Reading: Revelation 17-18
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. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (Rev. 17:3-5).
Over one-eighth of the entire Book of Revelation, about 65 verses, is devoted to the subject of judgment upon Babylon (14:8-19; 16:17—19:5). Although these verses can at times be challenging to understand, they (along with the rest of His Word) are given to us by God so that we may learn more about Him and His plans and expectations for our lives. For this reason, it is vital that we pray for spiritual guidance and discernment as we read and study these passages.
Old Testament Babylon was the ancient world's most magnificent and influential capital city. It was also one of the most decadent and sinful cities of its time. In referring to Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, Jesus illustrates the Goddefying forces in politics and religion that will be in effect during the end times. This federation of churches, world religions, and world governments will fully support the one-world political and economic system called the scarlet coloured beast, which will be ruled by the Antichrist.
The image of the Mother of Harlots sitting astride the beast represents the close alliance between the world government, led by the beast, and the harlot, Babylon, which will proclaim itself the true Church. Babylon is referred to as the great whore (17:1)— symbolic of an unfaithful wife — because it has become unfaithful to God by accepting the gods of false churches and religions as the One True God under a different name. It is an apostate ‘Christianity’ that denies Jesus Christ's statement, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). This false bride of Christ (false church) will rise to great power before it falls because it controls the governments of the world which support its false worship. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:18).
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (18:4). God has given us ample warning against the deceptions that are too come. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt. 7:14). Through His Word, He has given us all the information we need to find the strait and narrow way, the gate that has been opened by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As long as we faithfully follow Him, He will guide us safely home (John 10:27-28).
These (the ungodly forces of the world) 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(Rev. 17:14).
Thought for Today: Our future will never be dark if Christ lights the way.
Cross Reference:For Rev. 17:4: See Jer. 51:7. Rev. 17:12: See Dan. 7:20-24. Rev. 17:14: See Dan. 2:47. Rev. 18:2: See Jer. 50:39; Is. 21:9. Rev. 18:5: See Jer. 51:9. Rev. 18:7-8: See Is. 47:7-8; Zeph. 2:15. Rev. 18:22: See Ezek. 26:13. Rev. 18:24: See Jer. 51:49.
Word Studies:17:8 perdition = destruction; 18:2 Babylon (from "Babel") = confusion (Gen. 11:9). It is the name God chose for Satan's great earth system of religion and world government. The true Church is warned to come out of her (18:4-5).
Pray for Staff:Tifany Parisi • Country: Mexico (120,286,655) North America • Major Language: Spanish • Religious Freedom • 82.7% Roman Catholic; 6.6% Protestant; 1.4% Jehovah Witness; 4.7% None; 1.9% Other; 2.7% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: The promises of God should be an encouragement to you to seek God in prayer (Amos 5:4,6).