The False Religion Falls

From Satan’ fall, to Babylon’s inception at Babel, to the antichrist’s kingdom at the end of time, to the eternal kingdom of God—worship will be a part of who we are as created beings. We cannot escape it.

The only real question is: WHO or WHAT will we worship?

Babylon’s very existence...its resurgence during the tribulation...the antichrists kingdom being personified by it...all point to one thing...man’s propensity to false worship, to false religion.

Last week, we saw that Babylon is the source and foundation of all false worship in the world. We can trace Babylon back to Babel...frankly back to Satan—His pride and fall, and his corruption of man in the garden. Since that time, false worship and false religion has pervaded our world—has pervaded God’s creation.

The Tower of Babel was merely a intense hyper condensed expression of it.

But Babel, Babylon is THE source of all false worship in the world.

And ultimately, God suffers no rivals. He will bring it to a brutal and gruesome end.

And that is what Revelation 17-18 is all about.

God will destroy all false worship—He will only leave room for worship of Himself.

What else can a good God do?

God is the greatest good. Period.

To allow man to worship false gods, to run after false worship would be to allow them to run into harm. God would not be good if he permitted that.

God is the greatest good for mankind. He demands we worship Him as an act of love. It is love for us, choosing our highest good, that demands our worship of Him.

For when we worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we receive the greatest possible good there is to get.

Allowing us to run after and worship other things, lets us run to lay our hand on the hot stove. We will get irreparably burned if we do so. So, God must block the way. He must insist we stay about from it. He must lovingly rebuke when we come near the hot stove, thinking to get warm in it’s heat. He must ultimately remove the hot stove. Not because He is cruel, but because He is loving.

Revelation 17-18 is about God judging and removing the false worship, false worship and punishing those who through stubborn rebellion refuse to give up their pursuit of it.

Let’s read chapter 17 together as we begin.

Revelation 17 ESV

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” 15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”

Listen...(Big Idea)

Body

Big Idea: False religion overpromises, underdelivers and will end only in betrayal, failure, and God’s judgment.

Consider the effect of this false religion...

The chapter begins by showing us a world drunk on it’s influence.

A World Drunk on False Religion - Revelation 17:1-2

—the intoxicating influence of Babylon on the nations

Revelation 17:1–2 ESV

Remember, chapters 17-18 are a bit of a digress.

Chronologically, chapter 19 falls immediately after 16. Chapters 17-18 sidestep to give some explanation as to what is happening with these bowl judgments and in these days of darkness.

So, one of the angels tells him to come so that he can explain what is happening. After witnessing the rapid fire pouring of the bowls, the angel comes to make sure John understands what is happening with those bowl judgments.

Ultimately, the false religion and the pagan kingdom of the dragon, the antichrist, and the false prophet will be judged.

In God’s ironic fashion, He will use His original enemy, the violator of all things, to judge the false religion and worship that has stolen the hearts of sinful man.

God uses one evil, to judge another.

God uses one enemy to judge another.

Honestly, since Babylon was birthed by Satan and Satan now turns on the false religion he began, God uses Satan to judge himself.

God makes it clear—false worship harms—and therefore, it will not be permitted to remain.

The prostitute stealing the worship of man’s hearts will be judged and removed.

That is what the bowl judgments are about.

First part of that is the end of false religion, false worship.

The false religion, false worship is personified as a harlot...

And this harlot is seated on many waters.

Many Waters

This same phrase is seen again in verse15, where it is explained.

Revelation 17:15 ESV

15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

This is not literal or actual water.

The text explains it is symbolic.

The water represents people, multitudes, nations, and tongues.

Sitting UPON the waters reveals her control—her influence. She controlled many nations, languages, tribes and people groups. Her influence was exerted over many people groups. It was extensive potent.

The imagery may well be borrowed from the idea that ancient cities always located themselves beside bodies of water. Water is life. For any city, settlement, society, or civilization to flourish, water was a necessity. Thus, water was always close by.

Babylon itself, the original city, was beside water. Jeremiah 51:13

God is using the analogy of water to depict the nations and civilizations, the people groups of the world being UNDER the control and influence of the harlot.

She has corrupted the world—influencing even the leaders of those nations.

Kings of the Earth

The kings of the earth, we are told, commit sexual immorality with her.

The act of worshipping at the altar of false religion is akin to sexual immorality.

And the kings (rulers) of the world are said to have engaged thus with her.

This is Romans 1:32.

Romans 1:32 ESV

32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

The world lauds and celebrates evil. Not only engaging in it, but giving approval to others who also engage in it. And when those people who give approval get into places of leadership, they lead nations in evil, encouraging, and granting national approval of evil.

Immorality flourishes under leadership who encourage and even legalize it.

By their influence, “those who dwell on the earth” (a reference to unbelievers in Revelation—Rev 3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 12,14; 14:6; 17:8) will be led into the immorality of false worship. (Revelation 17:2,4; Jeremiah 51:7)

The world has been and will continue to be infatuated with false religion and worship—especially when it puts man at the center or gives license to indulge in the passions they want.

In these final days, the world will be infatuated and enamored with the false religion of the antichrist and his false prophet. They will gladly follow him for he will lead them where their flesh wants to go.

Men are incurable worshipers.

And listen...

All idolatry is abominable - 1 Kings 14:22-24; 2 Kings 21:1-9; Ezekiel 20:30-33

But the idolatry of those last days will be escalated to grossest and most heinous proportions.

But it only leads to death.

A False Religion of Death - Revelation 17:3-6

—the harlot riding the beast and drunk with the blood of the saints.

Revelation 17:3–6 ESV

3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly.

The woman sits on a beast.

The Beast Supports the Woman

The description of the beast makes plain, we are talking about the antichrist. We have seen this description before. Revelation 13:1,4; 14:9; 16:10.

Here he is covered with blasphemous names.

Again, we see his seven heads and ten horns.

The beast (antichrist) will take many names that belong to God and God alone.

He will demand to be worshipped. He will set himself up as God. He will tolerate no longer, the one world religion. He (and the world) will turn on her and kill her. He will make blasphemous claims...

...And in speaking against God (Daniel 7:25; 11:36), setting himself up as God, he will declare even more blasphemy’s.

The fact that she is seated on him bears the idea of him supporting her; of him promoting her; of him holding her up.

For a time (because by the end of this chapter we will see a different story) the beast will support and defend, and promote the prostitute and all that she is peddling.

They will coexist for a while.

But, as we will see in verse 16, the beast will eventually turn on her and consume her. In fact, the whole world will turn on her and destroy her.

BUT, for a while, they will be one.

The Woman’s Allure

The woman herself, is arrayed like one of royalty and regality.

Purple is a color of royalty.

Scarlet - also can depict royalty but also luxury and splendor.

Scarlet is also the color of sin - Isaiah 1:18.

Scarlet - color of blood (that she and the world are drunk on)

Together purple and scarlet—make her appealing to all who see her, attracting their gaze and attention—their admiration and worship.

Church, listen—this woman, riding on the back on the beast is dressed to attract.

This great prostitute who makes the world drunk on her intoxications—she will not come silently or quietly.

She comes flamboyantly.

She is not content to allure and let you come if you may.

She will be aggressive.

Proverbs 7:10-13 gives a vivid picture of the prostitute of worldliness that is very much applicable here.

Proverbs 7:10–13 ESV

10 And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. 11 She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. 13 She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,

This forbidden, adulteress woman, in Proverbs represents sin, evil, rebellion, foolishness. Everything the woman of Babylon also will represent.

And she will be aggressive. She will seize the world, (she has over the centuries) drawing them into her trap.

And she will lead the world—to murder—all who refuse to drink of her cup of abominations.

The world will be drunk on her intoxications.

What are these intoxications?

Passions of the flesh

Whatever delights the flesh and pleases the appetites of man’s earthly passions.

Fleshly, yes.

She offers many gods

But it will be more than that. It has been more that. It will be more than that.

There will be a spiritual layer

Truthfully, all fleshly passions are spiritual in nature, but in these days, it will be more than just offering an idol of fleshly passions—Babylon will offer a deity.

The false prophet will offer a false god.

It will return to the days of man erecting idols to actual deities, not just making deities out of fleshly pleasures and delights.

They will be drunk on the blood of those whose lives they have ended because they refused to drink from the same cup of abominations.

They will be responsible for the saints martyrdom.

And there will be no guilt or shame in it. Only celebration.

Hers is a religion of death—their own eventually—but a religion that hates truth and wages war on it. Drunk on false religion, they will happily end the lives of those who threaten their religion.

And when all is said and done—they will still at the altar of that religion.

Sin—spiritual prostitution—takes everything with no concern for the one they are taking from.

Man will be attracted by the allure, will drink willingly of it, will suffer no rivals, and in the end, will find failed promises and momentary pleasure followed by eternal hurt.

The setting of where this is being revealed to John is fitting—The wilderness.

—an arid, deserted, desolate place.

Perhaps literal, perhaps symbolic, perhaps both.

Babylon, its religion, worship, and kingdom are desolate, barren, and empty.

They lead to death, not life.

Their own death—and the deaths of those they kill because they threaten it.

The truth will not be loved. It will be battled and they will seek to kill it, foolishly thinking that truth can be eliminated just because they want it to be.

For this reason, she is marked—on her forehead — “Babylon the great, Mother of prostitutes and earth’s abominations.”

Her wickedness is on display for all to see.

In the OT, harlots were often marked on their foreheads. Jeremiah 3:3

She cannot hide who she is any longer.

She is a liar, a prostitute, an unfaithful and wicked woman.

And yet, for the pleasure she offers—the world runs to her.

They will worship now now, as they have been since the beginning of time.

A False God Worshipped - Revelation 17:7-8

—the beast astonishing and being marveled at by the unbelievers.

Revelation 17:7–8 ESV

7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.

The woman receives a mixed response.

The Marvel of the Woman

The world has drunk from her cup. They are worshipping at the altar of her pleasures.

But even John is said to marvel at her.

But his marveling—I don’t believe—is not the same as the world.

The world marvel has two opposite but related meanings.

Marvel does mean to be astonished by; to wonder at—to be extraordinarily impressed with

But it also can mean to be deeply disturbed by something.

To be so astonished by—to be so affected by—that it disturbs

The context tells you which.

In this case, I suspect, John’s response was of the disturbed nature—contrasted with the worlds indulgent delight.

The NIV translates John’s response as “greatly astonished”—Perhaps the most suited translation of many that I saw.

But in truth, most accurate might be “great disturbed.”

What would cause John to respond so?

Confusion. Shock. Fear.

Perhaps a mix.

There could be a sense of being extraordinarily impressed

AT THE SAME

Knowing he ought not to be.

The sight of her beauty and regality could well have stirred him

BUT

The sight of her drunkenness on the blood of the saints—repulsed and shocked him.

The sight of her was truly a marvel—

Good or bad?

Depends on where you are standing—with God? or Against Him?

Not only does the unbelieving world worship the woman...

Their worship of the woman leads them to and includes worship of this beast. Revelation 13:11-18

Let me remind you of what we saw in chapter 13.

Revelation 13:11–12 ESV

11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.

Part of the woman’s cup of abominations includes convincing the world to worship a man who claims to be god; who masquerades as the savior of the world

The “Was, is not, and is” Beast

This phase hearkens back to chapter 13 again—Revelation 13:3,12.

Revelation 13:3 ESV

3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.

Revelation 13:12 ESV

12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.

This phrase speaks to his death and resurrection (supposed or actual).

He was

And is not (killed)

And is about to come again (resurrection)

His coming again, though, leads to his final destruction. When he comes again, it will only be temporary.

What’s more—his coming again signifies an 8th horn

Revelation 17:11 will clarifies and and explains.

Revelation 17:11 ESV

11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction.

The 8th represents the beast after his resurrection when he is believed to be indwelt with Satan Himself—when he will put and to the false religion and demand worship for himself alone.

The 8th is inseparable from the 7th because of using his body (alive or resurrected) to take control of the world.

But even he will go—shortly—to his destruction and will be destroyed.

However, for the brief moment, he will have what he has always wanted—worship, control, and power. He will have a world in submission.

A World in Submission - Revelation 17:9-14

—kings yield to and war alongside the beast.

Revelation 17:9–14 ESV

9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

The imagery is explained to us. No mystery is left here for us to speculate about.

We have seen this before, so do not need to linger long, but let’s review...

This is about the kingdoms of the ages.

Kingdoms of the Ages

7 heads=7 mountains=7 kings—Five have fallen—One is—one is yet to come—and when he comes, he will remain only a little while.

Anyone remember the five kings/kingdoms have have been?

Five previous kings and kingdoms, which have fallen—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece

Who is the one who is?

One who is - Rome (at the time of John’s writing)

Who is to come?

One that is yet to come - Kingdom of antichrist—and when he comes, it will only be for a little while—42 months.

10 horns=10 kings/rulers who will rule subordinate to the antichrist. They will be his vice regents helping to rule the world. But make no mistake, they will be subservient to the beast.

They will be of one mind—unified—in support of the antichrist.

They will gladly and willingly hand over their power to him.

And in their alliance, they will go to war with the Lamb.

War with the Lamb

Revelation 17:14 ESV

14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

All the world, as one, will go to war with the one who has been ravaging the world with judgments.

They will believe that the antichrist will lead them to victory.

But they will be wrong.

This is the Battle (Massacre) at Armageddon. Revelation 19:11-21.

A battle which we will see when we return to the chronology in chapter 19.

With the Lamb will be the chosen and faithful. The saints. Rev 17:14; 19:14

Revelation 17:14 ESV

14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

These chosen and faithful are also seen in chapter 19.

Revelation 19:14 ESV

14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.

These chosen and faithful are the saints who have repented and believed. These are the ones who have given themselves to His Lordship and ruling in their lives. They have repented and believed. They have evidenced through their faithfulness that their profession is more than lip service, it is genuine and real.

They are:

Chosen - Ephesians 1:4 “4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love”

Called - John 6:44 “44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”

Faithful - Romans 8:9 “9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

A False Religion Betrayed - Revelation 17:15-18

—the beast and kings betray the harlot and destroy her.

Revelation 17:15–18 ESV

15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”

Satan is the father of lies—John 8:44.

John 8:44 ESV

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Satan has no loyalty but to himself.

Therefore, evil has no loyalty—but to itself.

Evil serves only its own purposes.

The beast, who has seemingly been in favor of and supportive of Babylon, will turn on her.

He will hate her

He and the world (at his leading) will make her desolate

Will make her naked (exposed)

Will devour her flesh

Will burn her up with fire.

This is not just a rejection...

this is not just a setting aside

A moving on...

This is malice and a despising to the degree you cannot fathom.

It is not enough to destroy her

He will humiliate her, expose her nakedness, shaming her before he does.

There is an unspoken pleasure at this destruction—an evil taking pleasure in the suffering and death of a thing.

This is wicked.

Granted, Babylon is wicked—

and this is God’s judgment—-

FOR

GOD puts in their hearts to do so.

He uses one evil to punish another.

And then he will punish that evil too.

Evil is a tool in the hands of God to do His will and purpose

But it is wicked nonetheless.

The beast will use the one world religion to gain control, to wage war on saints, but in the end, he will leave no room for worship for anyone besides himself.

But in the end, it is only that. A tool. A tool that cares nothing for the cost.

Cares about only about achieving the end it set out to do.

Babylon uses the beast.

The beast uses Babylon

And in the end, neither will stand.

Sin over promises—and then consumes its worshippers.

False worship does not save. It will turn on its worshippers.

For this very reason, God’s demand of worship for Himself alone, is the most loving thing He can do. Worship of Him offers only life, never death. Worship of Him protects, it does not kill. Worship of Him will never be betrayed, only blessed.

This is what separates true worship from false worship.

BUT in the end, even this evil, this destruction of the false religion, is God’s doing. His judgment on the worlds evil. God uses the prideful intent of the antichrist, of the dragon, to bring judgment to that very same evil.

God does not share His glory - Isaiah 42:8

Isaiah 42:8 ESV

8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.

No religion will stand before God.

So let no religion stand between you and God.

Because (big idea)

Conclusion

Big Idea: False religion overpromises, underdelivers and will end only in betrayal, failure, and God’s judgment.

A World Drunk on False Religion - Revelation 17:1-2

—the intoxicating influence of Babylon on the nations

A False Religion of Death - Revelation 17:3-6

—the harlot riding the beast and drunk with the blood of the saints.

A False God Worshipped - Revelation 17:7-8

—the beast astonishing and being marveled at by the unbelievers.

A World in Submission - Revelation 17:9-14

—kings yield to and war alongside the beast.

A False Religion Betrayed - Revelation 17:15-18

—the beast and kings betray the harlot and destroy her.

Be warned, church—

—false religion always overpromises

—false religion always underdelivers.

—false religion always betrays.

—false religion always fails.

—false religion always faces God’s judgment.

—anything you worship that is not God, will betray, fail, and face judgment.

—anything you worship that is not God, is not worthy of the awe and devotion you give it.

Babylon may look impressive, but do not let the mask, the guise fool you—she is as brutal as they come.

Do not let the allure of the harlot entice you away from the feast of God.

She will lure you in with sweetness, royalty, and regality—but you will feel both her sting and God’s rebuke.

Is momentary pleasure worth the sentence of eternal ruin from a just God?

Is momentary pleasure worth the painful rebuke and disappointment of a loving father?

Church—Worship God, and worship Him alone.

See and Savor the glory of God

And invite an unbelieving world to join the chorus of worship—before it is too late.

Pray

Application

How can we discern between true worship and false religion in our daily lives?

In what ways can we actively guard ourselves against the allure of the 'harlot' in our culture?

How do you think the false promises of modern society reflect the teachings of Revelation 17?

What practical steps can we take to strengthen our commitment to worship God alone?

What are some 'false gods' in your life that you may inadvertently be worshipping?

What are some ways you can share the message of worshipping God alone with your friends?

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