December 29
Read Revelation 17 - 18
In Today's Reading:
Babylon, the mother of abominations; the doom of Babylon predicted; fall of Babylon
The Apostle John reported that he carried me away in the Spirit, into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored 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). And upon her forehead was a name written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (Revelation 17:3-5). Old Testament Babylon became the most magnificent capital city of the ancient world, and its king, Nebuchadnezzar, controlled the then-known world. During his conquests, he destroyed the kingdom of Judah, as well as the Temple of God and the holy city of Jerusalem
BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system called the scarlet colored 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 the harlot, Babylon, which pretends to be the true Church.
This false Church will demand the "equality of all religions." Eventually, together they will fiercely oppose Jesus Christ as the only way to obtain eternal life. The message of this superchurch will be based on social issues, humanitarian objectives, and lifeless formalism, and it will appeal to the majority of people.
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 (Revelation 17:14).
Cross References:
For Revelation 17:4: See Jeremiah 51:7. Revelation 17:12: See Daniel 7:20-24. Revelation 17:14: See Daniel 2:47. Revelation 18:2: See Jeremiah 50:39; Isaiah 21:9. Revelation 18:5: See Jeremiah 51:9. Revelation 18:7-8: See Isaiah 47:7-8; Zepheniah 2:15. Revelation 18:22: See Ezekiel 26:13. Revelation 18:24: See Jeremiah 51:49.
Word Studies:
17:8 perdition = destruction; 18:12 thyine = scented wood.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Ken Sharp · Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: English and Fijian · Religious freedom · 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: God wants to be exalted through you (Psalm 46:10).
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 2:20