Bible Pathway - December 29
Read Revelation 17
Highlights:
Babylon, the mother of abominations, the doom of Babylon predicted; its fall.
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit . . . and the merchants of the earth are waxed right through the abundance of her delicacies (Rev. 18:2-3).
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) and therefore deserves our full attention.
Babylon represents a great worldwide religious organization that is no longer faithful to Christ. It not only permeates the religious world but it also seeks to control the social and the political world.
The Apostle John reported that 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 . . . . having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations (detestable sins) and filthiness of her fornication (unfaithfulness to God): And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (17:3-5). Old Testament Babylon was the most magnificent and most powerful capital city of the ancient world.
BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates God-defying forces in politics and religion. This federation of churches, world religions, and world governments will give full support to the one-world political and economic system, which will be ruled by the Antichrist.
The way to escape the world religious system and its beguiling influences is by separation from worldly principles. That separation becomes real when we experience joy and satisfaction in Christ. 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 (Rev 18:4). The way of escape is clear. Place your trust in God and His Word. This will always be the means of escape from the hands of those who would oppose God. Many have tried opposing God over the years and the results are always the same. They experience great failure.
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 (Rev 17:14).
Thought for the Day: Those who know God's word will not be led into false religions.
Cross References:
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).
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive you of all ill will, grudges, or hatred you may hold in your heart toward another person (Matt. 6:14-15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 2:11
