Read Revelation 17
Highlights:
Clear prophecy of the coming judgment of MYSTERY BABYLON, who deceives multitudes and destroys the martyrs united with the Lamb (Rev. chap. 17). Read of her horrifying fall (chap. 18).
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, deception) and filthiness of her fornication (time devoted to unfaithfulness that should have been given to God): 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). Old Testament Babylon was the most magnificent capital city of the ancient world, and its king, Nebuchadnezzar, controlled the world. During his conquests, he destroyed the kingdom of Judah, as well as the Temple of God and the city of Jerusalem.
BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER (numerous things keep her followers occupied with maternal activities that could have been given to fulfill the will of God) OF HARLOTS illustrates God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. The apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system, the scarlet coloured beast, which will be ruled by the Antichrist.
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS and the beast represent the close alliance that exists between the world government, called the beast, and Babylon, who pretends to be the true Church.
Eventually, they will fiercely oppose Jesus Christ as the only way to obtain eternal life. The false superchurch will be based on social issues, humanitarian objectives, and lifeless formalism, and will demand the "equality of all religions" for all people (II Tim. 4:3-5; Gal. 1:8).
As we consider these events which will surely come to pass, we need to set our hearts and minds on things above, knowing that the Lord is able to sustain all who put their trust in Him. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament. . . . He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him (Heb. 7:22,25).
The 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:
And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)?
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 Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: The promises of God should be an encouragement to you to seek God in prayer (Amos 5:4,6).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6