The Completion of Babylon

Rev. 17:8-18

Introduction:  We learned last week that Babylon is an apostate religious political system.  This system is mentioned in chapter 18 as well as 17.  The religion and philosophy of this system is described in these verses.  God also gives us the leader of this system.  We must realize that Babylon goes back to a pagan, idolatrous philosophy where man seeks to by pass God to live their own way and get to heaven their own way.  Those living in the Tribulation Period will develop their own religious system as described in the verses 1-7.  Chapter 18 actually shows this political replacement for Biblical truth. 

God gives us a divine understanding of the ungodliness of this system.

I. Advent of the beast vv. 8-11

A. His origin v. 8

1.  The Roman Empire is not dead just fallen apparat, but in the future it will be revived.

2. The leader will be the Antichrist which means he will come directly out of hell.

3. He will be a demonized man who will be resurrected from the dead to duplicate the miracle of Christ-which was and is not and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit.

4. He will gain followers from the lost world through Satanic deception. 

5. Written in the book of life-believers who have put their faith in Christ will not be deceived- “ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”   Matthew 24:24

B. His organization vv. 9-11

1.  He comes to deceive the masses of people.

2. The seven mountains refer to Rome and may also be interpreted as historical empires:  five have passed: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece; Present Rome, Future:  Antichrist’s kingdom which is revived Romae whose roots are in Babylon.

3. The European Common Market will be headquartered in Rome under the headship of the Antichrist-this is the attempt of the UN but they are not doing great. 

4. Probably these are literal kings and the last king is the Antichrist v.11

5. The Antichrist and his kingdom goes into perdition-which is the state of eternal punishment-called the little horn of Daniel.

6. This religious/political system working with the Antichrist will be judged by God.

II. Advancement of the beast vv. 12-18

A. His authority vv. 12-13

1. The ten kings are those whom he delegated to work under him as puppets.

2. These kingdoms will join forces with the Antichrist and give him power.

3. They will unite under his leadership and he will inspire them to conqer the world for his domain.

4. Notice the beast wants absolute surrender and control over his followers.

B. His arrogance v. 14

1.  He will make an attack on the coming Lamb of God.

2. The kings of the earth will follow an insane hatred for God.

3. Jesus will have them who are called, chosen, and faithful.

C. His attitude vv. 15-18

1.  The beast will now inspire a hatred for Babylon.

2. They hate her, the religious system because it represents a threat to their leadership.

3. She has gained a great following sitting majestically in her position v. 15

4. The Antichrist begins an attack and destroys the apostate religion v.16

5. For centuries this corrupt Babylonian system has infected the world and now they are going to destroy it according to God’s will v. 17

6. The woman refers to the religious worldwide system v.18

Conclusion:  God is showing us the future religious system.  There should not be a surprise that there is a world council of churches uniting under causes that are religious but not Christian.  God is also showing us how He will deal with this wicked system.