Mystery, Babylon

Turn to Revelation 17. What we are about to look at is HIGHLY symbolic. Becasue of the figurative language used in this passage many have sought for the exact interpretation, and many have failed to find it.

To understand the symbolism, we must understand the historical context. When this book was written, Rome ruled the world. Rome was, for the most part, the political and religious center of the world. Before Rome it was Greece, before Greece it was Persia, before Persia it was Babylon. Babylon and its religious influence extend all the way back to Genesis chapter 10 and the tower of Bab-el (Gateway to God), which ended in as the tower of Babel - confusion.

The priests of Babel became the priests of the idolatrous religion of Babylon. The Babylonian gods an goddesses went by many names in many regions and nations, but they ALL had one thing in common: Mystery. The only way to understand their rites and participate in their religion was to become part of it. It was evil, immoral, and disgusting.

The priests of Babylon at its fall immigrated to the island of Pergamos. Is it any wonder that Jesus would say to the church there: Revelation 2:13

Revelation 2:13 KJV 1900

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

From Pergamos the priests would eventually settle in Rome, where their religious system would permeate all of the Empire. The chief priest assumed the title of “Pontifex Maximum” until the rise of Julius Caesar, who would take to himself this title. This practice would not end until the reign of Constantine who made all of Rome “Christian” by inducting them into the Catholic (universal) church. From then on the title of “Pontifex Maximum” would be conferred upon the bishop of Rome.

What I am telling you today is historic, documented fact. Rome was in control at the time of John’s writing. The true message of God was being preached alongside the Satanic inspired mystery religion of ancient Babylon. This fact has led some to proclaim dogmatically that the Roman Catholic Church is in view in this entire passage. I agree that the RCC adopted and adapted practices from ancient Babylon. I do not have time to go into that, but, from what I have seen and studied, what is in view here is MUCH bigger than just the RCC. What is in view here is not ONE SINGLE entity, but a conglomeration of several FALSE CHURCHES joining forces into ONE SINGLE body, proclaiming a lie.

This church that will dominate the religious system for seven years, is alive and well today waiting her chance to shine.

The events of chapter 17 take place at the end of the tribulation period as Antichrist comes to power and it deals with the destruction of the FALSE CHURCH.

For the false church, let it be known today, your end is near. How can we today identify the false church? We can do so by...

Her Character v. 1-2,4-6

God describes the evil character of the false church in the most deplorable ways. He calls her:

The great whore v. 1

We see her seductiveness

Israel throughout the OT was led away to worship false gods and every time God called it harlotry.

The false church today is pulling many away from the truth because they no longer want to hear the truth!

2 Timothy 4:3 “3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

To “endure” means they will tolerate the truth.

They don’t want to hear it.

They don’t want to accept.

The false church today is giving people what they want, so that they can get what they want!

The false church in the tribulation will influence the known world

Revelation 17:1 “1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:”

Revelation 17:15 “15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”

Her presence will be universal, world-wide

The false church will entire nations and their leaders with her lies

Revelation 17:2 “2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

Her lies are seductive and will ensnare millions in her grasp, dooming them to hell for eternity. Next we see her...

Greediness

Revelation 17:4 “4 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:”

The word “arrayed” means “thrown all around” it has the idea that she has invested in these expensive items.

Purple and scarlet were expensive items of clothing, were attractive

“decked with gold and precious stones” etc. means to be “bespangled”

She wants the best, she has to have the best, and she uses her false message to get the best.

If you don’t think the false church is alive and well today, get your head out of the sand!

Pastors wearing designer suits...

Churches buying their pastor private jets...

A church has the responsibility of taking care of their pastor, but the pastor should NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHURCH!

The false church has no qualms about robbing people

This church will thrive in the Tribulation and she will lead many to...

Kill the saints

Blood will be on her hands

Many have concluded that this links the false church directly to the RCC

Certainly the persecutions of Rome against Bible believing Christians are many, but let us remember, the ultimate fulfillment of these events are yet future, not in the past.

This false church will be used to round up those who have trusted Christ and to have them killed.

Her character is evil. Her messages is deceptive. Her influence is universal. Is it any wonder God calls here Revelation 17:5

Revelation 17:5 KJV 1900

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Conclusion:

Do not believe here lies today.

There is a God in heaven, and there is only ONE WAY to Him, through faith in His Son Jesus.

If you are trusting in ANYTHING other than that, you are not going to make it.

The time has come for you to decide what you will will believe: the truth, or a lie?

Let’s bow for prayer, if Gwen and Todd would please come forward...