Pilgrim's summary of Hoeksema is pretty much what I have been taught and believe. The beast is all human government/politics; the false prophet is all false religion (whether or not it falls under the umbrella of "Christianity.")

This would certainly include, but is by no means limited to, Rome/Pope. Remember that these seven parallel visions (or camera angles) given to John must be for all Christians, in all times, from Christ's first coming to His second coming.

But, were you asking specifically about the 'mark' of the beast? While many different explanations have been advanced, the one I prefer is that six is simply the number of man. Seven is the number of completion or perfection, and six falls short. So 777 would be perfect completion, and 666 always falls short. The expression of this which I like best is, "Failure upon failure upon failure."

The forehead represents one's thoughts, and the right hand represents one's deeds, so the mark of the beast may be evident in one's thoughts or actions; one's words or deeds.

Contrast this with the seal received by the saints (Rev.7:3) in their foreheads, but not in their right hands, a metaphor for our salvation being by grace through faith, and not of works.

Meta4

There is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. - C.H. Spurgeon