845. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast. That this signifies that those who are in enlightenment should inquire into the nature of the belief in this religious persuasion, is evident from the signification of having understanding, as denoting to be in enlightenment; of which we shall speak presently; and from the signification of counting, as denoting to inquire. The reason why counting signifies to inquire is, that in the two senses of the Word - the sense of the letter and the spiritual sense - words are used according to their subjects. Thus to count is said of number, and to inquire, is used in reference to the quality of faith; and from the signification of the number of the beast, as denoting the nature of the belief in this religious persuasion. That number signifies the nature of faith, may be seen above (n. 841); and that the beast signifies faith separate from life, which is the belief in this religious persuasion. Hence it is evident, that "He who hath understanding let him count the number of the beast," signifies, that those who are in enlightenment should inquire into the nature of the belief in this religious persuasion.
The reason why those who are in enlightenment are to make inquiry is, that the nature of the faith in this religious persuasion cannot be seen by any others, nor, consequently, inquired into. For every thing in the Word, by which inquiry ought to be made, and from which a judgment is formed, is in the light of heaven, and hence can be seen only from that light; and this light is that which enlightens man. To inquire therefore into the nature of the belief in any religion - which nature is confirmed by some passages of the Word - can be done only by those who are in the light of heaven, consequently who are in enlightenment.
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