Revelation, book 2 p. 186, 187.

The interpretation given to the beast is that of a specific identity; the papacy. This is in agreement with the Symposium on Revelation. Therefore it is in the papacy where we are to look for the seven `heads - mountains - kings.' ''

This book does not exclude that which I have found. The content of the chapter on the 7 mountains consists almost entirely of debunking the Preterists view; that the 7 mountains are the emperors of Rome, and has no definitive conclusion to say exactly what the 7 mountains or the seven heads are, except that the sea-beast, its heads and horns, are all future to John.

The conclusion of the 1996 Symposium on Revelation, is that there is no defined interpretation on the seven mountains of Revelation 17: 9.

On the one hand, other theologians have written in direct reference to the DARCOM Series, and Kenneth Strand's ``mention'' of it in his example of the ``Preterist's'' view, which he shows it to be a false interpretation, and they turn it around to make it appear that Kenneth Strand taught that these seven ``Preterist's'' mountains are the seven heads of the beast. They need to return and re-read all that chapter that Strand wrote on Rev 17. The very source they use to say that this is what Kenneth Strand taught is the very same source I point them to, as proof that they are wrong. Kenneth Strand does not teach what they say he does in the DARCOM Series. Their statements are false and misleading.

The Alleged Papal Title: Vicarius Filii Dei

While many have referred to the counting of the letters of the ``title'' of the papacy, by assigning numerical values to the letters, the Bible does not specifically indicate that this is the correct application. It does state that 666 is the number of the beast and a man. To apply it to the title of the papacy, does not completely fulfill the description in Scripture. Certainly, it points to the ``beast'' which possesses the spirit of antichrist, but only one man will be the Antichrist at the time appointed, not the whole system of the papacy. The papacy is already represented as the beast, and only the last head or pope will become the one antichrist. The 666 man and the beast are one and the same, and is the last one that enters perdition at the second coming of Christ.

There are elements of the prophecy that are completely ignored by the count of the letters of the alleged papal title; ``Vicarius Filii Dei.'' It does not demonstrate the number of a single man. It asserts that all popes are men and the papal title comprises how it applies to the beast. It does not pinpoint who this last ``man of sin'' is, but it presumes this same number upon all the popes. It leaves the identity of this antichrist to some other unidentified source, and leaves open the possibility that the deceptions of the antichrist will sway them into error. The very number that they have forced their interpretation on, that the Bible gives to mark this man's identity, has been rendered impotent by their false interpretation. Nor is there demonstrated any connection in their interpretation of the number 666 to Rev 17: 9, whereas the Bible makes it clear, which history has confirmed, that there is a chiastic connection.

The phrase; Vicarius Filii Dei is false. It does not identify the 666 man. This is one of those false interpretations that occludes the real truth, yet it is sincerely believed by many. It falls short of identifying the ``man.'' It does not suffice to identify the ``seat.'' What I present to you here, not only identifies the 666 beast, but also the 666 man of sin. It is not possible that every pope has been the Antichrist, for this identity belongs to a single individual man, and not to anyone seated in the papal office. This interpretation involves a ``count'' of pure numbers, ONLY numbers, not letters that are assigned a numeric value, and are then added up. This method is a direct application of the element of ``counting'' as written in the prophecy.

It is from the Douay Rheims Bible from which the footnote to the number 666 says that the letters of his name make up the number. Since the source of this interpretation is from the beast's own version of the Scripture, it should immediately be suspected of being a diversion from the truth. The ``dragon'' gave its seat and power to this ``beast'' who has adopted this corrupted word of God. They have ``added'' their footnotes to the Word. Satan thus tries to divert everyone from the real truth. It has sent many on a hunt for who the Antichrist is, which by this method, is inherently invalid as there are millions of names that bear this number. Which one is provable? The interpretation I present demonstrates that the Antichrist is the beast's eighth and last head.

Many individuals have the numeric value of 666 in their name, but that does not mean that they are associated with the antichrist. The true identity of the 666 man and his count must be precise. The counting of the ``beast'' is intended to identify the ``antichrist.'' The phrase ``Vicarius Filii Dei'' is not able to disclose precisely, who the ``man of sin'' is.

Though the debate on the Vicarius issue still continues, and it is definitely settled as valid in the minds of some, while others have opted to the more recent view as held by the Sabbath School Quarterly of June 2002. The first time I heard this theory put forth, I noted that it was from a Catholic source, and shares the ``Preterist's'' view. Then to see it put in print in our own study guide, demonstrated to me that these theologians have sold out again to the interpretations as set forth by the papal beast itself. While on the one hand, they set the ``Vicarius Filii Dei'' interpretation in its proper place amidst the rubble of false interpretations, but to put in its place, an interpretation set forth by the beast, is still another false interpretation. Even an elementary examination of the exegetics of the text, shows it to eliminate the necessity of counting anything at all, calling the number ``symbolic'' The Bible said it is a number that is counted, and to symbolize it away, leaves the reader to believe that there is no need to count anything. (Doesn't anybody really ``investigate'' the source of their beliefs?) Test it, test it, test it!!

Errors of Former Interpretations; Satan's Counterfeits

This research also matches the expected events that are yet to come; It confronts the popular errors found in today's theology, and thus it sets up for the ``shaking'' to come. It reveals the imminent rise of the antichrist and heralds the cry of the angel of Revelation 18. It is a repeating of the Third Angel's Message and announces that the hour of the judgment that is coming upon us.

Most are not aware that their beliefs regarding this prophecy are not Biblical. It has been observed by others that where the ``Spirit of Prophecy'' is silent, Adventist scholars have adopted the interpretation based on interpretive principles set forth by the papacy. This is very evident in regard to the seven heads and how they apply the number 666.

There is a traceable line of truth through the prophecies that is commonly accepted and known. There are many false interpretations that are perpetrated to detract from this truth. These false interpretations lack one critical element; they fail to demonstrate continuity. There is a straight line of truth that maintains continuity, and is demonstrated by the Scripture and supported by history. This interpretation of the count of the number 666, follows precisely with this same line of truth

It is important to know where we are within the timeframe of prophecy, if we are to assert what is present truth. To correctly divide this line, we must know what prophecies have been fulfilled, and what is yet to be fulfilled.

Yet some of these truths are not possible to be discerned until the time appointed for them. Now I believe the time for some of these things is here. Prove, through the Word of God, whether or not, that which I present here is true. The Bible says to ``Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.'' 1Thessalonians 5: 21.

What I have presented here, is not new information or new prophecy. It has always been written there in the Scriptures, and for many years recorded in history. The difference is in the interpretation; in examining the record of recent history, and showing that it is exactly parallel to the prophecy.

Other Interpretations of the Seven Heads

As Preterists have defined them, they are the Roman Emperors;

1. Augustus
2. Tiberius
3. Caligula
4. Claudius
5. Nero
6. Domitian
7. Antichrist
8 (missing in this interpretation)

The problem with this interpretation is that it must ignore 5 other valid emperors;

1. Augustus
2. Tiberius
3. Caligula
4. Claudius
5. Nero
6. Galba
7. Otho
8. Vitellius
9. Vespatian
10. Titus
11. Domitian
12. Antichrist

Did anyone note here that Nero is listed as number five and not the eighth in order to be the one that is counted as the 666 man? Yet they count the letters of this name up to be the antichrist. Another observation is that the antichrist is listed as the seventh, and they have no eighth head as the Scripture reads.

In another commentary these mountains are defined as the seven great world kingdoms;

1 Babylon,
2 Persia,
3 Grecia,
4 Pagan Rome,
5 Papal Rome,
6 Republicanism or Democracy,
7 The Last Great Confederacy of Evil.
8 (missing in this interpretation)

Another commentary lists;

1 Egypt
2 Assyria
3 Babylon
4 Persia
5 Grecia
6 Rome
7 Antichrist
8 (missing in this interpretation)

Again, there are many other world kingdoms not included in the list, and the problem applying the seven mountains to mean the ancient kingdoms, puts the first five or six of these world kingdoms prior to 1798, when Pius VI was taken captive (it even places them prior to John). The problem in this interpretation is that it displaces an escatological prophecy, by placing its fulfillment or parts of it far into the past.

Some try to add to it; saying that there is some relevance to the time that the prophecy was given to John, based on the present tense of the words ``and one is,'' claiming that the time that the five fallen kingdoms had fallen before the prophecy was uttered to John. This ignores the fact that the seven heads are the heads of the beast, and they try to place them outside of and beyond that of the time of beast that is symbolized here. The context of the explanation given to John is in an eschatological setting. It is not given in reference to when John lived. John is not in any way referenced to the time in the prophecy written as ``one is.'' Neither did John know what these were to be. If he had known who the five fallen were, then why would he not simply have stated that they were of kingdoms before his time? A prophecy that has been fulfilled, is a foundation for the remainder of the prophecies that are not yet fulfilled. The elements of the prophecy given to John in Rev 17, all pertain to future events. To Daniel, Babylon in his vision was already in fulfillment and became past fulfillment as the kingdom of Medo-Persia took power. It became the foundation for identifying the subsequent powers that succeeded Medo-Persia, beyond Daniel's time. If the five fallen were already past fulfillment in John's time when he wrote Revelation, then he would have set that as the basis for the final elements, showing the identity of those first five fallen. John's writing of the prophecy is not to escape the scrutiny of Roman authorities, John is not encrypting his words for any purpose. They are unencrypted only by the unrolling of the scroll of time. John is told what to write in several places. Eschatological prophecy is intended to be understood for the benefit of those living at the end.

Some of the prophecies that were given to Daniel and John, refer to time periods spanning from their inception when they were first given, but most that John wrote refers specifically to the end; the focus being set within the lifetime of those living in the end. So it does not make any sense to apply it to any other period; the context of the seven heads (mountains) is from 1798 to the present, so any rulers, or kingdoms outside of this period are irrelevant. The whore as it appears in Revelation 17: 9 - 11 is depicted by the contemporaneous presence of the two-horned beast. This is set within the final end period. Therefore, for this whore woman to sit upon seven mountains, and to be the worship target of the two-horned beast, it must be that these heads (mountains) are contemporary, and in the same period of time as the two-horned beast. Besides the writing of the book of Revelation, none of these events have any relevance to John himself, nor any other purpose than to be the truth for the people of God at the time of the end. Since the first and second century Christians were not able to witness any of these ``last day'' events, it is understood that it did not benefit them beyond the promise that a final victory will be won by God. The last-day prophecies are written for the people of the last generation who will experience them.

Many false interpretations have been given to the prophecies of the number 666 and of the beast. Satan has made sure that before the truth would be revealed, that he would fill the world with a host of false interpretations. He has also assaulted the truth with his own corruptions.

A continual returning to preterism and preterist teachings, continues to produce errors. The contemporary readers of John's day could not possibly have participated in the eschatological events that his prophecies apply to, therefore whatever they might have understood concerning eschatological prophecy, is completely irrelevant. If the theologians of today can scarcely agree on eschatologial events even as they pass right over them in our day, how can we expect their readers to respect the words and thought of those who preceded them by nearly two millenia, when they cannot even show us one word of the thoughts of the readers of John's prophecies in his day? It is another false teaching from papal interpretation, that the readers of John's day were required to be able to understand what John wrote.

Many evangelists strongly profess the papal title theory in their public evangelistic meetings. Jan Paulsen, the President of the General Conference of the SDA church, has called the church to come to theological unity. Their theological unity on this matter willl never be settled until they all; `own up to the truth that they have been given.'

The interpretation that I have put forth here will not disappear, fade away, or be dismissed by slandering it with words like ``fanciful'' and ``speculation.'' All the proofs that are given to support false theories does not constitute any effort to show that what I have presented is wrong, nor do they show where I am in error.

``Others present an array of objections to any new view; and when these objections are plainly answered by the words of Scripture, they do not acknowledge the evidence presented, nor allow themselves to be convinced. Their questioning is not for the purpose of arriving at truth, but is intended merely to confuse the minds of others.'' Testimonies to Ministers p. 108

It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial... 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. Christian Experience and Teachings p. 203.

I urge those who claim to believe the truth to walk in unity with their brethren. Do not seek to give to the world occasion to say that we are extremists, that we are disunited, that one teaches one thing, and one another. Avoid dissension. Testimonies to Ministers p. 57.

``My accompanying angel said, `Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?' Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, `Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died.' I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it.'' A little further on she says: ``Some of us have had time to get the truth, and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months'' June 27, 1850, Early Writings, p. 64, 67.

Chapter 9

From This Day Forward

We now are past the end of the ``short space'' and are extended another undefined span of a brief time during the tenure of an antipope. Thus we are watching for the coming of the antichrist that follows this antipope. The Bible and recent history present clear evidence that the Second Coming is almost here.

Now, the short space being past, we have entered an interim time that awaits the arrival of the antichrist. Benedict XVI is he that ``withholdeth'' until he is ``taken out of the way'' (2Thess 2: 7). An undefined brief length of time that designates the ``short space'' has now been followed by yet another undefined length of time before the coming of the antichrist. This will be followed by yet another undefined period of time, of the reign of the antichrist before Christ comes to bring it all to an end.

It is clearly evident that the time is imminently upon us and the message of salvation needs to go forward more urgently, to finish the harvest of souls.

In review of the prophecies of Revelation, is written the description of the true followers of the Church and of Jesus, and also of the false body of Christ, symbolized by a whore woman. The time spans of the prophecies reach from 457 BC to 1844, and then following this, conditional prophecies that are not set within specific periods of time, but await the conditional sequences of certain events. When these things are fulfilled, they will be revealed to the true followers of Christ. The final events largely surround the world's largest ecclesiastical body; the Catholic Church. Even while God denounces this papal system, identifying it precisely and calling it Babylon, He still recognizes that amidst the followers of this false system of worship, there are still many who truly belong to Him, and just before He pours out His wrath on the Babylon the Great, He calls His people out of her. This call includes all of the other ecclesiastical bodies that are the whore woman's harlot daughters.

``...Other sheep have I, not of this fold.'' God has His people scattered among all the various denominations, including the Catholic faith. And in the final throes of this world, before God sends His judgments to destroy it, He first implores His people to come out of her.

``My sheep hear my voice.'' When God calls His own, He empowers them to understand. He will send home His message, and He will expose the `man of sin,' and the corruptions within the churches so His people can see and depart, and not be partakers of the 7 last plagues soon to be poured out. Many people fear the inevitable battle of Armageddon, however, seeing it is the seventh and last plague, the destiny of each soul will have already been determined. With a true saving faith, the people of God will not be disturbed at the judgments that fall on the beast and her adherents; they will remain steadfast while those around them are being slain by them.

The greatest problem facing many today is that the knowledge of an imminent end of the world, as we now know it, is more of a threat to the disruption of their own ventures, their own self- created plans, everyone's hopes and aspirations. These feelings will not be held too long, as the time of trouble approaches, and usurps everything anyway. Everywhere you look, you will see trouble...from personal torments of petty interest to anyone else, to *tumultuous catastrophes, engulfing entire regions. Death, disease, and rioting everywhere. Everyone accusing another, even accusing me. *written in 2002

Everywhere people will be forced into believing the prophecies they had heard and rejected as false. But by then, it will be too late to save their souls...then fear and rage engulfs them. To those that do believe them, and believe the Word of God, the final events, though troublous, are tokens that declare their long-awaited hope in His Coming, is about to happen. Their victory is also imminent and their delivery certain.

Many are jumping to the conclusion, that the new pope, having chosen the name of Benedict XVI, has voided the prophecy. That is false. When a pope is elected, he is considered ``legitimate'' until it is shown that he is an antipope. When he is found to be an antipope, he will be deposed. At his deposition, it is considered that he never was a pope. Then the count will be right back to where it left off; 665. Thoroughly investigate this research, and understand that an antipope has always been a possibility. This research still holds true.

Beginning with the original thesis, showing that the papal beast of Revelation 17, has seven papal heads as demonstrated by the official papal record. Also showing that the numbers that have been given to these seven names form the sum total of 665 with the current John Paul II. From this point, it led to understanding that John Paul constitutes the seventh head of the beast, and is the ``shortest mountain'' (of I and II yielding 3) and thus producing the ``short space'' of 26 years which John Paul held. The election of Cardinal Ratzinger, who chose the ``fallen'' name of Benedict, sets himself up as the antipope, who will be deposed at the arrival of the coming eighth, which is very near. The Loud Cry of Revelation 18 will soon commence.

As I wrote this research out, I could only imagine how it would appear, and I wrote it according to the prophecy's outline, and entered the elements from the papal record into it. The outcome was the understanding just described in the above email. And on April 19, 2005 when the element of the new pope's name was first known and his number entered into the research, the conclusion was the same; that he is an antipope. And now with this additional element entered into the prophecy, the next event comes into view.

What happens next?

The Bible is the source for the answer: 2Thessalonians 2 3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what (an antipope) withholdeth* (Greek; katecho) that he (antichrist) might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (Greek; katecho) will let, until he (antipope) be taken out of the way. (deposed) 8 And then shall that Wicked (antichrist) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

*(Greek; katecho, to hold back) Letteth and withholdeth are the same Greek word.

As time goes on, God reveals more and more truth. And thus it is revealed in these texts, some of what is to transpire. This new pope is an antipope, as this research indicates. The correct understanding of the prophecy confirms this. Though he is an antipope, the church and the world do not know it yet.

I had anticipated that we would have an antipope in this election. This is based on the fact that there were two antipopes within the papal record that were directly involved in the count of this research. It was a direct possibility that we could have another antipope after John Paul II, and it could not be ruled out. Thus, by the ongoing count, with John Paul II leaving the count at 665, two options emerged: This new pope, would either be the antichrist, or he would be an antipope. A new name with a count of `1' which a new name would have, would signify that he is the antichrist, a used name, with a count greater than a count of `one' would signify that he would ultimately be an antipope.

The prophecy applied to the historic record indicates that if the pope elect after John Paul II chooses a papal name that had already been used, it would constitute an antipope. This possible variable of "either antichrist, or antipope" that was found at the inception of this research, and guardedly retained throughout, has proven to be true.

Before the death of John Paul II, the prophecy left us with one of two possible outcomes; The pope to follow John Paul II would be either an antipope or be the antichrist, thus, it appeared that it was speculative. But now that this papal transition is past history, that element of ``if'' has been removed, and we proceed from here without any element of speculation, but an affirmative statement follows; that this pope will be deposed and the next pope will be that man who is identified as the antichrist. There will also be great deceptions to come that will arise that will contradict his identity as the antichrist. Let the prophecy of the Bible make this identity clear; he who completes the count to 666 is the antichrist.

Meanwhile, we remain at another waiting period, with yet another unknown terminal point at the next event, which will be the coming of the eighth head antichrist. How long we will have to freely spread this message before it becomes difficult, is also unknown, but I this antichrist will come in with such a flair, that he will move on governments and round up the churches to rally his cause.

What we will soon see:

The eighth head will complete the count to the sum of 666. This is the precise identifier of the ``Man of Sin.''

While the eighth head sets up his agenda, this brings forward the message of the ``first angel'' saying that the ``hour'' of His judgment has come. The call to come out of Babylon is repeated. Having just correctly identified and re-identified the ``Beast'' of Revelation 17, those that see and believe, will separate from Babylon.

The ``shockwave'' that passes through humanity at the time of the ``Loud Cry'' will have a grave impact on the economy. Investments will have no value. In that day, not even gold will have any value. The time of trouble begins.

The Loud Cry swells as the Third Angel's Message is given for the last time to the world. The Gospel work will be made more difficult because of the persecution again reinstated as it was prior to 1798. The plagues are about to fall, and the people of God are carefully watching the events unfold before them. Time is very short, and the assistance of the Holy Spirit attends the workers who are agonizing for the souls of others.

As the eighth head being the ``Abomination of Desolation'' makes his move into the ``Holy Place'' spoken of in Matthew, coincides with the end of Christ's Mediation on behalf of man, and makes the final decree; ``He that is holy let him remain holy, and he that is unclean shall remain unclean.'' The time of Jacob's trouble begins. The 7 plagues begin.

We have thus far affirmed that the prophecy of Revelation 18: 13, and Revelation 17: 9, as I have shown in this interpretation, is correct and is entirely supported by the Bible and history.

The Ten Horns of the Beast

These ten kingdoms are ten Protestant church groups, whose first purpose is, to enforce by use of civil powers, the dictates of the antichrist, then when it is apparent that the judgment of God is upon them, then they turn on the papal beast to destroy it. Therefore, since these ten kingdoms have not yet been fully enlisted to enforce the papal decrees, then we cannot yet know who these ten are, until the time appointed.

Revelation 17: 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 17: 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

Revelation 17: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 17: 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Revelation 17: 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

``The so-called Christian world is to be the theater of great and decisive actions. Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, after the example of the papacy. Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Every nation will be involved. Of this time John the Revelator declares: (Revelation 18:3-7; 17:13, 14, quoted). `These have one mind.' There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan's forces. ``And shall give their power and strength unto the beast.' Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious liberty- -freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience - - as was manifested by the papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanism.'' -- (3Selected Messages p. 392 1891, Last Day Events p. 136.

``As we approach the last crisis, it is of vital moment that harmony and unity exist among the Lord's instrumentalities. The world is filled with storm and war and variance. Yet under one head-- the papal power--the people will unite to oppose God in the person of His witnesses.'' Maranatha 187.

``Increased light will shine upon all the grand truths of prophecy, and they will be seen in freshness and brilliancy, because the bright beams of the Son of Righteousness will illuminate the whole.'' 3Selected Messages p. 390.

``When the angel was about to unfold to Daniel the intensely interesting prophecies to be recorded for us who are to witness their fulfillment, the angel said, `Be strong, yea, be strong' (Dan. 10: 19). We are to receive the very same glory that was revealed to Daniel, because it is for God's people in these last days, that they may give the trumpet a certain sound.'' -- Manuscript 18, 1888. 3 Selected Messages p. 390.

Nothing makes a prophetic message more urgent than knowing that it is being fulfilled now. At the time of the papal election following the end of John Paul II, it is evident that the prophecy has been followed accordingly. It is time NOW, to study this interpretation completely, and put the wheels of action in place so this time is not wasted.

Jesus gave this prophecy to give impetus to the Loud Cry message, that the identity of the Antichrist should be made so as to effect the call all the way through the Christian realm, to bring His people out of Babylon, before His judgments fall. This Antichrist will appear to the whole world with the grandest of deceptions. The True Christ wants His people, who are yet alive in the end to know precisely who this imposter is.

``The pope... has thought to change the very commandment that was given to cause man to remember his Creator. ...thus make himself equal with God, or even exalt himself above God. The Lord is unchangeable, therefore His law is immutable. The whole nation has followed after the beast, and every week they rob God of His holy time. ...the time had fully come for this breach to be made up by the people of God...''

Chapter 10

This is my personal account of the deciphering of this prophecy of the number 666, as it is written in Revelation 13: 18.

The foundation for this task was obtained over many years that preceded this assignment. A prerequisite included an understanding of the Third Angel's Message, which was studied extensively over 20 years earlier, and using the Bible text as the outline, I compiled the relative selected quotes from the Spirit of Prophecy and aligned it with this outline. A document resulted, and has been reprinted in a book form and is available on the internet at: 666beast.net/3angelsmessage.htm

The pillars of the faith as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in regard to the seventh day Sabbath, the Sanctuary, and the state of the dead, all were studied. None of these pillars of truth that were identified, are changed in any way by this 666 count research.

The early Adventist pioneers had believed up to the 1860's, that the number 666 would come from the number of Protestant churches that had formally sought recognition status from the government of the Two-Horned beast. James White answered one inquiry concerning the issue of the Seventh-day Adventist formally organizing as an entity under this same government, without receiving equal status among Protestants of being part of the Two-Horned beast's number. He replied; ``Here is a call for wisdom. Let him that hath understanding come forward, We confess our lack of wisdom, and decline attempting an exposition to the matter. But let them that have wisdom come forward and `count the number of the beast.''' ``Fifteen years since some declared the number 666 to be full-that there was that number of legally organized bodies. Since that time there have been almost numberless divisions, and new associations, and still the number is just 666!''

When that number had been exceeded, it was concluded that there was no known answer to what constituted its true fulfillment. The papal title interpretation of the converting of the letters `Vicarius Filii Dei,' had been known for nearly 250 years prior to that time, yet not one of the leadership of the SDA movement has been shown to have accepted it as the preferred interpretation. I believe that the first appearance of the papal title theory in SDA circles, came after 1915.

Many however, have taken the view that this research is wrong, because they find that there is one element of prophecy that is given a different interpretation than that which is written in ``The Great Controversy.'' They therefore reject the entire research. Some of these have also expressed the `waste of time' that would be spent studying this research, hoping to deter others away from this research altogether. Yet not one iota of the data presented nor a word of the prophecy have ever been shown by them to be in error.

This 666 count research involves the Scripture about the beast ascending from the bottomless pit in Revelation 17: 8. In only one other passage in Revelation is this ``ascending beast'' phrase found and that is in Revelation 11: 7.

`` `The beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.' The atheistical power that ruled in France during the Revolution and the Reign of Terror, did wage such a war against God and His holy word as the world had never witnessed. The Great Controversy p. 273''

Atheism Is Not A Beast

In all of Revelation's discussion of ``the beast'' in its prophecies, it is referring to the papacy. It is this papacy that will yet ascend from its bottomless pit and make war on God's people. It is not ``atheism'' nor ``France'' that is the beast spoken of in this prophecy, but it is the very same beast that is also called the eighth in Revelation 17: 11.

To those that believe that there is no error in the Spirit of Prophecy, this research is an affront to their view of the truth. They hold to the position that Ellen White is a prophetess of God, (to which I also agree) and therefore everything that she writes must be as though it was the infallible Word of God, (to which I disagree). To them, the mere mention of anything that appears to contradict the Spirit of Prophecy, is to attack the prophetic calling of God's prophetess and her writings. They equate the text of the Spirit of Prophecy as equal to the Bible.

These people have not understood the foundational pillars of our faith, and as Ellen White writes; ``I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps - the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said my accompanying angel, "Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.'' I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it. (Early Writings p. 258)

To these people I ask: How many times in our Adventist pioneer history have we received ``new'' light? And of these times, how many times has the ``new'' light come, to an uninterpreted passage of Scripture, one that has not already been given an interpretation by the church, or one given to a passage that was thought to already have an interpretation that they felt was ``foundational?'' How many times has new light come to the church, that had to displace something else that had been previously believed in that was in error?

Satan Deceives by Giving Premature Interpretations

The ``new'' light that has come, has had to compete with the false concepts that have been previously held. Even the foremost historic account of the origins of the Seventh-day Adventist church, has involved just such a scenario; The Great Disappointment of 1844. Yet it appears that they have failed in learning the lessons of how ``new'' light is given, in order to correctly discern that it is truth or not.

They have replaced the only standard of the truth; The Word of God, and have included the Spirit of Prophecy as being equal to the Word of God, and therefore a device for measuring ``new'' light. Any discrepancy they see, is reason enough to them to reject the whole. What these people need is to understand Isaiah 8: 20 that reads; To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. ``If they speak not according to this Word,'' does not mean that whatever they ``think,'' that is what the Word means. Their understanding of the Word, and what they believe is ``truth'' may be in error. Many of the doctrines of our church had to face this same scrutiny. New wine must be put into new wineskins. Sunday was an old wineskin, and the seventh-day Sabbath is the new wine, (always new, made weekly). The Sanctuary cleasing of hellfire on earth in 1844 is the old wineskin, the Investigative Judgment is the new wine. Truth in prophecy is a progressive process. Those who rejected the Investigative Judgment, could not put that new wine into their old wineskins; it did not fit.

They also fail in understanding that what Ellen White writes; about not using her writings as a test of truth, and she forthrightly states that her writings should not be used in this manner. This is a strong delusion to many, because they have deviated from the path of truth. Because they have not received the ``Love of the Truth,'' they have replaced the standard of Truth for another standard of their own making, and have thus `believed a lie.'

This is in no way different to the early Adventist experience in learning the meaning of the Sanctuary Doctrine; They had to abandon that which they thought they knew as truth, in order to progress to the ``new'' light. To some, a foundational pillar of truth would be moved, and therefore they did not discern nor had they received the ``new'' light. These have failed to understand the true foundational pillars of our faith, and have taken the liberty to change them. They have replaced the foundation with ``thus saith Ellen White.'' These receive also the rebuke from God as expressed in the message to the Laodiceans. To those who receive this Counsel wisely, will come to understand, but to those who reject the rebuke from God, will not understand.

I had a strong familiarity of the texts of the book of Revelation from an early age, and a desire to understand complex issues of both Biblical themes and of prophetic knowledge in general. Throughout my experience in writing since 1997, there have been many moments of insight, that has linked this research from a common historical origin, through every detail of this prophecy, and reveals the events that are yet to come and shows that these events are very imminent. More is yet to unfold.

Satan Also Deceives From Within

This research has not been free from the assaults of the enemy of truth. Conflict exists from the predominant interpretations already rendered upon these passages. Also, there have been assaults from within, as those who have decided to help distribute this research, have taken only part of it, and have corrupted it, changing it to suit their own minds.

This original research did not confront any obstacle or problem as it came to the first point of its fulfillment, when John Paul II was replaced with Benedict XVI. The original research did not require that it be re-written nor anything sought to find out what went wrong, because nothing went wrong at all, and this research still stands, with no need to make any corrections. It has passed the test of its first interval of fulfillment. Its fulfillment has opened new insights not previously considered.

The Beginning of the Research

It was sometime in the year 1994, that the thought was first conceived in my mind, that the popes had numbers on their names, and that it might be possible that these have something to do with the count of the number 666. Though this first thought is a queried presumption, an examination of the historic data would prove its validity.

The data for this research was not collected or examined until early 1997. The first source for the papal list was from a 1980 Almanac. If the number 666 was to be found in all these numbers, it should be able to be seen.

There were numbers that were questionable, because it was dependent on whether or not certain popes were legitimate, or if certain other popes were antipopes. As I was trying to sort out the varying data, and perhaps by chance, be able to align it correctly, the number 666 might appear, I then experienced my second moment of insight; there were seven different names in the papal record that were shown since 1798. I knew that it would be within these seven names that the number would be found.

I already knew that 1798 had played a pivotal role in many prophecies and in the activity of the papacy, and I looked more closely at the popes from 1798. I remembered the text of Scripture in Revelation 17: 9 that spoke of the seven heads of the beast. A third moment of insight occurred that told me that these were the seven heads where the count would be found. And by a careful reading of the verse, I had a fourth moment of insight when the heads were also called mountains, and it indicated to me that all the popes of one name, were a mountain, and these composed the numbers to count.

In going beyond just the answer to the number 666, it also has been revealed that all the other elements of this prophecy are found in this same historic data, and they align themselved in a clear and simple manner, and very little explanation is necessary to demonstrate that they fulfill every prophetic element, which, unlike the opposing interpretations, require difficult and convoluted explanations.

Why all the trouble? Why does the SDA church hold to false teachings, thinking that they are foundational and ``pioneer'' truths? Why do the learned SDA pastors and ministers fear this message and speak out against it?

Why do Seventh-day Adventists believe that they are the most correct theologically in their interpretations of prophecy? Because they are not aware of the fact that they are, as described in the message to the Laodicean church, wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. They cannot answer as to how they are, as a people; wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. They will find out just how wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked they are, when they try to cash in their false beliefs in these prophecies. They will stand and watch in horror as the train of true prophecy, pulls away from the station, and they are not on it. Their boarding pass is a forgery of lies.

Satan has been working for hundreds of years just to prepare for the deceptions which he will use upon the world in the last days.

The future; This prophecy yields truth about our future.

With its elements properly identified, and aligned with history and unfolding events, brings us ever closer to seeing the last day events. By knowing this prophecy, it will be known what is transpiring, and what our response should be.

The mindset of most of the leadership of the SDA church, is that they hold the most correct interpretation and understanding of truth, and particularly ``present truth'' and thus having already a knowledge of all that they think there is to be known, and nothing that is new, will ever find an easy access to this mindset. Though it was duly written in the Spirit of Prophecy; ``they have much to unlearn and much to learn,'' these people cannot believe that what they have held to believe, could ever be wrong, and thus they reject this ``new'' light. These will be spewed out of the mouth of God in the ``shaking'' that this message brings. They cannot endure ``sound doctrine'' because they espouse an ``unsound doctrine.'' They are all drunk on the wine of the false doctrines of Babylon.

The early pioneers had the experience of living through that time, and gained from it, such hard earned truths by diligent study, and joined in unity with others, had formed the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church. They saw how God unfolded the truth to them as they lived through the experience of the revival of 1840, and the disappointment that followed.

But today's SDA believer, is often unaware of this history, or are knowledgeable about it only through reading of it in history. They have not had any similar experience in their own lives, and this is especially seen in those who were born into this church. A practical living experience gave our pioneers an advantage of seeing the provisions made by God in opening these truths to them. But now, an awful state of Laodiceanism has set in. This internal stagnation, shows that it has forgotten the leading of the Lord in the past, and are failing to see His leading in this present time. By believing that they ``have the best'' they have assumed that the existing interpretations of all things they currently hold are correct, and have turned away from being open to God, when He presents ``new present truth.'' They fulfill the Words of God, who sees their true condition; that they are ``wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.''

As I began this research, I noted the extreme accuracy in the way prophecy is written, and how accurate it is when it is fulfilled. I experienced a sense of ``present truth'' and an unfolding of new light, and it became my duty to make it known.

Chapter 12

Testimonies From My Readers

Feb 2004
I am very interested in your research and I think it is fascinating stuff! I have heard a lot about the end times and how the Catholic Church fits in with it. However, after reading the information on your page in detail I now am convinced beyond any shadow of doubt that it is true. I am a born again Christian and the Lord graciously saved me from all depths of degradation and filth. I would like to say thank you for portraying this info for people to have their eyes enlightened!

*****
Nov 2003
I must say, that is a good interpretation. I am just one that is waiting to see what happens next. When you see the abomination that makes desolate standing in the holy place know that the end is near. I never really thought of the Catholic church or pope as being that involved in the end times. I heard it proposed while in a Bible study back in 1987. Although the way that you counted the popes was not taken into consideration at that time. I am intrigued by this.

*****
I am a Christian since five years ago. I have read about this revelation and have shared it with other church members. It is very interesting to know this with its details and mathematical precision.

*****

I am a Catholic and I found your site today and couldn't stop reading...amazing.

*****
January 2004
Thank you so much for your response. It warmed my heart to read your reply. SDA's have many good things to say. But I agree with you on your assessment of their leadership. I am delighted with your position on Ellen White. Sounds to me that you are on the same track I am--I just want to know the true meaning of the Word of God. Blessings on you and yours. I will keep the door open to what you wish to share with me.

*****
I think your study on the beast of Revelaton 13 & 17 is super-packed with harmonious truth. Even before I read your study, I was convicted by my own studying that those seven heads had to be papal heads and not descriptive of seven unrelated world empires. Actually, the Bible only notes FOUR from Daniel's day.

I applaud your willingness to stand outside of the box of tradition. The SDA church doesn't have everything completely correct. Neither is EGW infallible.

*****
14 Apr 2005
Interesting theory. I can tell a lot of thought went into it. Rastafarians and certain sects in Ethiopia think the Pope is Satan as well. I'm Catholic, but this stuff doesn't bother me all that much. I don't claim to be knowledgeable enough to quote scripture and verse, but doesn't the Bible say that in regards to the end of time, no man shall know? I tell you what, with the passing of the Pope and the naming of a successor coming shortly, if the name chain is broken, I'll start taking your theory seriously. For many years, I have had a feeling deep inside that I may possibly live long enough to see the beginning of the end. I am 52 and hope so. Thank you for putting up this website. It is definitely food for thought.

*****
19 Apr 2005
I have had your website bookmarked for years, and read it often. I found the logic of your arguments to be well grounded and thought out. Could you please respond via email or update your website as to whether the logic of your arguments is flawed or if a Pope was counted who perhaps should not have been included or was in fact an antipope, and thus adding 16 to the count comes up to 666. Another possibility is Benedict XVI will be a antipope and the next Pope will add 1 to the count and be 666. I would appreciate your input and insight as I am sure millions of other readers would.

*****
9 May 2005
Thank you for your e-mail regarding your recent update. I appreciate you keeping everybody up to date on things. So John Paul II was the last legitimate pope ever and Benedict XVI is an antipope filling in until Satan arrives on the scene to occupy the throne of the world. I’m assuming that the reason we now have an antipope is that God’s people are not ready, as per usual, and we were given more time, as per usual. Benedict will probably feel very "honoured" to hand things over to Satan, how creepy.

I find it interesting that the pure woman is supported solely by God, and God’s true church goes directly to Him with no earthly mediator and has one eternal and unchanging Head who is Christ.The false church has numerous heads who take their direction from the dragon directing from behind the scenes, and God is nowhere in the picture. The 7 heads cannot be literal mountains because, as we speak head to head or face to face with someone, so the dragon speaks to the heads (control centres) of the beast to give it direction, and we do not speak to physical mountains. People who think the Roman Catholic Church is even semi-Christian have only to look to Revelation 13 & 17 to see which “god” is really guiding this organization: it is the Devil and the Devil only, it's his masterpiece. Everything it has comes from the “dragon”.

I have not found any explanation of Revelation 17 in the Seventh-day Adventist Church that makes sense except for your interpretation. It is the only explanation that pinpoints exactly which man the number 666 refers to. So while the rest of the world will think that this beautiful being seated in the Vatican is Christ, we will know that it is actually the Antichrist, thanks to the count (and pray that we will not be overwhelmed by it all). I find it hard to believe that your research is 9 years old and I had heard absolutely nothing at all about it until I stumbled upon it while searching on the Internet (or I should say that the Lord made sure I found it).

The book of Revelation has taken on a new meaning for me as I read and study it and other parts of the Bible. Yes, the end of all things is definitely upon us. This is getting more and more fascinating.

*****
17 Nov 2004
This is the reason why I started to realise some 7 or 8 years ago that the Beast "is not" when The Catholic Church lost their grip in 1798. The Harlot could not sit on the seven heads, when she earlier sat on the Beast, unless the Beast was unable to support the Harlot. No political system since 1798 has guaranteed the existence of the Catholic Church. Only the popes themselves have had the strategic cunningness after 1978 to uphold the Church. I also saw and understood that John was taken in vision from Patmos to a time where the Beast "is not". I tried to convince the pastors in Norway about this.

*****
7 Oct 2004
I live in Memphis and have a great interest in understanding the Scriptures; including Daniel and Revelation. It seems that you have a similar interest. I used to be an Adventist, but am no longer a member. I think historically their commitment to understanding of the Word was definitely Spirit led, but I became concerned that they have been frozen by their confidence in their own infallibility. I find it stifling to be in an atmosphere where if it has not been said by EGW or one of their founding fathers, it is not worth considering. My interest is to understand the Scriptures. I have the impression that you are of the same opinion.

*****
10 Oct 2004
Thanks so much for responding to my e-mail. There is a stifling spirit in the Adventist system that I found very uncomfortable. I have tried to analyze it and there are no few words that can explain it. I definitely believe that EGW was inspired, but I find that making her infallible, or at least the interpretation of what she said by the one using her infallible, makes a rigid conclusion that stops all motivation to go to he Scripture and understand it. She is not the final word. The Scripture is. She did not want to be considered so. I have been blessed greatly by her help in understanding the Scripture. Essentially, I am right with Clifford Goldstein.

Of course, I have read through your comments on www.666beast.net. I am very grateful to you for your clarification. I believe you have been personally blessed with an insight into the Scripture. The clarification and distinction between the Dragon and the Beast is very helpful, and makes very good sense. It is very important and I can see how it was a step in your understanding of Revelation 17 and its association with number 666. It is a pure blessing. I have tried to share it with many.

*****
19 Sep 2004
It is rather disturbing, to say the least, that so many place their faith in EGW as if she were the very mouth of God. I guess it can't be denied that she used the materials of others in her books including The Great Controversy. But this then begs the question: Did she really speak words commanded of her by God? This can't be if she messed up Revelation 11 and applied it to the French Revolution - which you are RIGHT in debunking. I'm not sure what to believe ...but she did predict how Protestants and Catholics would be uniting - and nobody would have believed that 20 years ago, and also how the lamblike beast would morph into a dragon - it looks like we're seeing the beginnings of these things now.

I believe your research is pin-point accurate regarding Rev. 13 and 17 and yet the SDA church has never taught this, nor do they accept this teaching today, and probably never will as an organization. Thanks and God Bless.

*****
March 2004
I found your article "count the popes in history and chapter 1, 2, etc....." quite remarkable. And I found it very easy to read and I must say that you have quite a gift. I have been studying the Bible Prophecies in depth for over eight years and your article is one of the best and thought provoking I have read for quite some time. I thank you for your fine presentation of this issue and will continue to investigate your views. It should be very exciting if you are correct, as Jesus will be coming soon and we shall be home before we know it!

*****
Nov 2003
I've been studying this subject for a few years too. The FACT is this Papal explanation makes the most sense I've seen in a long time,...

*****
Nov 2003
I just read your website on the papacy and the Antichrist. Everything I have always believed staring me in the face!! What a great website! I was wondering what your view is now that the current pope is on his death bed. Any ideas if the next one will be "the One" or if it will be an antipope? Thank you for a great site!

*****
My brother, I write to strengthen you at this time as you may be facing unwarranted attacks from many who may not understand your research. I have been closely following your exposition of Revelation 17 and 13 and note with interest the findings from your study. Signs abound that Benedict XVI may be an antipope: 1. Why are the 115 cardinals who supposedly elected him not that supportive and upbeat about his appointment? 2.Why do they seem surprised at his appointment? Remember it was Benedict X's unpopularity that brought him down. Could it be that this was a mystic appointment and not by election? Read pope John Paul II's advice to cardinals in view of the conclave on strict instructions on election of the next pope.

Many rubbished William Miller's interpretation on the second coming of Christ without carefully following the light he had received. I believe in the imminent coming of Christ and I am impressed by your study. Never get discouraged, but rather hold fast and pray more. The day will come as a thief to those who are not solidly grounded on Scripture, (or) established on Christ nor rooted in the Word.

May the Lord continue to lead you and may His light shine on your study desk as you continue to search these vital truth that has made the SDA church what it is to this day. Pray pray pray the Lord will reveal His truth to us.

*****
Dec. 9, 2003
I just read your website on the papacy and the Antichrist. Everything I have always believed staring me in the face!! What a great website! I was wondering what your view is now that the current pope is on his death bed. Any ideas if the next one will be "the One" or if it will be an antipope?

*****
Where do we go from there if he finishes his time in office with out being deposed? Call it a close call? I am asking all of these questions because I want all to come to Christ and I really believe the Catholic church is leading good intentioned people away from Him. I am not saying that there aren't a few Catholics out there who "get it" and are truly saved but most are sheep being led to the slaughter.

*****
I have studied your research work for some time and I find that it is the best explanation to this last days scenario. I am not about to conclude that your work is no longer valid. I would hope you will continue to investigate the possibility that Ratzinger has in some way deceived the world.

*****
I found your site about 8 months ago, and after all of my studies I came to the conclusion that John Paul II would die this year before March was over (a few days short). I also find it interesting that your findings match perfectly with St. Malachy's. IF the 112th Pope of his prophecy was added for true prophetic reasons, then the next Pope, I would conclude, would have the new name making the count 666. This Pope would be known as Peter the Roman, and during his reign Rome would be destroyed. I am sure you are familiar with St. Malachy. Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks for all your research and for responding so quickly.

*****
For the past week or so I have been reading and studying with keen interest and fascination the information (on the 666 count), etc, being totally captivated by it. A wave came over me as I read your information .... and I must say that I felt in my heart that this was the correct interpretation of the heads of the beast. If not, it certainly is a gigantic leap in the right direction. All I had heard in the Seventh-day Adventist Church up to now on this subject has been the standard "Vicarius Filii Dei", which quite frankly had never settled the matter for me, being too general to pinpoint the actual person (and unprovable as to it being an actual papal title). I was therefore crushed when I saw the name of the new pope was Benedict XVI, and I can imagine how you and the others involved in this interpretation must have felt. Thank you for posting this information. It certainly is something to ponder and pray about.

*****
After a bit of a disappointment yesterday, I am reviving. I have been thinking about and with you these last few hours. I wanted to thank you for your outstanding study in Revelation. The work still stands. It has certainly brought our attention to this point in time. I think that is very appropriate and necessary. We may yet see an even more beautiful application of the meaning of the number 666 as the mystery is further revealed and finally finished. May God continue to bless you and yours

*****
I continue to view you site from time to time. Having read your material thoroughly I recognized the possibility there could be a temporary “hiccup in the prophetic flow”. I imagine this has drawn the scorn of many. From your recently updated prologue... I see this is true. Know that I respect you for standing up and saying what you believe (I’ll bet I’m not alone). Your interpretations of the scriptures are certainly inspired and they may still prove to be correct. Your work has merit and it should be studied.

*****
I have had your website bookmarked for years, and read it often. I found the logic of your arguments to be well grounded and thought out. Could you please respond via email or update your website as to whether the logic of your arguments is flawed or if a Pope was counted who perhaps should not have been included or was infact a antipope, and thus adding 16 to the count comes up to 666.

*****
Hey, thanks for your note. that's certainly a new take on the pope-prophecy stuff, but it has a certain elegance to it, I think. I'll have to spend some more time looking around your site. Thanks for the recommendation.

*****
Like you, I have been watching the emerging leader of the papacy with growing interest. Interest because Ratzinger decided on a name already chosen, namely Benedict XVI. ...I feel so compelled by the simplicity and perfect alignment of Revelation prophecy with the papacy's history that the only answer is that Joseph Ratzinger must be an antipope. I'm curious as to what your thoughts on the matter are. What an interesting turn of events. Email me back whenever you have a moment. Thanks. Love the updates

*****
I just wanted to say that I support your research and I will continue to watch and see what happens. I really think you are on to something and this makes sense. I trust God with all of this. God Bless!

*****
This event might turn out to be very interesting; Seeing that Ratzinger has been elevated so high among the cardinals while he was still a cardinal, that when he is taken down, it will be while he is still alive. I suppose the bigger they are, the harder that they fall. I think that his hardline stance on the Catholic beliefs, is a smokescreen for something deceptive... up his sleeve.

*****
Unlike many that you have reported to have discredited your insight on this subject, I decided to take a watch stance. There is always a chance that this Pope will not be officially recognized by the church.

I was sitting early the other morning and heard from Fox News that Pope Benedict XVI had made a statement that he would only serve a "short space". These words trumpeted over everything else that morning - giving me justification and realization that Revelation 17: 10 and 11 are right on target! Not only that, but the information on 666beast.net is still valid. Thank you for helping me, a recent born again Christian to see and anticipate my salvation. I believe the time is here and this world has reached what I consider 'critical mass'. Now if I could make make sure all my loved ones could also see what is near - even upon us as I write this.

*****
I recently ran into your site somehow, and WOW! Quite an interesting study you've done! My compliments!

LOL! Last night when the news reported that some chap had obtained the domain name of Benedict XVI, I had to laugh, thinking that he must have read your material. I agree with your idea in the update about this being a short rule with a possible antipope event.

*****
I am really excited about the chiastic structures and the truth that points one way and then the other to pinpoint deeper truths below the surface script. God Bless you. I want to get ready to leave this old world and I long for Jesus to come and take us home.

*****
I think you see the how the future will play out because no other explanation I have come across other than yours matches Scripture exactly. Your theory is correct, it's just a matter of understanding how Benedict XVI will be determined to be a antipope.

*****
Thanks for writing back! All I can say is "WOW" to everything I just learned today. I've never even heard of your teachings before, and yet it made complete and total sense from the moment I started reading it. I'm in 'awe' at the fact that we're living to see the "end of days" unfold right in front of us! I'm going to stay-tuned to see what happens with Benedict XVI, as I believe he will be deposed in the very near future.

*****
Your interpretations make so much more sense than traditional SDA interpretations, especially the view that the numbers of the pope's name make up the number of the beast. It is nearly 3 AM, and I am still reading! Why have I never heard this interpretation before? Very exciting! We really are in the last days! I am sad to see that "This research, has been rejected by the "Biblical Research Institute" of the Seventh-day Adventist church." Thank you.
******