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: RB Reply #3 on: Yesterday at 15:27:21 from this thread: http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/seventh-day-adventist-forum-(sda)/healing-the-deadly-wound/msg1055196203/?topicseen#msg1055196203Amo~I'll read your thread as you post, knowing you are missing the truth on "Mystery Babylon" by limiting this to the RCC.

I may start another thread so as not to interfere with your post on the Mystery Babylon and the TRUE healing of the deadly wound of the beast.

It was Christ that wounded Satan at the cross and during the little season at the end of the world, HIS WOUND will be healed so the EIGHT KINGDOM (or, the final kingdom which makes up ALL THE ONE WORLD"S POWER/government) shall make war with God and his saints.

I'll say no more until I start a counter thread on this same subject so the people can discern for themselves WHOSE deadly wound was healed~and when is it healed. We will only use the word of God, no need to use extra-biblical sources to prove BIBLE TRUTHS. Surely you should agree with this.

I do appreciate "some" of your posts, but on this subject, we disagree. I do appreciate your love and zeal for the scriptures. So, do not take this personally.

I'm bringing my post here to start another thread with the purpose of keeping from highjacking the one Amo is working on~and I'm trusting we can post together and let the readers judge for themself the truth on Mystery Babylon and its deadly wound that was healed.

Occasionally, I'll bring one of his posts here to comment on, and he can do likeness with mine. 

The word Babylon is in our Bibles many times, but the number is not important, knowing how many times it is there, does not shed any light on why it is there and what it means. We want to know: What does MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT mean according to God's definition? God's word is its OWN dictionary. We MUST stay in the word of God and allow the scriptures to define their own use of words and they will. The Bible WILL interpret its own scriptures by carefully comparing them with each other and allowing them to FIT TOGETHER with each other.

One has well said, the Bible is a "spiritual puzzle". The spiritual workman must labor to make the scriptures interpret each other, so one can see the truth on the subject he/she is studying.

Many are like one of my grandsons. When Luke was very young (he's now at Clemson) he was putting a puzzle together that I had gotten for him. He was doing fine, until he came across one that he could not make fit where he wanted to put it; so he stood upon his feet and lifted up his leg into the air, and came down with all of his might, and slammed the piece into the place his little mind thought it went.  I said, Luke, that is not the way you do a puzzle. But many do the scriptures the same way. If it does not fit, they still force verses into their doctrine that do not fit and will never fit. A trained spiritual eye can see it so easily. For a man to have truth on any given doctrine, all verses pro and con must work together, not against each other.

We must avoid denominationalism, men's opinions, favors, the pressure of exclusion, praises of men, and other things that would hinder us from faithfully standing for the truth. No one loves standing alone among the multitudes and standing alone just to have claims of doing it. But, we must be faithful with what God has given to us and trust Him for His purpose with our life. This one thing we do know, you will never have the multitudes on the side of TRUTH, NEVER! Matthew 7:13-14

We sing the song, Babylon is fallen from Revelation 14:8 and other places in the OT.

"Hail! the day so long expected, hail! the year of full release; Zion's wall are now erected; And her watchmen publish peace. Thru our Shiloh's wide dominion, hear the trumpet loudly roar Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen, Babylon is fallen to rise no more.

All her merchants stand with wonder, What is this that comes to pass? Murm'ring like the distance thunder, Crying, O alas, alas! Swell the sound, ye kings and nobles, Priest and people, rich and poor. Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen, Babylon is fallen to rise no more.

Blow the trumpet in Mount Zion! Christ shall come the second time; Ruling with a rod of iron, All who now as foes combine. Babel's garments we've rejected, and our fellowship is o'er. Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen, Babylon is fallen to rise no more."

THIS IS A GREAT SONG! But, who really understands WHAT they are singing?  "Thru our Shiloh's WIDE DOMINION,".........CANNOT be said to be true, UNTIL, Babylon is TRULY FALLEN. When Babylon falls to RISE NO MORE, then our Shiloh's dominion will be over ALL the earth, over every person. The knowledge of the LORD shall cover the earth, as the sea does now.

The Apostle Paul said: ".....I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the UNDERSTANDING also." 1st Corinthians 14:15  We must understand WHAT we are singing WHEN we sing songs unto our God. Also, are we not teaching one another when we are singing? Yes, we are.

: PaulColossians 3:16 ~"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; TEACHING and admonishing ONE ANOTHER in psalms and HYMNS and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Yes, we are singing to the Lord at the same time. We must labor to sing with understanding to our Lord. May this thread on Mystery Babylon help God's children to do just that. That is: have a Biblical understanding of Mystery, Babylon the great. May the Lord of heaven and earth, use it for the good of his people.

Without a true understanding of this subject, a part of God's truth is missing from your Bible knowledge. It may leave you or/and your loved ones unprepared for the evil days ahead and from the sorceries used by MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT! No man lives to himself, and what he believes and practices, others with him, who ever they may be, will believe and do likewise; and if in error, they will suffer the same consequences.

May we all seek to know the true meaning of MYSTERY, BABYLON THE    GREAT. Knowing the truth here and responding as a child of God should, will prepare you for that day.

How can one heed the call of the Holy Ghost:

Revelation 18:4~"...COME OUT of her, MY PEOPLE, that ye BE NOT partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

.....if they do not know the truth concerning Mystery, Babylon the great? It is impossible! Some may think that they have never been part of it; others may think they have come out already and do not need to heed this call; but, they may very well still be part of it, yea, a big part of it! May this thread help God's elect to know the truth, that they may heed this call that is in Revelation 18:4 and many other places in the scriptures; though said a little differently, but meaning the same as the exhortation in Revelation 18:4. 

Before we start, I will promise that we will use ONLY the scriptures in presenting our understanding of this subject. If we are going to have THE TRUTH, then we MUST use the ONLY source of truth in this world: The record of God himself, that is noted for us in the "scriptures of truth"....which the angels themselves used with Daniel.

Daniel 10:21~"I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth:" 

ANYONE who uses "EXTRA BIBLICAL" sources as a means to teach who Mystery Babylon is, is deceiving you, even though they may have no true knowledge of doing so intentionally. If they cannot use ONLY the word of God to prove their teaching, then they are using sleight and cunning craftiness that cannot stand up against the scriptures of truth.

All wise and righteous men from the day man has been upon this earth, to our Lord Jesus and his holy apostles and to this hour; have trusted in the word of God for all true history, for instruction in righteousness, for our doctrine, and for that doctrine to remain THE TRUTH, have lived by and trusted only in God's word, just as it was first given to us in our mother tongue.

We teach the scriptures to our little children that they may be wise unto salvation (in every sense that word is used from the scripture), nothing else really matters as far as this duty. (Of course, we teach them to read and other necessary things that can help them serve God and others).

2nd Timothy 3:15-17~"From a child thou hast know the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, (NOTHING ELSE IS) for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be PERFECT, (you need nothing else!) THROUGHLY FURNISHED unto ALL good works."

If this is not so, then may some man stand up and prove otherwise. I do not expect any man to step forth! If one does, bring ONLY the scriptures with you. Acts 17:28 does NOT qualify.

Men of faith live by EVERY WORD OF GOD. Words of men (history books, etc.) outside of the Bible, are NOT HELPERS for God's children interpreting the scriptures.

NOTICE what I said: INTERPRETING the scriptures; of course, there are books that can help us in other areas, but NOT interpret God's word! By this statement, I am saying this: anything outside of the scriptures, CANNOT supply light and understanding concerning God's truth to his children. I am saying no more than this.

Truth is contained WITHIN the scriptures, NOT outside! Anything outside brought into the Bible to aid its interpretation WILL CORRUPT the truth of holy scriptures.

There are some who believe that the King James Version is the Bible for the English speaking people of this earth; BUT, those same people DO NOT BELIEVE that it CONTAINS ALL TRUTH within its pages, for the English speaking people of this world, but needs history to help us understand the truth of it!.....

...... (the book of Daniel; the book of Revelation; and other sections of the Bible; like Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2Thess 2; etc.).....

THAT IS A LIE from the Devil, the great enemy of ALL TRUTH, and father of ALL LIES. God's children MUST NOT fall for this lie. Our faith is in the scriptures, PERIOD! Not the scripture AND.....!

Children of God trust the scriptures for all truth. Truth is in the Bible, we must be patience and labor hard to find the truth. Proverbs chapter two should motivate us to do this. Leave the word of God, and I will assure anyone, that they will end up without God's truth on that given subject. This is an absolute truth. God's word will support us as we stand for THE BIBLE ALONE FOR ALL TRUTH! This is where we rest our faith.

We had to lay this foundation because there are many who bring much into their teachings from outside of the holy scriptures to convince their followers of their doctrine; especially when teaching this subject and other subjects found in the book of Revelation.

: RB  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 05:50:13
NOTICE what I said: INTERPRETING the scriptures; of course, there are books that can help us in other areas, but NOT interpret God's word! By this statement, I am saying this: anything outside of the scriptures, CANNOT supply light and understanding concerning God's truth to his children. I am saying no more than this.

That is a very strange thing to say. If you really believe that then why have you bothered to post this. Everything you posted here or elsewhere, except the direct quotes from scripture, is outside of scripture. The reason you post is to provide your interpretation of the scriptures, which is outside of the scriptures. Your posts are no different than the books you claim cannot help us to interpret God's word.  So then, if what you post cannot help us interpret God's word, why bother to do more than simply quote scripture?

: RB  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 05:50:13We had to lay this foundation because there are many who bring much into their teachings from outside of the holy scriptures to convince their followers of their doctrine; especially when teaching this subject and other subjects found in the book of Revelation.

You are getting ready to bring much into your teachings from outside of the holy scriptures. The minute you post one word outside of an exact quote from scripture you are doing precisely what you are condemning.

You are preaching to the quire of course, concerning the use of scripture to interpret itself. If I do not utilize scripture more so than most if not all on these boards, I'm right up there with any who do. Nevertheless, concerning biblical prophecy, there is the point of application which cannot be determined by prophetic utterance concerning the future, unless the subject is specifically named and identified by it. In such cases, applying the identifying marks described in scripture to the institution, government, individual, or what have you, is necessary of course. The one which most accurately fulfills or displays those identifying marks or characteristics then, being the most likely intended subject of the prophecies concerned.

Apart from this, thus far in any case, I am leaning towards 4WD's assertion. If scripture is indeed the determining factor, which it most certainly should be, you have not yet utilized this fundamental factor. Then again, you obviously have not begun scripturally addressing who BABYLON THE GERAT actually is. I'm sure you plan to use far more scripture in doing so. No offense intended, nor any taken, but I do hope you do not equate the rest of us on these boards with your grandsons frustrations and responding actions regarding his experience with a puzzle. Though I can certainly relate to such frustrations. God's word, and prophetic word, are certainly nothing to trifle with. I should hope we all realize the danger of forcing our own views or opinions upon it. Having the title of false prophet, will be a real bummer in the end when standing before God. I most certainly do not want any such thing said or to be true in any way shape or form , about myself. I await your scriptural explanation of just who or what BABYLON THE GREAT IS.

                                                                                               WHY IS BABYLON CALLED A MYSTERY?

Let us now move on to learn from God's pure word, what is MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT.

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, is what its name declares: A "MYSTERY".........A Mystery in the Bible could be defined simply as~ A truth that is hidden in the scriptures by the Holy Spirit, that can ONLY be understood by DIVINE REVELATION.

: PaulEphesians 3:3-5~ "How that by REVELATION he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote in a few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now REVEALED unto his holy apostles and prophets BY THE SPIRIT;"

Every doctrine CONCEALED in the Old Testament, CAN find scriptures in the New Testament to help a child of God understand the doctrine he is considering; and he CAN do this by the Holy Spirit which is in him. Any outside help would be gifted men used by the Holy Spirit. But they must use only the word of God to help another saint or they cannot help them, but will only corrupt them and will be used by the devil to lead the saints into error.

: PaulColossians 1:26-27~ "Even the mystery (there are a few of them revealed in the New Testament-RB) which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but IS NOW made MANIFEST TO HIS SAINTS: to WHOM GOD WOULD MAKE KNOWN..."

It is only revealed by the Spirit, using the scriptures of the prophets.

: Paul Romans 16:25-26~ "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is manifest, AND BY THE SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"

Revelation of God's truth comes through the scriptures and by the SPIRIT; not history books! Not the scriptures and help from history! The rulers and leaders of the New Testament Jerusalem would do well to heed this exhortation, but we do not expect this to happen.

                                                                                                        THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME BABYLON       

We will not spend much time on the meaning of the name Babylon. We will not say more than what is recorded for us. We are much more concerned about the hidden meaning of MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT. We are ONLY concerned how the Holy Ghost used it.

In Genesis 11:1-9 we have a very brief record of the origin and the meaning of the name Babylon. The land of Shinar where the children of the earth started to build the city of Babel is the same place as the ancient city of Babylon that is mention many times from 2nd Kings to the book of Zechariah was located; (Daniel 1:2). It is mentioned nearly three hundred times. That is twice as much as Zion is mentioned, the city of God! This does not give light on the meaning of Babylon as it is used by God to hide a mystery within His word. But, it does show us the importance of the word Babylon.

As we read Genesis 11:1-9, we see that these men ........ (The Holy Spirit does not give us a name for them! The Spirit refers to them as "THEY"!) These men wanted to MAKE them a NAME, but they left off building the city, WITHOUT making for themselves a NAME! Not only did they leave off and come short of their purposes of building themselves this great city, but they also left CONFOUNDED!)  ........WITHOUT any thoughts toward the God of heaven, but had much thoughts about their persons and pleasures. They were very knowledgeable as far as this world's wisdom goes:

: MOSESGenesis 11:6. ".......And now nothing will be restrained from them, which they imagined to do."

They imagined to do great works for themselves, to honour themselves for their great works, which they imagined to do. In the plains of the land of Shinar, there we see men, laboring to live in this world, without any knowledge of the God who created all things, including them. They had high thoughts about themselves, BUT THERE did the ALMIGHTY confound them and proved that he alone rules over all and those who exalt themselves, he is able to bring them down, and leave them in total ignorance of the most important thing and that has the highest value and for their best interest: the fear of God and knowledge of that Glorious Creator of all things; that are in heaven, in the earth and under the earth; visible and invisible; things past, present and things yet to be.

This great work that God did by confounding them, did not cause them to seek him, or even cause them to mention the name of God. They just left off and were scattered upon the face of ALL the earth; And there are they still laboring to make for themselves a great name. We will see their children in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, who is the express image of that Glorious Creator of heaven and earth.

Genesis 11:9 is the second mention of the word Babel, from which the word Babylon comes from. Its meaning is recorded for us it Genesis 11:9; Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there CONFOUND the language of all the earth:........"  They THOUGHT they were wise, BUT they were VERY CONFUSED about HOW to be wise! There are a few things that we should ponder in Genesis 10 and 11 before moving on.

What amazes me is this: First, this scattering/dividing of the children of men took place in the days of Peleg. "And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided;"............

.......This is NOT speaking of a CATASTROPHIC event; whereby, the LAND ITSELF was divided. This thinking does not go with the flow of events in Genesis 10 and 11. The ONLY thing that Moses mentions from the statement found in Genesis 10:25 is what we read in Genesis 11:1-9! That is: the dividing of the LANGUAGE among the children of men. This is not too deep, but there are many who LOVE the literal sense in everything they read in the scriptures and CANNOT think in any other sense, so they have a catastrophic event taking place that they CANNOT prove nor could it take place, without God creating a new heaven and a new earth.

We do have his promise that he will turn to us a pure language in that day.

: THE HOLY GHOSTZephaniah 3:9~"For THEN (after the earth is devoured with the FIRE of his jealousy, verse8) will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent."

It was divided in this sense: men were scattered upon the FACE OF THE EARTH, all of them having different languages to take with them.

Second: This may have happened with NOAH STILL LIVING or at least shortly afterward.

Follow me: Shem had Arphaxad two years after the flood; Arphaxad had Salah; Thirty seven after the flood (Luke said Cainan, Luke 3:36, but this is a different study for another time) Salah had Eber; Sixty seven years after the flood; Eber had Peleg, One hundred and one years after the flood. Noah lived after the flood Three hundred and fifty years; Noah lived after Peleg was born, another two hundred and fifty one years! Peleg lived after Noah, one hundred and eighty nine years.

Maybe Genesis 11:1-9 happened after Noah's death, it really does not matter, BUT, this does: Men SO SOON forgot the FLOOD! I would think that the ark was STILL there to witness to them and against them! When we read Genesis 11, we wonder with amazement that the earth was full of reprobates, so soon! WHY (we know why) cannot the "FREE WILL" preachers see that apart from the POWER of God's Spirit, NO MAN WOULD EVER COME TO HIM! When the Almighty leaves men to themselves, they would never seek God; they would never have one thought toward heaven; They would LOOK to THEMSELVES as a MIGHTY HUNTER before the LORD; mighty in this or mighty in that, and no one is as mighty as me, would be their inward thoughts! Not even "that God" who thinks that he is Almighty, by sending a flood to cover the earth! Their inward thoughts were, WHO is the LORD that I should obey Him?

This is what we take from those two chapters, that helps us to understand our subject as we work our way through the Bible.

This is where we first hear of BABEL/BABYLON! From Genesis 10 and 11, and we learned the Holy Ghost's definition of the word Babylon; and it simply means CONFUSION.

We shall (the Lord willing) see that this perfectly describes ALL MEN who have ever lived in this world, and who are, and who yet shall live in this world WITHOUT God; by that statement, we mean, who lived without fearing, loving and submitting themselves to the very God who created the world and all things therein, including them; and giving Him glory for ALL things that they enjoy in his world.

All one needs to do, is to read their works, listen to their words, and consider their life and then you can see and understand that they are very CONFUSED. Whether they are religious or neutral or hate religion, if they are living their life according to the wisdom that is in their heart and not according to the TRUE WISDOM found only in the word of God, then a spiritual man/woman can see just how confused those folk are. There are multitudes in and out of religion that are of the great city of "SPIRITUAL BABYLON"!

The truth is: there are only TWO CITIES on this planet called earth;........ We know that there are many literal earthy cites, but there are only TWO in a TRUE spiritual sense.

One is Babylon........ In Babylon, that GREAT CITY; you will find a king that is over them, and his spirit works in them; his name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. He is THE angel of the bottomless pit. He is the prince and the power of the air, in this Babylon.

This king was, and is not, and yet is. This king's kingdom shall be destroyed with violence, and shall be found no more at all. The king shall go into eternal perdition, into the lake of fire, prepared for him and his angels. All of the great city of Babylon, those who make up this great city of Babylon will be cast into the lake of fire with them.

The other is Zion......In Zion, they too have a king over them. His name is: Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The prince of peace. His kingdom shall have no end! Those who are part of this city, are called, faithful, and chosen! They shall live forever with God, and shall look upon his face; the citizens of this city know him as JESUS CHRIST the Lord, king of kings, Lord of lords. They shall inherit all things; a new heaven and earth. The first heaven and earth were corrupted by its king and his children; but the mighty God of Zion shall destroy their Babylon and its king!

Let us now search the scriptures and see from them what they teach us concerning: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT....

I may not make every verse fit perfectly, but there will be so much of the picture put together, that it will be impossible to deny the truth of what we will be teaching from this thread. I will not claim perfection, but will claim TRUTH of that, which we will be presenting.

Search the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament, and read them very carefully and you must confess, if you are honest with God's word, that the word Babylon when used by the prophets, was NOT always speaking of the literal ancient city that took Judah captive, during the days of Jeremiah the prophet.

Let us look at the scriptures of the prophets and see if we can determine what the Spirit of God meant when he was teaching us through holy men of God, who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

: 4WD  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 06:11:10

: RB  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 05:50:13
NOTICE what I said: INTERPRETING the scriptures; of course, there are books that can help us in other areas, but NOT interpret God's word! By this statement, I am saying this: anything outside of the scriptures, CANNOT supply light and understanding concerning God's truth to his children. I am saying no more than this.

That is a very strange thing to say. If you really believe that then why have you bothered to post this. Everything you posted here or elsewhere, except the direct quotes from scripture, is outside of scripture. The reason you post is to provide your interpretation of the scriptures, which is outside of the scriptures. Your posts are no different than the books you claim cannot help us to interpret God's word.  So then, if what you post cannot help us interpret God's word, why bother to do more than simply quote scripture?

: RB  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 05:50:13We had to lay this foundation because there are many who bring much into their teachings from outside of the holy scriptures to convince their followers of their doctrine; especially when teaching this subject and other subjects found in the book of Revelation.

You are getting ready to bring much into your teachings from outside of the holy scriptures. The minute you post one word outside of an exact quote from scripture you are doing precisely what you are condemning.

He's trying to pre-empt myself, and 3Res, and others who would explain something of Scripture by informing it with history.

Obviously, those rules only apply to others, and not himself.  That seems to be how these things always work. ::smile::

Jarrod

Even the very title of this post is against Revelation's own context.  Mystery Babylon in Revelation 17 was not even the one with the deadly wound that was healed.  That was the SEA BEAST in Revelation 13 which had a wound to one of its heads - and that deadly wound was not even to the entire Sea Beast, but to just one of its heads. 

The harlot in Revelation 17 riding on the back of the Scarlet Beast did not have any "heads" to be wounded.  She was not anywhere included in the context about the deadly wound that was healed on the Sea Beast of Revelation 13.  The Sea Beast of Revelation 13 and the Scarlet Beast of Revelation 17 aren't even the same beast.  And the harlot called Mystery Babylon riding the Scarlet Beast's back is not either one of those two different beasts, but a different character in and of itself.  WAAAY too much conflating going on in this post.  When the identity of Revelation's cast of characters is mixed up with each other, it confuses the whole script. 

Rather than wade through a river of commentary above on who Mystery Babylon actually was, I am duty bound to give heed to the one interpreting the vision to John when he wrote it down.  It saves us SO much trouble when we pay attention to scripture when its own context defines its own terms. 

Plain and simple.   The harlot called "Mystery Babylon" is clearly defined for us in Revelation 17:18 as "That great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth".  Scripture itself gives us its own definition of who those "kings of the earth" were.  And there aren't any of those "kings" around anymore, because those "kings of the earth" were the high priests of the land of Israel. 

"The great city" was named in John's own terms as the city "where also our Lord was crucified" in Revelation 11:8.  This was the city of OLD JERUSALEM, which in John's days was then reigning over the "kings of the earth", or the high priests of the land of Israel.

This definition of the "kings of the earth" as being the high priests of Israel is abundantly clear from reading Psalms 2:1-2 compared with Acts 4:23-30.  We are told in that Acts 4 context that the high priest Annas and Caiphas, and all the kindred of the high priest (Acts 4:5-6) had just threatened Peter and John if they continued to preach in Jesus' name.  When the believers heard of these threatenings coming from the high priest and all his family, they recalled the prophesy of Psalms 2:1-2.  This prophecy had predicted that the "kings of the earth" and the rulers of the people would be gathered together along with the heathen Gentiles, and would then conspire against the Lord and His Anointed One.  These "kings of the earth" would agree together in their conspiratorial desire to break asunder the bands of God put upon them, and to cast away God's cords which bound them to Himself and His laws.  These "bands" and "cords" or "yoke" were not put upon the Gentiles, but upon the people of God and their rulers under the Mosaic law.  As Isaiah 63:18-19 once said of God's own people as opposed to their adversaries who had trodden down their sanctuary, "We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name."


Acts 4:29 clearly states that these "kings of the earth" and the rulers mentioned in the Psalms 2:1-2 prophecy were the ones doing this "threatening" of the disciples (which were the high priest and all his kindred along with the elders and scribes of the council).

Therefore, "Mystery Babylon" / "That great city" (which was Old Jerusalem according to John 11:8) was then reigning in those days over the "kings of the earth" which were the high priests of the land of Israel.  And since there are no longer any high priests in Israel, and haven't been ever since the close of the war in AD 70, this Revelation prophecy related to "Mystery Babylon" is LONG PAST.

In fact, ANY of Revelation's prophecies that are specifically said to include the "kings of the earth" are related to a time when there were actually high priests still in existence in Israel. 

: Wycliffes_Shillelagh  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 15:43:26

He's trying to pre-empt myself, and 3Res, and others who would explain something of Scripture by informing it with history.

Obviously, those rules only apply to others, and not himself.  That seems to be how these things always work. ::smile::

Jarrod

Oh, I think RB is too much like the rest of us; we all too often think our explanation, our analysis, our exegesis, of scripture is scripture.

The truth is that scripture never actually defines Mystery Babylon.  Any attempt to actually do that comes from outside of scripture.

: Wycliffes_Shillelagh  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 15:43:26Obviously, those rules only apply to others, and not himself.  That seems to be how these things always work. ::smile::

Jarrod~you should know me by now, it does apply to me~just keep reading after I have posted to see. 3 Resurrection knows me better than all of you put together, just ask him he should say the same.

Besides and even greater~this is the very method Jesus and his apostles taught us to teach others and for how we should learn to seek and trust the scriptures for THE TRUTH as it is in Jesus Christ. 

: 4WD  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 04:17:36The truth is that scripture never actually defines Mystery Babylon.  Any attempt to actually do that comes from outside of scripture.

4WD, It's hard for me to believe you truly believe this~ why would I as a child of God would even think to go outside of the word of my Father in heaven to seek for His truth outside of the only source of testimony that IS TRUE that God has graciously given to us (all who are believers) to KNOW His hidden mysteries? GOD FORBID that I would do so.

: 3 Resurrections  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 19:46:52Even the very title of this post is against Revelation's own context.  Mystery Babylon in Revelation 17 was not even the one with the deadly wound that was healed.  That was the SEA BEAST in Revelation 13 which had a wound to one of its heads - and that deadly wound was not even to the entire Sea Beast, but to just one of its heads. 

Without getting too far sidetrack just allow me to address this and I WILL. Babylon~the beast~and the eight kingdoms and the mark of the beast has been here from the beginning! The two cities~ Babylon and Zion have been at war since Cain and Abel~this is a mystery hidden in the word of God from the beginning~but step by step God has unfolded his truth to his children, even though many righteous men and women have not seen the whole spiritual puzzle~so we must patiently bear with our brethren on such subjects.

: JESUS CHRISTMatthew 13:11-17~"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Even angels desire to look into these things~and guess where they look? That which is noted in the scriptures of TRUTH.

: THE HOLY GHOST1st Peter 1:10-12~Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

: THE ANGEL OF GODDaniel 10:21~"But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince."

3 Resurrections, you use to stand me on this many years ago, but you left and I'm still here.

: RB  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 05:15:414WD, It's hard for me to believe you truly believe this~ why would I as a child of God would even think to go outside of the word of my Father in heaven to seek for His truth outside of the only source of testimony that IS TRUE that God has graciously given to us (all who are believers) to KNOW His hidden mysteries? GOD FORBID that I would do so.

RB,
Go back up to your reply#5; you posted a couple of lines of actual quotes from the scriptures.  Everything else is from YOU and that is outside of the word of God.  That doesn't mean it is necessarily wrong, but that does mean that it is not actually God's word; it is your word.

                                                                                                          THE PROPHET ISAIAH AND BABYLON

So, let us start with the OT prophets and let them tell us whom God's word reveals is Mystery Babylon.

ISAIAH 13...The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. There are many things within this chapter that will not allow one to LIMIT it to the literal city of Babylon, or, to any literal city that 3 Resurrections may believe it is.

First, and MOST important point that makes us look PAST the literal city of Babylon in Isaiah's day is found in verse 11 or any city as far as that goes..."And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, (destroying a literal city will not cause pride to cease, but punishing the world by total destruction will cause pride to cease) and will lay low the naughtiness of the terrible."

This warning is to Babylon, (verse 1) who Isaiah refers to as "the" world and the wicked in it. That's not my interpretation but the Holy Ghost speaking through Isaiah. The world without God and wicked therein ARE Babylon that will be destroyed.

This Babylon mentioned in Isaiah 13 will never be inhabited again, (verses 19-20) We know that Babylon was still a literal place during the days of the apostles. 1st Peter 5:13.

The overall message in Isaiah 13 is the FINAL destruction of Babylon, whom the prophet reveals to us is the WORLD and the wicked. Whatever may be in this chapter that may allow one to try to make Babylon mean the literal city of the prophet's day, can be explained by giving the sense that the Spirit would support in other scriptures. The only one that I can see, would be the words, "the Medes;" Yes, God used that nation to defeat and over throw the literal city of Babylon, but not to the same degree as it is spoken of in this chapter. God is using that name to represent those who shall destroy Babylon in that day. The Lord Jesus and his army that follow him back to this earth, at that day.

ISAIAH 14....Here we find a PROVERB (The prophets in the Old Testament spoke MOST of the time in this manner) against the KING OF BABYLON. When we carefully look at this proverb and consider it with God's open word before us, then we know that it is not speaking of any earthly king that has reigned in the literal city of Babylon. Verses 12-15 should remove any questions one may have.

Also, the children of Babylon mentioned in verses 21-22, ARE NOT the literal children of ancient Babylon. We KNOW this by verses 26-27:

"This is the purpose that is purposed upon the WHOLE EARTH: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon ALL THE NATIONS. For the LORD of host hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"

The king of Babylon (Lucifer!) shall became like all of the rest of those whom he has deceived. (verse 10): He shall be brought DOWN to hell. (verse 15)

ISAIAH 21: This chapter has a few proverbs within this part of Isaiah's prophecy; there is one that we will only look at and consider it when we see it again in Jeremiah 51:8 and in Revelation 14:8; 18:2.

"And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answer and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and ALL the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground."

We understand what this proverb is teaching us by others scriptures in the New Testament. WE would NOT know, without New Testament revelation from the apostle John's writings. We will consider them when we get to them.

Before we finish this paper, we will give you many verses from the Old Testament, that does cover many different doctrines, and will prove to anyone who is honest with the holy scriptures, that without the revelation of the New Testament, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to know what the prophets were talking about in their writings.

ISAIAH 46:1~"Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast."

This is a proverb by the prophet that we will incorporate when we come to others verses speaking about the idols of Babylon, that were abomination to the God of heaven, and, that was the cause of Babylon's total desolation. The Babylon in Revelation chapter 17 and the Babylon in chapter 18, are FULL of IDOLS.

ISAIAH 47..The Prophet is very bold with his words recorded within this chapter toward one he calls: O VIRGIN daughter of BABYLON! (Verse one)

There are too many statements within these verses to even think that it could be speaking of the literal city of Babylon.

The proud spirit of this Babylon in Isaiah 47, is the SAME spirit we see in Babylon of Revelation 18. Compare the two:

Isaiah 47:5".....THE LADY of kingdoms.".......Isaiah 47:7..... "And thou saidst, I SHALL be a lady for EVER:" Isaiah 47:8..... "Therefore hear now this, thou that art given TO PLEASURES, that sayest in thine heart, I AM, and NONE ELSE beside ME; I shall NOT sit as a widow, neither SHALL I know the loss of children."  Isaiah 47:9..." BUT (saith the Almighty) these two things SHALL come to thee in a MOMENT in ONE DAY, the loss of children, and widowhood: they SHALL come upon thee in their PERFECTION (total destruction) for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments." THIS WORLD has abundance of them, as we will see in Revelation 18!

Isaiah 47:10-11..Read them carefully, please. " .......desolation shall come upon thee SUDDENLY, which thou shalt not know."  "......FROM THY YOUTH" She was ONCE a virgin daughter when the most high created her, but sin entered into her; now, her wisdom and knowledge hath perverted her. The "MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT" has been in the world since the garden of Eden......FROM THY YOUTH!

Isaiah 47:14-15.."Behold, they (the multitude of counsels in Babylon-v13) shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them. they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy MERCHANTS, from thy youth: they shall WANDER every one to his quarter; NONE SHALL SAVE THEE." We will see more in Revelation 18 when we get there. 

Isaiah 48....There are a few short proverbs that cover a few things in this chapter. Babylon is mentioned in two of them by it's name and in others by their deeds.

Isaiah 48:14.."....he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans." ~The only Babylon that is on the prophet's thoughts would be: the Babylon that is this world and the things that are in the world. I know that by what is in verse 20: "Go ye FORTH of Babylon, FLEE ye from the Chaldeans........." This SAME command is founded in Revelation 18:4; which we will consider later, when we arrive there. The New Testament USE OF the word....... (without which, we would not know) ..... tells us HOW we SHOULD UNDERSTAND the sense of the word Babylon, as the Spirit used the word many times over in the old Testament. We DO NOT speculate or use "Extra Biblical" help to try to figure the meaning of MYSTERY BABYLON, and leaving our hearers AT OUR MERCY. We want to leave them trusting ONLY the scriptures for truth, not our knowledge of things outside of the scriptures of TRUTH. Most of that in this world that is outside of the scriptures will perish with this world at that day; will perish as useless, corrupt materials; BUT, the word of God will endure for ever. It must, because it is the truth, and truth cannot be destroyed.

WHOM shall a child of God trust: the man that puts on a good show and removes ALL warnings of God's judgments from their followers? or the man who said: As the LORD liveth, WHAT the LORD saith unto to me, THAT WILL I SPEAK! 2Kings 22:7-28......."Hear thou therefore the WORD OF THE LORD." (verse 19)

Ye be the judge, using only the Bible, and not your emotions, OR your place in the synagogue! John 9:22; 12:42 OR, any other thing that may cause you to go against the truth. ONE DAY, it will be ONLY you and the Lord Jesus Christ looking eye to eye; I can promise you that you  would love to have this day back again, to do it HIS WAY and NOT your way. WHOM shall we follow? As for me and my house, we shall follow ONLY the scriptures! And those men and women who follow ONLY the word of God.

Jeremiah next....RB

Revelation of God's truth comes through the scriptures and by the SPIRIT; not history books! Not the scriptures and help from history! The rulers and leaders of the New Testament Jerusalem would do well to heed this exhortation, but we do not expect this to happen.

The holy scriptures demonstrate and prove the above assertion to be false, being themselves recorded history for the exact purpose of revelation. This is apart of course from common sense, which dictates that events which transpire fulfilling the details of God's prophecies, do in fact become historical confirmations of exactly that. The fulfillment of God's prophecies. Denying this seems somewhat silly, does it not. Properly identifying historical events therefore, which fulfill God's prophetic interpretations, is a crucial part of properly understanding biblical prophecy. As scripture itself testifies concerning the same.

Mat 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Mat 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Mat 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. 21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Mat 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Mat 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 16 And charged them that they should not make him known: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Mat 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Mat 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Mat 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

So we see from scripture, not only that historical events are a crucial element of prophetic fulfillment and understanding, but also that the Spirit of God is involved in bringing these events about. Not to mention, seeing that they are recorded, that His people may not be in the dark. But rather prophetically informed unto edification, witness, and the glory of God. All of this of course of necessity being directed by the Spirit of God Himself, as the enemy of all souls strives to confuse matters with unending false interpretations of biblical prophecy as well. Scripture itself demonstrates the historicist aspect of interpreting biblical prophecy, no doubt as the example for us.

I will examine and respond to your other posts aa time affords.

: Amo  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 07:51:38The holy scriptures demonstrate and prove the above assertion to be false, being themselves recorded history for the exact purpose of revelation. This is apart of course from common sense, which dictates that events which transpire fulfilling the details of God's prophecies, do in fact become historical confirmations of exactly that. The fulfillment of God's prophecies. Denying this seems somewhat silly, does it not. Properly identifying historical events therefore, which fulfill God's prophetic interpretations, is a crucial part of properly understanding biblical prophecy. As scripture itself testifies concerning the same.

Amo, you truly are saying no more than what I believe and teach. The final analysis is scriptures interpret scripture and then they yield to us THE TRUTH. Look at the scriptures you presented and it becomes quite obvious you are actually supporting my position. Your post is going in a circle and coming right back to what I'm saying.

: Amo on: Today at 07:51:38So we see from scripture, not only that historical events are a crucial element of prophetic fulfillment and understanding, but also that the Spirit of God is involved in bringing these events about. Not to mention, seeing that they are recorded, that His people may not be in the dark. But rather prophetically informed unto edification, witness, and the glory of God. All of this of course of necessity being directed by the Spirit of God Himself, as the enemy of all souls strives to confuse matters with unending false interpretations of biblical prophecy as well. Scripture itself demonstrates the historicist aspect of interpreting biblical prophecy, no doubt as the example for us.

"not only that are a crucial element of prophetic fulfillment and understanding"~historical events within the scriptures is exactly what I believe and teach.

"All of this of course of necessity being directed by the Spirit of God Himself"~okay, I agree, so, I ask you............. what is the purpose of your post?

Limiting the literal city of earthly Jerusalem during the days of Christ to Mystery Babylon, (  3 Resurrections )  or, to the RCC false sect ( a host of sects ) ~does not come by comparing scriptures with scriptures, but is a force teaching in order to divert men from the truth as revealed in the scriptures, by following the flow of the revelation from OT prophets to NT apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

RB, your extensive commentary is utterly worthless if you cannot supply the particular verse which says that Mystery Babylon has a head which receives a deadly wound.  Where is this verse in Revelation? It's not there.   You are concocting this theory out of pieced-together supposition.

It is the SEA BEAST in Revelation 13 with one of its 10 heads that receives the deadly wound to that one head.  Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17 has NO HEADS at all.  Let alone one head that is wounded.  You are re-inventing John's dialogue at your own whim.  This is not worthy of you.

You have brought up Isaiah 13:11 before as some kind of proof that Mystery Babylon equals the wicked of the world since the Fall.  The ancient empire of Babylon was the context of Isaiah 13:11, and at that time, God had indeed given the entire known world into Nebuchadnezzar's control as being "a king of kings" that Daniel had called him in Daniel 2:37.   Of course, that world-wide empire with the wicked within it was brought to destruction in one night under Cyrus's nighttime attack.  God said He was going to use the MEDES to accomplish this destruction: an accomplished historical record in scripture.   But the utter destruction of the entire empire of ancient Babylon is not the same as Revelation telling us about a deadly wound to only one of the heads of the Sea Beast which became healed.

The Sea Beast is NOT Mystery Babylon.  They are two totally different characters in John's narrative.  You are blinded on this point, RB.

                                                                                                                      THE PROPHET JEREMIAH AND BABYLON

JEREMIAH 25...In this chapter Jeremiah was commanded to take the wine cup of God's fury from God's hand, and cause all nations to whom God would send him, to drink it. He started with Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and then to the rest. (1st Peter 4:17)

Jeremiah said many things concerning Babylon in terms of eternal reproaches. We know that this was not fulfilled. Babylon was reduced to a "state of subjection" by the Medes and Persians, yet the city itself remained safe, even until the days of the apostles. Do you think that Jeremiah exceeded the limit of truth in this chapter about his prophecy of PERPETUAL DESOLATION toward Babylon?

We know that the Spirit working through this faithful prophet had another BABYLON in mind. There are many things within this chapter that allows us to know "the mystery" that is hidden in the words of the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 25:10..."Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of he bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candles."

These exact words are found in Revelation 18:22-23! The reason why is because both places are speaking on the SAME subject. There is no other way to interpret these dark sayings/proverbs of the old Testament prophets.

Jeremiah 25:14 is a verse that would be impossible to interpret without the New Testament.

"For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to their works of their own hands."

There is a verse in the New Testament that can give light on this verse:

Revelation 21:24~"And the NATIONS of them which ARE SAVED shall walk in the light of it: and THE KINGS (these kings ARE GREAT!) of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."

The nations of this present world WILL BE DESTROYED and their kingdoms shall be given to the saints of the most High, and they shall serve themselves of them! When the most High shall recompense them according to their deeds. Daniel 7:18,22,27

   Daniel 7:17~ "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and posses the kingdom for ever, EVEN FOR EVER AND EVER."

Jeremiah 25....The chapter overall is last day punishment for the wicked, which is, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT.

Jeremiah 25: 29 "For I will call for a sword upon ALL the inhabitants of the EARTH, saith the LORD of hosts."

Verse 30.."Therefore prophesy thou against them (the earth) all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against ALL THE INHABITANTS of the EARTH."

Verse 33.."And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: and they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground." There is more in this chapter where Babylon is mentioday to the end of the world that will force you to look past Jeremiah's day.

JEREMIAH 50.... This is a powerful chapter! A man that is enlightened by the Spirit of the living God will see that there is no doubt that Jeremiah the prophet, is teaching about a Babylon that was NOT in his day. To what extent he understood what he wrote, we do not know. He wrote AS he WAS MOVED by the Spirit of God. God who knows the END from the beginning, knew his purposes against Babylon. There are much within this chapter to convince a child of God, who Babylon is.

Verse 8.."Remove OUT OF the mist of Babylon......" Again we see this command that we will see again in Revelation 18:4. We will consider that verse when we arrive in the book of Revelation.

Verse 15...We read that her foundations are FALLEN, her walls are thrown DOWN: for it IS the vengeance of the LORD. Read Revelation 14:8

Verses 15 and 29, Both say this: "Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let NONE thereof escape (and they will not!) recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done. do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy ONE of Israel." Read Revelation 18:6

Verses 13 and 23..."How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! (nations of the new heaven and new earth)

"because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be WHOLLY DESOLATE: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues." Read Revelation 17:16; 18:19.

Babylon is a "land of graven images,'' and they are mad upon their idols! Jeremiah 50:38

This describes our world in our day so perfectly.

Jeremiah chapter 50 tells who will destroy Babylon: In verses 3, 9, 41. most of the chapter speak of Babylon's destruction.

"For out of the NORTH there cometh up a nation against her which shall make her land desolate..."
"For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the NORTH country......"
"Behold a people shall come from the NORTH and a GREAT NATION, and MANY KINGS shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth."
Jeremiah 50:42.. They shall hold the bow and lance; they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they ride upon horses every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon."

There is only one great nation that lives on the side of the north that all of them are kings and all will be riding upon horses at that day, that will shew NO MERCY, when Babylon is destroyed!  That Holy Nation that Jesus Christ is King. Revelation 19. "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." Psalm 2:6  "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, ON THE SIDES OF THE NORTH, the city of the GREAT KING." Psalm 48:2

No wonder the prophet Jeremiah in the very next verse said this:

"The king of Babylon (the devil) hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as a woman in travail." Jeremiah 50:43

JEREMIAH 51.....There are many saying in this chapter that will help a serious student of God's word to see the truth concerning which Babylon the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about. This secret should begin to be clearly seen by the time we finish with this chapter.

Verse 3:...This Babylon's host shall be UTTERLY destroyed.

Verse 6...Is mentioned several times in the scriptures, Revelation 18:4 being the last time.

Verse 7... is mentioned in Revelation 17:4 which we will consider at that time.

Verse 8..."Babylon is SUDDENLY fallen and destroyed."

In 1st Thessalonians 5:3.."For when they shall say, Peace and safety; THEN SUDDEN destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon woman with child; (see Jeremiah 50:43) and they shall not escape."

Verse 13.."O thou that dwellest upon many waters,....

(And there came one of the 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 17:1...the many waters are people of ALL NATIONS of THIS WORLD!)

...."abundant in treasures"... (for in one hour SO GREAT RICHES is come to nought. Revelation 18:17) .... Still in verse 13, we read: "thine END IS COME and the measure of thy covetousness" (also, verse 33) In Revelation 16:19 we read:

"And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations FELL: and great Babylon came in REMEMBRANCE before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath."

When the LORD of hosts does give unto Babylon the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath, he will use as his battle axe and weapons of war, his people, called Israel and Judah or Jacob or Zion in many places of the prophets. See Jeremiah 51:5, 19-24

Verse 20..The LORD of host using his battle and weapons of war would break in pieces the NATIONS and destroy KINGDOMS; not just ONE literal nation of ancient Babylon.

Verse 25..Jeremiah's Babylon destroyest all the earth. According to Revelation 18:23, by SORCERIES did John's Babylon deceive ALL nations.

Back to Jeremiah 51:25 where we read that the LORD will make Babylon a "burnt mountain" or that he will destroyed the kingdom of Babylon with fire. See 2Peter 3:7-12

Verse 35..."The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea shall Jerusalem say."

Revelation 6:10 ~"And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long O LORD, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"

"THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH"..... THIS IS WHO MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT IS!

THEY have shed the blood of the saints. We agree that MORE blood has been shed by the WHORE of Babylon; BUT, the kings of the earth and their people (NON RELIGIONIST) have as well. BOTH make up MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT; we will see this when we get into Revelation 17 and 18..

Jeremiah 51:41..."How is Sheshack taken! and how is the praise of the WHOLE EARTH (because it covers the whole earth) SURPRISED! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations."

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so THAT DAY come upon you unawares. For AS A SNARE shall it come on ALL them that dwell on the FACE of the WHOLE EARTH." Luke 21:34-35

Jeremiah 51:44-45 is mentioned again and will be again before we are finished.

"MY PEOPLE, go ye OUT OF the mist of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD." Jeremiah 51:45  Verse 47 and 48.."Then the heaven and the earth, and all that therein, shall sing for Babylon: (this is world wide joy) for the spoiler shall come unto her from the NORTH, saith the LORD. As Babylon hath caused the slain of Israel to fall, so AT BABYLON shall fall the slain of ALL THE EARTH.

This is TOO plain of revelation from (verses 47-48) God's word to reject! EVERY word as it first came to us in our language is very important; and we have faith in God that every word is just as he first gave it to the apostles and prophets. Allow any man to change ONE word of it, then you have allowed your Bible to be corrupted. God HAS preserved his word from the hands of wicked men forever! Psalm 12:6-7 Do your part as lovers of the scriptures, and reject other translations of the Bible in our language. We need EVERY word as it was first given to preserve the truths therein.

The Babylon that the holy prophet is speaking of, covers all the earth. It is upon many waters. Her destruction is sure, just as sure as the sure mercies of David to God's elect. Read carefully the remaining verses of Jeremiah 51:52-58..

"Thus saith the LORD of host; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be BURNED WITH FIRE...." The Prophets of old wrote in proverbs to people and to nations to whom they were sent; their words had a spiritual truth concealed by the words written; those spiritual truths concealed in their writings are revealed in the New Testament to God's saints. That is the method that God chose to hide truth from men, since the foundation of the world. It is totally effective!! The wise of this world apart from God's Spirit could NEVER know those truth hidden within the Holy scriptures.  Read Matthew 13:10-17.

RB, this is another waste of your time in your discussion of Jeremiah if you cannot supply the verse that says Mystery Babylon receives a deadly wound to a non-existent head which then becomes healed.  Where is such a verse?  THERE IS NONE.  John's Revelation is very clear that it is the SEA BEAST receiving this deadly wound to one of its heads - NOT Mystery Babylon.  Stick to the context please.

You should spare yourself the effort of copying all this material that offers no proof of Mystery Babylon being the one receiving the deadly wound.  Your arguments are going nowhere.

THE PROPHET ISAIAH AND BABYLON

So, let us start with the OT prophets and let them tell us whom God's word reveals is Mystery Babylon.

ISAIAH 13...The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. There are many things within this chapter that will not allow one to LIMIT it to the literal city of Babylon, or, to any literal city that 3 Resurrections may believe it is.

First, and MOST important point that makes us look PAST the literal city of Babylon in Isaiah's day is found in verse 11 or any city as far as that goes..."And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, (destroying a literal city will not cause pride to cease, but punishing the world by total destruction will cause pride to cease) and will lay low the naughtiness of the terrible."

This warning is to Babylon, (verse 1) who Isaiah refers to as "the" world and the wicked in it. That's not my interpretation but the Holy Ghost speaking through Isaiah. The world without God and wicked therein ARE Babylon that will be destroyed.

This Babylon mentioned in Isaiah 13 will never be inhabited again, (verses 19-20) We know that Babylon was still a literal place during the days of the apostles. 1st Peter 5:13.

The overall message in Isaiah 13 is the FINAL destruction of Babylon, whom the prophet reveals to us is the WORLD and the wicked. Whatever may be in this chapter that may allow one to try to make Babylon mean the literal city of the prophet's day, can be explained by giving the sense that the Spirit would support in other scriptures. The only one that I can see, would be the words, "the Medes;" Yes, God used that nation to defeat and over throw the literal city of Babylon, but not to the same degree as it is spoken of in this chapter. God is using that name to represent those who shall destroy Babylon in that day. The Lord Jesus and his army that follow him back to this earth, at that day.

Thus far, I have no problem with your interpretation, as I understand from scripture as well, that Babylon of the new covenant era in particular, will encompass all of the wicked in this world before Christ's return. Nevertheless I will point out my understanding that the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and the testimony of the Apostles have added greater light and detail to the subject of Babylon the great. Which is not to be ignored or negated by old testament prophecies concerning the same. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in particular, is the primary guiding factor in determining the rest of biblical prophecy concerning Babylon and very much more. IN that especially of course -

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

ISAIAH 14....Here we find a PROVERB (The prophets in the Old Testament spoke MOST of the time in this manner) against the KING OF BABYLON. When we carefully look at this proverb and consider it with God's open word before us, then we know that it is not speaking of any earthly king that has reigned in the literal city of Babylon. Verses 12-15 should remove any questions one may have.

Also, the children of Babylon mentioned in verses 21-22, ARE NOT the literal children of ancient Babylon. We KNOW this by verses 26-27:
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"This is the purpose that is purposed upon the WHOLE EARTH: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon ALL THE NATIONS. For the LORD of host hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand

is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"


The king of Babylon (Lucifer!) shall became like all of the rest of those whom he has deceived. (verse 10): He shall be brought DOWN to hell. (verse 15)

ISAIAH 21: This chapter has a few proverbs within this part of Isaiah's prophecy; there is one that we will only look at and consider it when we see it again in Jeremiah 51:8 and in Revelation 14:8; 18:2.
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"And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answer and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and ALL the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground."

We understand what this proverb is teaching us by others scriptures in the New Testament. WE would NOT know, without New Testament revelation from the apostle John's writings. We will consider them when we get to them.

Before we finish this paper, we will give you many verses from the Old Testament, that does cover many different doctrines, and will prove to anyone who is honest with the holy scriptures, that without the revelation of the New Testament, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to know what the prophets were talking about in their writings.
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ISAIAH 46:1~"Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast."

This is a proverb by the prophet that we will incorporate when we come to others verses speaking about the idols of Babylon, that were abomination to the God of heaven, and, that was the cause of Babylon's total desolation. The Babylon in Revelation chapter 17 and the Babylon in chapter 18, are FULL of IDOLS.

ISAIAH 47..The Prophet is very bold with his words recorded within this chapter toward one he calls: O VIRGIN daughter of BABYLON! (Verse one)

There are too many statements within these verses to even think that it could be speaking of the literal city of Babylon.

The proud spirit of this Babylon in Isaiah 47, is the SAME spirit we see in Babylon of Revelation 18. Compare the two:

Isaiah 47:5".....THE LADY of kingdoms.".......Isaiah 47:7..... "And thou saidst, I SHALL be a lady for EVER:" Isaiah 47:8..... "Therefore hear now this, thou that art given TO PLEASURES, that sayest in thine heart, I AM, and NONE ELSE beside ME; I shall NOT sit as a widow, neither SHALL I know the loss of children."  Isaiah 47:9..." BUT (saith the Almighty) these two things SHALL come to thee in a MOMENT in ONE DAY, the loss of children, and widowhood: they SHALL come upon thee in their PERFECTION (total destruction) for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments." THIS WORLD has abundance of them, as we will see in Revelation 18!

Isaiah 47:10-11..Read them carefully, please. " .......desolation shall come upon thee SUDDENLY, which thou shalt not know."  "......FROM THY YOUTH" She was ONCE a virgin daughter when the most high created her, but sin entered into her; now, her wisdom and knowledge hath perverted her. The "MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT" has been in the world since the garden of Eden......FROM THY YOUTH!

Isaiah 47:14-15.."Behold, they (the multitude of counsels in Babylon-v13) shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them. they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy MERCHANTS, from thy youth: they shall WANDER every one to his quarter; NONE SHALL SAVE THEE." We will see more in Revelation 18 when we get there. 

Isaiah 48....There are a few short proverbs that cover a few things in this chapter. Babylon is mentioned in two of them by it's name and in others by their deeds.

Isaiah 48:14.."....he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans." ~The only Babylon that is on the prophet's thoughts would be: the Babylon that is this world and the things that are in the world. I know that by what is in verse 20: "Go ye FORTH of Babylon, FLEE ye from the Chaldeans........." This SAME command is founded in Revelation 18:4; which we will consider later, when we arrive there. The New Testament USE OF the word....... (without which, we would not know) ..... tells us HOW we SHOULD UNDERSTAND the sense of the word Babylon, as the Spirit used the word many times over in the old Testament. We DO NOT speculate or use "Extra Biblical" help to try to figure the meaning of MYSTERY BABYLON, and leaving our hearers AT OUR MERCY. We want to leave them trusting ONLY the scriptures for truth, not our knowledge of things outside of the scriptures of TRUTH. Most of that in this world that is outside of the scriptures will perish with this world at that day; will perish as useless, corrupt materials; BUT, the word of God will endure for ever. It must, because it is the truth, and truth cannot be destroyed.

WHOM shall a child of God trust: the man that puts on a good show and removes ALL warnings of God's judgments from their followers? or the man who said: As the LORD liveth, WHAT the LORD saith unto to me, THAT WILL I SPEAK! 2Kings 22:7-28......."Hear thou therefore the WORD OF THE LORD." (verse 19)

Ye be the judge, using only the Bible, and not your emotions, OR your place in the synagogue! John 9:22; 12:42 OR, any other thing that may cause you to go against the truth. ONE DAY, it will be ONLY you and the Lord Jesus Christ looking eye to eye; I can promise you that you  would love to have this day back again, to do it HIS WAY and NOT your way. WHOM shall we follow? As for me and my house, we shall follow ONLY the scriptures! And those men and women who follow ONLY the word of God.

Jeremiah next....RB

You are preaching to the quire again RB. You have never seen me write anything contradicting the above scriptures, only accepting the greater detail and understanding revealed about Babylon in the new testament Scriptures. Babylon is the corruption of the truth, especially relating to God's people of the old covenant, and His church of the new covenant. The corruption of God's revealed true religion, in regards to the salvation of humanity, as revealed in belief and practice among His chosen people. The corruption started shortly after God instituted the plan of salvation in types and symbols for His children. As demonstrated between the offerings of Cain and Abel.

Gen 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

1Jn 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

Jud 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

I have expounded upon the above on these boards before. At the following link, chapter 9 on thE page entitled SUNDAY, A SIGN, I examine this issue in greater detail.

http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/seventh-day-adventist-forum-(sda)/sabbath-sunday-and-the-abomination-of-desolation/

In the worship and offerings of Cain and Abel, we see the underlying principles of God's true religion in this world, as opposed to the evil's one's counterfeits. The Church of Rome itself being the evil one's masterpiece of deception during this new covenant era. Not alone, but identified as the original and originator of all the others during this new covenant era.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Our main object of disagreement, is concerning the details of new testament prophetic utterance which reveal more specifically, exactly what institution during the new covenant is the actual MOTHER, of all others. You will not allow for historically recorded or present realities, in identifying this MOTHER of all other false religions of the new covenant. I will.

: RB  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 05:09:25
Jarrod~you should know me by now, it does apply to me~just keep reading after I have posted to see. 3 Resurrection knows me better than all of you put together, just ask him he should say the same.

I know you have good intentions.  Bad hermeneutics, but good intentions.

: RB  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 05:09:25
Besides and even greater~this is the very method Jesus and his apostles taught us to teach others and for how we should learn to seek and trust the scriptures for THE TRUTH as it is in Jesus Christ.

It really isn't.  Jesus makes so many references to what you call 'extra-Biblical material' that I couldn't list them all if I tried.  All the parables are couched in language that comes straight out of intertestamental books.

Jarrod

: 3 Resurrections  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 09:29:52RB, this is another waste of your time in your discussion of Jeremiah if you cannot supply the verse that says Mystery Babylon receives a deadly wound to a non-existent head which then becomes healed.  Where is such a verse?  THERE IS NONE.  John's Revelation is very clear that it is the SEA BEAST receiving this deadly wound to one of its heads - NOT Mystery Babylon.  Stick to the context please.

You should spare yourself the effort of copying all this material that offers no proof of Mystery Babylon being the one receiving the deadly wound.  Your arguments are going nowhere.

Couple of things~the material is MINE every single word that I put together in 2009~here is the front page of my material :

" 18 February 2009
Page  1 OF 77

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT Revelation 17:5: By D. W. "Red" Baker; Introduction to this mystery called: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT CITY".......



I wrote this as I was leaving the church of Greenville for the last time never to return since JRC was a half-baked preterist which you took and went even farther than he was going. I wrote this so I would have a record of exactly what I believe and why I could longer be part of a group that rubber-stamped most of God's word FULLFILLED 70 A.D.! You are now about 98 % to full preteristism~ which doctrine I detest as heresy and will fight it as long as God gives me the power to do so.

This work was put together over a few months~I even got up in the middle of the night when God took sleep away from me and gave me thoughts to add to my small little paper. I made notes after notes and then organized them all into this small booklet that I have only given to a few folks. So, not a word from any other person, that I can remember.

RB, this is another waste of your time in your discussion of Jeremiah if you cannot supply the verse that says Mystery Babylon receives a deadly wound to a non-existent head which then becomes healed.  Where is such a verse?  THERE IS NONE. 

PLEASE give me time~I'm not going to post all which I have but will cover most of the most important scriptures. I'll let God show me my labors are in vain, I know folks like you hope they are~you remind me of Sanballat, and Tobiah who labored to stop Nehemiah from doing the work God gave him to do~You should know the story well, maybe you might want to read up on it to make sure you are not following them, it sure looks like you are.

I have two doctor's appointments today so I'll wait to answer posts or to post more. RB 

: Amo  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 14:40:33Thus far, I have no problem with your interpretation, as I understand from scripture as well, that Babylon of the new covenant era in particular, will encompass all of the wicked in this world before Christ's return.

Amo, I agree that you and I on many scriptures will be in agreement~ even though we will disagree.

You want to limit Mystery Babylon to Catholicism~ and God's word is much broader in its application concerning Mystery Babylon. Babylon is a CITY not literal but spiritual in nature~and this city has its RELGLION and its COMMERCE/ENTERTAINMENTS.

Revelation 17 addresses its false religion with the RCC/EOC as its primary source of religion while the Pentecostals have quickly caught up with them.

Revelation 18 addresses its COMMERCE and ENTERTAINMENTS all of which its king~the devil himself has invented to DECEIVE those that will give their heart, soul, and mind in serving him and in order to enjoy these things one must have the mark of the beast to buy and sell OR to live and enjoy these things which this Babylon will create in the latter days under its king.

3 Resurrections teaches the devil and his little demons were destroyed in 70 A.D.  Wonder whose behind that teaching that wants folks to believe he no longer is present in this world working in his children?  ::pondering::

: RB  Mon Feb 14, 2022 - 08:55:37
Amo, you truly are saying no more than what I believe and teach. The final analysis is scriptures interpret scripture and then they yield to us THE TRUTH. Look at the scriptures you presented and it becomes quite obvious you are actually supporting my position. Your post is going in a circle and coming right back to what I'm saying. "not only that are a crucial element of prophetic fulfillment and understanding"~historical events within the scriptures is exactly what I believe and teach.

"All of this of course of necessity being directed by the Spirit of God Himself"~okay, I agree, so, I ask you............. what is the purpose of your post?

Limiting the literal city of earthly Jerusalem during the days of Christ to Mystery Babylon, (  3 Resurrections )  or, to the RCC false sect ( a host of sects ) ~does not come by comparing scriptures with scriptures, but is a force teaching in order to divert men from the truth as revealed in the scriptures, by following the flow of the revelation from OT prophets to NT apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I was responding to the following assertion -

Revelation of God's truth comes through the scriptures and by the SPIRIT; not history books! Not the scriptures and help from history!

History confirms prophecy. Without it, prophecy would have no meaning. The prophecies are recorded, so that as history unfolds, they may be identified as fulfilled and inspire faith in God's prophetic word. So, as I see it, it is prophetic utterance from God, followed by actual events of recorded history confirming said prophecies. It is scripture and help or confirmation from true historical accounts. For those who must look back in any case, not actually living through the fulfillments. This of course is why the evil one is so set upon false or revisionist history, as we see runnamuck today.

RB, the point is not my scriptural position on the elimination of the Satanic world, nor is it even my Preterist views that are in question.  I am challenging the error in the title of your post, for which you have no scriptural backing at all. 

When a politician is asked a direct question, they usually will never address the question itself, but will deflect with a bunch of comments that have no bearing at all on the subject.   I know you are honorable enough to not be doing this deliberately, but in essence that is what is happening here. 

There is NO verse in scripture that says anything, (and particularly Revelation itself), about Mystery Babylon having any heads at all, or having a deadly wound to one of those non-existent heads which then becomes healed.  You are changing John's words, which is NOT what you should be doing.  It is the SEA BEAST that receives the deadly wound to one of its heads.  We don't even need to go into any definitions of what Mystery Babylon is, or what the heads are, or what the wound is, or what the Sea Beast represents.  None of that is what I am discussing.  It is your post's title that is totally wrong, and your hermeneutics just keep going askew from there.  All the rest of your commentary is just so much smoke screen that blurs the real issue, and that is your changing John's language to fit your long-held viewpoint.  Can't be done, and shouldn't be attempted.

: Amo  Tue Feb 15, 2022 - 05:58:45I was responding to the following assertion -

History confirms prophecy. Without it, prophecy would have no meaning. The prophecies are recorded, so that as history unfolds, they may be identified as fulfilled and inspire faith in God's prophetic word. So, as I see it, it is prophetic utterance from God, followed by actual events of recorded history confirming said prophecies. It is scripture and help or confirmation from true historical accounts. For those who must look back in any case, not actually living through the fulfillments. This of course is why the evil one is so set upon false or revisionist history, as we see runnamuck today.

Amo, I do not disagree "History confirms prophecy"~but that is a far cry from extra-biblical sources is needed to interpret the holy scriptures~for example Josephus' book on the wars of the Jews, etc.

That being said, even using history to confirm bible prophecy, one stills needs to compare scriptures with scriptures and prove what he is saying to confirm it is truly prophesied in the holy scriptures..........so, bottom line, scriptures interpret scriptures in order for one to speak THE TRUTH, or else the person speaking/teaching is nothing more than speaking into the air to the evils spirits in the air who may be behind all he is saying, good chance they are in spite of 3 Rusrrections doctrines of devils that they are long gone since 70 A.D. They are shouting his praises without question on that doctrine.

: 3 Resurrections  Tue Feb 15, 2022 - 09:15:57 I am challenging the error in the title of your post, for which you have no scriptural backing at all. 

You must wait until the spiritual puzzle is put together and when it is, then it will be seen clearly Mystery Babylon, headed up under its king the prince from the bottomless pit is also the spirit of the sea beast that makes war against the saints and overcomes them~NOT DESTROYING THEM but silencing them in the temple of God which the man of sin/THE abomination will take total control over just before the coming of Jesus Christ that God WILL makes desolate at His coming. Much like the man of sin ruling in the Jewish Temple at Christ's first coming.

Just because you cannot grasp a hold of these truths, does not make them unbiblical. You can labor to prove we are not using the scriptures properly when we address the particular section of God's word like ISAIAH 13, where we started would be the perfect place for you to start. Do not start at the end, but at the beginning with me. You MUST prove I'm starting off wrong, or else you really have no grounds to argue with me.

I know why you are so anxious to prove me wrong~it is because this truth that we will present destroys completely your doctrine that you so much cherish. I will address this more in detail when we arrive at Revelation 17,18. 

Amo, I do not disagree "History confirms prophecy"~but that is a far cry from extra-biblical sources is needed to interpret the holy scriptures~for example Josephus' book on the wars of the Jews, etc.

That being said, even using history to confirm bible prophecy, one stills needs to compare scriptures with scriptures and prove what he is saying to confirm it is truly prophesied in the holy scriptures..........so, bottom line, scriptures interpret scriptures in order for one to speak THE TRUTH, or else the person speaking/teaching is nothing more than speaking into the air to the evils spirits in the air who may be behind all he is saying, good chance they are in spite of 3 Rusrrections doctrines of devils that they are long gone since 70 A.D. They are shouting his praises without question on that doctrine.

Of course many people will wrongly apply history according to their own understanding. As the bible itself addresses.

2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Private interpretations run amuck, according to the will of God, and the evil one. For the evil one desires deception, and the Lord desires none but those who truly seek His guidance with all their heart and soul, to know Him and understand His ways.

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Is it not of course the same concerning biblical prophecy? None but those who humbly seek the truths of God's word unto the glory and honor of His name, and not their own or that of another, shall be given understanding by the Holy Spirit of God. As it should be. And who is humble before God, but those who bow to His authority in submission to the one they trust completely with their lives.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Shall those who will be called least in the kingdom of heaven because they refuse the authority of God's commandments, be privy to the mysteries of God? Will God's Spirit be poured upon such unto revelation, who will not even acknowledge the basic fundamental authority of His commands? Should God pour out His Spirit upon such?

Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Should hypocrites, who reject one of God's commands in favor of their own or some one else's teachings, be given the gift of the Holy Spirit of God unto the truth? Those who vainly worship God, in making His commandments of none effect by their own traditions? Those who honor God with lip service alone, worshiping in vain according to the teaching, doctrines, and commandments of men? 

Mar 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Again, why would hypocrites who honor God only with their lips while their hearts are far from Him, receive understanding from the Holy Spirit of God? Those who worship God in vain by laying aside His commandments, and replacing them with doctrines, traditions, and commandments of men. Making the commandments of God of none effect by doing so. Should these be given the Holy Spirit of God unto proper understanding in rightly dividing His word?   

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him..................................................................
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Who has our Savior declared loves Him, but those who prove their love by believing and keeping His commandments. These are those according to our Savior, that He will manifest Himself to via the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit of God.

1Jn 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Who are the children of God that truly love Him, but those who seek to keep His commandments, because they do not consider them to be grievous. Are they not all privy to God's truth, by revelation from His Holy Spirit?

Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Who are the saints and remnant, who have the testimony and faith of Jesus Christ? Who will have the right to enter in through the gates of Zion, and to partake of the tree of life? According to the word of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, it is those who keep His commandments. Those who will not submit to the authority of the commandments of God, cannot either come to a correct knowledge of the truth. How can they? If they will not accept the authority and truth of that which came directly from the mouth of God to His people, and was written in stone twice by His own finger for His people, how will they ever accept the convictions of the Holy Spirit of God? Having already rejected these simple basic foundational commands and truths. They cannot.

Those willing to ignore the plain simple testimony of the ten commandments, will end up also ignoring other scriptures that will not fit the mold they either prefer, or have formulated from their own understanding. They will ignore some scriptures as they do some commandments as well, to lead down the path they prefer to that which God's word clearly delineates. This they will naturally do with biblical prophecy as well. Focussing upon elements of scripture which support their chosen path, and or ignoring those which do not. One chosen act of indifference towards certain testimony from scripture as it were, leading to another. May God deliver us all fro such.

The holy scriptures and Biblical prophecy give us a lot of information about Babylon the great. Details and symbols which scripture itself has clearly defined for all authentic bible students to comprehend and understand. These details add up to something far more specific than a general application to this world. In my next post I will address many of these details, and the scriptural definitions and explanations of them as well. To ignore all of these identifying marks, can only amount to chosen indifferentism towards recorded prophetic utterance given to humanity under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. May God grant us all the grace to do no such thing.

: Amo  Wed Feb 16, 2022 - 21:33:45
Of course many people will wrongly apply history according to their own understanding. As the bible itself addresses.

2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Private interpretations run amuck, according to the will of God, and the evil one. For the evil one desires deception, and the Lord desires none but those who truly seek His guidance with all their heart and soul, to know Him and understand His ways.

Verse 20 is so often misunderstood.  It is not a statement about the reader of the prophecy; but rather about the prophet who produced the prophecy. To read anything and comprehend it is, by definition, the act of interpretation of what was written.  Clearly, we are to read and comprehend scripture, the word of God. That said, I agree that all too often there is little comprehension of what has been written.

Also, prophesy is not so much the telling of the future; rather it is the declaring of that which is not known by natural means but only by the inspiration of God through the Holy Spirit.

: Amo  Wed Feb 16, 2022 - 21:33:45 2nd Peter 1:16-21~For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Amo, most of your post had nothing to do with what I said~and 2nd Peter 1:16-21 certainly did not.

Peter had mentioned being with Christ on the mount of transfiguration and hearing God's voice, yet as great as that was, we as believers have a MORE SURE WORD (God's voice speaking to us) of prophecy in the written word of God!

This has nothing to do with the subject under consideration but a totally different subject for another day. It has nothing to do with history and the written revelation of God's word, or how men interpret such revelation given to us.

I really could not see the purpose of your post in relation to what I have thus posted~other than these words:

: Amo on: Yesterday at 21:33:45 The holy scriptures and Biblical prophecy give us a lot of information about Babylon the great. Details and symbols which scripture itself has clearly defined for all authentic bible students to comprehend and understand. These details add up to something far more specific than a general application to this world.

Then you should also start with Isaiah 13 and prove that I'm starting off wrong in order to find the true meaning of ...."Mystery Babylon" . One just cannot go straight to Revelation 17 and believe they will come to the true knowledge of the truth.....impossible to do so,

I do commend you for your love of the scriptures and zeal in defending the same.

                                                                                                                  THE PROPHET EZEKIEL CHAPTERS 26-28

EZEKIEL 26-28...The Prophet Ezekiel has many things within his prophecy that are by no means easy to understand. If anyone interprets the prophet's writings literally, then that man will have many strange teachings that he cannot support with the rest of the scriptures. Any Spirit-filled, older saint, will agree with that statement.

If he is wise, a cautious saint will read this book very carefully over a few times, and for a few years, before he is ready to take a firm stand on what he sees therein. Let us look at three chapters that we believe should be part of our study. May you judge for yourselves. I trust I would be content to hold my peace, if a brother has a better interpretation, than my own. May the God of Heaven grant to us this spirit of being meek and lowly~it does not come easy for any of us.

"Let the prophets (in a limited sense, we all are) speak two or three, (when a church comes together in one place) and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first HOLD HIS PEACE." 1st Corinthians 14:29-30

: Paul1st Corinthians 14:32~"The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."

I would be subject to any child of God who may have a better interpretation of the scriptures, than the one I believe I see.

Ezekiel 26~There is a judgment against Tyrus that is DIFFERENT from the one in Ezekiel 27. The one in Ezekiel 26 is against "HER DAUGHTERS;" the one in Ezekiel 27 is against the "COMMERCE/GLORIOUS" CITY of Tyrus.

Above we made mention of a truth that is clearly taught in the scriptures, that is:......

..... there are TWO SPIRITUAL CITIES in this world. One is ZION/JERUSALEM; the other is EDOM/BABYLON. If the world heard these words, then they would think that we are living in a dream world, and that we are beside ourselves and very strange. Many that are very religious would not be very far behind them in their opinions about us. There would be some of God's own children that would believe we are confused or deceived. There is a very small group who would search these things out and would receive them. None of these things or man's vain opinions should ever move the elect. God's elect can be and are in ignorance on some things (we spend our Christian walk being converted on doctrine; this is true of ALL of us, or at least it should. 2nd Peter 3:18) BUT they cannot be deceived to a point where it could be said of them, that their overall doctrine is against the teachings of the scriptures. The doctrine of Jesus Christ being the SON OF GOD, they will not reject. 1st John 4:2-3; 2nd John 7-11. This of ALL doctrine is essential to the Christian faith! There can be NO truth without this confession, which is the foundation of all of our doctrines.

    There are other names used in the scriptures to identify both of these two cities, but these names are used most of the time. One is elected by God's grace, vessels of mercy; the other is passed over and left in their sins, and vessels of his wrath.

    Ezekiel 27...We read of A CITY within this chapter that filled the needs and desires of many people. This city enriches the kings of the earth with the MULTITUDE of its RICHES and its MERCHANDISE.

    Verse 33.."When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise."

Our minds MUST NOT limit this to a literal city; NO MORE, than we would limit ZION to a literal city. Zion was a literal city in Israel of old, but we all know that there is a GREATER Zion than the one mentioned in David's day; One that the prophets of old prophesied good of, concerning things to come, and NOTHING BUT GOOD.

NO MORE than we would limit the city of Jerusalem in the scriptures, to the literal city in the middle east. MANY times in the Bible it is used for God's elect; past, present, and future. As we read the word of God, we allow the context and the contents of those scriptures we are reading to help us give the proper sense to what we are reading; Or, we will be very confused with our understanding of truth.

".......and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the books in the law of God DISTINCTLY, and GAVE THE SENSE, and caused them to understand the reading." Nehemiah 8:7 (the end of the verse) and Nehemiah 8:8

WITHOUT reading the scriptures distinctly and giving the PROPER SENSE, we have NO understanding for ourselves or our hearers!

Ezekiel 28 ..In this chapter we read about the judgment of the "prince of Tyrus;" again, we must rule our minds to receive what we are reading so as to make this chapter fit with others scriptures; and to follow the FLOW of these three connected chapters on the JUDGMENTS of TYRUS.

TYRUS... A name used by Ezekiel that fits PERFECTLY with the BABYLON of the book of REVELATION.

Let us consider these chapters briefly and see if: Ezekiel 26 is the SAME daughters of Babylon of Revelation 17.  Ezekiel 27 is the SAME city of Babylon of Revelation 18. Ezekiel 28 is the SAME prince of Babylon/beast of Revelation. No one should be surprised by the truth that they will see. The AUTHOR of Ezekiel is the SAME as Revelation! And he KNOWS the END from the BEGINNING!

The word of God is God's hidden secrets to his children. If you are reading this, and what I just said, upset you; then, these hidden secrets ARE NOT for YOU! You can go and fill your belly with the husks that the swine's of this world eat, at least you can leave this world with a full belly!

Ezekiel 26....At the end of this world, for a little season (that season, when exactly it started no man can pinpoint; of how long it will last, is not known to man; God's word does reveal to us concerning things to expect and what to look for to help us to know that we are in that little season.) the elect shall suffer persecution greater than in any time of this world history from the Devil, who knows that he has but a short time to do his evil work and show his hatred of God and his children, and to continue his wicked work of destroying this earth and those within.

During that little season, iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold, and people shall betray one another. During that little season, many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. MEGA CHURCHES shall increase, saints shall be put to death (silenced, most likely) and the true Jerusalem (God's saints will be few in number in comparison to the many who follow false prophets) The OUTWARD Jerusalem that will be on the earth at that time, that SUPPOSE to be the elect of God, will be FALSE and the true saints will be few and UNKNOWN to men of this world for the most part. This HAS ALWAYS been true for the MOST PART, that is: God's children are misfits and UNKNOWN to the people of this world. They (the world/Babylon) HAVE ALWAYS looked to false religion as the source of their knowledge of God. THEREBY, they remain in ignorance and darkness. The men that they look to for knowledge, is just as blind as they are, and are just as wicked. They have the same father and belong to the same family.  "He that is spiritual judgeth (knoweth) all things, yet he himself is judged (known) of no man," 1st Cor. 2:15 We know them and their ways, yet they do not know us!

Back to Ezekiel 26..That being said, we read of Tyrus seeing Jerusalem broken, (verse 2) she thinks that she shall be replenished. God's true Jerusalem today is broken by a WAR that the BEAST/BABYLON has against her. She will NEVER be totally defeated but will be overcome to a great degree before this world ends. Revelation 13:7; Revelation 11:7-13.

False religion has increased greatly in this world in the last two hundred years. Consider the many different religions that were NOT here two hundred years ago. I am not going to name them, they are legions! It is true that the mystery of iniquity has always been in this world working since the fall of man, BUT has increased GREATLY during this little season that we ARE now in. Not only the number of false sects has increased greatly, but the multitudes within these sects are great!

Revelation 17 which we will consider when we arrive there, tells of the DAUGHTERS of the GREAT WHORE, that are DESTROYED by the KINGS of this world before this world come to an end. Even though the devil works in BOTH the great whore and the kings of the earth, IT IS GOD that ultimately WORKS in the KINGS heart to cause THEM to hate the whore and kill her. Even though, they have went to bed with her themselves!

In Ezekiel 26:2, we read: "Therefore (because she begins to increase when Jerusalem was broken) thus saith the Lord God; Behold I am against thee, O Tyrus and will cause MANY NATIONS to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up."

Revelations 17:16, "And the ten horns...  (see verse 12, ten is a number of totality and horn equals power; so it means all the kings of the earth that have power)

...which thou sawest upon the beast, THESE shall HATE the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts (they do not know this) to fulfill his will....." Revelation 17:17 in part.

The WALLS of Tyrus shall fall and she (the word her is used in verse 4) shall become a spoil to the NATIONS.

"And HER DAUGHTERS which are IN THE FIELDS shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 26:6 All of her daughters that are in the fields (in the scriptures, the fields ARE the world; See Matthew 13:38; false religion FILLS the earth, from one end of heaven to the other end of heaven.)

Her daughters are those which came through her womb. Babylon is a GREAT CITY and part of that great city is religious; (every great literal city of this earth has a part of it that is religious; this is true of MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT). This great city of Babylon HAS GIVEN BIRTH to MANY false beliefs and sects. These sects are called DAUGHTERS of the WHORE, because they ALL came FROM the womb of the MYSTERY BABYLON.

Here in Ezekiel 26, under the name of Tyrus we see what we see in Revelation 17 of the daughters of the whore being destroyed by KINGS of the world (they BOTH belong to BEAST/BABYLON/SATAN, they both have his name, his image, and his mark!) In verse 7 of Ezekiel 26, it states that it was Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, who will destroy Tyrus, but in verses three and verse five it is the NATIONS. So we understand that Satan who is king of his Babylon works through the kings of the earth to destroy the daughters of Tyrus/Babylon. God moving BOTH of them to destroy FALSE RELIGION, just before this world comes to a end. Then, God will destroy their paradise, Satan being the god of this paradise.

The saints LONG to see their deliverance from their LORD!

: JESUS CHRISTLuke 17:22~"And he said unto his disciples, The days will come, when ye shall DESIRE TO SEE one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. "

This verse has NOTHING to do with 70 A.D. The Doctrine within these verses has to do with Christ's SECOND COMING at the END OF THIS WORLD. Preterism is a lie.

It is SO easy to prove to anyone who is not proud of his teaching or to one who is not deceived. If he is deceived, then the verses that follow should open his eyes. He that hath ears, LET HIM HEAR!  There are a few reasons why this has NO reference to 70 A.D. teaching that is so popular with so many.

Luke 17:34~ "I tell you, (the SON OF GOD SPEAKING, hear ye HIM!) in that NIGHT there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.  Verse 35.."Two women shall be GRINDING TOGETHER; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Verse 36.." Two men shall be in the FIELD; the one shall be taken, the other one left.

These verses make it perfectly clear, that when Jesus Christ comes again: It will be NIGHT somewhere in this world, it will be late afternoon somewhere in this world and it will be during the day, somewhere in this world. We know this by the words: In the bed sleeping in the NIGHT.....women GRINDING TOGETHER...men working in the FIELDS! and there are other things within these verses that prove what I am saying, but we must move on. If this does not prove it to someone, then maybe nothing will. One CANNOT work in the fields if someone is sleeping in the bed at night, if this is NOT speaking of something that takes place WORLD WIDE!! It just cannot happen, and everyone reading this KNOWS that as well as I do. If someone would disagree with this then you could NEVER convince them of anything!

In Ezekiel 26:12-13, we know that this perfectly describes the false churches of our day. Riches, pleasant houses (worship buildings, temple) songs, music, etc. There is a day coming when FALSE RELIGION shall never be found again.

Ezekiel 26:21.."I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be NO MORE: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou NEVER be found again, saith the Lord God. "When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the lows parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; I SHALL SET GLORY IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING;" (that can only be true in the new heaven and earth, ONCE the wicked are rooted out of it) Ezekiel 26:20

Ezekiel 27....I love the scriptures because there is NOT a book in this world like it! Later.........

   

                                                                                                 THE PROPHET EZEKIEL CHAPTERS 26-28~part two

Verse 2 starts out by saying, "NOW"...By that word, I understand the Spirit of God telling me, that what we just considered in chapter 26, is ONLY dealing with a CERTAIN part of Tyrus that shall fall and NOW we shall consider another part of Tyrus that SHALL likewise fall and be NO MORE AT ALL!

Thank you most blessed God in heaven for enabling thine elect to see and know the truth! Read this chapter carefully and read Revelation a few times, then you will see that these chapters go together.

Babylon of Revelation is here under the name of Tyrus which is evident when we seriously ponder the words in Ezekiel 27.

Mystery, Babylon the Great is Satan's kingdom/city that he has built for himself. The people of this Babylon worship the dragon (Revelation 13:4,8) whose names are NOT written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. This Babylon (Tyrus in Ezekiel 26-28) has EVERYTHING that sinful man lusts after and has a lot of it and the best of it. EVERY fruit (Revelation18:14) their souls lust after ARE in this Great Babylon.

Verse 3..Tyrus is a MERCHANT of the people for MANY ISLES. All nations bring their goods INTO TYRUS. Tyrus in Ezekiel and Babylon in Revelation is NOT to be taken as literal cities in Bible prophecy.

The nations in Ezekiel 27 brought their goods INTO Tyrus and caused her to be beautiful. She boasted and said: "I am of PERFECT BEAUTY" verse 3. Sound familiar?

The BUILDERS of Tyrus had perfected her beauty. Verse 4, Look and consider what the craftsmen of this world have done to the world in which you live. They have gotten rich making this world beautiful to look at where ever you may go, it is everywhere. Each one (nations) trying to outdo the other. Dubai is a perfect example.

As you read through this chapter you will notice they have the BEST of everything, and the wisest of them leading the way. verses 5-9 They have great military might; verses10-11.....They have riches in abundance; verse12. NOTICE PLEASE..These were NATIONS of the WHOLE EARTH working separately, yet BUILDING up this BEAUTIFUL, POWERFUL CITY, called by the name Tyrus. All the kingdoms of the earth traded in Tyrus's fairs, Verses 12-23! Verse 24.."These were thy merchants in ALL sort of things........" Compared with Revelation 18:7-15~this is not by coincidence. As in Revelation 18, so in Ezekiel 27, their END is JUDGMENT by the God of heaven.

"Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst seas in the day of thy ruin." verse 27

"and shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:" verse 30 cp. Revelation 18: 19.

Verse 31 about the same as verse 30.

Verse 32.."And in their WAILING they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, What CITY is like TYRUS, like the destroyed in the mist of the sea?

READ REVELATION 18 and then tell me before the God of heaven that they are not speaking of the SAME EVENT!

Verse 33.. ".....Thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise." Revelation 18:9
What is amazing is this: Some of these riches and merchandise came FROM the kings own nations, that were used in BUILDING this GREAT CITY called here Tyrus, but in Revelation called by Mystery, Babylon the Great CITY of the DEVIL himself, that HE has builded to SEDUCE his followers! And MANY are RUNNING to get to this city as fast as they can! He that hath eyes, let him see!

Verses 33-35 should be easy to see now that we have proved that this chapter goes hand in hand with Revelation 18.

Tyrus/Babylon will be destroyed forever, never to be found again, no NEVER TO BE FOUND AGAIN. verse 36 and Revelation 18:11,21,22,23,

Ezekiel 28..We now have only two chapters more to consider in the Old Testament, before moving into the New Testament. We admit that with each chapter we are looking at in the OT, the harder it is to explain these scriptures as we work our way to the end of the OT. We will be thankful when we get to Revelation to help us to see more clearly. If it was easy to see and understand, than it would NOT be a MYSTERY; but, it is a hidden mystery in the BOOK OF GOD, for his chosen people to search out and to contend for as they are revealed to us by the Spirit.

: RBOne more thought before chapter 28: If God hides mysteries within the Bible, and he did, why would a saint look outside of the Bible for revelation on those mysteries? We MUST trust the word of God ALONE to reveal it's own interpretations. It is his word and interpretations/revelations and revealing of secrets belong to him alone.

Genesis 40:8 "....Do not interpretations belong to God?" said Joseph to Pharaoh's officers. Daniel 2:20-23 ......The best commentary on the word of God is the WORD OF GOD! We could give examples from the word of God to prove this, but it is another subject for another time

.

Ezekiel 28:1-2....This chapter from verse one down to verse 19 is judgment from the LORD upon the prince of Tyrus.

Is the prince mentioned in this verse a prince that one time lived in Tyrus/Tyre? Or, is the prince of verse two down to verse nineteen Satan? Regardless of one's position, both sides do have problems verses that need to be addressed. Overlooking them and not addressing them, weakens one's position before his reader.

Those men who hold to a literal prince, cannot identify him WITH the scriptures. Any man who wants to PLAY with history, and read Josephus to help them with their understanding of the word OF GOD, should be rejected by God's elect, who live by the word of God ALONE. There is NO material outside of the holy scriptures that can give revelation on them, NONE. Once a believer in God's word, allow any material to be used ALONG WITH the Bible FOR LIGHT on its hidden truths, then where will you stop and what should you believe and what should you reject and WHO shall we trust, other than the words of the TRUE and living God? There is no answer to those questions! The HOLY SCRIPTURES are the ONLY writings in this world that are perfect with all truth without lies; add others things with the truth/God's word, and you will have a mixture of truth and lies, and to the degree, you exalt the one above other, will be the degree of truth and lies you will hold to. This goes without reason.

There is no doubt that the prince in Ezekiel 28 is Satan. There are too many plain descriptions that are so detailed that could only be said of Satan and not of a literal man.

Verse 2..What is written in this verse could only be said of Satan. "Thus saith the LORD GOD; because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am God, I sit in the seat of God, in the mist of the seas;" In this world, it is Satan that sits in the mist of the seas.....

.....In Revelation 17 and 18, we see the BEAST and HIS kingdom giving POWER to both a whore and to great Babylon, of which the woman was very much part. (Amo, please take note) The whore and the kings of the earth sitteth upon MANY WATERS or in the MIST OF THE SEA.

This whore is NOT limited to RCC. The seas/many waters are: peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Revelations 17:15.

Again, this prince said: I am God, I sit in the seat of God; This can only to said of Satan and those who live under his power and do his will~in religion or outside of religion, the same spirit rules in both of those who have the mark of the beast.

This is the spirit of the man of sin in 2Thessalonians 2:1-12. The MAN OF SIN is just as simple as it sounds: a man that lives under the power of sin and the devil. We could spend time here on this subject but must keep moving.

"yet, thou art man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God." Should we look at the words: Yet, thou ART MAN, and not God..and believe that this prince is a man like we are and close our eyes to the many things mentioned from verse 2 to verse 19, that reveals that this prince is not man in the literal sense of the word as we use the word man.

Again, if one takes the position that the prince of Tyrus, in Ezekiel 28, is a man as we are, then he must close his eyes to much contents of the verses that follow the statement in verse two: "thou art man, and not God."

Again, no man has the right to "overlook" the words of the prophet in verse two (thou ART a MAN) and still think of himself as one that is faithful with God's word; we likewise should labor to be just as honest as we want other men to be. We must labor to give a sense of any words that we come across as we are reading, that would fit with God's truth throughout his word, of the particular doctrine we are teaching.

Angels are powerful spirits that were created by the Almighty, that are a little higher than man. They are not self-existence eternal spirits who have no creator that they owe their existence. They are the work of the Spirit who is the Maker of ALL things; The One that inhabiteth eternity; He that is from everlasting to everlasting. The LORD of Host is His name. He is the LORD of all hosts, in heaven and in earth.

In comparison to the Almighty, EVERYONE is less than nothing, whether in heaven or in earth. Man OR ANGELS; .......

......though angels are great in power, they ARE as a man, in COMPARISON TO JEHOVAH, the Almighty, THE I AM.  Angels in the scriptures did at times come down to earth to work for their Maker, whom they serve perfectly at his pleasure.

"And there came two ANGELS to Sodom at even." Genesis 19:1 "And when the morning arose, then the ANGELS hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city." Genesis 19:15~".............for thereby some have entertained ANGELS unawares." Hebrews 13:1.

The point we want to make is this: There is NOT a big difference between angels and men, man being a little lower; between angels (Satan being the most powerful) and the ALMIGHTY, there is a INFINITE space between them!

That being said, that is why the Spirit in Ezekiel 28:2 said that the prince of Tyrus, who IS Satan, is NOT God, but man. When one compares the two together, Satan/the ALMIGHTY, Satan is as a man! Though, in his wicked heart, he wants to be like the Most High in everything; but he is NOT God, but man!

We will add this: the main reason, among many, why the devil so hates Jesus Christ is this: he was defeated by JESUS, the son of David, or JESUS THE SON OF MAN! Though he was as well: Jesus Christ the Son of God; but it was Jesus as a man that defeated the prince of this world! I ask you, what does that make the prince of this world in comparison to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Again, remember this and never forget this blessed truth: There is A MAN at the right hand of the Majesty in the heaven; He has been highly exalted to that place and will remain there, until God makes all of his foes his footstool. When all rule and authority and power is put DOWN; then cometh the end and when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject into him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Yes, it was the SON OF DAVID, that spoiled principalities, and powers!

That which follows proves that the prince/king of Tyrus in Ezekiel 28 is Satan:

1. He is wiser than Daniel and there is no secret that a man can hide from him. Verse 3. God made Daniel the wisest man as far as understanding secrets that has ever lived. This king of Tyrus was wiser than Daniel.....

"Son of Man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, FULL OF WISDOM and PERFECT IN BEAUTY." verse 12

2. By being FULL of wisdom (not infinite) this king made himself a great city;(Ezekiel 27:32) with great riches; this he did by his great wisdom.

"With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy GREAT WISDOM and thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart if lifted up because of thy riches:" Ezekiel 28:4-5 These verses go perfectly with Daniel 11:43: "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and sliver, over all the precious things of Egypt...."

We will look at Daniel chapter eleven as our last chapter in the Old Testament, before looking at the New Testament. If one understands Daniel eleven, then he will have no problem making the connection between the other chapters we have considered already; neither will he have trouble making the connection with that which we will consider in the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ;

NOT the book of the Revelation of Catholicism/Rome! AMEN!

3. This king was in Eden the garden of God. What prince was there, other than Satan? Verse13

4. He was PERFECT in beauty in the day that he was created. verse 12,13

5. He was created not born. verse 13....angels are all created, only our first parents were created; the rest were born. This is not too deep to follow.

6. This prince was the anointed cherub that covereth; anointed by God himself. verse 14...This can not be said of any man born of Adam's race.

7. He was upon the holy mountain of God. and walked up and down in the mist of the stones of fires. Job 1:6-12 .....No earthly prince that is a son of Adam has ever done this. verse 14

8. The prince in Ezekiel 28 was PERFECT from the day he was CREATED, TILL iniquity was found in him. verse 15. This is a created spirit! Every son of Adam was BORN IN SIN; sin was NOT LATER found to be in man; man was CONCEIVED in sin. The devil was created PERFECT by God, and later fell! I am not going to give many quotes from the Bible, ALL should know this elementary doctrine. God COULD have ELECTED him and kept him from falling, but chose NOT to do so. Many angels God elected, many he did not. "I charge thee before God and the ELECT ANGELS...." 1Timothy 5:21~There should not be any doubt who the king/prince of Tyrus is, by God's saints, after considering these overwhelming clear statements by the prophet Ezekiel.

That being said, here is the sum of these three chapters from Ezekiel the prophet.

: RBIn chapter 26 we have the destruction of a part of Tyrus/Babylon, which is the RELIGIOUS part of the city. In Chapter 27 we have the COMMERCE/and all that is connected with that part of any great city, which would include the entertainment, art, and science part of Tyrus/Babylon, destroyed. In chapter 28 the king, who by his great wisdom built and made Tyrus/Babylon a great and prosperous city/kingdom. The SAME order we have in Revelation 17-20!  He likewise shall watch his great city destroyed and himself cast out and cast into the lake of fire, never to be any more. "All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shall be a terror, and NEVER shalt thou be ANY MORE." verse 19 .....Revelation 20:10

Again~The order given in these three chapters is the SAME order that we will find again in the book of Revelation chapter 17-19. Whatever seems to be hard to understand within these chapters is clearly brought forth in the New Testament. The prophet did speak in proverbs and dark sentences to hide a secret therein. But the mystery does unfold for us as we come to the New Testament. This is the means that the ONLY WISE God has chosen to conceal his truths. He does give us enough light to lead us to the revelation of his blessed truths HIDDEN within HIS WORD. We trust Him to reveal his truths to us, by His Spirit. BUT REMEMBER, his truth is ONLY within the pages of his word, NOT outside of them. Those who want to look to history for help or light on interpreting the scriptures; LET THEM ALONE;

Matthew 15:14~"Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

BEWARE and TAKE HEED toward ANY MAN, who uses "EXTRA BIBLICAL" means to teach YOU, doctrine that they claim is in the Bible, yet they use OUTSIDE means to teach you: "thus saith the Lord". DO NOT FALL FOR THAT LIE!

If you were taught by others using "Extra-Biblical" means to support their doctrine they taught you; then STOP doing the same way in teaching others; REPENT, and the Lord will forgive, and will give mercy to any that seek it. BEWARE and take HEED.

Revelation 22:18-19~"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of this prophecy of this book, IF ANY MAN shall ADD unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And IF ANY MAN shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

This means ALL of the Bible, for the scriptures are ONE cohesive whole.

Before leaving Ezekiel 28 we must see the death blow to this proud wicked prince, who thinks he is as God. He shall die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hands of STRANGERS. The prophet Ezekiel does not tell us who these STRANGERS are, we must seek help elsewhere in the scriptures of truth.

The devil is the prince and power of the air, he rules over the people of this world; but the kingdom shall be taken from the devil and his children and given to Jesus Christ and his children. The saints of the Most High are at the moment, STRANGERS in this world, but we shall come back with our prince and take it from God's enemies to posses it for ever, even for ever and ever.

See Hebrews 11:13; 1st Peter 1:1; 2:11 with Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:7-9 These are the STRANGERS....... (mentioned in verses 7, 10,)
.....along with their mighty Prince, that shall destroy the devil and his army at the last day. The enemies shall be cast out of this world into the lake of fire..... (deaths, verses 8,10: the second death)

....Then shall be a new heaven and earth where we shall reign for ever and ever with the our MIGHTY KING and LORD.

Next, let us consider the last of the Old Testament scriptures on this subject before we look at the New Testament. Then, after we finish with the New Testament, we will give some closing remarks to consider concerning: Mystery, Babylon the great.

                                                                                   DANIEL 11 INTRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS TO HELP US.......

This chapter will be a little harder to see than the last. Our Lord spoke in many parables (this chapter without controversy is in a form of a parable) as we all know; it is very important when laboring to understand a parables is this: You do not need to interpret every word within the parable, in order to know the truth behind the parable you are considering. Daniel of all prophets could have the most difficult prophecy of all. He understood secrets; and when asked, revealed them by God's mercy. Daniel's writings/visions are just as hard (maybe harder) as the visions he revealed for king Nebuchadnezzar. I believe that is a very fair statement that most would not disagree with. Would not the wisest prophet, have the most difficult writings? It would be very fitting that he would have them.

Daniel 12:8-9~"And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words ARE CLOSED UP and SEALED till the TIME OF THE END."

The end in this verse, is this world as we know it. I know this by many facts revealed to us in this book; but one for now: "But go thy way (to his fathers, death) TILL the end be: for thou SHALT REST, (death for a child of God is REST/SLEEP, till the resurrection of our bodies) and stand in thy lot (resurrection) at the end of the days. Daniel 12:13

We understand how some interpret the word end in Daniel's prophecy, to mean: the end of the Jewish nation, their temple, their whole system of worship, the end where God is no longer the God of the Jews only, but also, of the Jews and Gentiles. We agree, that all happens, but for different purposes than what they believe. Their doctrine of those things happening are true, but they are NOT taught here. It is very deceitful to use "sound bites" of words, to teach a doctrine you wish to put forth as truth, when the scriptures in that particular place is not teaching what you wish were there; and it may not be taught no where in the scriptures! You need more than "sound bites" to convince God's children what you are saying is indeed the truth of God's word. The content of the context from where you are drawing your support must support you! The end in Daniel 12, will not support from the content of Daniel 12, for those people who hold to what I just mentioned above.

The words of Daniel 12 were spoken AFTER the words of chapter eleven. When Daniel heard everything from Daniel 10:18 to Daniel 12:8, he did not understand those dark sayings from the mouth of the angel that showed him that which were noted in the scriptures of truth. Again, what was said to Daniel by the angel can be found in the scriptures of truth! because the angel said that it would be in them.

Daniel 10:21~"But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scriptures of truth:"

The vision that the prophet Daniel had in Daniel 10 and recorded in Daniel 11, we have  assurance from the angel that talked with Daniel, that we can find other scriptures to help us with our understanding of Daniel's vision. But, we can only find help in the SCRIPTURES OF TRUTH! With that truth and foundation to work from; Please consider with me.... A few thoughts before looking into chapter eleven:

1.The vision required a special visit from a messenger from heaven to help this gifted prophet to have scriptural understanding of the vision. The prophet had understanding of the CONTEXT of the vision, but NOT the spiritual understanding of it. This is seen by reading

Daniel 10:1~ "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision."

But, the angel was sent from heaven to MAKE him understand the spiritual detail of the overall message. We know that the angel did not go into every little word of explaining it, but did give an overall understanding of it. We have much more light in the New Testament to help us out even farther with the understanding of it, without which, we would still be in the dark to a great degree.

Daniel 10:14"Now I am come to MAKE THEE understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."

And there is enough information to guide us in the right direction of understanding Daniel's vision of the end time and that which SHALL BEFALL the HOLY PEOPLE, which were Danile's people, whose names were written in the book of life.

THIS is the SUM of ALL that is in Daniel chapter eleven. After considering the chapter, we must leave that chapter seeing the same truth, and it is this: That which shall befall Daniel's people in the latter days of this earth, just before the resurrection of all that has ever lived in this earth.

2. Daniel's vision will come to pass....Daniel 10:1 "....and the thing IS TRUE..."

3. The TIME APPOINTED for this vision was LONG. It would be many years before the vision comes to pass....Daniel 10:2..and the thing is true, BUT the time appointed was LONG."

4. The vision was revealing a secret that shall BEFALL Daniel's PEOPLE in the LATTER DAY of this world, at the TIME OF THE END.

Please consider the next point, for it is most important to understand; miss this point, and you are going to end up in serious error; with a doctrine that will force you to look at the scriptures in the New Testament with a very limited vision; forcing most of the New Testament in our day into the distant past; with most of the New Testament fulfilled; with nothing left, but the coming of the Lord at the last day; and we will add: a day in which they have no seasons or signs revealing to us of that day of our Lord's coming for us.

We will add: many of these folk have even taken away the resurrection of our bodies and left the believers with no blessed hope. They have taken whole books and many chapters in the New Testament and have stamped them: FULFILLED IN 70 A.D.! The Book of Revelation: fullfilled in 70 A.D. or shorty afterward! Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21: FULFILLED 70 A.D.! 2Thessalonians 2:1-12: Fullfilled in the fall of the Roman Empire!

They have removed MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT from being a secret hidden in the scripture, that has its ultimate fulfillment in the book Revelation and the END OF TIME; of which (the book of Revelation), reveals to us the LAST DAYS of this world; from the death of Christ to the end of this world; and much concerning the little season at the very end of this world. All this being said, let us consider now:

A. Daniel's TRUE people were not fleshly Jews but the RIGHTEOUS/HOLY/WISE of this world, BOTH Jews AND Gentiles . We KNOW that the angel was ONLY referring to them by the words he carefully spoke to Daniel.

Daniel 12:1 "And at THAT TIME (chapter eleven) shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people, (NO angel of heaven has ever stood for ANY of the wicked; they were created as ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for THEM who shall be heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14).

B. The angel made it clear that he only stood for EVERY ONE that shall be found written in THE BOOK. That book is the BOOK of Life. Revelation 20:12,15

C. The angel only stood for the WISE-v3; the HOLY people-v7; and those that were PURIFIED, and MADE WHITE, and TRIED, and again, WISE-v11. They war against the wicked, whether angels or men; Daniel 10:13,20.

5. Daniel's people shall suffer trouble in the latter days~".....and there SHALL BE a time of trouble, such as NEVER was since there was a nation even to that same time..." Daniel 12:1 We see these words again in Matthew 24 spoken by the Lord Jesus. We cannot go there now, but will only say this: Those words have reference to the time just before Christ's coming back to this world the second time. 70 A.D. doctrine taught by so many, DOES NOT FIT into Matthew 24, that so many try to force there. There WILL be a GREAT TRIBULATION time just before this world ends.

6. Daniel's people SHALL be DELIVERED. Daniel 12:1....Daniel's people shall be delivered, but that does not mean that they will not be tried; they will be tried and overcome by MYSTERY BABYLON the great; Just as they were in the days of Daniel. The saints left in this earth at the end of the little season, will be overcome by mystery Babylon the great, but will NEVER be DESTROYED, but will be delivered by the coming of the Lord Jesus.

"....the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In FALMING FIRE taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:-7-9

"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: (the city of wrath is Babylon) and FIRE came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." Revelation 20:9

Our final deliverance is sure, nevertheless during the little season there will be a period of great suffering and rejecting for God's elect.

Daniel 11:35~"And some of them of UNDERSTANDING SHALL FALL, to try them, and to PURGE, and to make them WHITE, (same as what is said in Daniel 12:10!) even to the TIME OF THE END: because it is yet for a time appointed."

"...but the people (Daniel's people) that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: (this is what we are laboring to do) yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days." Daniel 11:32-33~ These things just mentioned can happen in a spiritual sense as well as literal. There is more..

"Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a LITTLE HELP: (there will be only a few that will really understand and follow the truth. One will not have many to help them in that day!) but MANY (religious people that are deceived) shall cleave to them with FLATTERIES." If a man allows another person to use a flattery tongue with him, he is allowing himself to be deceived. When you are being flattered by someone, then you will not be able to see pass that flattering tongue!

7. At the time that these things reach their pinnacle; at the end of the TIME OF TROUBLE, then the resurrection of all men will take place.

Daniel 12:2~"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."

We know how some are bold enough to explain these verses away, but they are easy to understand and should NOT present a problem to God's saints.

"Sleep in the DUST of the EARTH"...is a perfect picture of death and what happens at death. Those (some will be alive at the resurrection) ALL that sleep in the dust of the earth will AWAKE! Some to eternal life and some to eternal damnation.

John 5:28-29~"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which ALL in the graves (dust of the earth in Daniel~RB) shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

Almost the exact words from Daniel 12:2, which had to be where our Lord got his words from that he spoke in John 5:28-29. As the son of man, he only spoke what he knew from the Old Testament scriptures.

8. We will add this one more thing before Daniel chapter eleven. The angel that shewed Daniel the truth of chapter eleven, told Daniel to "SHUT UP" the words, and "SEAL THE BOOK;" by that statement I take those words from the angel to mean this: that the words WILL BE SHUT UP AND SEALED BY GOD. Let us consider these words.

Daniel 12:4 ~But thou, O Daniel, SHUT UP the words, and SEAL the book, EVEN TO the TIME OF THE END: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

In the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we read: "And he saith unto me, Seal NOT the sayings of the prophecy of this book: the TIME is at HAND." Revelation 22:10~There is a part missing in the book of Revelation that is in Daniel 12:4! "Many shall run to and fro, and KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED."

Daniel's prophecy was SHUT UP and SEALED to the TIME OF THE END. AT the END of this world, the God of heaven will increased knowledge IN THE WORD OF GOD for his people concerning the THINGS which are written therein to PREPARE them for those EVIL DAYS that are coming!

From Jesus Christ to the end of this world, we are in the LAST DAYS. The LATTER DAYS of the last days will be the LITTLE SEASON of the book of Revelation!

I have heard Daniel 12:4, misinterpreted every time someone quotes from it. The knowledge that they think will increase will be the intelligent level of natural men!

They need to read the verse very carefully. The first part of the verse explains the second part!

It does not concern me too much when I read the church fathers and see how far they are off on many end-time teachings or they just did not write too much on them, either way, I understand WHY, and so should you, after reading Daniel 12:4 carefully and with understanding.

Then you should also start with Isaiah 13 and prove that I'm starting off wrong in order to find the true meaning of ...."Mystery Babylon" . One just cannot go straight to Revelation 17 and believe they will come to the true knowledge of the truth.....impossible to do so,

I did not say you were wrong, or that all should go straight to Revelation 17. The direction one starts is not as important, as taking all the scriptures upon the subject into consideration unto proper Spirit lead conclusion. The book of Revelation however, is where so very many of the prophecies of the bible meet, and come to ripened fruition. Given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Himself, to His church and body, unto final revelation for His church and this world. The prophecies it addresses then which pertain to the same subjects, meet their final and complete explanation and fulfilment in accordance with these words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   

Old testament prophecies reaching across history to the end often posses a dual nature concerning literal Israel of the old covenant, and spiritual Israel, or the church of Christ during this new covenant era. Or as you have been examining, other literal nations of old covenant times, in relation to the other prophetically spiritual city or nation of Babylon. The nature of these prophecies take on the more universal character of these cities or nation during this new covenant era, as apposed to the literal cities or nations of the old covenant pre-Christ era.

This being of necessity in relation to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who broke down all barriers and walls concerning literal nations, peoples, tongues, and races, in Himself. Opening up all of the blessings upon the literal old covenant Israel, to all of every nation, people, tongue, and race who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Creating the new covenant spiritual Israel of God, which is the Church of Christ. These same principles are now being applied by the evil one's counterfeit of the same, BABYLON THE GREAT. In her efforts to bring about the evil one's counterfeit unification of all nations, peoples, tongues, and races as well. Who will and do exist in direct opposition to that which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has established. Thus the battle between Christ and Satan which began in heaven continues here among us, and will end here among us. The matter is settled already in heaven, but still must be settled by all here.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

All of the prophecies we are examining are in relation to this war between God and Satan which spread to this planet when the evil one was kicked out of heaven. They are all in relation to God's own in Christ Jesus our Lord who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and the rest of the world who will not either keep those commandments or give that testimony. This battle has raged in this world since the fall of humanity in the Garden. After the fall, God established true religion and salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord through the type and symbol of the sacrificial lamb of God, until the real LAMB OF GOD fulfilled the real sacrifice for fallen humanity.

Heb 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.[u/]

God established the true religion of salvation after the fall, but Cain being motivated by the evil one, rejected God's teaching and therefore commands concerning it. After which he killed his brother who was righteous in believing and obeying God's instructions and command being saved thereby (Heb 11:4). This division between those who choose to walk away from God's provisions in salvation, and those who do not, has been going on ever since. Which can be witnessed in the evil one's unending stream of counterfeits created by those rejecting God's plan. Thus the unending battle ever since then between the children of God, and the children of the evil one.

God's salvation was provided for all, but many will not have it. All false counterfeit religion is of the evil one, and of the spirit of BABYLON THE GREAT. The only true religion and salvation are found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Who Himself established both the literal nation of Israel during the old covenant, and the universal spiritual nation of God during this new covenant age. The old being the type of the new. While the evil one established various literal nations and religions during the old covenant, being themselves types of his evil plans during this new covenant era. This in their eventual counterfeit unification unto universal rebellion of this world against God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is where you make your mistake concerning BABYLON THE GREAT, in trying to separate Babylon the world, from Babylon the woman or religion. They are not and cannot be separated, just as Israel cannot be separated from God in Christ Jesus our Lord, but by becoming part of Babylon through the acceptance and promulgation of false doctrine. Which is itself rebellion against and rejection of God. You said the following in one of your posts - 

.....In Revelation 17 and 18, we see the BEAST and HIS kingdom giving POWER to both a whore and to great Babylon, of which the woman was very much part. (Amo, please take note) The whore and the kings of the earth sitteth upon MANY WATERS or in the MIST OF THE SEA.

This whore is NOT limited to RCC. The seas/many waters are: peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Revelations 17:15.

You are mistaken, and wrongly dividing the word of God. There is no BABYLON THE GREAT which is the world, and the woman or harlot of the book of Revelation which is another, but part of the same. They are one and the same, and presented in scripture as such. There is no Roman Catholic Church, without the state or civil power subordinate to it, or at the very least deeply entwined with her. This is what her existence is composed of, church and state.

Rev 14:8  And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Babylon is a woman, a city, who commits fornication with all the nations of earth.

Rev 16:19  And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Again, Babylon is a woman, not just the cities or nations of this world. A woman is  a prophetic symbol of a church or religion, not this world. As can easily be established by scripture, concerning both Christ's church, and apostate religion. Please do reveal the scriptural case for this world being prophetically depicted as a women.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.[/u[] 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

Babylon is specifically not just a women of biblical prophecy, but the mother of many. She is not the world, but rather that apostate religion which will encompass all the worlds nations and false religions unto rebellion against God in the unification of all of the same. She is Satan's new covenant counterfeit of Christ's church unto deception and death. As all the members of Christ's church are members of His body, the Church of Christ, so Satan intends to make all the world in rebellion against God members of his chosen body in submission to his church. The church of Rome. Which is exactly why she is calling for the unification of all peoples, governments, and religions, under her leadership and therefore banner. While do everything possible to make this so. Ignoring this, is ignoring truth.

In my next post, I will address all of the prophetic details which make this truth so very clear. Babylon is responsible for all of the blood of the saints, because she is that same spirit of the evil one who motivated Cain to kill Abel, and every other murder like it since that time. Cain and Abel both worshipped God, They both brought their sacrifices. The difference and cause of jealousy between them on Cain's side, was due to his own refusal to obey God's instructions concerning salvation and the only sacrifice acceptable unto the same. Obedience to God is true sacrifice, as Christ Himself demonstrated when here in the body prepared for Him, which was our body. The sinner can be saved, but none who outright reject the authenticity and or therefore also the authority of God's commands can be. This is the purpose of all false religion, and their mother of course, to bring about rejection of God's rightful and proved authority over all of creation, and the death such causes.

1Sa 15:22  And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Before you make another post, I want to come in the morning and address your post above. You moving forward and not addressing my points truly does nothing to add to your position~it actually weakens your SDA doctrine. I will address your point without any problem. Look for a post to you tomorrow, the Lord willing. RB

: RB  Sat Feb 19, 2022 - 13:22:21
Before you make another post, I want to come in the morning and address your post above. You moving forward and not addressing my points truly does nothing to add to your position~it actually weakens your SDA doctrine. I will address your point without any problem. Look for a post to you tomorrow, the Lord willing. RB

You've already made three very lengthy posts, now you want me to hold off until you can address this one of mine. I have read two of your posts, and addressed the biggest problem I noticed. I don't disagree with everything you are saying, though we do view the whole subject from very different perspectives. I am not however, going to hold off responses until you finish who knows how much more material that I will have to read all of in order to respond. Time is of course always an issue with all of us I imagine.

It is not the world that rides new covenant beasts of biblical prophecy, the woman who is BABYLON THE GREAT does. All the world will decide either to be a part of her kingdom, which proceeds from this world and its prince, or part of God's kingdom which proceeds from above through the Prince of God's own.

Act 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

: Amo  Sat Feb 19, 2022 - 08:21:15Old testament prophecies reaching across history to the end often posses a dual nature concerning literal Israel of the old covenant, and spiritual Israel, or the church of Christ during this new covenant era. Or as you have been examining, other literal nations of old covenant times, in relation to the other prophetically spiritual city or nation of Babylon. The nature of these prophecies take on the more universal character of these cities or nation during this new covenant era, as apposed to the literal cities or nations of the old covenant pre-Christ era.

Amo, I have never been a proponent of that theory~I believe God simply hid truths under literal nations, names, etc. Yet, He never intended a dual fulfillment of that which was prophesied by the prophets of old.

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15 This being of necessity in relation to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who broke down all barriers and walls concerning literal nations, peoples, tongues, and races, in Himself. Opening up all of the blessings upon the literal old covenant Israel, to all of every nation, people, tongue, and race who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Creating the new covenant spiritual Israel of God, which is the Church of Christ.

Briefly on this point~I agree That God's New Covenant consists of men from every nation under heaven~Abraham truly is the father of many nations.

I disagree with

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15to all of every nation, people, tongue, and race who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ

It is not to who would accept but to those who were ordained to eternal life according to the will of God which he purpose in Christ Jesus before the world begun.

: LukeActs 13:48~"And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."

: THE HOLY GHOSTLuke 19:5-9~"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Zacchaeus was indeed a spiritual son of Abraham, and Jesus MUST bring him into the fold of God. That's enough on this subject.

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15These same principles are now being applied by the evil one's counterfeit of the same, BABYLON THE GREAT. In her efforts to bring about the evil one's counterfeit unification of all nations, peoples, tongues, and races as well. Who will and do exist in direct opposition to that which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has established. Thus the battle between Christ and Satan which began in heaven continues here among us, and will end here among us. The matter is settled already in heaven, but still must be settled by all here. All of the prophecies we are examining are in relation to this war between God and Satan which spread to this planet when the evil one was kicked out of heaven. They are all in relation to God's own in Christ Jesus our Lord who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and the rest of the world who will not either keep those commandments or give that testimony. This battle has raged in this world since the fall of humanity in the Garden. After the fall, God established true religion and salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord through the type and symbol of the sacrificial lamb of God, until the real LAMB OF GOD fulfilled the real sacrifice for fallen humanity

Agreed~with one exception~Jesus' sacrifice was for HIS people alone not for every single person that ever lived. He came to SAVE HIS PEOPLE~ those given to him from His Father per John 17 and many other scriptures.

: An angel of the LORDMatthew 1:21~"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Jesus' mission was 100% successful, not one was lost that he came to save by his life, death, and resurrection.

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15God established the true religion of salvation after the fall, but Cain being motivated by the evil one, rejected God's teaching and therefore commands concerning it. After which he killed his brother who was righteous in believing and obeying God's instructions and command being saved thereby (Heb 11:4). This division between those who choose to walk away from God's provisions in salvation, and those who do not, has been going on ever since. Which can be witnessed in the evil one's unending stream of counterfeits created by those rejecting God's plan. Thus the unending battle ever since then between the children of God, and the children of the evil one.

Overall, true.

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15God's salvation was provided for all, but many will not have it.

So far from the truth, but this subject would take us away from the thread's subject.  I will only say this: if salvation from sin and condemnation was provided for all, then ALL would be saved for it is impossible for Christ's purpose of coming into the world to fail~ and this war between the righteous and the wicked would NOT exist. There are TWO generations of people living in this world at any given time~the elect and non-elect~one a chosen generation~1st Peter 2:13; one a generation of serpents, or, non-elect~Matthew 23:33, etc.

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15All false counterfeit religion is of the evil one, and of the spirit of BABYLON THE GREAT.

That's a true statement without any qualifications.

: Amo Reply #35 on: Yesterday at 08:21:15The only true religion and salvation are found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Who Himself established both the literal nation of Israel during the old covenant, and the universal spiritual nation of God during this new covenant age. The old being the type of the new. While the evil one established various literal nations and religions during the old covenant, being themselves types of his evil plans during this new covenant era. This in their eventual counterfeit unification unto universal rebellion of this world against God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

True.

I'm coming back to finish your post in order to keep my post short and readable. I'll finish shortly before the day is over. RB

RB,
Once again you present God as the source and cause, by His direct action, of all evil. That simply cannot be. It goes against everything that God is and such thinking is completely irrational.

: 4WD  Sun Feb 20, 2022 - 06:11:44
RB,
Once again you present God as the source and cause, by His direct action, of all evil. That simply cannot be. It goes against everything that God is and such thinking is completely irrational.

I saw where you started another thread on this, which I do thank you for doing so. I'll come back later and discuss this with you. RB

: Amo  Sat Feb 19, 2022 - 08:21:15This is where you make your mistake concerning BABYLON THE GREAT, in trying to separate Babylon the world, from Babylon the woman or religion. They are not and cannot be separated, just as Israel cannot be separated from God in Christ Jesus our Lord, but by becoming part of Babylon through the acceptance and promulgation of false doctrine. Which is itself rebellion against and rejection of God. You said the following in one of your posts - ".....In Revelation 17 and 18, we see the BEAST and HIS kingdom giving POWER to both a whore and to great Babylon, of which the woman was very much part. (Amo, please take note) The whore and the kings of the earth sitteth upon MANY WATERS or in the MIST OF THE SEA."

This whore is NOT limited to RCC. The seas/many waters are: peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Revelations 17:15.

Amo, not trying to do so, but I'm following the scriptures in doing so.

You and others with you "LIMIT" mystery Babylon to Roman Catholic Church and other false sects as her daughters. Mystery Babylon is this world per Isaiah 13 and other proofs given by us in the prophets~within this world it has its false religion with many false cults ( daughters if you will receive it ) with RCC being the largest whore among them.

In mystery Babylon it also has it commerce, entertainments and other lustful things that its king (the devil himself) has created to deceive the people of Babylon. Revelation 17 addresses the religious part of mystery Babylon, while John in the latter part of 17 and into 18 addresses the main components of mystery Babylon. Which we will address when we come to those two chapters~not until then.

: Amo on Yesterday at 08:21:15They are not and cannot be separated

Now that is strange to say that~Religlion and this world's system outside of religion "are" separated! They are two different systems altogether.

: Amo on Yesterday at 08:21:15You are mistaken, and wrongly dividing the word of God. There is no BABYLON THE GREAT which is the world, and the woman or harlot of the book of Revelation which is another, but part of the same.

You saying that and proving the same are worlds apart. Go back and begin at Isaiah 13 and go from there just as I did.  When I get to Revelation it will be so plain that they MUST be separated. We shall soon see who is rightly dividing the word of truth. I'm certainly not diving it according to the SDA teaching and that's your true beef.

: Amo on Yesterday at 08:21:15Rev 14:8  And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Babylon is a woman, a city, who commits fornication with all the nations of earth.

Rev 16:19  And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Again, Babylon is a woman, not just the cities or nations of this world. A woman is  a prophetic symbol of a church or religion, not this world. As can easily be established by scripture, concerning both Christ's church, and apostate religion. Please do reveal the scriptural case for this world being prophetically depicted as a women.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.[/u[] 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.[/color]

I'll soon cover every single verse in their proper context.

: Amo on Yesterday at 08:21:15In my next post, I will address all of the prophetic details which make this truth so very clear.

I think you should take my post and address them in order before running to the two chapters of Revelation without truth in your hands! When I get there I will have God's truth supporting me as I take those two chapters and prove the mystery of Babylon.

One thought for you~I'll will jump ahead for one thought for you to consider.

Revelation 18:4~"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

If you think for one moment this is speaking of RCC or any other false cult, then you have been badly deceived by the devil himself. This exhortation given by John is the very same exhortation given by him earlier:

: John1st John 2:15-17~"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, (Revelation 18:17-21! RB) and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Selah

As does happen on very rare occasions, I'm going to have to side with 4WD regarding his point. The logical conclusion of pure predestination, is that God is responsible for all evil and death. Not!

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Apart from addressing one of your points in your last post, I am not going to debate point by point with you, I'm already doing that elsewhere to no seeming end. You have been presenting why you believe Babylon is the world according to scripture, and I will present why Babylon is the RC encompassing all the world as her own, according to  scripture.

There is no contradiction at all with the verses you supplied from 1John, in believing that the RC is BABYLON THE GREAT. The RC is the prominent religion of this world, leading the way to the final deception of the unification of humanity in rebellion against God. Calling someone out of the world, is calling people out of the RC and every other false religion, all of which are of this world. Calling someone out of the RC and any other false religion is also calling someone out of this world, in that these are institutions of this world. No contradiction.

BABYLON THE GREAT is positively identified as a women, a whore who commits fornication with the kings and nations of the earth. Biblical prophecy does positively address and define what the spiritual application of such signifies, and it is not the world. Which scriptural evidence and teaching I will address in my next post.

                                                                                                                           DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN

It's going to be a little long but I want to complete the OT with this post. Sorry.

The angel is ready to show Daniel the truth of his vision. "And now will I shew the truth." Daniel 11:2 ...The angel was going to shew Daniel NO MORE than what was ALREADY hidden in the scripture of truth. Daniel 10:21

When one considers Daniel chapter eleven and a few summary verses in chapter twelve that give a little light on eleven, then it makes you appreciate the New Testament, where more light is givien to us.

When we are finished with chapter eleven of Daniel's prophesy, our doctrine MUST be the SAME as what the angel said he was going to shew Daniel.

Daniel 10:14 "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the LATTER DAYS: for the vision is for MANY DAYS."

The angel interprets the latter days and many days, to means AT THE TIME OF THE END. Daniel 12:9 We have Already revealed above who are Daniel's people! We will not repeat ourselves at this point.

We are not going to interpret every little word. The Old Testament books written by the prophets are not written like New Testament gospels/letters/books. In the writings of the prophets, every word is not essential to interpret in order to understand what the prophet is saying or teaching overall. I am not saying that every word is not essential, but only not essential to interpret in order to have an understanding of what the prophet is teaching. I think all would agree with that.

I am going to give you what we believe is the truth in Daniel eleven and then bring out some of the important verses in this chapter to prove our understanding of this chapter.

There are TWO KINGS in this chapter that MUST BE INDENTIFIED by using the scriptures; our interpretation MUST flow with Daniel 12 and agree with it. It MUST agree with New Testament scriptures. By giving our readers our understanding from the start should help them to follow us as we labor to prove our position.

We believe that this chapter is teaching the SAME TRUTH we saw in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The SAME TRUTH we will see much CLEARLY in Revelation 17 and 18. Here the angel who was speaking to Daniel used King of the North and the King of the South, instead of using the word Babylon and dividing them as the angel in Revelation did with the apostle John.

Even though the head of Satan was brusied at the cross; and the power of his kingdom broken throughout the earth; the mystery of iniquity was still at work; many antichrist still in the world; the man of sin still very much active. MAN OF SIN is a MAN who lives under the power of sin. The mystery of iniquity works through a man who serves sin. This man of sin is a ANTICHRIST; at the end of time, a time appointed by God Himself, he will fill the earth and the outward churches of Christ. These are the two kings we see in Daniel chapter eleven.

The King of the north represents the men of this world whose God is the God of forces; he honors a god his fathers knew not, gold, silver, precious stones, and PLEASANTS THINGS, and that many!

Daniel 11:39~ "Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom HE SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE and INCREASED with glory: (a god that he himself builds and worships! It is: THIS WORLD and the things within it that he LOVES and LIVES for, that he himself has built, to SERVE HIM and HIS LUST!~RB) and he shall cause them (strange god) to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain."

These strange gods do rule the men of this world and they all have a piece of the pie, to serve their ungodly lust.

He magnify himself above all. He has NO DESIRE FOR Women, (which could only mean, that he has no desire for RELIGION!) He puts himself above all and does not believe anyone is as wise man. The devil has given this king his throne and power, He has the mark of the devil in his forehead and in his right-hand! he will destroy the king of the south at the END OF TIME. But a GREATER KING and LORD shall destroy him and his army and none shall help him; not even the devil who deceived him in believing that he was above every god, even the Most High. This king hates the righteous and shall make war with them and overcome them. But Michael the great prince that standeth for them, shall deliver them.

King of the south is the religious part of Babylon. "The king's daughter of the south"...We will see more of this in Revelation 17. The Holy Spirit did give us a hint about these two kings when he referred to the king's daughter that went to the king of the north to make an agreement. But in verse 10 we read of "his sons" referring the king of the north assembling a multitude of great forces. The men of THIS WORLD have MEN as their leaders for the most part; thereby, we read: "his sons;" the church in the scriptures is always referred to as a WOMAN. more than one, daughters and sister.

These two are a MAJOR part of this world system called BABYLON, which has been here since Abel and Cain and will come to fruition at the end of time. both are God's enemies, thereby, the saints enemies. Both are part of the generation of the wicked, whose father is the devil. They are a generation of vipers from that old serpent. Psalm 12; Matthew 3:7; 23:33-36

These two kings have been at war at times, and at other times, they have enjoyed FALSE PEACE between them. They BOTH are OUT for themselves. They BOTH are OUT to do away with true worship. BOTH use FLATTERIES freely to deceive their followers and each other.

Daniel 11:5~"And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion, and his dominion shall be a great dominion."

This could mean the "POPE" but I do not know this, but it seems to be a perfect fit. Catholicism is a MAJOR part of FALSE RELIGION in BABYLON! She is the greatest whore in Babylon. She has gotten rich by spreading her legs for her lovers. The Pope is a prince among them. But we know him as A MAN OF SIN. The ONLY time I have ever seen him excited was when that foul sodomite, Michael Jackson danced before him! Of course, this should not surprise anyone knowing their history.

We will look at some of these verses to help us to understand this chapter.

Daniel 11:2..is only mentioned to bring us to verse three and on our way to the TWO KINGS that shall occupy the whole chapter. The kings mentioned in verse two, have NO PART of understanding the chapter. Knowing who they are or not knowing them is of no profit of understanding the message behind this chapter. They are ONLY mentioned to get us to where we need to be, in order for us to get the truth of what the angel is going to reveal to us.

Daniel 11:3..."And MIGHTY KING shall stand up, that shall rule with GREAT DOMINION, and do according to his will." This verse DOES NOT tell us that this king came out of Grecia, which most believe. If we read carefully, we will see this mighty king is the king of the north. Reading verse 3, one can see that this mighty king was ALREADY HERE, for the scriptures do not reveal to us that he came out of any particular kingdom, but that he SHALL STAND UP... The angel is careful to tell us..THAT SHALL RULE with great dominion, and do according to his will. The scripture does not say: AND SHALL BEGIN to rule. NO, that shall rule...To me there is a big difference. This king has always been here, but now will stand up to use his mighty power. (NOT ALMIGHTY)

But his power was BROKEN and divided toward the FOUR WINDS.

Verse 4...But as you read through this chapter there are ONLY TWO KINGS mentioned therein, not four! And for good scriptural reasons that we shall see.

Daniel 11:6~"And in the end of years THEY shall join THEMSELVES TOGETHER; FOR the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north (first time north is actually mentioned by that name; so we KNOW the mighty king in verse three is the king of the north) to make an agreement."

So, in Daniel eleven, we have for the most part of the chapter, TWO KINGS.

Why did the angel use the phrase, king of the north to describe the men of this world who are in truth, NON-RELIGIOUS and whose portion is IN THIS WORLD ONLY? And, WHY did he use king of the south to describe the RELIGIOUS (not saints) people of this world, who destroyed the truth and fought against the saints from WITHIN The NON-RELIGIOUS men of this world RULE this world and all things therein, including religion. SO, as the NORTH is ABOVE the SOUTH as far as the four winds of this earth goes, so is the king of the north over the king of the south in the affairs of this world. The analogy is a perfect fit.

One can reads verses 3-30 and know that this cold war has been going on for years. We see it in the scriptures and in our own days, and our church fathers have told us of the same.

As one read through this chapter there are a few things that help us to see the truth behind these words recorded for us in this chapter.

The kings shall POLLUTE the temple where God is worshiped.  "...THEY shall pollute the SANCTUARY OF STRENGTH.." One king does it by being part of it, the other by only acknowledging the wicked within and not the righteous. They shall take away the daily sacrifice..that can be done, when the RIGHTEOUS are NO LONGER accepted within the sanctuary, by those within. ONLY the righteous offer up the ONLY sacrifice that is accepted by God, and they do it DAILY. But once they are gone, it can longer said to be done. They set up the ABOMINATION that maketh DESOLATE. More on this in the NT.

BOTH KINGS will be brought to DESOLATION, because of the ABOMINATIONS within their kingdom. Their ABOMINATIONS are recorded for us in verses 16-24 and 32-39 of Daniel eleven.

The king of the south is DESTROYED by the king of the north.

Daniel 11:40-41~"And at the TIME OF THE END shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horseman, and with many ships; and shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also in the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown:.."

This is the same thing recorded in Revelation 17:16-18 Notice in Daniel 11:41 the last part of verse 41.."BUT these shall escape out of his hand, even EDOM, and MOAB, and the chief of the children of AMMON."  What should we understand by this saying? The NON-ELECT shall escape! The NON-ELECT are the king of the north and his people! "BUT tidings (he hath BUT A SHORT TIME) out of the east and out of the NORTH (God's dwelling place) shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth WITH GREAT FURY to destroy, and utterly to make away many." Daniel 11:44 ....Revelation 12:12; 20:8-9

After he has destroyed the king of the south, he set his face AGAINST the GLORIOUS HOLY MOUNTAIN-verse 45..The HOLY people of God, that makes up GOD'S kingdom! YET he (the king of the north) shall come to his END, and none shall help him. Revelation 18!

God's people will suffer much during the "TIME OF TROUBLE" of Daniel 11:30-45 and mentioned in Daniel 12: 1..during the time when the two kings of this world final days are coming to an end. It is the little season of Revelation and it is a time, times, and an half of Daniel 12:7; when the devil through his two kings shall scatter the power of the HOLY PEOPLE. Those two kings, who are the devil's servants, will not leave this world without showing their hatred for the holy people of God. We will see it clearly in Revelation, the Lord willing.

This is my understanding of this difficult chapter, by this, I DO NOT claim to be perfect in my understanding, but do claim to have the "overall" truth, based on what is NOTED IN THE SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH. It flows with chapter 12 and with the rest of the scriptures. We will be helped much by our Lord Jesus Christ's own use of the book of Daniel and with The apostle Paul and John writings with this interpretation, and it will FIT with that which is noted there. I am not saying that we presented this chapter to where it is easy to understand. Many times one can labor to make it as simple as he can possibly make it, and still folk will have trouble following his teaching, or you could have done better making it easy to follow.

I try to be as honest as I can be in presenting God's truth to you. God is our witness, we have NOT used any help or any man's opinion, but ONLY an open Bible before us as we wrote this paper; that being said; what we have put before our readers is NOT a doctrine defending any denomination or a doctrine taught to us by man's views, such as:

The historicist: a view that appeals to man's intellect; a view that man believes he can "reason out" and make history FIT with the scriptures, instead of trusting the scriptures ALONE for truth and for its OWN interpretation.

The preterits: a view very close to the historicist, only these blind guides (there are different degrees of preterit's view) are much bolder to pervert God's word. These men have taken most of the word of God OUT OF your hands and leave a child of God with no warnings to heed; no scriptures to read FOR YOU; there is very little for a child of God now living in the year of 2009, according to most of them.

The futurist (of the pre-mill camp) is a literalist in the purest meaning of that word! These men and there are many, read their bibles like a man would read a newspaper. I started out in this group many years ago. I am thankful that God delivered us from this false teaching. Their teaching on the book of Revelation would a make a great movie for the science fiction lovers! Their books make good reading for the lovers of mystery (Tim Lehaye and Hal Lindsey). Their motto is: if the literal make sense, seek no other sense. They are void of the needed LIGHT to seek with. They do not know how to read the bible they hold in their hands as they make their way to hear another good science fiction story by Captain "Dr." Kirk from the book of Revelation.

Let us now move on into the New Testament to see if we can make the connection that is needed to reveal this MYSTERY.

We will consider Revelation chapters 17&18. There are many different angles we could continue in searching the scriptures to unfold this mystery of Babylon the great. There are so many different subjects that can be brought forth to go with this subject. There are so many different messages that can be introduced and expounded upon that would go with this. To name just a few:

The abomination of desolation, Daniel and Matthew 24; The man of sin, 2Thessalonians 2; The beast of Revelation 13; His mark, name, and image; This generation, of Matthew 24; The perilous times in the last day, 2Timothy 3:-4:5; The little season of Revelation 20:1-3,7-9; The great tribulation period of the last days at the end of time, Daniel 12; Matthew 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21; to name just a few.

For now, we only want to reveal the mystery, Babylon the great, with this paper; even though, these other subjects are connected with them in many ways.

Have you ever heard a minister preach on a certain subject and then another one and then another; after a while, you say to yourself~ he is actually preaching on the SAME thing, but using different sermon titles and different verses but the message is the same. You can do that with this subject.

RB... not to be a little thorn in your and other sides....

Do you ever wonder why it is that you read and understand things so differently then other people?  Or at least different enough to make you not in agreement?

Why do you suppose that is?

: Rella  Mon Feb 21, 2022 - 12:43:48
RB... not to be a little thorn in your and other sides....

Do you ever wonder why it is that you read and understand things so differently then other people?  Or at least different enough to make you not in agreement?

Why do you suppose that is?

Why do you think so? Is the truth in the majority or minority? 1st King 22 may be a good place to start if you truly care to know.

RB, she may or may not agree with you on this, but she didn't say anything about that.  She asked you a question. It's a reasonable question.

: RB  Mon Feb 21, 2022 - 04:26:56I try to be as honest as I can be in presenting God's truth to you. God is our witness, we have NOT used any help or any man's opinion, but ONLY an open Bible before us as we wrote this paper

RB, you know the honor and respect I hold for your faith in God's word and your dedication to the teaching of it.  I have no doubt what you said in the above quote is true; and I have only a few disagreements with what you have presented in this topic.  But your insistence on not using any outside source and your apparent suggestions that the rest of us should follow that guide means of course that we should simply disregard everything that you have written there. Because for the rest of us, all that you have written, except for the occasional direct quote from the Bible, becomes just another of those outside helps and man's opinions that you pride yourself on not using.  All of which makes me wonder why you would bother to post it, since it obviously is a rebuttal against your guide of not appealing to outside sources.

: 4WD  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 03:18:26RB, you know the honor and respect I hold for your faith in God's word and your dedication to the teaching of it.  I have no doubt what you said in the above quote is true; and I have only a few disagreements with what you have presented in this topic.  But your insistence on not using any outside source and your apparent suggestions that the rest of us should follow that guide means of course that we should simply disregard everything that you have written there. Because for the rest of us, all that you have written, except for the occasional direct quote from the Bible, becomes just another of those outside helps and man's opinions that you pride yourself on not using.  All of which makes me wonder why you would bother to post it, since it obviously is a rebuttal against your guide of not appealing to outside sources.

I have the same respect for you.

When I speak against the "outside" source, I mainly have references to those folks who believe you cannot explain scriptures here and there without help from mainly HISTORY and Josephus in particularly. I mean no more than that.

RB, she may or may not agree with you on this, but she didn't say anything about that.  She asked you a question. It's a reasonable question.

Sorry, I was not trying to be disrespectful and even avoiding her question~Of course we all who teach wish more could see what we see as truth, but I expect few to see the truth, for truth is very difficult to see even those seemly simple scriptures like John 3:16, etc. Truth is difficult to grasp a hold of, even those of old age like you and myself, we never stop learning for we have never even touched the tip of the iceberg so to speak.  Very, very few followed Jesus' teaching and even those that did, it was given of them of the Father to know the truth, and very little is given at a time because of the pride of our hearts not to mention the darkness of the old man still with us.

Have I considered this? Very little..... KNOWING what the scriptures have already said to us concerning those who rejected Christ and if they rejected him who are we? Nothing, because some things we say SHOULD be rejected because of out old man still with us and which could easily lead us astray.

: RB  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 04:34:52
When I speak against the "outside" source, I mainly have references to those folks who believe you cannot explain scriptures here and there without help from mainly HISTORY and Josephus in particularly. I mean no more than that.

If those outside sources, including history, and that includes Josephus, is true, then I do not see a problem with it.  Of course, the key there is "if true".  But then that applies to everything.

                                                                                                                       REVELATION CHAPTER 17

We will consider Revelation chapters 17&18. First chapter 17. Bear with me on the length~Imay divide this chapter into two parts.

There are many different angles we could continue in searching the scriptures to unfold this mystery of Babylon the great. There are so many different subjects that can be brought forth to go with this subject. There are so many different messages that can be introduced and expounded upon that would go with this. To name just a few:

The abomination of desolation, Daniel and Matthew 24; The man of sin, 2nd Thessalonians 2; The beast of Revelation 13; His mark, name, and image; This generation, of Matthew 24; The perilous times in the last day, 2nd Timothy 3:-4:5; The little season of Revelation 20:1-3,7-9; The great tribulation period of the last days at the end of time, Daniel 12; Matthew 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21; to name just a few.~but the main ones for sure.

For now, we only want to reveal the mystery, Babylon the great, with this labor; even though, these other subjects are connected with them in many ways.

Have you ever heard a minister preach on a certain subject and then another one and then another; and after a while you say to yourself: he is actually preaching on the SAME thing, but using different sermon titles and different verses but the message is the same. You can do that with this subject.

                                                      REVELATION CHAPTER 17-MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

The main reason we started with the Old Testament and worked our way to Revelation 17 is this: Stephen and Paul in the NT did the same; Acts 7; 13:16-39.

We thought it would be easier to understand Revelation 17&18 after explaining the OT scriptures that are connected with these two chapters in Revelation. Let us now consider these two chapters.
   
Revelation 17:1....Tells us plainly that what is recorded in this chapter is dealing with the JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT WHORE...Who is PART OF Mystery, Babylon the great.

The angel said that this whore SITTETH upon MANY WATERS. Verse 15, tells us: "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."

This whore had committed fornication with people FROM EVERY NATION under heaven. She had not committed fornication with every person from every nation, but with people FROM every nation. Many were virgins in these nations under heaven.

Revelation 14:4~"These are they which were not defiled with women; (the world and the whore~RB) for they ARE VIRGINS.(spiritual virgins) These follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth, THESE WERE REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, (so these are ALL of the redeemed~RB) being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."

Verse 2..."With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication.." The kings of the earth rolls the red carpet... (NOT because they love her, but it is just good politics to do so, and for no other reason)  ...out for this whore and take counsel from her and embrace her as their own. They believe her lies and she believes their lies. Remember Daniel 11:27?

She does not have the same spirit as John the Baptist: "But Herod the tetrarch being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done." Luke 3:19

We all know John the Baptist would not be invited to a prayer breakfast in Washington D.C., or to be a special guest on any TV talk show; those spotlights are reserved for the false prophets of Babylon, and there are many of them from the many different sects of Babylon.

They have their "astrologers, stargazers, and monthly prognosticators, along with the multitudes of false prophets;" (Isaiah 13:10-13) That cannot save them from the things that shall come upon them!

"....the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." Not only has she committed fornication with the kings of the earth, through her love of power and the attention it brings with it, by fornicating with the powers that be; she has made the world (all whose names were not written in the Lamb's book of life from the beginning of the world) drunk with her promise of peace and life and liberty, while SHE and THEY are still living in their sins! Read 1st Kings 22:1-40; 2nd Peter 2 and the book of Jude.
   
Verse 3..."So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of the names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns."

Verses 4-5.."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: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Please consider a few points:

1. The woman in Revelation 17:4, sits upon the beast, or was carried by the beast, verse 7. (which we will talk about shortly) The woman of Revelation 12:13 was persecuted by the devil/dragon. Both lived in Babylon, one "OF" Babylon, one persecuted "BY" Babylon's king and his people. This woman of Revelation 17 was drunken with the blood of saints (Revelation 17:6) and the martyrs of Jesus that lived there but refused to be Verse 4-5..part of them. These godly saints tormented them that lived in Babylon, by their godly life and by the words that proceedeth out of their mouth. See Revelation 11:5,10

Revelation 12:17~ "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to MAKE WAR with the remnant of her seed, which KEEP the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

ONE of the tools that the devil uses to make war with the saints is his great whore, called Mystery, Babylon the great. This whore has other families members that are NOT religious, that we will see later! They all are generation of little vipers.

2. This woman that is called Mystery, Babylon the great is only PART of Babylon that GREAT CITY that the devil has built. It is only a small part of the whole. Just like the White House is not Washington, D.C., but part of that which makes up Washington, D.C. The major part of Babylon is found in Revelation 18.

3. This great whore is the RELIGIOUS part of this great city called Babylon. The devil has many of his children IN RELIGION to better war against the saints and the God of heaven. He has a great multitude outside of religion, and that number WILL increase at the very end, as we will see.

4. The devil's whore is very seductive with her wealth and social standing in Babylon.

The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls and she has a golden cup in her hand. Revelation 17:4

I am not convinced that these things should be taken literal; why should we, when we KNOW that the beast, the woman, and the waters are NOT literal? By literal I mean: monetary wealth; Some may be, many may not be.

This great whore deceived her followers (2nd Cor. 11:12-14) by the art of her seductions and sorceries and lies to allure her VICTIMS, and VICTIMS they ARE!

What she had and what she offered to her followers in comparison to the those who kept the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, was like: gold, precious stones, and pearls to wood, hay and stubble, to those who saw her and heard her. But those who keep the commandments of God ARE KEPT FROM this whore;

Proverbs 7:5~"That they (God's commandments) may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words."

She has beautiful temples; with multitudes of followers, but, with no commitments; Christianity only a part of their life, instead of ALL of their life; I might need to add this: RELIGION might be part of their whole life for many of them; BUT, they have set the commandments of God aside for their OWN traditions; and they have corrupted the HOLY SCRIPTURES by refusing to preach what the Bible actually says, and have put their opinions/commandments in the place of THUS SAITH THE LORD.(See 2nd Thessalonians 2:4)

They refuse to EARNESTLY CONTEND with the wicked; and speak out against those saints that do contend for the truth. They allow the wicked to set the standard for what is acceptable and what is not. There is no difference between them and the world; if there is any difference, it is very little. On and on we could go. You can add to the list just as easily as I could.

All natural men are impressed with a religion like this. Most men are willing to accept a religion that requires NOTHING from them, but their presence occasionally and their deep pockets often, and the more the better. What natural man would not LOVE a religion like this whore offers; knowing that he can have eternal life AND live according to his own fleshly desire, without committing his life totally to the word of God.

They ALLURE through the LUST of the FLESH with such things. 2Peter 2 and Jude.

5. She has a GOLDEN CUP in her hand. WHO would not LOVE to drink from this cup! THIS CUP is one of her enticements that she uses on her followers. Men of this world think they are special if someone offers them a drink from such a cup.

What is within this cup reveals that she is a WHORE with every intention to destroy those who drink thereof! "......having a golden cup in her hand FULL of ABOMINATIONS and FILTHINESS of her fornication." Revelation 17:4

This great whore does not only have a few abominations, but she is FULL of them, along with the filthiness of her fornication. These abominations that she is full of, will be the cause of her being made DESOLATE, by the kings of the earth; as they are being used by God, as His servants. (verse 16)

BUT, VERY SHORTY afterward, these kings and the REST OF their people shall be destroyed by the Lord Jesus and his army. Revelation 19:11-21; 20:7-9. AMEN!

Let us consider at this point in our teaching on this subject, what are some of the MANY ABOMINATIONS that are in this whore's golden cup that she has gotten the people of this world to drink of. They were MADE DRUNK with the wine of her fornication and by the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.

Was she ashamed? NO! She BODLY displayed her wickedness, by having on her FOREHEAD a name written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. There is nothing humble about this whore. The BEAST (the devil himself) that carried this whore HATH DECEIVED HER, yet she does not know she is deceived. That is the very nature of deception, you DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE DECEIVED! The LOVE OF praise and being accepted by this world BLINDS us and takes away our power to know the truth and destroys a honest heart before God. There is NOTHING more sacred to an honest heart than truth; but that honest heart can be destroyed by our great enemy so quickly!

"...having a golden cup in her hand FULL of ABOMINATIONS," I am sure you can add to the list that we will give. Before giving a list of some you will find in our day, we must make the proper connection from the Old Testament to the New concerning the word ABOMINATION. We will not give a long definition of the word as defined by the Spirit in the scriptures.

When the word ABOMINATION is used by the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ in the scriptures, by its definition, means: that which is ABHORRENT to God that WILL bring total ruin or devastation. ANYTHING in thought, word, or deed that is against the HOLY, INFINITE PURE nature of the MOST HIGH. It can be summed up in the ten commandments given to Moses his servant; but, those commandments when understood properly, are exceedingly deep and broad in their scope and they are holy and just, good and spiritual.

In Daniel the prophet, we find the word used a few times: Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; and in Daniel 8:13, we read: "......the transgression of desolation" instead of abomination of desolation in other places. So by that, we understand that abomination is a transgression AGAINST God's express will to us concerning what he accepts or HATES. If God hates anything, then he WILL bring it to total ruin and desolation. Our Lord Jesus Christ PERFECTLY understood Daniel's prophesy when he used the words ABOMINATION of desolation. Matthew 24:15..

"When ye therefore shall see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the HOLY PLACE, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"

The Spirit said: whoso readeth, let him understand;  the Spirit is speaking of WHOM ever reads Daniel's words on the abomination of desolation let him understand as he IS HEARING OR READING WHAT IS IN MATTHEW 24! Christ is NOT SAYING by understanding Daniel you will understand Matthew 24. NO! Matthew 24 is a COMMENTARY on the book of Daniel! Furthermore, we have two words that are very important for us in Mark 13:14..

"But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it OUGHT NOT, (let him that readeth understand,)"

again, as you read THIS, then you need to UNDERSTAND what this means! Matthew 24 said that he is in the HOLY PLACE and Mark 13 said it OUGHT NOT to be there!

Please consider: Our Lord would never refer to the temple in Jerusalem HOLY forty years after his death! That's unthinkable and abominable to even consider that he would; he KNEW that the temple in Jerusalem had served its purpose and was not needed anymore and neither was Jerusalem needed to be the city to worship in, See John 4:21-22.

The ONLY two places that was HOLY to God and to saints after the death of Christ are the churches of Christ and the body of believers. You should know the scriptures to follow this simple teaching.

The abomination that is in the holy place in our day that we SHOULD SEE abominations abounding, is recorded for us in 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12. Here he is called the MAN OF SIN. What is recorded in verse 4.... "Who OPPOSETH and EXALTETH himself (man of sin is used as a collective pronoun, which means MANY; to prove this, see verses 10,11,12, the word THEM and THEY! the apostle changes the pronouns he and him to they and them, WITHOUT CHANGING THE SUBJECT, and not only that, we know that it includes ALL of the wicked because of verses 10 and 11, which we will not quote but you should earnestly consider.) above ALL that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he AS GOD sitteth in the temple of God, (HOLY PLACE, where he OUGHT NOT) shewing himself that he IS GOD." .....Is also recorded in Daniel 7:25 and in Daniel 11:36.

"And he shall speak great words AGAINST the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and THINK TO CHANGE times and laws: (God word) and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and dividing of time.

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall MAGNIFY HIMSELF (man of sin) ABOVE every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of god, and shall prosper till indignation be accomplished: (the abomination of desolation) for that is determined shall be done."

Much of what is determined is found in Matthew 24 and Revelation.

To sum up what is in Daniel and Matthew 24; Mark13; Luke 21; 2Thessalonians 2; Revelation 11; 13; 17; and 18;  that, at the time of the end of the world, the latter days of this world, know as the "little season" of Revelation; the MAN OF SIN shall rule in the HOLY PLACE; and we will add this: the world will be even MORE wicked than ever before; the reason why, will be that the Spirit of God will withdraw his power from hindering the mystery of iniquity from abounding.

At the end of the thousand years (a time of totality that is determined by God and only known by him) are expired Satan shall be loosed out of his prison and a great multitude of evil spirits loosed with him upon the world of proud reprobates that are in churches and out of them. Revelation 20:7-9; Revelation 9:1-11 (the locusts are evil spirits loose upon the world for five months or a little season) The world shall abound with false prophets and false cults, called the great whore of Revelation 17.

This allows us to continue on in Revelation 17 to better understand as we work our way through this chapter. 

             

                                                                                                       THE MANY ABOMINATIONS OF THE LAST DAYS~Revelations 17 part two            
                               
As evil spirits are legions, so are abominations in the churches and out of them.

1.

Genesis 13:13~"But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly."

Sodomy is abounding in this world, but not in the world only, but in churches! This is one of the abominations that is in the whore's golden cup. The Catholic church is FULL of sodomites. Forbidding men and women to marry, encourage this sin, even though it is in their heart to begin with, which is seen by the profession they have chosen. Only a very, very few have that calling to forebear marriage. It is against nature to do so. Sodomy is by no means limited to the Catholic church, it is in other churches. I wonder what is going through their wicked minds as they read Jude 7:

  "Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cites about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."

2.

Luke 16,15~   "And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED among men is abomination in the sight of God."

The churches are FULL of men would who rather seek to be accepted before men, than to seek praise that comes ONLY from heaven. IF the world loves you and accepts your opinions and teaching, then you are an abomination in God sight, and these are not my words, but God's.

I could name thousands of false prophets that are highly esteemed by MUTITUDES of simple minded (I am using the word just the way king Solomon did in his proverbs) followers and the world likewise accepts them as bright successful religious "SUPERSTARS;" and if they need spiritual advice, they would seek them out. The men of the world DO NOT know where wisdom is found. It is NOT in the "smiles of Joel Osteen!" Nor is it at Harvard, Yale or any school that may be considered the elites of higher learning. The wisdom we are speaking of is far above those fools who reject their Creator and exalt their wisdom above Him.

3.

  MATTHEW 15:7-9 ~"Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me, In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

MARK 7:8~"For LAYING ASIDE THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD, ye hold to the tradition of men, as washing of pots and cups: and MANY other such things ye do." MARK 7:9~"And he said unto them, FULL WELL ye REJECT the commandment of God, that ye may keep your OWN tradition." MARK 7:13~"Making the word of God of NONE EFFECT through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and MANY such things do ye."

The Catholic church is by far the most guilty of these scriptures we just read; But, many other churches are just as guilty. They have their "touch not; taste not; handle not; go not; be not; have not; see not;" and on and on we can go. God's saints live by the word of God, we must not add to it or take from it, in order to please self and serve self. If the scripture condemns anything, so do we, if the scriptures are silent on a given thing, so are we. If we cannot find it in the Bible, then we do not hold to it as a commandment of God, and we refuse to accept it as such. NO ONE has the right to teach for doctrine, what they cannot support from the scriptures. That would be standing in the holy place and exalting your wisdom above God's word. WHY would one do that? He is a MAN OF SIN that does so. A MAN OF SIN is any man who lives under the POWER OF SIN, through the spirit of disobedience that lives in him.

Revelation 2:7, 15~"But this thou hast, that thou HATEST the DEEDS of the Nicolaitans, which I ALSO HATE." "So hast thou also them that hold THE DOCTRINE of the Nicolaitans, which thing I HATE."

What was FIRST just DEEDS of the Nicolaitans quickly turned to be THE DOCTRINE of the Nicolaitans!

A few things to consider: If God hates anything, then it is an abomination in his sight! It is said twice within chapter two of Revelation, that God HATED the DEEDS and later the DOCTRINE of the Nicolaitans. This should get any Christian attention who cares what pleases his God and not what pleases self or others.

If we read your Bibles the only way we should, then we must ask ourselves: why did the Spirit say deeds in verse 6 and doctrine in verse 15? There is a big difference between deed and doctrine. Deeds can be defined as, WHATEVER is DONE, good or bad, great or small.......

Genesis 46:15   "....And Joseph said unto them, What DEED is this that ye have DONE?

Doctrine can be defined in a general sense, whatever is taught; whatever is taught AS TRUTH by an instructor, master, or TEACHER. Instruction and confirmation in the truths of the gospel. 2nd Timothy 3:16; Mark 4:2; Isaiah 28:9

By definition, we understand what the word Nicolaitans means: To CONQUER the lay people. NICO-to conquer; LAITAN-laity. We have a man in the scriptures that we all know well, and his name is : NICOdemus, John 3:1-21. His name fit his title: MASTER of Israel, verse 10.

So, the Nicolaitans were men who by their evil deeds sought to have "preeminence over the saints," and it was rejected by the church at Ephesus shortly after the apostles! The apostles, early saints, Christ and God Himself hated this evil deed by some.

The apostle John said,

2nd John 9-10 "I wrote unto THE CHURCH: BUT Diotrephes, who LOVETH to have PREEMINENCE among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember HIS DEEDS which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and FORBIDDETH (as though he had that right) them that would, and casteth them OUT OF the church."

This man was doing some evil deeds by placing himself ABOVE other members within the CHURCH. He most likely was a elder/bishop of that church, but wanted to have ALL CONTROL OVER the BODY.

The apostle even in this short epistle never mentioned a person by name that would be OVER THEM. His epistle was directed to the CHURCH, NOT to a single man. NO CHURCH EPISTLE in the New Testament was written to a SINGLE bishop/elder/pastor.

The word PASTOR in our day is used freely by most as describing a single man over a body of saints. The word is NEVER used in the scripture in that way. Pastor is NOT an office of the New Testament church. NO ONE can prove that. The word "describes" the duties of a elder/bishop which ARE a office in the New Testament church. We will also add, that NEVER one time is there a instance where we have a church where there is a SINGLE man over it in the scripture. I must move on. There are some honest, sincere, God fearing children, who hold and practice this, but it is still against the scriptures.

In our day most churches are guilty of the DEEDS/DOCTRINE of the Nicolaitans. The Catholic church as in most cases lead the way, with their "TIER of authority" within their church. Their practices are a great abomination in God's sight.

But, we must not stop with that whore, for there are more; Most churches have their "priest/laity" two class system, where they exalt ONE above the rest and give him total rule in everything.

But, we must not stop there with those whores, there are more; There are MANY individual men who have their OWN MINISTRY outside of the church, who have MULTITUDES following them and supporting them, and looking up to them as a great spiritual leader. MOST OF these men are in the "tongue/healing" movement. I have often wondered why men like Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and a host of others do not come to our local hospital to help the doctors out instead of renting the BIG arena in town. I KNOW WHY and so do you.

These men know nothing about the true churches of Christ. They are out only to fleece the simple-minded people, who do not understand the scriptures or the power of deception. Proverbs 14:18

To sum this part up, we will only add this: any doctrine that is NOT found in the scriptures, that is taught by any man or any church, is an abomination to the Most High.

Anyone who is in a church that has only been here in the last two hundred plus years, should know that his whole system MUST be an abomination in God's sight. The Jehovah Witness, Mormons, SDA, and Charismatic are religious sects that our forefathers DID NOT contend with; these are locusts from the bottomless pit turned loose upon the earth to deceive them whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the earth. Though some have been here longer, such as: the moon worshipper children of the Islamic faith, who exalt their prophet Mohammed over Jesus Christ; and are so radical in their behavior; that most of the world knows that they are insane. Besides, WHO is ALLAH? Where does he live? How many wives does he have? Can he see, hear or talk? Can you buy him at Wal Mart?  Nowhere is that name mentioned in the WORD OF GOD! The Koran does NOT count, no more than the writings of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon faith. These are children of the devil.

Revelation 16:14~"For they ARE the SPIRITS of DEVILS, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth to gather them to battle of that GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY." 

We will say this before leaving: We are NOT saying that your doctrine must be ABSOLUTELY PURE, but it MUST be correct on the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST: And NONE that I just mentioned are.  That he IS the SON of God; he PAID for the SINS OF HIS PEOPLE; the PLEASURE of the LORD DID PROSPER in his hand; He shall see the travail of his soul, and SHALL BE SATISFIED; EVERYONE that he DIED FOR, SHALL be JUSTIFTED; because he BEAR THEIR SINS. HE COMPETELY FINISHED the work God gave him to do. God was and IS well satisfied with his Son. God's eternal purposes are RIGHT on course, where He ordained it to be! AMEN! The devil knows this, why do you not understand this? 

Revelation 12:12~ ".....WOE to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he KNOWETH that he hath but a short time."

Revelation 17:5~"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS and ABOMIANTIONS OF THE EARTH."

I know that many interpret the Babylon in Revelation 17 to be the Roman Catholic Church; by using the words: "THE MOTHER OF" and say that ALL that come OUT OF her are her daughters.  Though we would agree heartily that she is A GREAT WHORE, and many abominations are therein, more than any other, but I understand it in this way:  This whore, I take to means ALL religion that goes against the Holy Scriptures and the teachings therein. This whore is PART OF MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT. Mystery Babylon is a GREAT CITY.  Every great city in this world has: RELIGION, SCIENCE, ENTERTAINMENTS and ART and COMMERCE within it; Mystery Babylon of the Bible is NO different. In Revelation 18 we will see more of this great city.

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT IS THE MOTHER of EVERYTHING that is against the knowledge of the Most HIGH!!! In Revelation 18, Babylon, the great is the MOTHER OF MANY dainty and goodly and delicious things, that she has used to bewitch her followers!

In Revelation 17:5 Mystery, Babylon the great is the MOTHER OF HARLOTS. It is through the WOMB of Mystery, Babylon the great that harlots comes out of; and IN THE NAME OF RELIGION they war with the saints of Jesus Christ (John 8:13-59). The harlots PRETEND to be a worshipper of God and of the seed of Abraham, but she IS A WHORE and a liar. This religious whore has been here from the beginning. It changes name and form and practices. It may be a Pharisees, Sadducees, Baal worshipper, Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah Witness, or whatever; if they speak not according to God's word, IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM. Isaiah 8:20 This whore preaches a religion that CAN BE adopted by the people of the world; she quickly learns how to proselyte a man of the world; she spares no pains in doing so. As generations changes, so does she; whatever it takes to corrupt TRUTH and war against the Most High, she does so.

Matthew 23:15~."Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, HYPOCRITES! for ye COMPASS sea and LAND to make ONE proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him TWOFOLD more the CHILD OF HELL than yourselves."

These are the words of the meek and lowly Jesus! Read all of Matthew 23. I said that the whore of Revelation 17, thus viewed is past, present, and future. Its form changes, its name changes; its ESSENCE ever remains the same; the reason why; it is ever carried by the SAME BEAST.

Let us consider the scarlet colored BEAST; verses 3; 7-15. Part three of chapter 17

   

: RB  Mon Feb 21, 2022 - 13:30:35
Why do you think so? Is the truth in the majority or minority? 1st King 22 may be a good place to start if you truly care to know.

Look. I do not want to enter another discussion into this thread, but please allow me to reply briefly.

You ask if the truth is in the majority or the minority and I would have to reply either or neither.

Just because a majority believes something does not make it true.... but get enough people to believe and you will have, yet again, another denomination none of which is 100% accurate simply because they all start with what someone is certain is the truth. From the Joseph Smiths and Ellen Whites to those who are dogmatic in their preterist ideas.

The truth is in personal perception but I am not sure you will understand what I mean when I say that. But if you do then that simple statement answers what I asked.

You said to 4WD

Quote from: RB on Yesterday at 04:26:56

I try to be as honest as I can be in presenting God's truth to you. God is our witness, we have NOT used any help or any man's opinion, but ONLY an open Bible before us as we wrote this paper

No one doubts your sincerity in your presenting your understanding of "God's truth" .

Has it truly not occurred to you that others, with differing views and understanding also use an open bible to form their beliefs, and not always with any outside helps, opinions, or commentaries.

But using your bible choice just consider this

Genesis 1 : opening statement.

1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Do you really know what this simple sentence is saying? I can tell you that it does not say when the beginning was, and the rest of the "creation" story doe not either.

Since you do not read any commentaries or other thoughts.... How do you know you are reading a correct translation.

If you were following the Clinton impeachment and heard Billy say  "It Depends on what the meaning of the word is is", you would laugh and know he was a master of double talk.... because you know what the meaning of is, is in the current usage of today.

But would you know if the translators were correct when they translated "ei"? (Don't worry. I wont explain that here. It would be from an outside source of a translator)

But again I digress and it is time to be ::backontopic::

: RB  Sun Feb 13, 2022 - 04:59:13
I'm bringing my post here to start another thread with the purpose of keeping from highjacking the one Amo is working on~and I'm trusting we can post together and let the readers judge for themself the truth on Mystery Babylon and its deadly wound that was healed.

Occasionally, I'll bring one of his posts here to comment on, and he can do likeness with mine.

BOGUS ALERT:   Discussions here do NOT adequately interpret predictions of the events of years following the addition of the book of Revelation into Biblical canon.  They are based upon Roman Catholic eisegesis (reading into scripture) NOT a proper exegesis (gleaning truth out of scripture).  Scripture doesn't lie, but liars can quote scripture as satan did to Jesus on a number of occasions.

There are two cases I may bring out here to illustrate the error.  First is the nature of the Beast of Revelation 13 and second is its head wound and subsequent healing.  I invite the reader to examine scripture references again and to research the secular history that it refers to.  Study to show yourself approved. (2 Tim 2:15)

The Beast is NOT a man.  According to Revelation 13:1 the Beast rises out of the sea and is described as having multiple horns.  The Bible interprets itself.
The book of Daniel sets the template for interpreting human-animal hybrid prophetic images.  They represent a system, a religion or a nation.  Horns proceeding out of the head of the human-animal hybrid refer to leadership or a succession of leaders.   The Beast arising out of the sea is an international religious system.  Revelation 17:15 tells us it is a system arising out of "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.ons and languages."

PROTESTANT reformation fathers broke with the Vatican on several points. Chief among these are the RCC interpretations of End Times dogma published in the late 16th century by Francisco Ribera called FUTURISM.  Since that time, protestant opposition to RCC doctrines of demons has eroded.  When John Nelson Darby published his work on Dispensationalism in the mid-19th century the bitter pill was swallowed whole and protestants gave up resistance to RCC dogma entirely.  Today it is accepted among almost all churches - even though it's entirely false.   The primary example is that anyone who actually does an exegesis of Revelation will clearly see the references to the Church of Rome.  The Bible interprets itself.

HEAD WOUND of the Beast is another example.   Revelation 13:3 describes a mortal head wound that's healed.  No man can survive a mortal head wound, but a religious organization CAN.  In December 1797 a riot took place in Rome and a Brigadier General that had been sent to Rome by Napoleon as part of the diplomatic mission, was killed. Napoleon then sent forces to Rome, defeated the papal forces around Pope Pius VI, and had him transported to Valence where he died shortly after his arrival.  This is the mortal head wound suffered by the religious Beast of Revelation 13. (Google it) Our story doesn't end with a dead pope in a French prison.

HEALED HEAD WOUND of the Beast is a further example.  (Google it)  The Lateran Pacts signed by Mussolini on 11 February 1929, had three parts: a political treaty (giving the Vatican its own micro-state), a financial convention (giving the Vatican reparations) and a concordat (giving privileges within Italy, for instance by letting the Church influence public education).  The Roman Pope was thus reestablished on his religious throne in Rome.  Between 1797 and 1929 there was NO pope in Rome. The world rejoiced when the Pope returned to Rome and the Italian dictator was elevated to the status of religious hero for a brief time.  The Italian government also granted a substantial sum of money to rebuild and refurbish Vatican City.

Look it up.   Look up Revelation 13 and read it with clear vision.  Read chapter 17 that tells us the Beast is a global religious system with multiple leaders - it's not a man.  The RCC would have Protestants believe otherwise - to believe what the Bible does NOT imply.

"The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in heaven and earth." - Barclay Cap. XXVII, p. 218. Cities Petrus Bertrandus, Pius V.

When Daniel predicts the son of lies and murder will utter blaspheme against God (7:25) it doesn't take a rocket scientist in the 21st century to understand he was speaking of the pope - the leader of the Sea Beast RCC.  Indeed, the RCC itself admits to its treachery as we witness its own words quoted above.

The matter of the end of Revelation 13 and the subject of the true nature of the Mark of the Beast can be discussed elsewhere.  For the time being it should be understood that the Biblical interpretation of the passage may be gleaned by examining Jewish mitzvot pertaining to phylacteries NOT RCC dogma.  That's for another time, however.

Hope this helps.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

: Rella  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 07:42:00Since you do not read any commentaries or other thoughts

I have never said I do not use commentaries because I do. But on this subject, it is very difficult to read behind the Reformers and men after them because all they dealt with were the RCC from whence they came out.  Since around 1825 and moving forward to our day there are so many more cults in the religious landscape, so many more just as Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John prophesied would come, saying Jesus is the Christ, but it is indeed another jesus, another spirit, and another gospel they are bringing with them. 

: Choir Loft  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 08:01:14The Beast is NOT a man.  According to Revelation 13:1 the Beast rises out of the sea and is described as having multiple horns.  The Bible interprets itself.

Let us look at Revelation 13 later as time permits, maybe by the next two days or so, or even sooner.

I for one believe with all my heart that scriptures do indeed interpret themselves.

: RB  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 08:11:02
I have never said I do not use commentaries because I do. But on this subject, it is very difficult to read behind the Reformers and men after them because all they dealt with were the RCC from whence they came out.  Since around 1825 and moving forward to our day there are so many more cults in the religious landscape, so many more just as Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John prophesied would come, saying Jesus is the Christ, but it is indeed another jesus, another spirit, and another gospel they are bringing with them.

Agreed.

When consulting a particular subject I often refer to scholarly volumes of interpretation.  These I have divided into two groups; liberal & conservative.   

For purposes of clarity the interpretations I define as liberal are those which mostly lean upon Roman Catholic interpretations of the Latin Vulgate (licensed translations of the Vatican such as KJV).  Interpretations I define as conservative are those which mostly demonstrate the opinions of the Protestant Reformation and the American Protestant church prior to the mid-19th century.

I NEVER use chain reference Bibles such as the Scofield Reference Bible, which is LIBERALLY sprinkled with RCC dogma.  These chain references are purposefully designed to lead a reader into justifying Catholic dogma - specifically those reiterated by John Nelson Darby.

However, I've also learned it isn't wise to reject one in favor of the other.  Light may be found in both.   

In addition, I've also begun to consult Jewish references.   These serve to explain and assist in understanding the culture and intellect of Jesus' culture as well as the four thousand years that preceded it.  Many Christians reject all things Jewish either because of an innate anti-semitic attitude or because they aren't properly educated or because they love their SIN and don't want to know God's true attitude about it (John 3:19).

One cannot rely upon a single translation of the Bible or a single reference book to glean truth from God's Word.  Neither can one justify ignorance by saying that the Holy Spirit will teach him the truth (some day).  The Holy Spirit leads us out of bondage and into truth.  Our duty is to WALK IN IT'S LEADING.   Walking implies a bit of work which some people, who are too lazy to open their Bibles, refuse to do.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

: RB  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 08:23:39
Let us look at Revelation 13 later as time permits, maybe by the next two days or so, or even sooner.

I for one believe with all my heart that scriptures do indeed interpret themselves.

I'm informed by a former member of the Belarusian KGB that the invasion of Ukraine will begin on Thursday or Friday. I imagine a lot of interest in those events will be reflected on these pages.  Few will worry about the RCC or what the Bible says about it until much later.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

: Choir Loft  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 08:01:14


PROTESTANT reformation fathers broke with the Vatican on several points. Chief among these are the RCC interpretations of End Times dogma published in the late 16th century by Francisco Ribera called FUTURISM. 

Francisco Ribera was a Spanish Jesuit theologian,

Since that time, protestant opposition to RCC doctrines of demons has eroded.  When John Nelson Darby published his work on Dispensationalism in the mid-19th century the bitter pill was swallowed whole and protestants gave up resistance to RCC dogma entirely.

Futurism also teaches that Jesus failed to establish His earthly kingdom at His first coming and had to postpone it until his return. When Jesus was accused before Pilate the charge was: calling himself a king in opposition to Caesar.

Jesus denied such a charge when he said:

"My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).

Pilate believed him and declared him innocent of that charge. Futurists however say that Jesus was using equivocation e.g. not telling the WHOLE TRUTH and he meant to say that his kingdom was not of this world then but would be in 2,000 years. This is tantamount to calling Jesus a liar. This is why futurism is so pernicious.

John Nelson Darby was the English apostle of this Jesuit interpretation, and during his long career he spread it throughout the English speaking world. Nelson's interpretation is believed by the majority of "Protestants" today. He did a tremendous job . . . for Rome!!

HEAD WOUND of the Beast is another example.   Revelation 13:3 describes a mortal head wound that's healed.  No man can survive a mortal head wound, but a religious organization CAN.  In December 1797 a riot took place in Rome and a Brigadier General that had been sent to Rome by Napoleon as part of the diplomatic mission, was killed. Napoleon then sent forces to Rome, defeated the papal forces around Pope Pius VI, and had him transported to Valence where he died shortly after his arrival.  This is the mortal head wound suffered by the religious Beast of Revelation 13. (Google it) Our story doesn't end with a dead pope in a French prison.

Pope Pius VI was of a noble but impoverished family, and was educated at the Jesuit College of Cesena and studied law at Ferrara.

Hope this helps.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

Understood and mostly agreed.

I felt compelled to link the Jesuit connection in your commentary above.

: Choir Loft  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 08:33:26I'm informed by a former member of the Belarusian KGB that the invasion of Ukraine will begin on Thursday or Friday. I imagine a lot of interest in those events will be reflected on these pages.  Few will worry about the RCC or what the Bible says about it until much later.

Well, now, you do not know me~Wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21 are all SPIRITUAL IN NATURE, not natural wars which have been since the world began. RCC/EOC is no more dangerous (maybe even less) than the modern-day "Faith" movement and Pentecostalism overall and a few more cults that have arisen since the mid-1800s.

The latter-day wars will be spiritual in nature against the saints of God from all sources.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

One word for you:

: Paul to Choir Loft1st Timothy 1:6~From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

Maybe you should be at the altar praying, instead of hollering into the air.

Let us consider the scarlet colored BEAST; verses 3; 7-15........................................................

Revelation 17:7-14~ "And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, (which we have covered- verse 15) and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest WAS, and IS NOT; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that WAS, and IS NOT, and YET IS. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a SHORT SPACE.     "And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. ("Short space....little season...short time"...all used in the book of Revelation to describe the great tribulation period coming upon the saints of God when Satan is loosed without being restrained to the degree he was after the death of Jesus Christ ~RB) These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These 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."

1. Verse nine said: "And here is the mind which hath wisdom." Anyone who has been given wisdom by the ALL WISE GOD, should be able to follow John's vision that the angel shewed him. The angel said: "The seven heads ARE seven mountains, ON WHICH the woman SITTETH." verse 9 The reason why I KNOW that the woman is NOT the Roman Catholic church, is because of what this verse PLAINLY says: The seven heads ARE MOUNTAINS, on which the woman (whore) SITTETH. Verse 15 said PLAINLY: "And he saith unto me, the WATERS (waters here, mountains in verse 9) which thou saweth, (verse 1) where the whore sitteth ARE peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues."

Peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues are KINGDOMS of this world; the words mountains and kingdom are used interchangeably in the scriptures.

Daniel 2:35~"Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a GREAT MOUNTAIN, (KINGDOM) and filled the earth."

Filled the earth with peoples, multitudes, and nations; which makes up a GREAT MOUNTAIN.

But there is more; verse 10 tells us that the seven mountains ARE SEVEN KINGS! "And there are seven kings:" Though Rome may be on seven hills and some try to make this whore be only the Roman Catholic church, by that fact; they are NOT showing wisdom by NOT staying with the flow of the verses.

Verse ten said: "And there are seven kings: five are fallen.... Start from the book of Genesis to Revelation and see if you can find "SEVEN KINGS/KINGDOMS that ruled this world for a certain period of time; We can;

In Genesis it was Egypt; in the books of the kings of Israel, it was the Assyrian empire and next, the Babylonian empire; next in Daniel we have Medes/Persian then Greece and into the Gospels we have the empire of Rome.

So five are fallen, which were the first five mentioned in order. "And one IS" would be the Roman empire that was in power at the time these words were spoken to the apostle John. "And the other not yet come;" would be the time the devil is loose from the bottomless pit (another way of saying, when he can use his power without God restraining him as he (God) has during the time the church is being built) and he will RULE the world with full wrath and hatred and build him a paradise on earth, with men giving their devotion and strength unto the beast. The beast IS Babylon and Babylon is the beast; and the devil is king of the beast and Babylon.

"when he cometh, he must continue a SHORT SPACE." or a little season. And then he was cast in the lake of fire. Or go into perdition verses 8 and 11.

"And the beast that was (had great power in the Old Testament) and is not (lost much of his power at the cross-Revelation 12) even he is the eight (his last pitch to overthrow God, and Jesus Christ and his people during the little season) and is of the seven (he was the god of those evil kingdoms that will be turned into the chaff of the summer threshingfloors) and goeth into perdition." (he shall become as one of them!)

"All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also became weak as we? art thou become like unto us?" Isaiah 14:11 YES HE WILL!

"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast" verse 12

These ten kings (ten a number for totality) are the nations on the earth when the little season starts at the time of the end. They will have power for a short time! One hour, a little season. They will give their mind and strength to the devil during this time and to the building up of BABYLON, THE GREAT. Even in the last two hundred years, THIS WORLD has made a MAJOR change; the world in many parts of it, looks like a resort that our forefathers could only imagine in their wildest imaginations. There are places of entertainment everywhere, and every sort of fleshly pleasure you can think of is here in MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT CITY for all WHO WILL FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP THE BEAST! And we will add, most people of the nations of Babylon are MAD on these idols found therein. The truth is: they want more; and we will add, that they are sacrificing their children to these dumb idols is plain to all who has the mind of true wisdom.

These kings will DESTROY the religious PART OF BABYLON just before this world comes to an end! There will be a very short space of time when this world will be free of Religion as we know it. God's saints will be protected, Revelation 12:16-17 But it will be a time of TROUBLE, the which the world has never seen, nor will see. Read Revelation 17:13-15. She shall be destroyed JUST AS JERUSALEM was by Nebuchadnezzar of old. There is NO WAY to explain those three verses than the way we did and keep the scriptural sense that the Holy Ghost intended.

REVELATION 18 ...............

                                                                                                                      REVELATION 18 ...............

We now come to read and see another part of Babylon, which is actually the GLORY of the GREAT city called MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

The people of this part of Babylon are NOT drunk with the blood of saints as the great whore was; but she does have blood within her, as we shall see later. She is drunk as well, but not with blood. She is totally absorbed with, luxuries, worldly fame, power, lust of the flesh and the lust of pleasure. This Babylon has more than they can take in.

Let us look at a few things that should help us see what Revelation 18 is teaching us.

The FALL of Babylon in this chapter is certain. This is seen in the perfect tense of the words in verse two. "Babylon the great IS fallen, IS fallen" the words from the angel will reveal the desolation that comes upon Babylon as we read on.

Revelation 18:2~"For all nations have drunk of the wine of the WRATH of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her"

JUST AS they both did with the great whore of Babylon, so have they done with THIS BABYLON as well, but in a totally different way. But as we read on, we will see clearly that there are many things in this PART OF BABYLON that could NOT be applied to what was said of the great whore of Mystery, Babylon the great.

Revelation 18:3b~"....And the MERCHANTS of the EARTH are waxed RICH through the ABUNDANCE of her DELICACIES." t

Here is a golden cup that has DELICACIES in it, that in our flesh we are strongly temepted to drink of, and the temptations are powerful to our fallen flesh, the old man!

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THAT GREAT CITY, has a golden cup for you to drink of; many have drunk from both the whore's cup and the world's golden cup. A child of God must avoid both! The devil is the father of both! Whoever drinks of either, and continues to do so and does not repent, will be partakers of their evil sins; Or, the commands given in Revelation 18:4, are useless! It would be like a mother telling her child, if you do not stop what you are doing, then I am going to punish you, when she has no intentions of doing so. When God gives a warning, we had better heed that warning or He WILL do as he said He would.  God's elect hears and follows. Not perfectly, but their overall life is known to be faithful in all things.

Revelation 18:4~ "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

CHILD OF GOD, THIS CALL IS FOR YOU! AND IT IS "NOT" A CALL TO COME OUT OF FALSE RELIGION! IT IS MUCH MORE SERIOUS AND HARDER TO DO!

1. I know that the call to "come out of her" has nothing to do with false religion because of the contents of Revelation 18. False Religion was in Revelation 17; The WORLD SYSTEM and the THINGS THEREIN that the devil is god of, is in Revelation 18. As one reads through this chapter, it should become easy to see; specially to the mind which hath the wisdom of God given to him.

2. The call to come out of her my people is the very SAME warning and call we hear throughout the holy scriptures. as I mentioned above already.

1st John 2:15-17~ "Love NOT THE WORLD, neither the things that are in the world. IF any man love the world, the love of the father IS NOT in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, (Mystery Babylon has many things in her golden cup) and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, IS NOT of the father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, (you will see in it Revelation 18) and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Again:

2nd Corinthians 6:17-18~"Wherefore COME OUT from AMONG THEM, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

3. We, as Christian's cannot literally separate ourselves from Babylon, no more than could Daniel and his friends. BUT, we can and must not follow their gods nor bow down to them, nor delight in their dainties, nor seek our happiness therein. We MUST be as Daniel was In Babylon of old.

Daniel 6:5,10~ Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the LAW OF HIS GOD."

    "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber TOWARD JERUSALEM, (we KNOW where his heart was) he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, AS HE DID AFORETIME."

4. False religion is NOT the MAIN temptation for God's children, (yes, we can fall into some of their false teachings and hinder our peace and leave us weak before our enemies and unfruitful) but this world system is a greater source of temptation in many more ways than most would ever believe. The main message about the whore and God's saints in Revelation 17 is that she killed them, because they were ENEMIES! SO the devil has another part of Babylon that he labors to corrupt the Israel OF God with. It is the SAME way that Balaam taught Balak to make use of the cunning art of deception in order to ensnare and destroy Israel of old. Numbers 31:16; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14; Revelation 18:5-10....

"For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." She thinks that there is NO god in the heaven, and she surely does not believe that he knows; BUT he will THRUST IN HIS SICKLE AND REAP. Revelation 14:14-20!

"Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, DEATH, and MOURNING, and FAMINE; and she shall be UTTERLY BURNED WITH FIRE: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." See 2nd Peter 3:7-10

We believe by verses 9 and 10 that God will FIRST destroy the world as we know it and then cast the wicked into the lake of fire. The wicked will SEE with their eyes the GREAT BABYLON that caused them to say "I sit a QUEEN, and am no widow, ( she had a great company of followers ) and shall see NO sorrow OH, was she deceived by the old serpent, that deceived our mother Eve. She shall receive SO MUCH torment and SO MUCH SORROW, because she glorified herself and lived deliciously, while she lived; whatsoever her flesh wanted, that she did; for Mystery, Babylon the great city built by the devil himself to deceive his followers to follow him, HAD IT ALL and at all times; he would steal EVERY SECOND you had. He would give you so much that you COULD NOT think about your soul and eternity; and those who are the elect, the devil has used his Babylon to hinder us in our journey to our city which hath foundations, who builder and maker is God.

We, as Abraham, can LIFT up our EYES and BEHOLD ALL that we can SEE and AS far as we can see, IS OURS!

  Daniel 7:27~ "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN, SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."

This earth shall be taken AWAY from those who are wicked and who have destroyed it and it shall be given to God's elect. Yes, this world as we know it will be burned up, and a new earth and heaven shall be created for them. It will be as the Ggarden of Eden before the fall. It will be full mansions per John 14, for all of its inhabitants are ALL KINGS and PRIESTS. John 14:1-3; Revelation 1:6; 5:10! These words are more true than gravity.

YES, BABYLON'S WALL ARE COMING DOWN! SING that song and SHOUT as you sing it with understanding. BABYLON IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN, TO RISE NO MORE! Remember those words: NO MORE, AT ALL, for you will read them a few times from verse 11 to 23.

"And the merchants OF THE EARTH shall weep and mourn over her." The children of Babylon shall weep and mourn! WHY? Their playground, where they serve their uncontrollable lust is now DESTROYED! While they had this world and all things therein; they sang, rejoiced, and laugh; BUT NOW, they are weeping and mourning!

  Luke 6:25~"WOE unto you that are FULL! for he SHALL hunger. (this is NOT speaking of food; but of the PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE) WOE unto you that LAUGH NOW! for you SHALL MOURN and WEEP."

Matthew 24:30~"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then shall ALL the tribes of the EARTH MOURN, and they SHALL SEE the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Here in Revelation 18, their mourning and weeping is JUST beginning! Read Revelation 14:9-11

"For no man buyeth their merchandise ANY MORE." This world will not last forever, it will soon be destroyed forever.........The merchandise that is mentioned in verse 12, are things that are used in this world to make the things that the people of the earth lust after. The things mentioned in verse 13 are the things used by the people of Babylon to serve them and their untempered appetite. They are the FRUITS that their soul lusted after; ALL things which were DAINTY AND GOODLY.

Revelation 18:14~"And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and ALL THINGS which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them NO MORE AT ALL."

Luke 17:28~"Likewise also as it were in the days of Lot; they did EAT, they DRANK, they BROUGHT, they SOLD, they PLANTED, they BUILDED;"

Revelation 18:15-16~"The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, WEEPING and WAILING, And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in FINE LINEN, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls!"

This beautiful, glorious, playground for the children of Babylon, SHALL FALL TO RISE NO MORE.

The children of Babylon COULD NOT BELIEVE that their GREAT CITY is being destroyed by FIRE. verse 18

She is made desolate because of ALL of the ABOMINATIONS therein! Revelation 17:5 cp. 18:19

The people of Babylon lived HIGH: "And they cast dust on their heads, and CRIED, WEEPING and WAILING, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea BY REASON OF HER COSTLINESS!....." Revelation 18:19

We WILL REJOICE over her in that day, when we see her FALL. verse 20

"And a mightily angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown DOWN, and shall be FOUND NO MORE AT ALL."

verse 21~"And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; (the world and their music will be forever gone. ALLELUIA!) and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee."

Verse 22~They WILL not be needed, for THEIR WORLD IS GONE FOREVER!

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; (Babylon will fall, never to rise again, so there will never be a need for lights again) and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard NO MORE AT ALL (HOW MANY TIMES have we read those words? We should KNOW by now; THIS WORLD WILL PASS AWAY  FOREVER VERY SOON) for thy merchants were the GREAT MEN of the EARTH; (or BABYLON) for by thy sorceries were ALL NATIONS DECEIVED."

verse 23~EVERYTHING (verses 12-14) in THIS WORLD is USED by the devil and his children, to deceive ALL the simple ones, who REFUSED the wisdom found ONLY in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. The devil uses SORCERIES through the THINGS IN BABYLON TO SEDUCE PEOPLE INTO FOLOWING HIM.

In Revelation 17 we saw the she was drunken with the blood of SAINTS. In Revelation 18:24, we find here that there were blood of saints as well; but they were not drunken with the blood of saints, as the whore was; But we find something in this Babylon that was not in the whore:

"And in her was found the blood of prophets, and saints, and of ALL that were slain UPON THE EARTH." Many have died through wars; because of sex crime; hatred, accidents, and many others ways, other than religion. ALL of the slain are found in MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT CITY THAT IS AT ENMITY against the God who created all things therein!

                                                                                    SUMMARY OF MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT CITY OF THE BEAST

This beast WAS from the beginning; BUT he was wounded to death, by the Son of man, Jesus Christ, who was also, the Son of the living God; But it WAS the SON of MAN that defeated the devil; the god of BABYLON. This beast will be healed from his deadly wound at the time of the end of this world, and ALL of the world (BABYLON) shall wonder after the beast. The people of Babylon shall be ONE mind, and SHALL give their power and strength unto the beast to make BABYLON the means of their deception. They DO NOT know that their god is using them to deceive themselves and others!! THIS BEAST will make a city that HAS EVERYTHING for his deceived followers. He will deceive them into believing that THEY ARE GREAT, POWERFUL and there is NO ONE like GREAT BABYLON. WHO is BABYLON? This world and the people therein.

We started in the OT and worked our way to Revelation to help you to see and understand, WHO and WHAT is MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT. I do not claim perfection, but I KNOW this is the TRUTH concerning this subject before us.

                                                                                                What shall we do as Christians who live in BABYLON?

JEREMIAH 29:5-7 "Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, (NOT of Babylon) and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the CITY whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."

"Who is wise, and he shall understand THESE THINGS? Prudent, and he SHALL KNOW THEM?...." Hosea 14:9

Reader, your prayer request to God should be as Daniel's prayer request to his three friends concerning Nebuchadnezzzar's dream: "That they would desire MERCIES of the God of heaven concerning this SECRET;"  Daniel 2:18

: RBWe will close with this prayer: "Oh, LORD, help us to cleave unto thee while we are strangers in our Babylon. We bless and praise thee, that you have not left us in darkness concerning our life in this world. We will wait upon we thee to come for us to receive us unto thyself, that where thou art, there we shall be forever. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." AMEN!  Peace be upon all those saints who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; who exercise themselves to have a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward man.

Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2  And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

In these two women of the book of Revelation, are revealed the two powers which have been at war upon this planet since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. The powers that be of the Prince of heaven, and the powers that be of the prince of this fallen world below. This power struggle or war, was predicted in the Garden of Eden itself, immediately after the fall, in the curses God pronounced upon humanity and this world as a consequence of humanities disobedience.

Gen 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

The above curse and prediction, are the first mention and prophecy concerning the continuous struggle there would be on this planet between the woman and the serpent, and between her seed and the serpents seed. The woman we will easily prove from scripture represents God's chosen people as depicted throughout the Old Covenant as the nation of Israel, and the New Covenant as the Church of Christ Jesus our Lord. It is this woman and her seed, which the evil one and his seed have always been at war with, as depicted in the book of Revelation 12. Therefore does the chapter end with the following proclamation.

Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

In Cain and Abel we are introduced to the beginnings of the separation in this world between God's people of the woman and her seed, and the serpent and his seed. The ones who worship God according to faith in Him as He has provided and commands being her seed, and the ones who will not being the seed of the evil one of course (Gen 4:1-12). It is to be understood, that all of the serpents seed are involved in or part of counterfeit or scam if you will, religions, peoples, nations, tongues, tribes, and so on. These which Satan's counterfeit  woman, BABYLON THE GREAT sits upon, and controls and manipulates through the kings and leaders of this world in opposition to God as Revelation chapter 17 addresses. Which verses 1 and 15 specifically address.

God's creation of this world and His established kingdom here through humanity are the original of course, whose creation and kingdom satan wishes to take as his own. Therefore has he and does he continually create his counterfeits as far as possible or allowed by God Himself. Satan may want to be God, to take His throne, creations, and established kingdoms, but he cannot. Nor can he actually create anything, but only counterfeit or mimic that which God Himself has created, with those very things which God Himself has created. And this, only through the usurping power of lies, manipulation, and evil illegitimate control through deception and or force. All attributes which are the exact opposite of God's, as proved and demonstrated in and though our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

God's word established the prophetic symbolism of the only one and true religion in this world, in the woman and her seed as types of the real seed Christ Jesus our Lord, and His chosen followers. Who have always consisted of those having faith in and of Jesus Christ, who therefore keep the commandments of God, as Revelation 12:17 quoted above declares. Israel of old looked forward to our Lord Jesus Christ by prophetic faith, and spiritual Israel today looks back upon that established faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, and forward to His second coming unto salvation for His Saints which have the faith of Jesus Christ and keep the commandments of God.

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Such are the original, established by God and His foreknowledge throughout the endless ages of eternity, in Christ Jesus our Lord. These are the seed of the woman prophetically predicted in Genesis after the fall. Who stand in juxtaposition and opposition to the evil one's counterfeit woman, seed, and people of BABYLON THE GREAT, in this fallen world.

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Jesus Christ is the LAMB OF GOD, slain from the foundation of the world, according to His eternal purpose. This is the true religion of God established immediately after the fall, in the sacrificial system first demonstrated in scripture through Cain and Abel. In these two we see the separation that took place in this world between those who would accept that sacrifice by faith and obedience to God's will concerning the same. As apposed to those who would walk away and form countless counterfeit religions, nations, peoples, and tongues living in defiance of the God of heaven under the guiding influence of the evil one, "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world". These are his seed, which according to God's prophetic word as well, are also referred to as a woman or women. Though as is obvious, of a very different character and behavior than the woman or bride of Christ, His body, His church. From this point forward, we will be examining the evidence and revelations of holy scripture concerning these two prophetic women representing and or encompassing all the peoples of this entire world.

: Choir Loft  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 08:01:14There are two cases I may bring out here to illustrate the error.  First is the nature of the Beast of Revelation 13 and second is its head wound and subsequent healing.  I invite the reader to examine scripture references again and to research the secular history that it refers to.  Study to show yourself approved. (2 Tim 2:15)

The Beast is NOT a man.  According to Revelation 13:1 the Beast rises out of the sea and is described as having multiple horns.  The Bible interprets itself.
The book of Daniel sets the template for interpreting human-animal hybrid prophetic images.  They represent a system, a religion or a nation.  Horns proceeding out of the head of the human-animal hybrid refer to leadership or a succession of leaders.   The Beast arising out of the sea is an international religious system.  Revelation 17:15 tells us it is a system arising out of "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.ons and languages."

I'll give a quick brief overview of "my" understanding of this chapter. As students of the scriptures should know, evil beasts are images in Scripture that often signify the carnal (fleshly), beastly, dangerous nature of man. It is sometimes used to signify evil Kingdoms or wicked carnal individuals.

: DavidPsalms 73:22~"So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee."

It is my position that beasts are often used in Scripture to signify the animalistic flesh-driven nature of man. Without Christ, man is as a creature or beast without conscience or wisdom, and like a beast his driving force is to get whatever it desires, to tear, to devour, without consideration for law. It is often used to represent kingdoms or individuals as a token of those who live by the flesh (carnal nature) rather than the Spirit of God's law. I also believe that Revelation chapter 13 uses this imagery to paint a portrait of the carnal kingdom of Satan, as well as the false prophets whom he empowers to devour. The carnal, rebellious, disobedient man ruled by Satan is the likness (image) of the beast.

: JohnRevelation 13:1-2~"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."

Without going into too much detail, the sea is often used in Scripture as a synonym for the deep, bottomless pit or abyss, the spiritual place where this evil spirit resides ready to be loosed upon man at any moment. The first beast is the body of the antichrist (his kingdom) that was wounded at Christ's death and resurrection. The heads in Scripture often signify authority, and the number 7 is the perfect number of completeness. Thus I believe that the 7 heads represent Satan's authority to rule as the prince of this world throughout time (7 mountains = 7 kingdoms). Horns in Scripture often signify the power of whatever is in view, as the horn that was broken in Daniel (meaning his power was broken). The number 10 signifies the fullness of whatever is in view. In this instance the 10 horns signify Satan's "Power" over men to rule for the fullness of this short period of time near the time of the end of the world. The fullness and rule of this period is also spoken of in Scripture as one hour~short time~little season, etc. . Thus these 10 horns rule (as kings) with the beast kingdom one hour. And their crowns again illustrate they reign with him. i.e., crowns are for kings.

Revelation 17:12~"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast."

This also shows clearly that the first beast (with these 10 horns) spans the completeness (7) of time, and near the end of this time (the 1 hour of God's judgment) when the church becomes spiritually Babylon, these 10 kings will reign with him for this short period (little season) after Satan is loosed from the bottomless pit. The wound that was healed was the power of Satan to deceive the nations, which was before taken away (when Satan was bound) by Christ. At this time when Satan is loosed (the wound healed), he again goes out to gather together and deceive the nations to bring them up against the camp of the saints.

: THE HOLY GHOSTRevelation 13:3~"And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast."

Christ, of course, wounded him by the cross, and also looses the beast, or heals that wound, during the great tribulation just before this world comes to its end. Satan is loosed so that He might bring judgment upon the unfaithful (spiritual harlot) church made up of ALL FALSE CULTS.

Revelation 13:4-5~"And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."

Under the authority of Satan, these kings rule and go to make war against the camp of the saints (the church),  being judged of God for its abominations, after which is the return of Christ on the clouds of glory. Christ wounds and Christ heals that wound, to the glory of God.

: DavidPsalms 68:20-22~
"He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death. But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:"

Compare Revelation 17:8,11 of, "the beast that was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit."  In other words, this is the Beast, this is the power of Satan as he brought Israel into apostasy, as Christ defeated him, and as he again ascends out of the bottomless pit to attack the church. Just as a ravenous beast would attack the sheep in a fold, so Satan comes as an adversary of the house of God. He was because He ruled before Christ bound him. He is not because Christ bound Him. And He ascends out of the Pit because Christ looses him.

And the ability to bring God's external church down was bound or restrained by Christ's binding Satan over 2000 years ago, but his loosing after the millennial reign allows this judgment, even as Israel was judged. Thus the Gentile congregation is no better than the Jewish one. Apostasy knows no bounds. The blasphemies that he speaks is his false teachings and contradictions forsaking the Word of God. These are the great things he speaks that deceive and which Revelation 13 talks about.

: JOHNRevelation 13:6-7"And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."

Same as Revelation 20 when Satan is loosed from the Pit to make war with the saints.

: JOHNRevelation 13:8-9~"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear."

All of those who aren't sealed of God in Israel worship the carnal, Pseudo or Antichrist instead of God. He has deceived them so that they serve him, thinking they do God service.

Revelation 13:10-11~"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon."

John sees another vision of a beast coming up from the earth. The earth signifies they come up from the world, and this beast has two horns like a lamb, but speaks as a dragon. This beast represents the false prophets. They come looking like they have the power of the messenger of light (horns signify power, the number two signifies the truthful witness of the church), but what gives them away is that they speak as the Dragon, which is Satan. In other words, they appear as a messenger of light, but their gospel is false and of the devil.

The first beast, who the false prophets cause men to worship, represents the antichrist, or more to the point Satan's substitute kingdom headed up by the man of sin. It is the body of false worshipers from ALL false cults in Babylon. Revelation is written this way because just as the true church is represented by the body of Christ, and the Old Testament congregation by the body of Moses, the false congregation is seen as the body of the anti (substitute) or false Christ. The false prophets are those who cause the unfaithful to depart from Scripture and worship Him. All Israel who are not sealed unto the day of redemption.

Revelation 13:12-14~"And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."

The deadly wound was given the beast who is to be worshiped at the cross. Christ dealt the adversary a death wound so that he could not deceive the nations (and the church could be built), but at this time Satan is loosed from his prison. This is spoken of as the deadly wound being healed, and the reason is so that the unfaithful people of the world might again serve him (as judgment). The false prophets, the second beast, deceive the unfaithful people and seduce them into serving this antichrist kingdom by means of false miracles, signs, and wonders. Remember, Christ was bound for the specific purpose of the nations not being deceived. Now that He is loosed, his false prophets again deceive the nations, in order to usher in the Lord's second coming.

Revelation 13:15-16~"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:"

The false prophets give life to the likeness of the Antichrist by propagating their false teachings, which leads to them overcoming the church and causing all the faithful therein (the two witnesses) to be killed~or put to silence.  Those remaining as a judgment of God are said to be marked on their hand (not literally as some suppose, but spiritually) signifying their will belongs to them, and in their forehead, signifying their mind is sold out to Satan. Just as a cow is branded or marked to signify ownership, so this signifies these unsealed are slaves to the antichrist.

Revelation 13:17-18~"And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

The buying and selling signify the work of the church~being able to worship therein, etc, and no one can work there except those who have been spiritually marked slaves of Satan. The mark God tells us is 666, the number of a man~void of the Spirit of God. Read and understand:

Zachariah 13:7-9~"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

Two third of whatever is under consideration is 666% of the whole. Mark in the forehead show they are in AGREEMENT with the beast and the mark on the RIGHT-hand shows they're in FELLOWSHIP with the beast the antichristian kingdoms (both religious and non-religious) of this world~it is a spiritual mark, not to be understood literally. See Galatians 2:9.

Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days...........................................
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Uriah Smith says the following about the woman of Rev. 12.

A woman," the true church. A corrupt woman is used to represent an apostate or corrupt church. Eze. 23:2-4; Revelation 17:3-6,15,18. By parity of reasoning, a pure woman, as in this instance, would represent the true church.  "The sun," the light and glory of the gospel dispensation. "The moon," the Mosaic dispensation. As the moon shines with a borrowed light derived from the sun, so the former dispensation shone with a light borrowed from the present. There they had the type and shadow; here we have the antitype and substance. "A crown of twelve stars," the twelve apostles.

No symbols more fitting and impressive could be found than are here employed. The Mosaic dispensation shone with a light borrowed from the Christian dispensation, just as the moon shines with light borrowed from the sun. How appropriate, therefore, to represent the former by the moon, and the latter by the sun. The woman, the church, had the moon under her feet; that is, the mosaic dispensation had just ended, and the woman was clothed with the light of the gospel sun, which had just risen. By anticipation the church is represented as fully organized, with its twelve apostles, before the man-child, Christ, appeared upon the scene. This is easily accounted for by the fact that it was to be thus constituted immediately after Christ should commence his ministry; and he is more especially connected with this church than with that of the former dispensation. ( Daniel and the Revelation by Uriah Smith, Chap.12 pages 440 &441)

The above sound observations, offer a plausible spiritual application of the symbolism employed in the quoted verses under examination. They certainly represent concepts based and built upon biblical testimony and or established historical realities in relation to old covenant Israel, and new covenant spiritual Israel, Christ's church if you will. We will examine more scriptural testimony and evidence backing up the symbolism of a woman representing both Israel of the old covenant and Christ's church in this chapter. First though, we will examine other scriptures the writer believes the quoted verses of Rev 12 are a direct reference to. The terminology used, should certainly direct the minds of those familiar with the holy scriptures, to other instances making use of the same.

Gen 37:1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. 6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. 9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? 11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

While books can and have been written concerning Joseph being a type of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we will only be examining the certain aspects of such, which relate to the topic at hand. As the two are certainly connected by prophetic utterance, terminology and or symbolism, and fulfillment.

As can be observed in the above quoted and highlighted verses from Genesis chapter 37, the sun, moon, and stars are prophetic symbolism shared in the above quoted verses and Rev 12:1. This connection I believe, is in relation to the  miraculous nature in which God established both Israel of old, and spiritual Israel of the new covenant in Christ's church. Both institutions, churches, nations, or kingdoms if you will, being directly established by God's miraculous power in and yet apart from this world. Being themselves also established by God, for the exact purpose of being in and yet apart from this world.

While Genesis 37:9 only mentions eleven stars referring to eleven of Jacob's, or Israel's sons, Joseph himself being one of them would make the number twelve. These are the twelve sons of Israel , through whom the twelve tribes of what would become the nation of Israel, were miraculously sustained and developed by God as apart and distinct from the other peoples and nations of this world. The following scriptures confirming such, and identifying that which above all else separated them from the other nations of this world.

Psa 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Deu 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Deu 26:16 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. 17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: 18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; 19 And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

That the Israel of God was brought forth and established by His miraculous power alone in both the old and new covenants, is beyond question. The scriptures themselves being a written testimony and record of the same. Joseph was himself used by God as a type of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the miraculous salvation or preservation if one prefers, of His own people and much of the world during the intense and widespread famine that was approaching (Gen 41). Both Joseph, and our Lord when here among us as one of us, were despised, betrayed, sold, and forsaken by their own brethren. The end result of each being the salvation of many of the very ones who did so, and a very great number of others. This, all according as God Himself had purposed.

One of the traits of those who would be God's peculiar people in this world, was referred to several times in the above quoted verses. They believed and obeyed His voice. They kept His commandments. Which commands included a sacrificial system which typified the sacrifice of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. They were therefore, those who kept the commandments of God, and had the testimony of Jesus Christ. These are the main identifying marks of the woman of the book of Revelation as well, chapter twelve verse seventeen quoted at the opening of this chapter. These have been the identifying marks of God's people in this world, in contrast to it, since the beginning. We see the division which took place before the flood in Cain and Abel regarding the commanded sacrifice typifying Christ, which we have already discussed. There is also the testimony and record regarding Abraham who is considered the father of Israel because of this same faith. Who does not know of God's call for him to sacrifice his only son, as a type of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord, the Son of God. Of whom also the following testimonies of scripture were written.

Gen 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Gen 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. 2 And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; 4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

Gen 22:15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, 16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Heb 11:17  By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Jas 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Joseph's father was Jacob, whose name had been changed to Israel by God Himself at Jacob's conversion (Gen 32:22-30). Jacob's father was Isaac, the miracle child of Abraham, who also typified our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his miraculous birth and in being the child of promise (Gen 17:15-21, Rom 9:4-13). These are of the line through which God established His old and new covenant peoples, nation, religion, or church. 

Josephs father and mother were chosen vessels of God concerning His people, represented as the sun and moon in his vision. He and his brothers were the twelve stars of his vision, and the twelve foundations of the twelve tribes the Israel of God was built upon. This peculiar nation established by God in this world, during the old covenant, as separate and distinct from the rest of the world, who did not acknowledge God. The Israel of God stands in contrast from the rest of the world, in that they do acknowledge, believe in, and obey God. They were and are those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Therefore also is the woman depicted in Revelation chapter twelve, composed of those who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Therefore also are the Father and mother of the miraculous seed, which is and has always been Christ Jesus our Lord, represented as the sun and moon. Miracle of miracles, Jesus Christ the promised Messiah, son of man, and Son of God. Whose Father is God, and mother is of the very line of those establishing the old covenant nation of God in this world. Just as they and their nation were established by the miracles of God, so also is God's new covenant Israel and church in Christ Jesus our Lord, and His chosen twelve apostles whom the twelve stars represent. These are they of the new covenant who keep the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. These are of the women who represents God's people, nation, kingdom, and or church in this world.

The following quoted verse are simply by way of establishing the prophetic symbolism of a women, virgin, or bride representing God's people or chosen of this world.

Isa 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Jer 31:2 Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. 3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. 4 Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

Jer 31:21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.

Amos 5:1 Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel. 2 The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.

John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

2 Cor 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.[/b] 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:[/b] 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

The above is of course not an exhaustive list of scriptures or study of the subject. Easily enough though, to establish the Biblical truth of the prophetic symbolism of a women, virgin, or bride representing God's people, nation, kingdom on earth, or church in Christ Jesus our Lord. The people who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, are prophetically represented as a women throughout scripture. From the fall and establishment of true religion in the Garden of Eden, to the final triumph and reconciliation of God's own to Himself in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bridegroom of His church and people as depicted in the closing pages of the bible in the book of Revelation.

We will examine the origin, character, and place of the other woman of Biblical prophecy in the next chapter.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These 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. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

As Revelation chapter twelve was in fact a revelation concerning the first woman of biblical prophecy, so chapter seventeen is a revelation concerning the second woman of biblical prophecy, which is presented in apparent contradiction to the first. As stated in the previous chapter, the first woman of biblical prophecy was presented or established, in the first prophecy given by God immediately after the fall. She is directly connected to the establishment of the one and only true religion of intercession between humanity and God since the fall. Which was established by God Himself, by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, symbolized throughout scripture as the LAMB OF GOD sacrificed for the sins of the world at its foundation(Rev 13:8). This is the woman whom the serpent would attack, creating enmity between her seed and the serpents seed(Gen 3:13-15). The history of which enmity, is expounded upon in Revelation chapter 12, describing this enmity between the woman and the great dragon, "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan"(Rev 12:9). Chapter seventeen which we are now examining is a revelation of the second woman of biblical prophecy, expounding upon her history and characteristics.

Her history also goes all the way back to the fall of humanity in the garden, as referred to in Revelation chapter twelve in the statement regarding "that old serpent", who is the devil. Who is himself the father of all lies, which he began to tell to humanity in the garden, in contradiction to God's word.

Joh 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

He was a murderer and a liar from the beginning. This second woman of biblical prophecy is his counterfeit of God's truth, God's one and only true religion, and God's intentions for humanity. He contradicted God's word regarding the tree of life which lead all of humanity unto death. Then he contradicted God's original established pure religion of salvation in Christ alone, represented in the old testament by the sacrifice and offering of a lamb, with the presentation of an offering of the works of one's own hands. As already discussed previously, Cains offering was not according to God's direction and plan. It embodies the separation which took place between the seed of the first woman of biblical prophecy, and the counterfeit second woman of deception in rebellion against God's word and direction. The serpents first disciple and religious seed rejected God's plan, and murdered his brother for trying to correct and therefore save him from this death producing deception. That is, in believing that the works of our own hands can have anything to do with our salvation, in contradiction to and rebellion against God's testimony and direction.

This second woman of biblical prophecy represents the evil one, and all of his false religions, philosophies, sciences, and what have you, of this world existing in contradiction to God's truth. Therefore can it be said of her -

Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Cain killed Abel according to the spirit of the evil one who works in all the lies of this world in contradiction to God's word, which is truth. All murder is motivated by this same spirit of the evil one. First manifested in Cain, the first chosen disciple of false religion and lies. Therefore also, have those who believe and intend to obey the truths of God's word, been the special target for persecution and death, of the evil one and his minions in this world. An enmity which will not end, until this world itself does. Let's look at some more of the details provided in Rev 17 concerning this second woman of biblical prophecy.

Rev 17:1  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:

This second women of biblical prophecy is referred to as the great whore, who sits upon many waters. Before we address the reference to her as the great whore in the next chapter, we will examine the meaning of the many waters she sits upon. Verse fifteen of this same chapter defines this symbolism for us.

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

This women sits upon many different peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Where do these many different peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues come from? We have the following testimony regarding the pre-flood world.

Gen 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

We do not have as detailed a history of the world from scripture concerning the pre-flood world, as of that in relation to God's people since the time of the flood and forward. The history of the pre-flood world has been condensed into just a few chapters in the scriptures, unto revealing the most crucial parts apparently, for our proper understanding. There is no mention of various peoples, multitudes, nations, or tongues in scripture concerning the Antediluvians.

Their long life spans ensured that many generations existed contemporaneously. It is likely that the Antediluvians had a universal language and knowledge, being handed down easily as several generations existed and mingled together at the same time. The only real separation referred to in the scriptures, is concerning the sons of God, and the daughters of men. Many believe these verses are a reference to the amalgamation of angelic and human beings through sexual intercourse. Apart from these verses though, the scriptures never suggest any such thing. The writer contends that these scriptures are simply referring to the separation which took place first at least, through Cain, who rejected God's plan and directions for salvation and murdered his brother of the true faith. Being thereafter separated from God's own who accepted and submitted to His plan who were still considered the sons of God by keeping His commands and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as explained earlier (Gen 4:9-16). No doubt there were others who followed Cain's example in rejecting the truth.

These sons of God who remained in the faith of God, began to intermingle with the daughters of men, who were not of the faith. This problem was addressed again later in scripture concerning the nation of Israel (Jdg 3:1-6, Ezr 10, Neh 13:23-31).The results were devastating, as the rest of the scriptures short account of the pre-flood world testifies. Rapidly leading to a world filled with a humanity whose thoughts were evil always and only. Such a transition would no doubt take place more rapidly in a world with a universal language, and shared historical and experiential knowledge. The account continues and ends of course, with the global flood destroying the pre-flood world, and almost all of humanity along with it. Save Noah and his family because of their belief in and obedience to God's commands, while maintaining the testimony of Jesus Christ. Which brings us back to the main point we are addressing, as in where all the peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues which the whore sits upon came from.

After the flood, as humanity began to repopulate the earth as God had instructed (Gen 8:17, 9:1&7), we have the following account from scripture as well.

Gen 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

It was God Himself, who divided humanity at the tower of Babel by confusing the language of the people. They were apparently in danger of unifying unto rebellion against God again, too rapidly for God's purposes to be fulfilled in the salvation of as many of humanity as possible. God had already revealed that there is a limit to His forbearance with universal apostasy or rebellion in the destruction of the first world by the flood. It seems that He took measures to prevent such from happening again ahead of His own timing, concerning His plan of salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Fallen humanity was and is prone to universal rebellion while enjoying the benefits of a universal language conducive to shared knowledge and experience. So God Himself created the condition of many different peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues as a preventative measure against this annihilating tendency.

Shortly thereafter, as scripture testifies, choosing a line of humanity to make His own chosen people among the many of this world. Who were themselves to be a witness and testimony of Him to all the other peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Which God Himself also brought to fruition as the scriptures reveal and testify. It was and has been the evil one's purpose of course, to make as many of these peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues, his very own. Then to use them against God's own in this world. Nevertheless, God ordained that it should be so, not the evil one.

Such was apparently necessary - 
1. to prevent universal apostasy unto destruction again before God's own appointed time,
2. to create clear boundaries and distinctions between God's own and the rest of this world,
3. to create an atmosphere and condition of choice to be made by humanity between the two diametrically opposed systems of belief and practice being demonstrated.

Never again are God's people in this world to become part of a universal apostasy, ending in the destruction of the entire planet.  The unity of all humanity is an object and goal of the evil one, as he knows it can only be accomplished in a state of apostasy from God. It can only be accomplished in this world through compromises which are unacceptable before God. Therefore has God called His own to be a peculiar and separate people.

Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, hen ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Deu 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Deu 26:18  And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

The Lord divided humanity at the tower of Babel because they were unified in seeking a name for themselves. Self exaltation was their purpose, as is and has been the purpose of the evil one (Isa 14:12-20). All such is in defiance of God, who alone actually is exalted above all else. Not as a matter of determination or purpose, but as a simple matter of fact. God is.  Apart from Him is naught. All who exalt themselves apart from Him are and will be naught.

The evil one of course seeks to control and manipulate all according to his purposes of self exaltation. He does so through all the false religions, sciences, philosophies, politics, and so on of this world which are apart from God. His chosen people and most highly exalted institution sits upon the many peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues of this earth unto rebellion against God. She establishes illicit relations with all the kings or leaders of the earth, and their peoples unto unified apostasy against God in self exaltation. God destroyed the evils one's united humanity in rebellion against Him with a global flood. The evil one seeks to destroy God's people now, with a flood of waters who are the peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues which his chosen institution and woman of biblical prophecy sits upon. His unification of humanity is in rebellion against God and toward the destruction of His people in this world.

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The devil is a counterfeiter. He has not the power to flood the world with water as God did, to destroy his chosen enemies while delivering his own. He therefore intends to use the many peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues living in defiance of God, to do this dirty work for him. As time continues, advances in technology are increasing fallen humanities abilities of real time communication, determination, and consequential action. The unification of humanity unto universal apostasy and rebellion against God once again, is becomong an unavoidable destination. Not ahead however, of God's plans or appointed time. These same technologies and advancements in global communications, also provide opportunity for shared universal comprehension of the diametrically opposed systems of belief and practice between this world and God's own. This will eventually produce the desired effect of bringing all to point of decision regarding them, at which time the harvests of this earth will be ripe and ready for harvesting. As the following scriptures depict.

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Our world is rapidly approaching once again, a time of universal communication, though not language. A time of universally shared historical and experiential knowledge, though both are increasingly based upon false narratives, unto shared and universal rebellion against God once again. The result will be the same this time around as it was the first. Annihilation of this present world and everyone and thing in it, save God's own according to His own will and timing.

The false narratives, gospels, sciences, philosophies, and fear mongering politics of this world are being unified under the supposed "moral" guidance of the devils second counterfeit woman of biblical prophecy. She stands in juxtaposition to the unified body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His true church, the first woman depicted in biblical prophecy. All must and will make their choice concerning which unified body they will belong to.

Global persecution of God's own by the woman who rides the beast, is just around the corner for all. As the earth opened its mouth to receive the blood of Abel at the hands of Cain as a testimony against his rebellious and evil act, so it will open its mouth again to protect God's own from the flood of waters the evil one intends to carry them away with.

Gen 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

Rev 12:13  And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The true extent and effect of the above prophecy concerning the earth swallowing up the serpents flood, I do believe remains to be seen. Possibly in the seven last plagues of God's judgments upon humanity for their universal rebellion against His rightful and proved authority once again. Far from being the saviors of this earth, the false narratives and fear mongering politics being preached by many religious and political leaders of this earth, are the exact cause of these final plagues from God and this worlds final end. Unlike God, they push their false narratives and lies to the extreme. Employing coercion, censorship of opposing views, and eventually brutal and deadly force against freedom of conscience and liberty of mind. Therefore will God punish their deeds, and destroy the earth they pretend to be the saviors of, in order to have usurped and evil dominion over and above it. We will continue on the next chapter addressing who and what the great whore is. 

: RB  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 12:46:58
Well, now, you do not know me~Wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21 are all SPIRITUAL IN NATURE, not natural wars which have been since the world began. RCC/EOC is no more dangerous (maybe even less) than the modern-day "Faith" movement and Pentecostalism overall and a few more cults that have arisen since the mid-1800s.

The latter-day wars will be spiritual in nature against the saints of God from all sources.One word for you: Maybe you should be at the altar praying, instead of hollering into the air.

Wars and rumors of wars are SPIRITUAL IN NATURE - or so you wrote.

Apparently you do not have access to news sources regarding the war in Ukraine. 
There's a great deal of PHYSICAL suffering and death involved in it.

HISTORIC FACT declares the Roman Catholic church has been responsible for the DEATH and PERSECUTION of more saints of God, including Jews, than ALL OTHER RELIGIONS COMBINED including Islam. (see Revelation 16:6) The United States of America was founded by people who wanted to escape the type of religious persecution sponsored by the RCC and its droid religions.  Denying this historic fact doesn't erase it or sweep it under the carpet where no one can see.  It brings into stark relief the horror of WAR.  Spiritual or political it's all the same. The war in Ukraine is a present reminder of this truth.   It cannot be denied.  

Go out and buy a newspaper.  If you aren't used to reading you can look at the pictures.

Physical as well as spiritual causes contribute to the outbreak of war and hostility.  Someone else has what someone wants. 
Ignorance and foolishness contribute to argument between individuals.  Someone offers historic and scriptural truth even as someone else depends upon buzz words, religious slogans and doctrines of demons for their inspiration.

So what's wrong with hollering from the choir loft?    Instead of insulting another person's choice of signature why don't you invest a modicum of imagination to invent your own?   When you do you'll quickly discover some fool doesn't like it - for no real reason at all (which is the modus operandi of fools).

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

Rev 17:1 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:

Having established that the first woman of biblical prophecy depicted as a virgin or bride also, represents those of this world which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, we will now turn our attention toward understanding who the great whore represents. What do the scriptures have to say about whoredom, and its effects.

Lev 19:29  Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.

This command from God to Israel, was for their own welfare and preservation. Whoredom leads a land to wickedness. What is whoredom but a cheap counterfeit of love, which money can buy. The mere outward physical act, without authentic care, feeling, or attachment. God is love. He does care. He is attached to His creations, and authentically concerned for our well being. He has proved all of this in and through His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Righteous individuals and nations are built upon the out workings and principles of this true love. Whoredom and fornication are about cheap counterfeit unfeeling and uninvolved "love". Which is really nothing but love of self, and simply the fulfillment of personal gratification concerning the lusts of the flesh. Those that be of this world so transfixed upon self as a result of sin and therefore separation from God. This whore then, represents a cheap and or counterfeit love, in the place of God's true and authentic love. Love proved by the infinite cost of the sacrifice of the Son of God, for His people, His creation.

This truth about literal whoredom leading to wickedness, is just as true regarding spiritual whoredom.

Isa 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. 3 But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore. 4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood, 5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? 6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these? 7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice. 8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it. 9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.

Who among the Israelites were considered the seed of adultery and whoredom, but the children of transgression. Those who disobeyed God and made sacrifices to them that are no god's. Are these not the children of Cain, abandoning the commanded sacrifices of God which typified our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for sacrifices of the creation of humanities own hands? Abandoning the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord who sacrificed life itself for us, for deaf and dumb idols, who can neither hear nor answer any prayer. Cheap love and worship of cheap and imitation false gods, who have and can sacrifice nothing for humanity. Which god's, who are the evil one's counterfeits, did demand and accept the sacrifice of these fools own children. Whom they foolishly worshipped rather than the true God whose own Son would be sacrificed for them, and not the other way around. Who stopped the hand of Abraham from sacrificing his own son, whose sacrifice could save no one. Who commanded such by way of teaching and symbolism concerning the true LAMB OF GOD, who alone was sacrificed for the sins of the world, and who alone can save.

These are they of whoredom, who turn from the authentic love of the living God, and the only authentic Sacrifice unto salvation. Who transgress God's commands based upon authentic love and care for His creation, unto cheap imitating and  demoralizing counterfeits, for the temporary pleasure of selfish gain and or the lusts of the flesh. To be accepted of this world, and they that be of it, rather than accepted of God, and a follower of His Son.

1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

It is those who keep His word, His commandments, that love Him. For what has the Lord always laid as the foundation of keeping His commands.

Deu 7:7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Deu 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Deu 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.

Deu 30:16 In that I command thee this day o love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Deu 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Mar 12:29  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Love of God is the foundation and only proper motivation for keeping the commandments of God. Which represents love for purity, righteousness, holiness, self sacrifice for others, and more than we can presently comprehend, or possibly ever will. Turning from such love manifested toward us from God, represents love of self more than all else, as God is all in all. Which very thing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to restore, that love, peace, harmony, and the proper order might be restored. To put an end to the suffering and sin which leads only to death. As all separation from God who alone created, sustains, and can save life.

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, y whom are all things, and we by him.

1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

What is spiritual whoredom therefore, but a departure from the love and worship of the only true God and Creator, unto the love and worship of the creature or self above Him. Which manifests itself in transgression against His law, which law represents and embodies love to God and our neighbor as ourselves. Following these commands then, is putting these principles of love into action. While transgressing them then, is abandoning the same, and therefore God by extension. Taking on the attributes of the evil one, who himself abandoned God by wanting to be God. A state of existence which can only be apart from God of course, and therefore contrary to Him as well. In that He is in fact all in all. Apart from whom there is no life. And thus therefore the evil one and his followers have entered into a pact with death.

Isa 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. 15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: or we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: 16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. 17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. 18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.

Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: ut unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:whereunto also they were appointed.

1Jn 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

To whom does the stone and bulwark of our salvation become a stumbling stone, and rock of offense, but those who are disobedient to His word. Who while professing to be God's own, neither accept and or properly apply the sacrifice which the Son of God has made for us, or make the sacrifice of obeying His commands over and above their own wishes and desires of our flesh according to Authentic obedience. Accepting and internalizing the sacrifice our Lord has made for us, then following His example by picking up our crosses and sacrificing our own selfish wills and desires of the flesh, by obedience to His commands and a life of service in promoting the salvation of our neighbors. Which is simply to say, loving God with all of our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves.

Those who have entered into a covenant with death, will in finality represent all of the world which has chosen to be outside of Christ. A more specific group though, is identified in the institutions which teach and preach the messages which support and nurture doing so. Especially if those institutions were once attached to and or preached and taught the truths of God's word. As already referenced previously, this includes in particular the nation of Israel, in both its literal and spiritual forms. The great whore of the book of Revelation addresses the latter new covenant Israel. We will examine the how and why concerning both in the next chapters.

Isa 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. 3 But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore. 4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood, 5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? 6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these? 7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice. 8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it. 9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. 10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

Having already determined in the previous chapter, that the above verses are in reference to the disobedient of the nation of Israel during the old covenant, we need not address this again. We will now turn our attention for the moment, toward just exactly what commands they were disobeying. Which have such transforming effect, and dire results. To change a people from the favored, born and borne of God, strengthened and protected by Him, into a people destitute, desolate, and void of the same. Thereby facing the judgments of God rather than His favor. My comments here will be short and to the point, as the scriptures themselves are very specific in nature.

We will take it for granted, that the Ten Commandments of God are not only among them, but of paramount significance regarding the same. Providing the basic principles which would have prevented such a change themselves, if followed. Nevertheless, there is more specific instruction from God, which they disobeyed unto abandonment and judgment as well.

Exo 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. 22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. 23 For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. 24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. 25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

The Israelites were not to bow down to the idols or god's of the nations around them, whom they were going to conquer. They were to remain pure and faithful to the religious instructions God had given them alone. They were to "utterly overthrow and break down their images as well.

Lev 18:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. 3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. 4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. 5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. 6 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. 7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 8 The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness. 9 The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. 10 The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. 11 The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman. 13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman. 14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. 15 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness. 17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. 18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. 19 Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. 20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her. 21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. 22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. 24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. 26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: 27 (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) 28 hat the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. 29 For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.

Israel was specifically instructed by God, not to worship the god's of those they conquered, or take part in or practice the abominations which they did. This included a lot of sexual immorality, which God referred to as abominations. Many of which were directly tied to the false god's they worshipped, and or practices associated with the same (1Ki 14:24, 1Ki 15:12, 1Ki 22:46, 2Ki23:7). No doubt eventually just spilling over into society over the course of time. The following is from the JEWISH VIRTUAL LIBRARY -

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/baal-worship-jewish-virtual-library

BAAL WORSHIP

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YHWH Versus Baal

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Biblical narrative incorporates tales of Baal worship into the traditions of the wilderness wandering, thus tracing Baal worship to the earliest period of Israel's existence. At Shittim they attached themselves to Baal-Peor, ate sacrifices for the dead, and indulged in sacred sexual orgies (Num. 25:1–11; Ps. 106:28). Life in a land dependent on rainfall enhanced the appeal of the Baal cult and its pervasive influence persisted through the centuries, as the unrelenting protests of the prophets and the sporadic efforts at reform attest. Horrendous and repulsive aspects of the worship – sexual excesses and perversions (Isa. 57:3–10), perhaps including copulation with animals (Hos. 13:2) such as Baal himself performed in the Ugaritic myth – are depicted in the prophetic tirades. Virtually all reference to Baal's consort, the violent "Virgin Anath" – with whom Baal copulates by the thousand in one of the Ugaritic mythological fragments – has been excluded from the Bible, but the goddesses Ashtart (Judg. 2:13) and *Asherah (Judg. 6:30; II Kings 16:32–33) are associated with him.

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The above testimony is only in relation to Baal of course, not the many other god's of Israel's either conquered nations, or surrounding nations which her disobedient committed spiritual fornication, adultery, and whoredoms with. Leading also to the various sexual immoralities we see so commonly today. Today we also have the newer religious faiths of atheism and or secular humanism which contribute towards the same ends.

Jer 3:1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD. 2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness. 3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed. 4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth? 5 Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest. 6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. 7 And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. 8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD. 11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah. 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. 13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

The Lord compares Israel's covenant with Him to marriage vows, and their breaking of the covenant to the unfaithfulness of adultery and even whoredom. In that they sought love and acceptance from peoples and their god's, who cared not for them as God does, nor could save or protect them as God had many times. None of those gods would or could become one of and with them, unto their salvation, as Christ Jesus our Lord has for us. Which truth the entire nation, religion, and economy of Israel centered around and pointed to, while they remained faithful in obedience to Him. These things we may discuss in greater detail in the next chapters dealing with New covenant Israel's Whoredoms as well, in unfaithfulness to God in the rejection of the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We will close this chapter, with an examination Ezekiel chapter 16. Which only further establishes the points already made, and ends with the promise of the establishment of God's everlasting covenant with the true Israel of God.


Eze 16:1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, 3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite. 4 And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. 5 None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born. 6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live. 7 I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare. 8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

It was God Himself that raised up the nation of Israel and made them great among the nations of the world. Establishing His covenant with them as his peculiar people.

9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. 10 I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. 11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. 12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. 13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. 14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. 15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. 16 And of thy garments thou didst take, and deckedst thy high places with divers colours, and playedst the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so. 17 Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them, 18 And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them. 19 My meat also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou hast even set it before them for a sweet savour: and thus it was, saith the Lord GOD. 20 Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, 21 That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them? 22 And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood.

They took the wealth which God had given them unto the glory of His name, and appropriated it toward the heathens and their gods. Even taking the jewels, gold, and silver dedicated to and or actually of the temple and it's services which pointed to Christ our Lord, and appropriated them toward the heathen and their gods. They took the bounty of their meat, fine flour, oil, honey, and incense as well, and offered them up as a sweet savour before the heathen gods, which are no gods at all. All of which had been offered in God's commanded and ordained temple as a sweet savour before Him, typifying the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the unfathomable bounties and blessings bestowed upon humanity by His sacrifice. Spiritual unfaithfulness in the highest degree.

23 And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord GOD;) 24 That thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street. 25 Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms. 26 Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger. 27 Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way. 28 hou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied. 29 Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith. 30 How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman; 31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; 32 But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband! 33 They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. 34 And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary. 35 Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: 36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them; 37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness. 38 And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. 39 And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare. 40 They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords. 41 And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more. 42 So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. 43 Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast fretted me in all these things; behold, therefore I also will recompense thy way upon thine head, saith the Lord GOD: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness above all thine abominations. 44 Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. 45 Thou art thy mother's daughter, that lotheth her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, which lothed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite. 46 And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. 47 Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways. 48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. 51 Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done. 52 Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters. 53  When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them: 54 That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them. 55 When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate. 56 For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, 57 Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of thy reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about. 58 Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD.

She committed her whoredoms, and abominations with all the nations and their god's which she could. In judgment therefore, God turned all of them against her, to destroy her. So shall it be with the great whore of this new covenant as well, as we shall examine in later chapters.


Eze 16:59 For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. 60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. 61 Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. 62 And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: 63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Nevertheless, even after all such, will God establish His everlasting covenant to all whom will repent through the new covenant which God would and now has established. Therefore must the people of the new covenant come out of her who is, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Rev 17:1  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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 17 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Click on the following link, to observe the literal visual evidence concerning BABYLON THE GREAT, being arrayed in purple and scarlet color.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=the+papacy%2C+purple%2C+and+scarlet&t=osx&iax=images&ia=images&iar=images

Click on the following link, to observe the literal visual evidence concerning BABYLON THE GREAT, and the golden cup in her hand full of abominations.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=golden+cups+for+mass&t=osx&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

Apart from the above literal fulfillment concerning attire, jewelry, and the golden cup, there are spiritual implications as well of course. All of these colors and precious materials were connected with the sanctuary and priesthood of the old covenant. One of the main purposes of BABYLON THE GREAT, is to replace the true church, priestly ministry, and intercession of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with the evil ones's counterfeit. To take our Saviors place and authority unto themselves. Therefore have they established apostolic succession, the mass and transubstantiation, confession and absolution to and from the priest, intercession of the saints, and what have you. All officiated by the counterfeit priesthood they would make all of humanity dependent upon one way or another. Either by conversion and acceptance of their faith built upon such, or political submission of all to global governance under the thumb of said priesthood.

Themselves and the government they help form, promote, empower, and sustain. These two in bed together, washing each others hands, and passing themselves off as this worlds saviors in the place of Christ. Those whom this world cannot do without, if it is to survive. Addressing and or creating one crisis after another if necessary, that they might control and manipulate the masses through fear mongering politics. Presenting themselves and their oft predetermined solutions to their prefabricated crisis, as the answer and saviors of these very crisis. Thus does BABYLON THE GERAT, spiritually and politically seek to replace the authority, ministry, intercession, and salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To replace His officiation of all of the above from the heavenly sanctuary, with her own officiation and false priesthood here on earth. The prophecies of the book of Daniel make reference of these efforts.

Dan 8:9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. 10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. 11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. 13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? 14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

Dan 11:27 And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. 28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land. 29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. 30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. 31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. 32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

It was and is through the Church of Rome, that the place of God's sanctuary was cast down during this new covenant era. It was cast down to this earth from heaven when the man of sin, (the pope of Rome) set himself up in the temple of God shewing himself that he was and is God. Here on earth, in the place of the ministry and intercession of Christ our Lord from the heavenly sanctuary (2 Th 2:3-12).

It was cast down and replaced by the false doctrine of apostolic succession. Which maintains the false doctrine of a pope over the entire church of Christ through false succession, rather than leadership of each member of Christ 's body in direct communication with Him through prayer. Whose prayers go right to the throne of God through Christ Jesus our Lord, who is always officiating for us  in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb 4:14-16). Where God's throne is (Psa 11:4). Said doctrine degrading leadership of God's church to successions controlled by one institution, itself open to the corruptions of this world as all institutions within it are. Rather than Holy Spirit filled and selected humble servants of the Most High (Joh 16:13-15).

It was cast down and replaced by this man of sin, with his own priesthood in officiating the spiritual application of the daily sacrifice. Which is the forgiveness of our sins through confession and repentance unto our Lord. By His blood and intercession from the heavenly sanctuary, not confession to and absolution from imposture priests here on earth (Heb 2:16-18, 1Jn 1:9).

It was cast down and replaced by the man of sin's Mass and transubstantiation. Officiated by his priests pretending to bring the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ down here to earth repeatedly at their command, unto salvation upon which they declare humanity is dependent. This instead of pointing the faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the High Priest of our confession, officiating right now for us in the heavenly sanctuary. Whose sacrifice once and for all time saves those clinging to it by the blood of the true LAMB OF GOD, who ever liveth to make intercession for us (Heb 7:22-28, 8, 9:12-28).

It was cast down by the false doctrine of the man of sin regarding the intercession of the "Saints", or the dead if you will, in prayer to the same. The deceived seeking intercession, and salvation in prayer to the dead, instead of prayer to God our Father in and though Jesus Christ our Lord. Who again is officiating in the heavenly sanctuary right now for everyone of us concerning such things. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. The dead no nothing, let alone intercede for the living. Jesus died for our sins intending exactly that such would give us each direct access to the very throne of God through prayer in His name. Amen.(1Jn 1:9, Ecc 9:5-10)

By these false doctrines and others, did and does the the man of sin and BABYLON THE GREAT, cast the sanctuary and truth to the ground. I could go on, but the point is made. The man of sin, and his supporting institution described in biblical prophecy as a woman with multiple descriptives, compose BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Whom, pretending to be the head and body of Christ, have and do counterfeit the same. Seeking to replace His entire ministry, church, and authority exercised from the heavenly sanctuary where Christ now resides, with their own on a global scale. We will examine far more prophetic details and fulfillment concerning BABYLON THE GEAT, in following chapters. 

For more details concerning the casting down, pollution, and setting up of the abomination of desolation within God's sanctuary, see -

http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/seventh-day-adventist-forum-(sda)/sabbath-sunday-and-the-abomination-of-desolation/

Posts 26-28, 32&33.

: Choir Loft  Sat Mar 19, 2022 - 07:49:47Wars and rumors of wars are SPIRITUAL IN NATURE - or so you wrote.

As far as Matthew 24 and much in Revelation, if not all. You even proved this to be so by saying:

: Choir Loft on: Sat Mar 19, 2022 - 07:49:47 HISTORIC FACT declares the Roman Catholic church has been responsible for the DEATH and PERSECUTION of more saints of God, including Jews, than ALL OTHER RELIGIONS COMBINED including Islam. (see Revelation 16:6) The United States of America was founded by people who wanted to escape the type of religious persecution sponsored by the RCC and its droid religions.  Denying this historic fact doesn't erase it or sweep it under the carpet where no one can see.  It brings into stark relief the horror of WAR.

Then you said:

: Choir Loft on: Sat Mar 19, 2022 - 07:49:47 It brings into stark relief the horror of WAR.  Spiritual or political it's all the same. The war in Ukraine is a present reminder of this truth.   It cannot be denied.

They are not the same. The war fought by Christ and his apostles and world war I or 2 is two totally different types of wars. Maybe one day you will figure this out, maybe.

: Choir Loft on: Sat Mar 19, 2022 - 07:49:47Physical as well as spiritual causes contribute to the outbreak of war and hostility.  Someone else has what someone wants.

Not necessarily so. In the NT this was not so. Many uproars were caused by preaching the truths of the word of God and not backing down. Many times someone is teaching truths that others hate. Read the Acts of the apostles and see if this was not so.

: Choir Loft on: Sat Mar 19, 2022 - 07:49:47So what's wrong with hollering from the choir loft?    Instead of insulting another person's choice of signature why don't you invest a modicum of imagination to invent your own?

If you believe yours is desirable or valuable, then go for it, but know you are setting yourself up to be mocked and you do a pretty good job of encouraging others to do so by your words coming from the loft.

When you do you'll quickly discover some fool doesn't like it - for no real reason at all (which is the modus operandi of fools).

That's one reason among others why I do not have one.

Btw, I do not read newspapers, I thought that went away when the internet was discovered. I'll soon not have a landline phone when I move. Everything is changing so fast, not sure what's next.

Amo, I've been very busy and I see you have too~let me read and get caught up and I'll address some of your posts. RB

: Amo  Sat Apr 16, 2022 - 17:55:50It was and is through the Church of Rome, that the place of God's sanctuary was cast down during this new covenant era. It was cast down to this earth from heaven when the man of sin, (the pope of Rome) set himself up in the temple of God shewing himself that he was and is God. Here on earth, in the place of the ministry and intercession of Christ our Lord from the heavenly sanctuary (2 Th 2:3-12).

It was cast down and replaced by the false doctrine of apostolic succession. Which maintains the false doctrine of a pope over the entire church of Christ through false succession, rather than leadership of each member of Christ 's body in direct communication with Him through prayer. Whose prayers go right to the throne of God through Christ Jesus our Lord, who is always officiating for us  in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb 4:14-16). Where God's throne is (Psa 11:4). Said doctrine degrading leadership of God's church to successions controlled by one institution, itself open to the corruptions of this world as all institutions within it are. Rather than Holy Spirit filled and selected humble servants of the Most High (Joh 16:13-15).

It was cast down and replaced by this man of sin, with his own priesthood in officiating the spiritual application of the daily sacrifice. Which is the forgiveness of our sins through confession and repentance unto our Lord. By His blood and intercession from the heavenly sanctuary, not confession to and absolution from imposture priests here on earth (Heb 2:16-18, 1Jn 1:9).

It was cast down and replaced by the man of sin's Mass and transubstantiation. Officiated by his priests pretending to bring the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ down here to earth repeatedly at their command, unto salvation upon which they declare humanity is dependent. This instead of pointing the faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the High Priest of our confession, officiating right now for us in the heavenly sanctuary. Whose sacrifice once and for all time saves those clinging to it by the blood of the true LAMB OF GOD, who ever liveth to make intercession for us (Heb 7:22-28, 8, 9:12-28).

It was cast down by the false doctrine of the man of sin regarding the intercession of the "Saints", or the dead if you will, in prayer to the same. The deceived seeking intercession, and salvation in prayer to the dead, instead of prayer to God our Father in and though Jesus Christ our Lord. Who again is officiating in the heavenly sanctuary right now for everyone of us concerning such things. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. The dead no nothing, let alone intercede for the living. Jesus died for our sins intending exactly that such would give us each direct access to the very throne of God through prayer in His name. Amen.(1Jn 1:9, Ecc 9:5-10)

By these false doctrines and others, did and does the the man of sin and BABYLON THE GREAT, cast the sanctuary and truth to the ground. I could go on, but the point is made. The man of sin, and his supporting institution described in biblical prophecy as a woman with multiple descriptives, compose BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Whom, pretending to be the head and body of Christ, have and do counterfeit the same. Seeking to replace His entire ministry, church, and authority exercised from the heavenly sanctuary where Christ now resides, with their own on a global scale.

I have read your posts today up until this one. There were some points o difference and many points we agree on, but I just want to focus here on this summary you have made up to this point.

Amo, you and your group of followers known as the SDA are wrong concerning Mystery Babylon, by limiting Babylon to the Roman Catholic Church, and the man of sin to the Pope.

We agree that RCC is a whore in Babylon and a big part of the corruption in Christendom, both doctrines wise and practical. But to limit Mystery Babylon to the RCC is a great error, and allows so many other false cults to go under the radar of being part of the whore in Babylon.

We agree the Pope is a man of sin AMONG SO MANY OTHERS both in the RCC/OEC and all other false cults throughout Mystery Babylon. So, you are going to allow men like Kenneth Copeland and ten thousand others to stay under the radar, who are just as guilty as any pope that has ever had the title of God's vicar on earth.

Revelation 17 and 18 are dealing with two separate subjects~Most of chapter seventeen is dealing with false religion IN Mystery Babylon; while the latter part of seventeen into eighteen is addressing the commerce, entertainment sector of Babylon~tow different sections of Mystery Babylon.

Above you quoted:

: Amo Reply #64 on: Sat Feb 26, 2022 - 13:08:26This second woman of biblical prophecy represents the evil one, and all of his false religions, philosophies, sciences, and what have you, of this world existing in contradiction to God's truth. Therefore can it be said of her -

Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Amo, this is NOT speaking of the religious part of Babylon only as you would have us to believe but is clearly speaking of THIS WORLD as we know it. Look carefully at the verse again:

Revelation 18:24~"And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."

Amo, there are killings in this world almost every minute of every hour worldwide that do not take place in the RELGLIOUS sector of Mystery Babylon.

I have shown above that Mystery Babylon is THIS WORLD SYSTEM as we know it~which has its religion, commerce, and etertainment~you folks labor hard to limit it to false religion and that ONLY of RCC. You are missing so much truth by doing so.  You also are allowing so many false prophets to go under the BIBLICAL radar of being undetected. You are hiding them under your false doctrine of RCC being Mystery Babylon, the only whore we should be concerned about.

You are also hiding your group of followers. You are hiding BJU and other religious voices. Maybe you are no longer part of the SDA, which I do not know.

: RB  Sun Apr 17, 2022 - 11:56:07
I have read your posts today up until this one. There were some points o difference and many points we agree on, but I just want to focus here on this summary you have made up to this point.

Amo, you and your group of followers known as the SDA are wrong concerning Mystery Babylon, by limiting Babylon to the Roman Catholic Church, and the man of sin to the Pope.

We agree that RCC is a whore in Babylon and a big part of the corruption in Christendom, both doctrines wise and practical. But to limit Mystery Babylon to the RCC is a great error, and allows so many other false cults to go under the radar of being part of the whore in Babylon.

We agree the Pope is a man of sin AMONG SO MANY OTHERS both in the RCC/OEC and all other false cults throughout Mystery Babylon. So, you are going to allow men like Kenneth Copeland and ten thousand others to stay under the radar, who are just as guilty as any pope that has ever had the title of God's vicar on earth.

Revelation 17 and 18 are dealing with two separate subjects~Most of chapter seventeen is dealing with false religion IN Mystery Babylon; while the latter part of seventeen into eighteen is addressing the commerce, entertainment sector of Babylon~tow different sections of Mystery Babylon.

Above you quoted:Amo, this is NOT speaking of the religious part of Babylon only as you would have us to believe but is clearly speaking of THIS WORLD as we know it. Look carefully at the verse again:Amo, there are killings in this world almost every minute of every hour worldwide that do not take place in the RELGLIOUS sector of Mystery Babylon.

I have shown above that Mystery Babylon is THIS WORLD SYSTEM as we know it~which has its religion, commerce, and etertainment~you folks labor hard to limit it to false religion and that ONLY of RCC. You are missing so much truth by doing so.  You also are allowing so many false prophets to go under the BIBLICAL radar of being undetected. You are hiding them under your false doctrine of RCC being Mystery Babylon, the only whore we should be concerned about.

You are also hiding your group of followers. You are hiding BJU and other religious voices. Maybe you are no longer part of the SDA, which I do not know.

I don't say that Babylon is alone, scripture says that she is the mother of harlots, she therefore has many daughters. Still, there is only one mother. Her daughters are harlots and or adulterous as well, meaning they either once were of God's true religion and became apostate, or profess to be of or believe in Christ and are apostate. The latter is likely to include all false religions before the end, when the papacies goal of the unification of humanity is realized. The unification of humanity will without question include the unification of humanities religions. This process has already been under way for quite some time now through the Ecumenical movement. The papacy has already joined hands with many even non Christian faiths, even calling their god the same as ours, and touting the old lie that the different religions of this world represent different paths to God. Before it is all over, most if not all religions of this world will have joined hands under the papacies leadership, in toleration and unification with each other. Only one religion cannot be part of such, authentic bible based Christianity. Therefore will Christ's own be singled out unto persecution again.

I am not letting anyone under the radar. Though I am not capable either of addressing every daughter of Babylon. I focus therefore upon the mother, calling all out her as the mother of all false doctrine, social teachings, and what have you. Years ago I was warned on these boards not to address "Protestantism" on these boards or I would be banned for breaking the rules. This is why I do not address the many "Protestant" daughters of Babylon who have been and continue to return to their mother. They are and will continue to play a key role in establishing the papacies goals. These once Protestant principled United States, are now basically papacy principled. The country has been inundated and taken over by her adherents and another one of her daughters, atheism and or secular humanism. We are the beast which had two horns like a lamb, but now ever increasingly speaks like the dragon. Through our power and influence in this world established by bible based Protestant principles, the dragon will help establish the final global beast of biblical prophecy. We are the ones who were established upon the two horns of the lamb, civil and religious freedom by maintaining a separation between these two spheres of power. Who have been transformed into one speaking as the dragon by the crafts of BABYLON THE GREAT. She entered our land under the pretense of the protections our guaranteed freedoms, and then took us over from within unto speaking as the dragon who is her father. This is her method of conquering and ruining nations and peoples. This is another topic though, which will be addressed in later chapters of that which I am presently writing.

The pope is not the man of sin among so many others, he is the man of sin, only to be surpassed by Satan himself as the literal antichrist. In impersonating Christ near the very end. The pope is the man who declares that he stands in the place of Christ in this world, and has planted himself at the head of the new covenant temple of God. Which is verily Christ's church, and or the literal temple of God in heaven. As though he was God.

I have already addressed the blood of the prophets, saints, and all those killed by Babylon. To the extent that is not literally her that killed everyone, but the same spirit of the evil one who motivates her. The one who motivated Cain to first form a false system of worship and or sacrifice, and then kill Abel for being a testimony against such. Babylon is not this world, she is that new covenant symbol of the mother of all false religious systems who have in the past and will in the present unite in rebellion against God. Therefore also persecuting Christ's own once again. I will be addressing the blood of the prophets, saints, and all in another chapter later. The scriptures and prophecy are in fact more specific than you are allowing for. As I will continue to show in further identifying Babylon in proceeding chapters. You are of course free to believe as you wish.   

: RB  Tue Feb 22, 2022 - 12:46:58
Well, now, you do not know me~Wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21 are all SPIRITUAL IN NATURE, not natural wars which have been since the world began. RCC/EOC is no more dangerous (maybe even less) than the modern-day "Faith" movement and Pentecostalism overall and a few more cults that have arisen since the mid-1800s.

The latter-day wars will be spiritual in nature against the saints of God from all sources.One word for you: Maybe you should be at the altar praying, instead of hollering into the air.

How can any intelligent person with basic education not know the basis and nature of war? 

WAR is physical.  WAR results in physical death and destruction of property.  It is all hell as US General William Tecumseh Sherman once said.  WAR is caused by two things; human greed and divine judgment.

When one group of people wants what some other group has they will attack with all the physical force they can muster to seize it. WAR breaks out.
When God is displeased with human indifference and human love of SIN, one of the judgments He brings to pass is WAR.

For instance, it's generally acknowledged that the American Civil War was a judgment of God upon the American SIN of slavery.  Even President Abraham Lincoln admitted to it.

WAR, even internal conflict regarding temptation to SIN, has very real causes.

In addition to genuine physical need, SIN is the greatest single cause of WAR.  Churches do not generally preach the need for repentance from SIN, but in these days of lawLESSness it is needed more than at any other time in human history. 

The subject of spiritual WAR has been promoted by ignorant fanatic elements of the church:
- so as to promote their particular brand of religion
- to $ell books and sermons on the subject
- to redirect/ignore the need to confess SIN and repent of it
- to parrot scripture as a religious panacea for the consequences of SIN 

All WAR has physical consequences.   Some are caused by human need and greed, but most are the result of SIN.

It is SIN that needs to be addressed.  The modern church denies the need to do so by embracing the false doctrine of hyper-grace.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A LICENSE TO SIN.

Spiritual war of the type promoted by the religious lunatic fringe does not exist.  Dialogue on the subject usually parrots religious slogans and refuses to acknowledge real causes and effects - SIN and DEATH.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

Rev 17:1  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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 17 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Having already addressed who or what the waters of the above highlighted scriptures are, and when the Lord divided them, we will now take a closer look at the great whore's effect upon them. Her influence is apparently intoxicating, and that intoxication is tied to her fornication. Her fornication is committed with the kings of this earth. Who the kings of this earth are is obvious enough. We shall therefore center our attention upon her aspects of fornication and intoxication. In this chapter we will address her fornication and establish the same. In the next we will address her intoxication.

Fornication is basically all sex outside of the marriage relationship. Which of course includes extra marital sex, or adultery. This is significant because the great whore is said to be guilty of fornication and adultery.  Both old covenant and new covenant Israel, the church, are symbolically represented in scripture as as a virgin, and or the bride of Christ. Israel was, and Christians are said to be a virgin betrothed to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Both are also depicted as the Lords spouse. See - (Isa 62:4&5, Jer 3:13&14, Jer 31:2-4, Jer 31:21, Amos 5:1, John 3:28-30, Rom 7:4, 2 Cor 11:1&2, Eph 5:24-32, Rev 19:6-9) already quoted in chapter two.

BABYLON THE GREAT then, is symbolic of the new covenant Israel or Church of Christ in apostasy. As Israel of old was referred to as a harlot guilty of adultery and fornication while in a state of apostasy, so also is the new covenant Israel or Church of Christ as well. The remainder of this chapter will be quoted from the book SABBATH, SUNDAY, AND THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, establishing BABYLON'S fornication and adultery with the kings of this earth. Which may be viewed at the link provided above the quotes below, in post #4.

http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/seventh-day-adventist-forum-(sda)/sabbath-sunday-and-the-abomination-of-desolation/


Excerpt from SABBATH, SUNDAY, AND THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, Chapter 3 - BABYLON:

Jer 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

Ezek 16:14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. 15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

Ezek 16:28 Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied. 29 Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.

Hosea 4:15 Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

The nation of Israel was referred to as a harlot by God, when she had illicit relationships with the kings, or nations around her, and their gods. That is to say, when she trusted and relied upon the power of other nations, and their gods, over the true God of heaven and earth. The same no doubt will hold true for those who now claim to be God's people, but have illicit relationships with the nations of this earth, and their gods. That is to say, with those who claim to be Christians, but are involved in the same.

The writer contends that the great city we are discussing is none other than Rome, and the harlot, is none other than the Church of Rome. For she is that original form of apostate Christianity, that first abandoned the power of the Holy Spirit in favor of the power of the state.  She leaned on the latter, because she had already lost the former. Through compromise, and mixing pagan practices with the true religion, which is an abomination to God, she lost the power of the Holy Spirit, and thus strove for the power of the state.

It is not such a simple thing as to say that the Church of Rome was that apostate Christian institution which first sought the power of the state, over the power of the Holy Spirit.  Moreover, she is the result of apostate Christianity seeking the power of the state, because she had lost the power of the Holy Spirit. Among the various apostate Christian entities of the day, she is the one who gained the favor of the state, to the furtherance of her ends. The struggle between these various groups of apostate Christians requires too much detail to address. The observation of which, would convince any true Christian of their fallen state. The purpose of the following is to establish the fact of her relations, and empowerment, with and by the kings of this earth.

In any case, Constantine, the first supposed Christian emperor of the Roman empire, was the first to give apostate Christianity the power of the state. He did so by enacting the first Sunday law. Observe the following.

The text of Constantine's Sunday Law of 321 A.D. is :
"One the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country however persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits because it often happens that another day is not suitable for gain-sowing or vine planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost. (Given the 7th day of March, Crispus and Constantine being consuls each of them the second time." Codex Justinianus, lib. 3, tit. 12, 3; translated in History of the Christian Church, Philip Schaff, D.D., (7-vol.ed.) Vol. III, p.380. New York, 1884

Dr. A.Chr. Bang says regarding this Law :
"This Sunday law constituted no real favoratism to Christianity..... It is evident from all his statuatory provisions that the Emperor during the time 313-323 with full consciousness has sought the realisation of his religeous aim: the amalgamation of heathenism and Christianity." Kirken og Romerstaten (The Church and the Roman State) p.256. Christiania, 1879

In A.D. 321, to please the bishops of the Catholic Church, he issued an edict commanding judges, townspeople, and mechanics to rest on Sunday. Yet in this also his paganism was still manifest, as the edict required rest on "the venerable day of the sun," and "enjoined the observance, or rather forbade the public desecration, of Sunday, not under the name of Sabbatum, or Dies Domini, but under its old astrological and heathen title, Dies Solis, familiar to all his subjects, so that the law was as applicable to the worshipers of Hercules, Apollo, and Mithras, as to the Christians."  (History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, sec. 75, par. 5.-Schaff.)   ( The Great Empires of Prophecy by Alonzo Jones page 391 )

In the above quotes, we see some of the identifying marks of Babylon being fulfilled.  The establishment of the first Sunday law came about through the illicit relationship of those who claimed to be God's people, with unconverted and even pagan kings of the earth. In Constantine, we find the first Emperor of Rome to begin committing fornication with the Mother of Harlots, that is Babylon.  Let's look at some more from A.T. Jones.

Then came Constantine, the best imperial representative of the new paganism, and  the most devout worshiper of the sun as the supreme and universal deity, with the avowed purpose, as expressed in his own words, "First to bring the diverse judgments formed by all nations respecting the Deity to a condition, as it were, of settled uniformity." In Constantine the new paganism met its ideal, and the New Platonism -  the apostate, paganized, sun-worshiping form of Christianity - met its long-wished-for instrument. In him the two streams met. In him the aspiration of Elagabalus, the hope of Ammonius Saccas and Clement, of Plotinus and Origen, and the ambition of the perverse-minded, self-exalted bishops, were all realized and accomplished - a new, imperial, and universal religion was created.

Therefore, "the reign of Constantine the Great forms one of the epochs in the history of the world. It is the era of the dissolution of the Roman Empire; the commencement, or rather consolidation, of a kind of Eastern despotism, with a new capital, a new patriciate, a new constitution, a new financial system, a new, though as yet imperfect, jurisprudence, and, finally, a new religion." ( Milman - History of Christianity, book 3, chap. 1, par. 1 )The epoch thus formed was the epoch of the papacy; and the new religion thus created was the PAPAL RELIGION. ( The Great Empires of Prophecy by Alonzo Jones page 361 )

By instituting the first Sunday laws, Constantine gave the Church of Rome the power of the state. For this law commanded all, those in, and out of the faith, to observe this apostate Christian institution. This was the beginning of the realization of the Church of Rome's purpose in having illicit relationships with the kings of the earth. By these relations, she hoped to establish herself in a position of power above all others. Though she claims to have been established by Christ, through the first Pope Peter, she was in reality established through the power of the kings of this earth. It was these with whom she committed spiritual adultery, and fornication. Let's look at some more historical facts confirming these truths found in the book The Two Republics, by A. T. Jones.

"The Catholic Church demanded assistance in her ambitious aim to make her power and authority absolute over all; and for Constantine's purposes it was essential that the church should be a unit. These two considerations combined to produce results both immediate and remote, that proved a curse to the time then present and to ages to follow. The immediate result was that Constantine had no sooner compassed the destruction of Licinius in A.D. 323, than he issued an edict against the Novatians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Paulians, Cataphrygians, and "all who devised and supported heresies by means of private assemblies," denouncing them and their heresies, and commanding them all to enter the Catholic Church. The edict runs as follows: —

"Victor Constantinus Maximus Augustus, to the heretics: Understand now, by this present statute, ye Novatians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Paulians, ye who are called Cataphrygians, and all ye who devise and support heresies by means of your private assemblies, with what a tissue of falsehood and vanity, with what destructive and venomous errors, your doctrines are inseparably interwoven; so that through you the healthy soul is stricken with disease, and the living becomes the prey of everlasting death. Ye haters and enemies of truth and life, in league with destruction: All your counsels are opposed to the truth, but familiar with deeds of baseness; fit subjects for the fabulous follies of the stage: and by these ye frame falsehoods, oppress the innocent, and withhold the light from them that believe. Ever trespassing under the mask of godliness, ye fill all things with defilement: ye pierce the pure and guileless conscience with deadly wounds, while ye withdraw, one may almost say, the very light of day from the eyes of men. But why should I particularize, when to speak of your criminality as it deserves, demands more time and leisure than I can give? For so long and unmeasured is the catalogue of your offenses, so hateful and altogether atrocious are they, that a single day would not suffice to recount them all. And indeed it is well to turn one's ears and eyes from such a subject, lest by a description of each particular evil, the pure sincerity and freshness of one's own faith be impaired. Why then do I still bear with such abounding evil; especially since this protracted clemency is the cause that some who were sound are become tainted with this pestilent disease? Why not at once strike, as it were, at the root of so great a mischief by a public manifestation of displeasure? "Forasmuch, then, as it is no longer possible to bear with your pernicious errors, we give warning by this present statute that none of you henceforth presume to assemble yourselves together. We have directed, accordingly, that you be deprived of all the houses in which you are accustomed to hold your assemblies: and our care in this respect extends so far as to forbid the holding of your superstitious and senseless meetings, not in public merely, but in any private house or place whatsoever. Let those of you, therefore, who are desirous of embracing the true and pure religion, take the far better course of entering the Catholic Church, and uniting with it in holy fellowship, whereby you will be enabled to arrive at the knowledge of the truth. In any case, the delusions of your perverted understandings must entirely cease to mingle with and mar the felicity of our present times; I mean the impious and wretched doublemindedness of heretics and schismatics. For it is an object worthy of that prosperity which we enjoy through the favor of God, to endeavor to bring back those who in time past were living in the hope of future blessing, from all irregularity and error, to the right path, from darkness to light, from vanity to truth, from death to salvation. And in order that this remedy may be applied with effectual power, we have commanded (as before said), that you be positively deprived of every gathering point for your superstitious meetings; I mean all the houses of prayer (if such be worthy of the name) which belong to heretics, and that these be made over without delay to the Catholic Church; that any other places be confiscated to the public service, and no facility whatever be left for any future gathering; in order that from this day forward none of your unlawful assemblies may presume to appear in any public or private place. Let this edict be made public." ( Eusebius's- "Life of Constantine," book 3, chaps. 64, 65. )

Some of the penal regulations of this edict "were copied from the edicts of Diocletian; and this method of conversion was applauded by the same bishops who had felt the hand of oppression, and had pleaded for the rights of humanity." ( Gibbon- "Decline and Fall," chap. 21, par. 1. )

As is obvious from the above edict, the establishment of the Church of Rome had nothing to do with the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To the contrary, she was established through the power of the state, not the power of the Holy Spirit. The emperor that established her power did so for purely political reasons, the establishment of his authority above all civil, or religious entities of the day.

As the emperor of Rome, Constantine was already the head of all the pagan religions of that empire, and was himself a devout worshipper of the sun. His supposed conversion to Christianity was nothing more than a political ploy to be the head of this new religion also.  Thus his purpose was, as already stated, "First to bring the diverse judgments formed by all nations respecting the Deity to a condition, as it were, of settled uniformity." This settled uniformity was to be under his authority, and complete control. Therefore, the establishment of the Church of Rome was brought about by the selfish motives of a pagan emperor who would embrace Christianity as a means of obtaining his goal. Not to mention the selfish motives and ambitions of apostate Christians who were themselves seeking the power, and prestige of this world.

Apostate Christianity, having entered the stage of the politics of this world, has never ceased to be entangled in the same. She is ever entrenched in the political strife, struggles for supremacy, and unquenchable thirst for power of the same. The Church of Rome is the Mother of all supposed Christian institutions which have become more concerned with the politics of this world, and its struggles for power, than the fulfilling of the gospel commission.  "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."  ( Matt. 24:14 )

The following are more historical quotes, and facts regarding the establishment, or re-establishment of the Church of Rome's authority. As a political entity of this world, her authority, and influence have continually, and are continually being challenged by others of the same. The history of her political struggles, and alliances with the kings of this earth, are sufficient proof that she is the Mother Of Harlots, who commits fornication with the kings of the earth. Thus, this identifying mark is fulfilled in her history. Of the many books that could be studied, for a more detailed history of her politics, the following are recommended by the writer. The Great Empires of Prophecy, and The Two Republics, both written by Alonzo Jones.

Gratian was but the tool of the bishops. Ambrose was at that time bishop of Milan, and never was episcopal ambition more arrogantly asserted than in that insolent prelate. Soon the mind of the bishop asserted the supremacy over that of the boy emperor, and Ambrose "wielded at his will the weak and irresolute Gratian."  ( Milman- "History of Christianity," book 3, chap. 8, par. 28. )

But above all things else that Gratian did, that which redounded most to the glory of the Catholic Church was his choice of Theodosius as associate emperor. Valens was killed in a battle with the Goths, A.D. 378. A stronger hand than that of a youth of nineteen was required to hold the reins of government in the East. In the establishment of the Catholic Church, the place of Theodosius is second only to that of Constantine. About the beginning of the year 380 he was baptized by the Catholic bishop of Thessalonica, and immediately afterward he issued the following edict: —

"It is our pleasure that the nations which are governed by our clemency and moderation, should steadfastly adhere to the religion which was taught by St. Peter to the Romans, which faithful tradition has preserved, and which is now professed by the pontiff Damasus, and by Peter, bishop of Alexandria, a man of apostolic holiness. According to the discipline of the apostles, and the doctrine of the gospel, let us believe the sole deity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: under an equal majesty, and a pious Trinity. We authorize the followers of this doctrine to assume the title of Catholic Christians; and as we judge that all others are extravagant madmen, we brand them with the infamous name of "heretics," and declare that their conventicles shall no longer usurp the respectable appellation of churches. Besides the condemnation of divine justice, they must expect to suffer the severe penalties which our authority, guided by heavenly wisdom, shall think proper to inflict upon them."  ( Gibbon's "Decline and Fall," chap. 27, par. 6. )

This law was issued in the names of the three emperors, Gratian, Valentinian II, and Theodosius. "Thus the religion of the whole Roman world was enacted by two feeble boys and a rude Spanish soldier."  ( Milman- "History of Christianity," book 3, chap. 9, par. 1. )

In the supremacy of the papacy, Justinian holds the same place as does Constantine and Theodosius in the establishment of the Catholic Church. "Among the titles of greatness, the name 'Pious' was most pleasing to his ears; to promote the temporal and spiritual interests of the church was the serious business of his life; and the duty of father of his country was often sacrificed to that of defender of the faith."  ( Gibbon - "Decline and Fall," chap. xlvii, par. 23. )

"The emperor Justinian unites in himself the most opposite vices, — insatiable rapacity and lavish prodigality, intense pride and contemptible weakness, unmeasured ambition and dastardly cowardice.... In the Christian emperor, seem to meet the crimes of those who won or secured their empire by assassination of all whom they feared, the passion for public diversions without the accomplishments of Nero or the brute strength of Commodus, the dotage of Claudius."  ( Milman - "History of Latin Christianity," book 3, chap. 4, par. 2. )

In the year 532, Justinian issued an edict declaring his intention "to unite all men in one faith." Whether they were Jews, Gentiles, or Christians, all who did not within three months profess and embrace the Catholic faith, were by the edict "declared infamous, and as such excluded from all employments both civil and military; rendered incapable of leaving anything by will; and all their estates confiscated, whether real or personal." As a result of this cruel edict, "Great numbers were driven from their habitations with their wives and children, stripped and naked. Others betook themselves to flight, carrying with them what they could conceal, for their support and maintenance; but they were plundered of what little they had, and many of them inhumanly massacred."  ( Bower - "History of the Popes," Boniface 2, par. 2. )




TITLE 1.
CONCERNING THE MOST EXALTED TRINITY AND THE 
CATHOLIC FAITH AND PROVIDING THAT NO ONE 
SHALL DARE TO PUBLICLY OPPOSE THEM.
   1. The Emperors Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius to the people of the City of Constantinople.
   We desire that all peoples subject to Our benign Empire shall live under the same religion that the Divine Peter, the Apostle, gave to the Romans, and which the said religion declares was introduced by himself, and which it is well known that the Pontiff Damascus, and Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, a man of apostolic sanctity, embraced; that is to say, in accordance with the rules of apostolic discipline and the evangelical doctrine, we should believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit constitute a single Deity, endowed with equal majesty, and united in the Holy Trinity.
   (1) We order all those who follow this law to assume the name of Catholic Christians, and considering others as demented and insane, We order that they shall bear the infamy of heresy; and when the Divine vengeance which they merit has been appeased, they shall afterwards be punished in accordance with Our resentment, which we have acquired from the judgment of Heaven.
    Dated at Thessalonica, on the third of the Kalends of March, during the Consulate of Gratian, Consul for the fifth time, and Theodosius.
   2. The Same Emperors to Eutropius, Praetorian Prefect.
   Let no place be afforded to heretics for the conduct of their ceremonies, and let no occasion be offered for them to display the insanity of their obstinate minds. Let all persons know that if any privilege has been fraudulently obtained by means of any rescript whatsoever, by persons of this kind, it will not be valid. Let all bodies of heretics be prevented from holding unlawful assemblies, and let the name of the only and the greatest God be celebrated everywhere, and let the observance of the Nicene Creed, recently transmitted to Our ancestors, and firmly established by the testimony and practice of Divine Religion, always remain secure.
   (1) Moreover, he who is an adherent of the Nicene Faith, and a true believer in the Catholic religion, should be understood to be one [pg. 10] who believes that Almighty God and Christ, the son of God, are one person, God of God, Light of Light; and let no one, by rejection, dishonor the Holy Spirit, whom we expect, and have received from the Supreme Parent of all things, in whom the sentiment of a pure and undefiled faith flourishes, as well as the belief in the undivided substance of a Holy Trinity, which true believers indicate by the Greek word These things, indeed do not require further proof, and should be respected.
   (2) Let those who do not accept those doctrines cease to apply the name of true religion to their fraudulent belief; and let them be branded with their open crimes, and, having been removed from the threshhold of all churches, be utterly excluded from them, as We forbid all heretics to hold unlawful assemblies within cities. If, however, any seditious outbreak should be attempted, We order them to be driven outside the the walls of the City, with relentless violence, and We direct that all Catholic Churches, throughout the entire world, shall be placed under the control of the orthodox bishops who have embraced the Nicene Creed.
   Given at Constantinople, on the fourth of the ides of January, under the Consulate of Flavius Eucharius and Flavius Syagrius.
    3. The Emperor Martian to Palladius, Praetorian Prefect.
   No one, whether he belongs to the clergy, the army, or to any other condition of men, shall, with a view to causing a tumult and giving occasion to treachery, attempt to discuss the Christian religion publicly in the presence of an assembled and listening crowd; for he commits an injury against the most reverend Synod who publicly contradicts what has once been decided and properly established; as those matters relative to the Christian faith have been settled by the priests who met at Chalcedony by Our order, and are known to be in conformity with the apostolic explanations and conclusions of the three hundred and eight Holy Fathers assembled in Nicea, and the hundred and fifty who met in this Imperial City; for the violators of this law shall not go unpunished, because they not only oppose the true faith, but they also profane its venerated mysteries by engaging in contests of this kind with Jews and Pagans. Therefore, if any person who has ventured to publicly discuss religious matters is a member of the clergy, he shall be removed from his order; if he is a member of the army, he shall be degraded; and any others who are guilty of this offence, who are freemen, shall be banished from this most Sacred City, and shall be subjected to the punishment prescribed by law according to the power of the court; and if they are slaves, they shall undergo severest penalty.
   Given at Constantinople, on the eighth of the Ides of February, under the consulship of Patricius.
   4. John, Bishop of the City of Rome, to his most Illustrious and Merciful Son Justinian.
   Among the conspicuous reasons for praising your wisdom and gentleness, Most Christian of Emperors, and one which radiates light [pg. 11]as a star, is the fact that through love of the Faith, and actuated by zeal for charity, you, learned in ecclesiastical discipline, have preserved reverence for the See of Rome, and have subjected all things to its authority, and have given it unity. The following precept was communicated to its founder, that is to say, the first of the Apostles, by the mouth of the Lord, namely: "Feed my lambs."
   This See is indeed the head of all churches, as the rules of the Fathers and the decrees of the Emperors assert, and the words of your most reverend piety testify. It is therefore claimed that what the Scriptures state, namely, "By Me Kings reign, and the Powers dispense justice;" will be accomplished in you. For there is nothing which shines with a more brilliant lustre than genuine faith when displayed by a prince, since there is nothing which prevents destruction as true religion does, for as both of them have reference to the Author of Life and Light, they disperse darkness and prevent apostasy. Wherefore, Most Glorious of Princes, the Divine Power is implored by the prayers of all to preserve your piety in this ardor for the Faith, in this devotion of your mind, and in this zeal for true religion, without failure, during your entire existence. For we believe that this is for the benefit of the Holy Churches, as it was written, "The king rules with his lips," and again, "The heart of the King is in the hand of God, and it will incline to whatever side God wishes"; that is to say, that He may confirm your empire, and maintain your kingdoms for the peace of the Church and the unity of religion; guard their authority, and preserve him in that sublime tranquillity which is so grateful to him; and no small change is granted by the Divine Power through whose agency a divided church is not afflicted by any griefs or subject to any reproaches. For it is written, "A just king, who is upon his throne, has no reason to apprehend any misfortune."
   We have received with all due respect the evidences of your serenity, through Hypatius and Demetrius, most holy men, my brothers and fellow-bishops, from whose statements we have learned that you have promulgated an Edict addressed to your faithful people, and dictated by your love of the Faith, for the purpose of overthrowing the designs of heretics, which is in accordance with the evangelical tenets, and which we have confirmed by our authority with the consent of our brethren and fellow bishops, for the reason that it is in conformity with the apostolic doctrine.


   The following is the text of the letter of the Emperor Justinian, Victorious, Pious, Happy, Renowned, Triumphant, always Augustus, to John, Patriarch, and most Holy Archbishop of the fair City of Rome:

   With honor to the Apostolic See, and to your Holiness, which is, and always has been remembered in Our prayers, both now and formerly, and honoring your happiness, as is proper in the case of one who is considered as a father, We hasten to bring to the knowledge of Your Holiness everything relating to the condition of the Church, as We have always had the greatest desire to preserve the unity of your Apostolic See, and the condition of the Holy Churches of God, as they [pg. 12] exist at the present time, that they may remain without disturbance or opposition. Therefore, We have exerted Ourselves to unite all the priests of the East and subject them to the See of Your Holiness, and hence the questions which have at present arisen, although they are manifest and free from doubt, and according to the doctrines of your Apostolic See, are constantly firmly observed and preached by all priests, We have still considered it necessary that they should be brought to the attention of Your Holiness. For we do not suffer anything which has reference to the state of the Church, even though what causes difficulty may be clear and free from doubt, to be discussed without being brought to the notice of Your Holiness, because you are the head of all the Holy Churches, for We shall exert Ourselves in every way (as has already been stated), to increase the honor and authority of your See.



PREFACE.
   We enact the present law with reference to ecclesiastical rules and privileges and other subjects in which holy churches and religious establishments are intrusted.
Chapter I.
   Concerning Four Holy Councils.
   Therefore We order that the sacred, ecclesiastical rules which were adopted and confirmed by the four Holy Councils, that is to say, that of the three hundred and eighteen bishops held at Nicea, that of the one hundred and fifty bishops held at Constantinople, the first one of Ephesus, where Nestorius was condemned, and the one assembled at Chalcedon, where Eutyches and Nestorius were anathematized, shall be considered as laws. We accept the dogmas of these four Councils as sacred writings, and observe their rules as legally effective.
Chapter II.
   Concerning The Precedence of Partriarchs.
   Hence, in accordance with the provisions of these Councils, We order that the Most Holy Pope of ancient Rome shall hold the first rank of all the Pontiffs, but the Most Blessed Archbishop of Constantinople, or New Rome, shall occupy the second place after the Holy Apostolic See of ancient Rome, which shall take precedence over all other sees.

Source: Corpus Juris Civilis (The Civil Law, the Code of Justinian), by S.P. Scott, A.M., published by the Central Trust Company, Cincinnati, copyright 1932, Volume 12 [of 17], pages 9-12, 125.

The Church of Rome presently entertains diplomatic relations with 183 states or nations of this earth. She has been, she is, and she ever will be, a political entity of this world. This is why she ever pursues greater power and influence in the same. She does not believe in the separation of church and state. Her rise to power within this country, is in conjunction with the crumbling of the wall which separates the two. 

The annals of history testify, that there is no true freedom without a separation of church and state. Maintaining freedom for our future, depends upon remembering the lessons of our past.

Having established BABYLON'S fornication with the kings of the earth, we will now examine her intoxication of them and the inhabitants of the earth in the next chapter.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Having already examined the issue of fornication and its spiritual implications, let us now move on to drunkenness. What does it mean to be spiritually drunk? Having more than just a little experiential knowledge of drunkenness and or drug induced inebriation, I can say with certainty that such is akin to self induced temporary madness. Countless others apart from myself can testify no doubt, that if they were ever going to say or do something stupid, it was far more likely to happen while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That is, if they can remember what they said or did under these influences at all.

Many may and do partake in much more moderate amounts, avoiding such stupors and or black outs. Nevertheless, they are simply more moderately impairing their mental and physical motor and intellectual abilities. Either slowing down, or speeding up our natural God given thought processes. Which results in different choices and actions according to the same, than we would make and or act upon otherwise. This being true on a spiritual level as well of course. We simply do not have the same outlook or clarity while under the influence, that we have naturally. A very potentially dangerous state, both in and of this potentially dangerous world, and concerning the very potentially dangerous deceptions existing within it. Therefore are we admonished by the holy scriptures -

1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Tit 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

As is most obvious from the scriptures quoted above, sobriety is an intricate part of the faithful Christian experience. Sound and uncorrupted biblical doctrine being closely associated with soberness as well. Just as alcohol and drugs alter the mind unto different or contrary thoughts and actions, so false unbiblical doctrines alter spiritual perceptions unto false unbiblical thoughts and actions as well. They make the believer of them, spiritually drunk. Leading to thoughts and actions which are contrary to the sober minded truths and principles of holy scripture.

This can, has been, and is presently being demonstrated among individuals, societies, religious and political institutions, and nations today. All of whom are rapidly departing from the biblically inspired and principled examples of personal, societal, institutional, political, and national developments of recent history. Which history most prominently included a return to biblical literacy, understanding, and piety on the world stage of all of the above. In the personal, societal, institutional, religious, political, and national effect of the Protestant Reformation. Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Christo.

Within a couple of centuries of the departure of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His apostles, false doctrines and practices entered into the church which the apostle Paul warned of (Acts 20:28-31), along with others (Jude 1:3&4, 2Pe 3:14-17). These false doctrines having intoxicated and polluted the peoples of the sanctuary of God, gradually changed the churches perspective and mission from the thoughts and inclinations of heavenly endeavors, to the thoughts and inclinations of worldly minded gains of power and prestige. The end result being the same for the new covenant church, as it was for apostate Israel of the old covenant. They became more morally deprived and tyrannical than the heathen peoples around them.

Being spiritually drunk and impaired by false doctrines, they increasingly lost the power of the Holy Spirit of God to convict and convert through the powers of godly persuasion. In this inebriated state, they therefore sought to replace that power with the powers that be of this world. That is the power of the temporal state. No longer possessing the power of the Holy Spirit of God to convict and convert hearts concerning the truth, they had no recourse but to lean on the power of the state to enforce the mixture of truth and error which they propagated and sought to sustain. They succeeded, and established the properly referred to, Dark Ages. Becoming worse and more abusive themselves, than the heathens before or around them, they claimed to be superior to and above. This was the establishment of Roman Catholicism, Babylon the great, and the spiritual whore of the new covenant era.

Having hidden the truth first through false doctrine enforced upon all through the worldly powers of the state, she then literally outlawed the holy scriptures in the language of the many different nations and peoples she lorded herself over. That they might not have access to the scriptures which the many who still contended with her false doctrines, used to do so. Therefore were these truly the Dark Ages, in that they removed the light of God's written word and testimony from the view of the peoples of this world. As far as possible in any case. Nevertheless, there were always those who kept and prized the holy scriptures, and shared them with as many peoples as possible under such grim circumstance, in their own languages.

At the right time and in accordance with God's will though, many educated Roman Catholics themselves, began examining the holy scriptures and noted the difference between the church and its teachings. These men began protesting the false teachings and abusive powers the church taught and exercised, calling for reforms regarding the same. Refusing all such, Rome rather excommunicated these men and outlawed all of their writings and teachings right along with owning the scriptures at all. Let alone in ones own vernacular. Unfortunately for the Church of Rome, the invention of the printing press and an ever increasing number of people obtaining the scriptures and the writings of these reformers, made her intended purposes virtually impossible.

More and more people obtained the scriptures and the writings of these reformers, and more and more Roman Catholics abandoned their faith in the Catholic Clergy in favor of them. Having broken the chains which apostate "Christianity" and the state had bound them with, they never returned. A very great many choosing banishment, imprisonment, torture, and even death, above returning to a faith they no longer believed. Which proved itself evil by the afore mentioned abuses. People began to flee Babylon in large numbers, regardless of her illicit relations with, and worldly power of the kings of this earth intent upon preventing all such. To the contrary, they came to understand that such was in fact a biblically prophetic sign that she was in fact, BABYLON THE GREAT.

The ensuing increasing numbers of converts, published bibles in the vernacular, and writings of these Reformers, inevitably took their effect. Individual lives, institutions, societies, religious sects, political entities, and even entire nations were convicted, converted, and transformed. Ultimately into more biblically based, influenced, and exercised governments and peoples. The apostate model of elite Clergy and Royalty in bed together subjugating all others under their visibly life threatening and abusive thumbs, was rejected large scale.

Democracies and Republics were formed with the intent of government by and for the people, rather than rule by an elitist class either born or ordained into class, wealth, and or power privileges above all others. The rights and liberties of the individual, being protected from the over bearing reach of the rich, powerful, or influential who would abuse such in their own favor. These are the ideals which freedom enhancing teachings and principles of holy scripture espouse. The large numbers of people converted by them, were joined by many other freedom seeking peoples in forming societies and nations promoting the same. These United States of America being themselves the product of the maturation of such biblically inspired high calling. As is obvious from the opening words of our Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness...................................

The above biblically inspired principles of the establishment of the God given rights of humanity to govern itself as sovereign individuals and or nations supporting the same, were and are backed up by our Constitution as well. These are the biblically established principles being abandoned today by an ever increasing population. Populations of either Roman Catholic and or other religiously inspired humanism, or the atheistic inspired humanism birthed as a political entity in France. The result of their wholesale rejection of unchallenged and abusive Roman Catholic Church and State amalgamation, and the concept of a loving God as well, altogether. This is the road humanity is presently heading down at ever increasing speeds, straight toward the destination of Rome's intended designs. In the next chapter, we will examine the madness and folly of humanity for doing so.

Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Jer 51:5 For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. 6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence. 7 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. 8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. 9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

What is the drunkenness and madness caused by Babylon's wine? Who drinks it, and why? Why was her wine said to effect so many nations and even all of them according to prophetic utterance during the old covenant? Why does it have the same effect during this new covenant? What is so abominable about her wine or influence, to the extent that prophecy declares her golden cup to be filled with the abominations of the earth? As is always and should be the case, we will let the scriptures answer these questions for us.

The book of Jeremiah chapter 25 describes the processes leading to the madness brought about by the wine of Babylon. The wine which God Himself makes all nations drink. Why did God do this, and why is He going to do it again? Let's read the chapter which tells us exactly why.

Jer 25:1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; 2 The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, 3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. 4 And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: 6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. 7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. 8 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, 9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. 11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. 13 And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations. 14 For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands. 15 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it. 16 And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them. 17 Then took I the cup at the LORD'S hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me: 18 To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day; 19 Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people; 20 And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod, 21 Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon, 22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea, 23 Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners, 24 And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert, 25 And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes, 26 And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which are upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them. 27 Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you. 28 And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink. 29 For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. 30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. 31 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD. 32 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. 33 And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground. 34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel. 35 And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. 36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture. 37 And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD. 38 He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

The prophetic utterance and implications of the above chapter, reach far beyond literal Israel, Babylon, and all the other nations being addressed at that time. Which we will examine in greater detail further down the line. The chapter itself moves from the scene of these literal nations at their time, to the second coming of Christ, and God's controversy with all the nations and all the inhabitants of this world. The Great Controversy.

For now though, we will simply address the root cause of the madness these nations suffered from the wine which God made them drink. Which madness has plagued the world over and again throughout history, and is increasingly doing so again on a global scale. The unity of humanity being sought regarding this madness, will in fact split this entire world in two. Preparing it to be cleansed once and for all by the personal return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  And what is the root cause of such madness and insanity, but the same as that which we have already been addressing, and will and must address again.

They would not hearken unto the voice and warnings of God. They would not keep His commandments. And who are they, but the children of Israel first and foremost. When God's own professed people who are supposed to be a light upon the hill of this world, turn that light off in disobedience to God's word and teachings, the world is left in overwhelming darkness and madness.

Psa 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments............

127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. 129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Mt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

How can people who cannot even see the light of what is right or wrong, act or do right? People in the dark stumble and fall, and head in the wrong and often very dangerous directions. God's word is spiritual light and knowledge leading to life. Those who reject or refuse it, are left in the dark. They therefore stumble through life accordingly, straight toward danger and death.

No darkness of this world however, is as deep and dangerous, as the darkness following God's own professed people rejecting or refusing the light of His word. Leaving the world without the one source of light which God never intends should be extinguished. Which very thing God established His nation, church, and peoples to prevent. When their light goes out, they become worse than all others, and drag the world down with them into darkness, chaos, and madness.

This happened in the world before the flood, when humanities thoughts became evil only and always unto destruction. It happened to Israel and her surrounding nations several times over. It happened to Babylon itself within seventy years of being used by God in judgment against Israel for the same. This, after she herself was converted from within by certain godly captives from Israel. As her rapid conversion began through one man Nebuchadnezzar, so it also rapidly ended through one man in his grandson. This is the fatal flaw of monarchial, or dictatorial governments.  A topic we will examine later in greater detail, concerning the spiritual applications of the new covenant church, and spiritual Babylon.

It happened in and to the Roman empire in like manner as Babylon, concerning the empires "conversion" to "Christianity".  Followed by the rapid decline of the empire and "Christianity" as a result. This as the "Christian" churches light went out in disobedience to God's word and commands in uniting with the state and paganism as Israel itself had so many times. Resulting in what many still term the dark ages, and rightly so.

It is, has been, and continues to happen today as the world increasingly turns from the light of God's word rekindled and given back to humanity through the Divinely inspired Protestant Reformation. Which pulled this world out of the dark ages brought upon it by apostate "Christianity" forming the Roman Catholic church state, or state church, which ever one prefers. Freeing the minds and consciences of humanity once again from the chains of darkness which always ensues extinguishing the light of God's word. Inspiring forms of government and religion which neither coerce or compel any concerning the same, save upon the most basic respect of human rights and or dignities toward each other.

Therefore today are we witnessing the maddening effects once again of extinguishing the light of God's word. Extinguishing the Word's uplifting influence upon individuals, societies, nations, tongues, and peoples. Therefore also today, do we see the influence of the Church of Rome who presided over the dark ages, continually rising to new and greater heights once again. In greater supportive relations with the elitist minded religious, political, so called "scientific", economic, industrial, and corporate leaders of the day. Financing, promoting, legislating, and forcing compliance of all others to their own designs of false unity in submission and subjugation to themselves. Submission to other fallen beings such as themselves and the conglomerates they form, instead of God and the light of His word.

Is this not the very madness humanity escaped from in emerging from the dark ages at the hands of this very same institution? By which everything is confused, and chaotically tangled into an unidentifiable mass of darkness. This to the extent already, that the most obvious physical realities right in front of our faces are regularly denied by ever increasing numbers of people. Who can't even tell who are boys and girls, or men or women. Who want to teach our children that knowing such is not possible but by what each individual simply chooses one way or another. Is this not the logical end of defying the word's and commands of He who alone is, and there is no other? Ignoring the words of the One who not only created all, but sustains all, including ourselves? Yes, it is the darkness that settles upon individuals, societies, and nations who reject the light, truth, and holy standards of God's word and commands. Not as enforced by kings or dictators, but rather by personal conviction of the individual unto proper self government among those alone therefore capable freedom and liberty. Therefore capable of establishing and sustaining government for and by the people. God Himself warned Israel of the danger of kings, dictators, elitist leaders, or oligarchs, if you will.

1Sa 8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. 7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. 10 And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. 11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. 12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

Is this not the decision this world is making and or being deceived and forced into again? Yes it is. The rejection of government for and by people themselves, who are personally responsible enough to be self governed, which people alone are capable of forming and maintaining government for and by the people. Which governments work best when the high standards and light of God's word are directly responsible for such high personal standards and practice. As exemplified in the peoples and governments formed during and shortly after the Protestant Reformation, leaving the dark ages behind. Providing a light also for the rest of the world to be influenced by. So it was, and so has this light been going out, as fewer and fewer maintain the standards and light of God's world. While ancient enemies of the dark ages, and their new allies have been warring against the same light and standards as well, seeking to regain the usurped power, wealth, prestige, and place they lost because of the light of God's word being given back to the world. So be it.

God is. He is reality and light. Apart from Him there is nothingness and darkness. While the world was reforming according to the light of God's word, Individuals, churches, institutions, societies, towns, cities, and nations were progressing according to that light as well. The personal responsibility and freedom found in Christ's salvation, constantly convicting the saved to higher and holier moral ground and action, spread throughout and permeated societies around them. Such is the nature of God's word, and individuals who alone are capable of governing their owns selves first and foremost, unto government for and by the people. Able to grant and sustain true liberty and freedom, because the individuals of such societies are responsible enough themselves to do so. Such a people, and the societies which resulted, cast off the chains of darkness and resulting tyranny which follows it.

Therefore did the world cast off the chains and tyranny of elitist minded Popery and Monarchies, which abused power and the peoples they lorded their usurped powers over. Bible believing Christians did this first, by demanding their God given rights to self government in submission to God's word, over and above those who demanded the opposite. Sacrificing their own lives rather than continue to submit to those who had usurped ungodly powers over and above even their Lord and Savior's. At the opposite end were those who finally cast off the abusive power of these tyrants as well, in a violent outburst of aggression against those who had subjugated them unto abject poverty and misery. This in one violent, bloody, and murderous convulsion and revolution in France, bursting forth from utter despair under the thumbs of these usurping powers unto a new atheistic political entity in the world. 

The formation of the government of these United States of America upon matured Protestant and biblically guided principles, and the scenes leading up to and at the French Revolution, were a two edged sword inflicting a deadly wound upon the head of the combined papal and feudalist state. This beast of biblical prophecy ridden by Babylon the Great, met its end for a short while after this deadly wound by this double edged sword. Both bible believing Christians, and atheistic revolutionists rejecting its abusive power, though in very different ways. Not to mention their very different effects.
We will not follow this line of thinking any further for now, as we are concerning ourselves with the two women of prophecy, not the seven beasts of biblical prophecy. Though the two are intricately connected.

We will however pause and consider the following testimony from the past regarding Babylon's preaching, practice, and effect the first time she developed the first beast of biblical prophecy, before it received a deadly wound. Which very processes she has been repeating now ever since that deadly wound in order to regain all she lost and more. The following quotes are from CHRIST AND ANTICHRIST, by Samuel J. Cassels, 1846.

The times also require this investigation. Throughout Europe, throughout the world, there is a revival of the Papal system. True, this revival is not to be considered as indicative of any very great triumphs. The best days of Popery have been numbered. The notions which men now entertain of popular liberty, and of the rights of conscience, the general intelligence that prevails, the recorded history of Papal oppression, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and above all, the word of God, all lead to the belief, that no efforts of the crafty agents of this crafty system, can ever give it the influence it has once exerted. "Tekel" is inscribed upon it; and some Cyrus will, ere long, be raised up, who shall dry up its waters, break down its gates of brass, and let oppressed humanity go free. No; it is not the ultimate triumph of this system we fear; it is the harm it may do in its death-struggle; it is the unnatural energies of its spasmodic dissolution, that we dread.

In America, particularly, is this investigation important. In all the countries over which it has triumphed, Popery, like the anaconda, has wound around its folds of art, of cunning, of superstition and of power, until, enclosing everything in its too friendly embraces, it has, with one tremendous effort, crushed the nation to death. It sends forth its missionaries; it gathers its schools and colleges; it erects its cathedrals and builds its churches; it is patriotic, benevolent, charitable. Its alms and offerings attract the vulgar, its austerities and penances convince the sceptical. It is at first tolerated; then approved; next obeyed! But now come the dread realities of the system, taxation, passive submission, excommunications, interdicts, crusades, the inquisition, destruction. Yes, Popery has well nigh destroyed every country in which it has been predominant. The liberties and national prosperity of a people cannot coexist with such a system.

Let then, Americans — Americans, who have never witnessed a Court of Inquisition, or an Auto-da-fe, on their virgin soil; Americans, whose national liberties are still fragrant with the blood of revolutionary forefathers; Americans, whose proud eminence in the civilized world, gives them more to lose than other nations; let Americans especially examine this subject well. And if, in such an examination, the following pages shall contribute but a mite to the discovery of the truth, the author will feel himself more than compensated for the labor they have cost him.  (Part 2 Pgs. 125&126)

Thus does the anomalous character of the Papacy prove it to be the antitype of "the little horn." This power is unlike all others; is uncongenial with all others. It is a usurper, a supplanter. We can readily conceive, how a spiritual power, either associated with the state, or entirely independent of the state, may exist without discord or collision. If the church be entirely distinct from the political institutions of a people, there can of course be no disturbance, as there is no contact. And if a church be established by law, as the operations of the religious and the political systems are kept in distinct spheres, there may be but occasional evils growing out of such union. But for a government that claims its existence jure divino, that sets up a universal empire, that arrogates to itself supremacy in all civil, as well as ecclesiastical matters — for a government that considers itself infallible, and which requires absolute submission in all its subjects — for such a government to exist in the midst of other governments; in its very principles trampling upon their rights and privileges; wielding both a temporal and a spiritual sword; punishing offenders both in this world and the next — for such a government to exist in harmony with other governments, is impossible, absolutely impossible. The papal system can harmonize with no other, whether religious or political. To the religious world, it exhibits one supreme pontiff of Christendom, and requires for him universal obedience. To the political world, it presents one great monarch, whose throne is above every throne, and whose will is law throughout the globe. No the Papacy is a unit, and presents the front of positive hostility to every thing that is not consolidated in itself. It may not be able to carry out its principles and wishes, but this is its nature. It is "diverse from all other governments; it is the adversary of all other governments.
(Chapter 3, Pgs. 155&156)

Though Mr. Cassels was speaking of the history of the papacy up until his day, which he did not think could repeat itself in the age of the light of God's word, the world has been living a repeat of that history to the present. In the continued healing of the deadly wound Babylon and the first beast she ride received.

As has always been the case with fallen humanity, all revivals or reformations are shortly thereafter followed by the slippery slope of backsliding future generations. This is a most obvious tendency demonstrated in the biblical history of the nation of Israel. The battles, struggles, and sacrifices of those preparing the way for freedom, liberty, justice, and the prosperity such affords, fades rapidly within the minds of following generations reaping the benefits. As it is with individuals, so it becomes with societies and nations. We are our own worst enemies. Success and ease in personal lives and societies, arrived at through the self discipline and sacrifice, gives way among those no longer facing the circumstance calling for such in the first place.

Nor do those living the social, economic, political, and or leisurely prosperity gained by others before them, keep or practice the self discipline or sacrifice required to establish such. We simply do not learn from history, or maintain the knowledge of that learned by those before us. We head right back down the same roads, many times with the very same peoples and or institutions, who brought us to the deplorable conditions needing revival and or reformation in the first place. As we see happening before our eyes today. This is not to mention or go into the details of exact plots and plans by said institutions and new ones, striving for these exact purposes. To regain the abusive power and wealth they lost during said revivals, reformations, and or violent reactionary revolutions. The ever increasing godless habits, social evils, backsliding religious, so called "sciences", politics, philosophies, and what have you, are fostered and mustered together in battle array, against biblical light and high moral standards. Until the majority once again overwhelm the light of God's word and teachings with the darkness they have chosen.

Therefore has God in the past, does He now increasingly, and will He in the future again, make the nations of this world drink the wine of Babylon. Because it is what we have chosen over and again throughout history, and are ever increasingly choosing again today. Denying the plain simple realities of God's word and testimony, and seeking to establish their own vain imaginings in its place, we are left to delusion and madness. Which exponentially increases as they move forward in one denial after another, unto the madness we presently witness. The light of God's word which is in fact reality, is put out of our minds and hearts, to be replaced with vain imaginings.

Until these vain imaginings are no longer concepts and or theories concerning faith, or politic, or so called "sciences" such as evolution, but rather the denial of what literally and physically exists right in front of our faces. We imagine there is no Creation by God, but only evolution. Therefore by extension as well, no right or wrong, save what we determine for ourselves to be such. No real value in human life save our own precious one of course, and those who agree with our own vain imaginings in particular. No need either to tolerate the views of others who are not of our particular brand of vain imaginings either. No coveting or stealing because all things are common and for the common good of all if you will. No fornication or adultery because there is no standard against such, which we all have natural tendencies toward as simple intellectually developed animals. No standards of any type against having sex with anyone or possibly even anything. Nothing wrong with homosexuality, transgenderism, and or whatever else one comes up with. No boys. No girls. No men. No woman. And on and on unto destruction we run. Drinking the wine of Babylon unto utter madness and folly. So be it according as God's word has predicted, and God Himself wills toward those who will continually reject the light and truths of His word unto chosen darkness.

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Jer 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence. 7 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.

 

Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities...........................
11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate..........................
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

As is apparent from the above testimony regarding Babylon, the merchants of the earth play a crucial role in the development, establishment, and maintenance of the global beast which Babylon is destined to ride. An examination therefore of the papacies  relations with them, will only add evidence to her identification as Babylon. The following list of article headlines are simply by way of establishing the papacies and therefore Babylon's relations with the merchants of this earth, concerning very recent history only. They represent in fact, a very small fraction of the information out there at the finger tips of all, truly desiring to know and understand the identifying marks of Babylon the great.

Pope summons oil execs to Vatican to talk climate change

Pope Francis Met With Instagram CEO to Discuss Power of Images

Google's Eric Schmidt Meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican

WHY IS POPE FRANCIS HAVING A CLOSED DOOR MEETING WITH GOOGLE CHIEF EXEC AT THE VATICAN?

Apple's Tim Cook meets with Pope Francis

Pope Francis meets with YouTube creators to 'promote empathy'

Pope meets with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

Pope Francis to address gathering of world's wealthiest and most famous

Vatican signs up IBM and Microsoft as AI ethics apostles

CEOs join Vatican in push for 'system change'

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The Pope Blesses Business Plans
A new initiative brings the Vatican and C.E.O.s together.

Pope Francis Partners with Global CEOs to Promote 'Inclusive Capitalism'

Rhetoric To Reality: What To Watch After Oil Executives' Vatican Visit

Big business gets its wings as leaders from major U.S. companies partner with Pope Francis

The Fortune CEO Initiative 2018 Annual Meeting (The Initiative grew out of an historic meeting of 100 CEOs with Pope Francis)

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Pull investments from companies not committed to environment, pope says

Pfizer and the Vatican

Pope Francis reminds investors to be champions of social development

Pope Francis champions right of workers to organize in unions

Pope meets with Polish Solidarity Trade Union

Pope Meets With NBA Players' Union Delegation At The Vatican

Pope Francis advocates for organization of workers' unions

Pope Francis: Labor unions are essential to society

Pope to ILO: 'Urgent need for economic reform and protection of all workers'

Pope Francis, the Church, and labor unions

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Again, the above list does not even scratch the surface of the papacies involvement with an ever increasing number of CEO's and other oligarchs the world over. Which is not even to mention the papacies own immense wealth, properties, businesses, franchises, investment and ownership of hospitals and other medicine related industries and distributers, investment and ownership of mainstream media outlets, social media outlets, movies and entertainment, connections with labor and trade unions, grass roots organizations the world over, secret societies the world over as well, and influential connections with just about everyone and anyone else they can possibly influence with their stated agendas.

What is their stated agenda, but the unification of all humanity unto global government and economy, directed by the underlying principles of the common good. A common good which she herself defines and demands others finance and implement for her. As she always has, calling upon the political leaders of the world to do her bidding. Not to mention, begin punishing those who will not submit to her designs and demands. Appealing to the leaders themselves over and above the peoples they are supposed to be representing, to submit to her designs with or without the peoples consent.

This is nothing less than the reestablishment of the dark ages all over again. The papacy back in bed with her political lovers. Living and walking upon the backs of the people, they are pretending to be helping or saving with their self professed superior knowledge and know how. The very type of government the Church of Christ and even the world overwhelmingly rejected and revolted against just a few centuries ago. Self proclaimed elitist religious, political, and so called scientific leaders. Lording themselves over the rest of the world. No different than the kings, queens, and supposed royalty of the past. Who were also in bed with the papacy. Claiming false rights of leadership as well by birth or declaration of silly men in dresses as it were, and wearing silly hats, pronouncing that God established a new priesthood through them.

The founders of our nation understood this folly well. By experiential knowledge and observation, and properly addressed it. Both in writing and establishment of government for and by the people to prevent its rising again. Which knowledge and government the papacy and her elitist minded lovers have been warring against ever since. The following from one of our founders, addresses the same.

Since the promulgation of Christianity, the two greatest systems of tyranny that have sprung from this original, are the canon and the feudal law. The desire of dominion, that great principle by which we have attempted to account for so much good and so much evil, is, when properly restrained, a very useful and noble movement in the human mind. But when such restraints are taken off, it becomes an encroaching, grasping, restless, and ungovernable power. Numberless have been the systems of iniquity contrived by the great for the gratification of this passion in themselves; but in none of them were they ever more successful than in the invention and establishment of the canon and the feudal law.

By the former of these, the most refined, sublime, extensive, and astonishing constitution of policy that ever was conceived by the mind of man was framed by the Romish clergy for the aggrandisement of their own order. All the epithets I have here given to the Romish policy are just, and will be allowed to be so when it is considered, that they even persuaded mankind to believe, faithfully and undoubtingly, that God Almighty had entrusted them with the keys of heaven, whose gates they might open and close at pleasure; with a power of dispensation over all the rules and obligations of morality; with authority to license all sorts of sins and crimes; with a power of deposing princes and absolving subjects from allegiance; with a power of procuring or withholding the rain of heaven and the beams of the sun; with the management of earthquakes, pestilence, and famine; nay, with the mysterious, awful, incomprehensible power of creating out of bread and wine the flesh and blood of God himself. All these opinions they were enabled to spread and rivet among the people by reducing their minds to a state of sordid ignorance and staring timidity, and by infusing into them a religious horror of letters and knowledge. Thus was human nature chained fast for ages in a cruel, shameful, and deplorable servitude to him, and his subordinate tyrants, who, it was foretold, would exalt himself above all that was called God, and that was worshipped.

In the latter we find another system, similar in many respects to the former;1 which, although it was originally formed, perhaps, for the necessary defence of a barbarous people against the inroads and invasions of her neighboring nations, yet for the same purposes of tyranny, cruelty, and lust, which had dictated the canon law, it was soon adopted by almost all the princes of Europe, and wrought into the constitutions of their government. It was originally a code of laws for a vast army in a perpetual encampment. The general was invested with the sovereign propriety of all the lands within the territory. Of him, as his servants and vassals, the first rank of his great officers held the lands; and in the same manner the other subordinate officers held of them; and all ranks and degrees held their lands by a variety of duties and services, all tending to bind the chains the faster on every order of mankind. In this manner the common people were held together in herds and clans in a state of servile dependence on their lords, bound, even by the tenure of their lands, to follow them, whenever they commanded, to their wars, and in a state of total ignorance of every thing divine and human, excepting the use of arms and the culture of their lands.

1 Rob. Hist. ch. v. pp. 178-9, &c.
But another event still more calamitous to human liberty, was a wicked confederacy between the two systems of tyranny above described. It seems to have been even stipulated between them, that the temporal grandees should contribute every thing in their power to maintain the ascendency of the priesthood, and that the spiritual grandees in their turn, should employ their ascendency over the consciences of the people, in impressing on their minds a blind, implicit obedience to civil magistracy. Thus, as long as this confederacy lasted, and the people were held in ignorance, liberty, and with her, knowledge and virtue too, seem to have deserted the earth, and one age of darkness succeeded another, till God in his benign providence raised up the champions who began and conducted the Reformation. From the time of the Reformation to the first settlement of America, knowledge gradually spread in Europe, but especially in England; and in proportion as that increased and spread among the people, ecclesiastical and civil tyranny, which I use as synonymous expressions for the canon and feudal laws, seem to have lost their strength and weight. The people grew more and more sensible of the wrong that was done them by these systems, more and more impatient under it, and determined at all hazards to rid themselves of it; till at last, under the execrable race of the Stuarts, the struggle between the people and the confederacy aforesaid of temporal and spiritual tyranny, became formidable, violent, and bloody.

It was this great struggle that peopled America. It was not religion alone, as is commonly supposed; but it was a love of universal liberty, and a hatred, a dread, a horror, of the infernal confederacy before described, that projected, conducted, and accomplished the settlement of America.

It was a resolution formed by a sensible people, -- I mean the Puritans, -- almost in despair. They had become intelligent in general, and many of them learned. For this fact, I have the testimony of Archbishop King himself, who observed of that people, that they were more intelligent and better read than even the members of the church, whom he censures warmly for that reason. This people had been so vexed and tortured by the powers of those days, for no other crime than their knowledge and their freedom of inquiry and examination, and they had so much reason to despair of deliverance from those miseries on that side the ocean, that they at last resolved to fly to the wilderness for refuge from the temporal and spiritual principalities and powers, and plagues and scourges of their native country.

After their arrival here, they began their settlement, and formed their plan, both of ecclesiastical and civil government, in direct opposition to the canon and the feudal systems. The leading men among them, both of the clergy and the laity, were men of sense and learning. To many of them the historians, orators, poets, and philosophers of Greece and Rome were quite familiar; and some of them have left libraries that are still in being, consisting chiefly of volumes in which the wisdom of the most enlightened ages and nations is deposited, -- written, however, in languages which their great-grandsons, though educated in European universities, can scarcely read.2

2 "I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in Providence for the illumination of the ignorant, and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth."

In order for Babylon the Great to rise again sitting upon the back of governments, she had to overcome the above people and form of government erected exactly to prevent this very thing. The removal of the scriptures of course, which she had historically kept out of the hands of the people when she reigned, was an important step concerning this task. As they clearly revealed her faults and false claims to authority. As soon therefore, as the number of her adherents were large enough to effectively complain about the Holy Scriptures being part of our public education, she effected the same. Successfully having them removed from the classrooms, thereby removing this menace to the reestablishment of her usurping power once again.

At the same time and thereafter, she continued her policies of removing as much negative history regarding her usurped powers of the past and the abuse suffered by her victims, from public sight as well. This was also addressed in our educational systems, and removed by demand of an ever increasing population of her adherents through continued mass migrations of them into our country. A population who increasingly denied such histories as bigotry against their religion and persons. Migrations which continue by the way to this very day. With approval, promotion, financing, and facilitation by the papacy in her never ending quest for supposed equity. Which equity, only ends in the two class society which she herself prefers and endlessly works to establish. Her and her chosen elitist lovers, and the mass of poor peasantry which are completely dependent upon them.

Having at this point in time for the most part, removed her past and even present evils from public sight. She has been actively revising history according to her own vision and outcome for many years now. Accomplishing this task through many different avenues. Revising history books, reference materials, and education systems of course along the way. Also using the power of media and Hollywood as it were, to paint a very different picture of the history of our nation in the minds of our increasingly ignorant population. Who generally care nothing for studying actual history, searching for truth along the way. Leaving themselves therefore easily influenced and brainwashed as it were, through entertaining depictions of history and mainstream media revisionist historical accounts. Why read a book and study, when you can press a button and be entertained while being spoon fed what was, what is for you now, and where you are going. Just sit back, watch, listen, believe, and do, as you are instructed. So be it. 

The intentional dumbing down of our society, is no secret at this point in time. And the above observations are directly connected to this phenomenon. We have been and continue to be fitted to be ruled over by Babylon the Great and her elitist lovers once again. Having first given up the powerful influence of the word of God against such societal ills, the downward spiral only increases over time. As such conditions were favorable to the rise of Babylon upon the back of previous governments throughout history, so they are favorable once again today. So be it according as God's word has foretold. The following quote sums up quite well, where the world under the papal leadership has gone in the past, and where therefore we are rapidly headed today.

But the success of the Papacy, when closely examined, is not so surprising as it looks. It cannot be justly pronounced legitimate, or fairly won. Rome has ever been swimming with the tide. The evils and passions of society, which a true benefactress would have made it her business to cure -at least, to alleviate -Rome has studied rather to foster into strength, that she might be borne to power on the foul current which she herself had created. Amid battles, bloodshed, and confusion, has her path lain. The edicts of subservient Councils, the forgeries of hireling priests, the arms of craven monarchs, and the thunderbolts of excommunication have never been wanting to open her path. Exploits won by weapons of this sort are what her historians delight to chronicle. These are the victories that constitute her glory! And then, there remains yet another and great deduction from the apparent grandeur of her success, in that, after all, it is the success of only a few -a caste -the clergy. For although, during her early career, the Roman Church rendered certain important services to society -of which it will delight us to make mention in fitting place when she grew to maturity, and was able to develop her real genius, it was felt and acknowledged by all that her principles implied the ruin of all interests save her own, and that there was room in the world for none but herself. If her march, as  shown in history down to the sixteenth century, is ever onwards, it is not less true that behind, on her path, lie the wrecks of nations, and the ashes of literature, of liberty, and of civilization.
(THE HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM VOL. 1, by Rev. J. A. Wylie, CHAPTER 4
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PAPACY FROM GREGORY VII. TO BONIFACE VIII Pgs. 36&37)

Jer 51:24 And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

While the above prophecy is certainly in relation to Babylon of old or the old covenant if you will, it just as certainly reaches down to the end of time and spiritual or new covenant Babylon as well. As the prophecy includes Babylon's effect as a destroying mountain upon all the earth. Which the book of Revelation chapters seventeen and eighteen in particular, expound upon in greater detail for this new covenant era. Revealing the ruin of the entire world as its kings and nations become increasingly involved and influenced by "the wine of the wrath of her fornication"(Rev 18:3), once again.

Babylon of old herself is the first beast, mountain, or king of the seven headed beast which spiritual Babylon of the new covenant rides upon.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Who is this seven headed beast upon which Babylon sits, but the first beast of Revelation thirteen and this new covenant era. Which beast is connected to the four beasts of old covenant prophecy itself, described in the book of Daniel, having different parts from them all. Going back to the original Babylon of old in consecutive order from the time the prophecy is given.

Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

The ten horns being from the fourth and final beast of Daniel 7:7. The beast itself being like a leopard, as the third beast of Daniel 7:6 was also. Having the feet of a bear, which the second beast described in Daniel 7:5 was. And finally having the mouth of a lion which the first beast of Daniel 7:4 was. Which beast was none other than Babylon of old itself. The first beast, mountain, or king of the prophecy of Revelation 17 which we are examining presently in relation to Babylon the Great of the new covenant era. The details of the prophecies themselves making the connections between all seven of these beasts, kings, and or mountains.

And where does this first beast of Revelation 13 which connects these old covenant beasts of prophecy with the new covenant beasts of the book of Revelation, get its power, seat, and authority from, according to verse two? It gets it from the dragon himself. And who is the dragon, but the devil himself, that old serpent who deceives the entire world.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

And how many heads does the dragon who deceives the entire world have, but seven. Which are in fact the seven heads of the beast to whom he gives his power, seat, and authority.

Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 22 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 23 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 24 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

And what are the seven heads of the dragon, but the seven heads of the beast to whom he gives his power, seat, and authority. The seven consecutive kings, mountains, or beasts of biblical prophecy which the devil controls and raises up in defiance of the God of heaven. Which also persecute those in this world who are of the kingdom of God.

We know from the book of Daniel that these beasts are kings or kingdoms through which Satan defies God's kingdom and wars with the people of God's kingdom on this earth (Dan 7:17&23). And what are the mountains, or how do we know the mountains are these same beasts or kingdoms as well? We know from the opening verse of this chapter (Jer 51:24&25), that God referred to Babylon as a destroying mountain. We also know from the following verses that Satan was kicked out of the "mountain" or kingdom of God.

Eze 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

Satan was not just of the kingdom of God, but was upon the holy mountain of God, that is in God's very presence and among the leadership of His kingdom. God cast him out of His holy mountain and or kingdom as profane. The seven mountains, beasts, kings or kingdoms, of the prophecies of the books of Daniel and the Revelation are the seven heads of the dragon, or satan. They are the seven beasts of biblical prophecy or seven headed beast of biblical prophecy, and the seven hills or mountains upon which mystical Babylon sits. They are the devil's counterfeit and or rival mountains or kingdoms to God's in this world. Thus does BABYLON THE GREAT sit upon the seven hills or mountains, which are the seat of Satan's power and authority in rebellion against God in this world. The Devil gives these beasts their power, seat, and authority. And BABYLON THE GREAT sits upon these mountains as well. Deriving her power and authority from him as well.

Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

These mountains are not the hills upon which literal Rome of this world sits as many have supposed in the past. They are rather the mountains, heads, and or kingdoms of the evil one raised in defiance of the living God. They are the seat of the evil one's authority, and the religious and political leaders which sit upon those seats are the leaders of Satan's counterfeit mountains, kingdoms, or heads. They compose the heads of the beasts, and lead the world and their constituents unto destruction. Destruction by fire. Therefore will the evil one and his mountains be burned.

Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Jer 51:24 And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. 25 Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

Not only do the satanic practices and policies of Babylon and the beasts she rides bring suffering, misery, woe, and destruction upon humanity during their occupation, but they end in complete destruction by fire. We are now observing in this nation and world the misery and woe following a turning away from the power and influence of God's word, unto the power and influence of BABYLON THE GREAT, and one of the beasts she rides. All of which is leading to the final destruction of all powers and peoples existing in defiance of God, by fire.

Denying, refusing, and or being ignorant of the lessons learned from history concerning her abusive and destructive leadership in the past, the world is ever increasingly placing themselves under the tyrannical leadership and control of BABYLON THE GREAT once again. The dark ages of the past spawned by the Church of Rome, are swiftly approaching and encroaching again. Her illicit and adulterous relations with the rich and powerful of the earth will and are producing this same effect upon humanity again, unto final destruction. Babylon is without question, a destroying mountain.

God used Babylon of old as a tool and destroying weapon of judgement upon His repeatedly wayward people and surrounding nations during the old covenant era (Jer 21&25). Eventually destroying Babylon as well in judgment, but only after He had revealed Himself to the Babylonians as well. Converting their king through the remnant of Israel who survived within his kingdom after he conquered them in judgment from God. Judgment came upon them when knowing such they used the instruments from Israel's temple and worship of the true God, to worship their false God's. More about this later.

In any case, the spiritual or temporal policies and practice of Babylonian rule, which is itself satanic rule, are ruin and desolation. This is "the wine of the wrath of her fornication", which all the nations of this earth will and are ever increasingly drinking as the end approaches. The misery and woe her practice and policies bring upon humanity are in fact judgment from God upon us, for turning from His law and proved righteous leadership, unto the satanically inspired leadership she enthrones herself upon. The end of which is destruction even upon her own self and all who submit to her. She is truly a destroying mountain, in contrast to God's holy mountain and leadership which we will examine in the next chapter.

While there are other nations which stand forth in scripture with enduring lessons of spiritual nature and application concerning the results of abandoning God's rule in favor of humanities, Babylon holds the place of prominence above them all. She was the power used by God in judgment to end the nation and religion of His own design and purpose by way of revelation in this world, due to apostasy. The lessons to be learned since that time and unto future generations in these judgments and restorations of the past, are crucial to properly understanding the conflicts and resolutions God Himself has determined until the end. Therefore has BABYLON THE GREAT, been brought forth again in a spiritual manner for these new covenant era lessons unto the end.

God Himself began these prophecies concerning Babylon and Israel through dreams he gave to Nebuchadnezzar, and interpretation and visions he gave to the Hebrew captives Daniel and his companions, concerning the same unto the end. The books of Daniel and the Revelation are God's instruments of prophetic instruction for his people unto the end. With the help and aid of other scripture as well of course, by way of historical detail, and symbolic interpretation. Babylon is the head of the four metals of the image of Nebuchadnezzars dream in chapter two, and the first beast of the four revealed in chapter seven. These are the first four of the seven kingdoms, beasts, or heads of biblical prophecy revealed in Revelation chapter seventeen. The prophetic kingdoms, beasts, or mountains of the old covenant era if you will.

These are followed in the new covenant by the evil one's counterfeit kingdoms of this era. In his attempt to copy and supplant God's universal spiritual kingdom and church on earth, established in and by Christ Jesus our Lord. All these new covenant counterfeit kingdoms, beasts, or mountains, are directly connected to spiritual Babylon of the new covenant era. The Devil's counterfeit's of Christ's spiritual kingdom until He returns again to set up His literal kingdom forever. Thus does and is the devil using his queen as it were, to set up an opposing kingdom of unified humanity in defiance of the living God. We will end this chapter by quoting from the book of Daniel the second chapter, where it all began, before examining the mountain of God in the next chapter.

Dan 2:26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart 31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. 36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

One cannot help but immediately notice, the differences between the holy mountain and or kingdom of God, and the counterfeit mountains and kingdoms of the evil one. Babylon and the mountains or beasts after her were destroying mountains, but God's holy mountain is where none shall hurt or destroy. The Lord's kingdom being established upon wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and righteousness in the fear of the Lord. While Babylon's kingdoms are built upon the inebriation of her wine unto fornication, adultery, whoredoms, and self exaltation of herself first, and then the individual in defiance of the living God. These are the defining traits and or fruits of the opposing kingdoms of God and the evil one. They are also therefore the defining traits, fruits, and or effects of the churches and or governments most highly influenced by either or.

Mat 17:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

As we shall examine in later chapters, history reveals the opposing temporal fruits of the differing spiritual teachings and practices of the church of Christ and the church of Babylon and her daughters. History itself has played out and demonstrated the truth of Christ's words quoted above in churches and nations throughout history. It is also being played out again right now before our very eyes, in this nation and on a global scale for the very last time. So be it, as God's word has predicted and determined.

Isa 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

The above prophecy reaches unto the establishment of God's holy mountain on earth, and even until it fills all the earth. It includes the strangers who are not of Israel who join themselves to the Lord. All those who enter into and take hold of God's covenant. It includes everyone who will keep God's sabbath, and from polluting it. The keeping of God's sabbath is directly connected to taking hold of His covenant, even among the strangers or gentiles. The fourth commandment is a basic fundamental and foundational  building stone of saving faith in God. It establishes God as the Creator, Sustainer, Rewarder, and Savior of all who place their faith in Him. Therefore does the chapter on faith in the book of Hebrews begin with the same truth that the fourth commandment declares.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear....................
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

And when was God's holy mountain established in the earth, and by whom? But by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, during the days of the fourth metal mixed with miry clay of the prophetic image of the book of Daniel chapter 2, or the fourth beast of  biblical prophecy of Daniel chapter 7. Which was the Roman empire. Jesus Christ, the stone which the builders rejected and the Son of man and God. The corner stone of God's temple and church, which the builders rejected (Mt. 21:42, Eph. 2:11-22). The stone which will destroy and replace all other kingdoms, mountains, or beasts of biblical prophecy. The God and Savior of all humanity who will put their trust in Him.

Dan 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.  35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

All who place their faith and hope in Jesus Christ the Son of God and man, picking up their crosses and following Him, shall be brought to the holy mountain of God. And what is the picking up of our crosses but the death of self in Christ Jesus our Lord, by the sacrifice of our own wills and sinful desires, in conformity to the will of God. And What is the will of God concerning His own, as expressed all throughout the scriptures, but that we keep the Commandments of God. As our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did, and as he admonished His followers to do as well. Including the fourth and most basic fundamental Commandment of God regarding authentic faith. Declaring who He is, and thereby His right to be King of kings and Lord of lords, to rightfully be obeyed above all others. Having proved above all others, His benevolent, pure, righteous, and holy leadership in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Whose kingdom shall never be destroyed, though all the world set itself against it.

His own will acknowledge and keep His sabbath in this world and the next. They have and will honor the day declaring Him Lord of all creation, to whom alone rightful obedience is required, even in this world of sin and woe. They will be resurrected or preserved unto His creation of the new heavens and earth, as rightful citizens of the same. Citizens of God's everlasting kingdom, where they will honor His sabbath declaring and celebrating His creation and salvation. Where none will hurt or destroy.

Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. 24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Amen.

Isa 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Individuals who put their trust and faith in the word of God above all others, freely submit to His will and commandments. As such, they become self responsible, sufficient, and benevolent. When whole societies end up having a majority of people such as this, they alone are qualified to be self governed as well. When that majority is lost, so is the ability to self govern, and societies of government dependence begin to form. The latter societies are favored by the power hungry elitists of the world, who thrive upon the masses dependence upon them, and take advantage of the situation. Putting themselves in God's place, that they may exercise control over humanity which God never intended one person should have over and above another. There is and has been a constant struggle between freedom loving and seeking peoples, and elitist minded people who will do whatever it takes to be on top with such ungodly authority over others. The devil of course, seeks to inspire the latter. That he may force his own will and characteristics upon all. While the gospel of Jesus Christ calls upon all to freely choose the pure righteous and holy will, and characteristics of God for their very own by faith in their for runner Jesus Christ.

These United States of America were formed by a majority of just such people - 

The colonists, including their philosophy in their religion, as the people up to that time had always done, were neither skeptics nor sensualists, but Christians. The school that bows to the senses as the sole interpreter of truth had little share in colonizing our America. The colonists from Main to Carolina, the adventurous companies of Smith, the proscribed Puritans that freighted the fleet of Winthrop, the Quaker outlaws that fled from jails with a Newgate prisoner as their sovereign-all had faith in God and in the soul. The system which had been revealed in Judea-the system which combines and perfects the symbolic wisdom of the Orient and the reflective genius of Greece- the system, conforming to reason, yet kindling enthusiasm; always hastening reform, yet always conservative; proclaiming absolute equality among men, yet not suddenly abolishing the unequal institutions of society; guaranteeing absolute freedom, yet invoking the inexorable restrictions of duty; in the highest degree theoretical, and yet in the highest degree practical; awakening the inner man to a consciousness of his destiny, and yet adapted with exact harmony to the outward world; at once divine and human-this system was professed in every part of our widely extended country, and cradled our freedom.

Our fathers were not only Christians; they were, even in Maryland by a vast majority, elsewhere almost unanimously, Protestants. Now the Protestant reformation, considered in its largest influence on politics, was the awakening of the common people to freedom of mind.

During the decline of the Roman empire, the oppressed invoked the power of Christianity to resist the supremacy of brute force; and the merciful priest assumed the office of protector.  The tribunes of Rome, appointed by the people, had been declared inviolable by the popular vote; the new tribunes of humanity, deriving their office from religion, and ordained by religion to a still more venerable sanctity, defended the poor man's house against lust by the sacrament of marriage;  restrained arbitrary passion by a menace of the misery due to sin un-repented of and un-atoned; and taught respect for the race by sprinkling every new-born child with the water of life, confirming every youth, bearing the oil of consolation to every death-bed, and sharing freely with every human being the consecrated emblem of God present with man.

But from protectors priests grew to be usurpers.  Expressing all moral truth by the mysteries of symbols, and reserving to themselves the administration of seven sacraments, they claimed a monopoly of thought and exercised an absolute spiritual dominion.  Human bondage was strongly riveted; for they had fastened it on the affections, the understanding, and the reason.  Ordaining their own successors, they ruled human destiny at birth, on entering active life, at marriage, when frailty breathed its confession, when faith aspired to communion with God, and at death.  (History of the United States, Bancroft Vol. 1.)

The vast majority of the founding fathers, were bible believing Protestant Christians. Many of whom had escaped the abuses of one of the persecuting united church and states of Europe. Catholic, and or Protestants who had not yet learned the corrupting and degrading influence of combining so called "Christianity" with the temporal or civil powers of this earth. A lesson which Roman Catholic leadership rejected wholesale long ago, and still does to this very day. Continuously writing papal encyclicals and doctrinal notes telling the whole world what to do. Which faithful Roman Catholics are supposed to bring about through civil legislation whenever and wherever possible. Many other elitist minded peoples and organizations have joined them as well, concerning that which they agree upon. Therefore have we and do we see this nation and world racing toward global authoritative government, over and above government for and by the people, as the founders of this nation envisioned.

This nation was able to develop and establish government for and by the people, exactly because the people at that time were personally responsible, sufficient, and reliant. They were personally responsible, sufficient, and reliant exactly because a majority of them were bible believing Protestant Christians. Who as such, had a moral guide and compass above that of any in this world, which enabled them to be so. Which was of course, the holy scriptures, and the commandments of God. Therefore did they seek and obtain freedom to pursue their own happiness without coercive government or religious interference. Self government and freedom, is only possible for the personally responsible, sufficient, and reliant. Not because they are actually self responsible, sufficient, and reliant, in and of themselves, but because they all look to God above humanity for divine guidance and rectitude. Who alone can provide the guidance and rectitude necessary to self government, and therefore freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

The decline of such government we see taking place in this nation and world is directly in relation to this nation's and worlds increasing abandonment of biblical and therefore Godly guidance and teaching. The lack of personal responsibility created when fallen humanity is left with no higher moral standard than itself, leads to the need for greater responsibility and power being wielded by government. Therefore are we rapidly heading toward authoritative and coercive government once again, within nations and on a global scale. Exactly what the Church of Rome, Babylon the Great, has been calling for since she lost the power to control and manipulate the politics of this world she once had. As she demonstrated in the first papal encyclical published, after the Roman Church lost such power and the previous pope was dethroned and exiled, and the papacy disbanded during the French Revolution.

The ever increasing chaos, confusion, and lawlessness we see in this nation and world, are a direct result of Babylons increased intoxicating influence upon the same. Which chaos, confusion, and lawlessness, makes the people ever more ready and accepting of authoritarian leadership and government to restrain the same. Conditions which Babylon's increased influence itself creates, with the end of reestablishing her albeit, usurped and abusive authoritative power in sight. She is a destroying mountain. With the wrecks and ruin of prosperous civilizations and peoples behind her. We will continue in the next chapter by examining the papacies first encyclical, written with healing the ruinous effects of the French Revolution upon her political influence and power, in mind.

We will close this chapter with the following extended quote once again. Although the quote is now almost a century and a half old, it has renewed relevance as the papacy continues to recoup all the powers she lost and more yet, on the world stage. Emphasis in quote is mine.

But the success of the Papacy, when closely examined, is not so surprising as it looks. It cannot be justly pronounced legitimate, or fairly won. Rome has ever been swimming with the tide. The evils and passions of society, which a true benefactress would have made it her business to cure -at least, to alleviate -Rome has studied rather to foster into strength, that she might be borne to power on the foul current which she herself had created. Amid battles, bloodshed, and confusion, has her path lain. The edicts of subservient Councils, the forgeries of hireling priests, the arms of craven monarchs, and the thunderbolts of excommunication have never been wanting to open her path. Exploits won by weapons of this sort are what her historians delight to chronicle. These are the victories that constitute her glory! And then, there remains yet another and great deduction from the apparent grandeur of her success, in that, after all, it is the success of only a few -a caste -the clergy. For although, during her early career, the Roman Church rendered certain important services to society -of which it will delight us to make mention in fitting place when she grew to maturity, and was able to develop her real genius, it was felt and acknowledged by all that her principles implied the ruin of all interests save her own, and that there was room in the world for none but herself. If her march, as shown in history down to the sixteenth century, is ever onwards, it is not less true that behind, on her path, lie the wrecks of nations, and the ashes of literature, of liberty, and of civilization.

Popery, then, we hold to be an after-growth of Paganism, whose deadly wound, dealt by the spiritual sword of Christianity, was healed. Its oracles had been silenced, its shrines demolished, and its gods consigned to oblivion; but the deep corruption of the human race, not yet cured by the promised effusion of the Spirit upon all flesh, revived it anew, and, under a Christian mask, reared other temples in its honour, built it another Pantheon, and replenished it with other gods, which, in fact, were but the ancient divinities under new names. All idolatries, in whatever age or country they have existed, are to be viewed but as successive developments of the one grand apostacy. That apostacy was commenced in Eden, and consummated at Rome. It had its rise in the plucking of the forbidden fruit; and it attained its acme in the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome,--Christ's Vicar on earth. The hope that he would "be as God," led man to commit the first sin; and that sin was perfected when the Pope "exalted himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." Popery is but the natural development of this great original transgression. It is just the early idolatries ripened and perfected. It is manifestly an enormous expansion of the same intensely malignant and fearfully destructive principle which these idolatries contained. The ancient Chaldean worshipping the sun,--the Greek deifying the powers of nature,--and the Roman exalting the race of primeval men into gods, are but varied manifestations of the same evil principle, namely, the utter alienation of the heart from God,--its proneness to hide itself amid the darkness of its own corrupt imaginations, and to become a god unto itself. That principle received the most fearful development which appears possible on earth, in the Mystery of Iniquity which came to be seated on the Seven Hills; for therein man deified himself, became God, nay, arrogated powers which lifted him high above God. Popery is the last, the most matured, the most subtle, the most skilfully contriven, and the most essentially diabolical form of idolatry which the world ever saw, or which, there is reason to believe, it ever will see. It is the ne plus ultra of man's wickedness, and the chef d'oeuvre of Satan's cunning and malignity. It is the greatest calamity, next to the Fall, which ever befell the human family. Farther away from God the world could not exist at all. The cement that holds society together, already greatly weakened, would be altogether destroyed, and the social fabric would instantly fall in ruins.(Book I. History of the Papacy. By Rev. J.A. Wylie, LL.D. Chapter I. Origin of the Papacy.)

The following excerpts are taken from the first papal encyclical written and published after the French Revolution and dissolution of the papal states and the Vatican by Napoleon. They reveal her new efforts to undo all that the masses effected in their wholesale rejection of her usurped authority just over three decades prior to its publication. Some of those she considers enemies of this desired purpose are identified in the encyclical as well. The link provided above the quoted excerpts, is where the encyclical may be viewed in its entirety. Quoted encyclical is shaded, emphasis is mine.

https://www.papalencyclicals.net/greg16/g16mirar.htm

To All Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, and Bishops of the Catholic World.

Venerable Brothers, Greetings and Apostolic Benediction.

We think that you wonder why, from the time of Our assuming the pontificate, We have not yet sent a letter to you as is customary and as Our benevolence for you demanded. We wanted very much to address you by that voice by which We have been commanded, in the person of blessed Peter, to strengthen the brethren.[1] You know what storms of evil and toil, at the beginning of Our pontificate, drove Us suddenly into the depths of the sea. If the right hand of God had not given Us strength, We would have drowned as the result of the terrible conspiracy of impious men. The mind recoils from renewing this by enumerating so many dangers; instead We bless the Father of consolation Who, having overthrown all enemies, snatched Us from the present danger. When He had calmed this violent storm, He gave Us relief from fear. At once We decided to advise you on healing the wounds of Israel; but the mountain of concerns We needed to address in order to restore public order delayed Us.....................

Though we cannot determine what exact evils and problems are being referred to in the above opening comments, we may safely determine that they are a direct result of the French Revolution and or mass rejection of papal authoritarianism which preceded this encyclical by a few decades of the revolution, and many centuries of Protestant resistance. As is apparent, the papacy considers itself and those it lords over, to be Israel. The healing of its wounds would therefore represent a healing of its spiritual and temporal authority, as both are fundamental realities of its structure and existence. Prophetically speaking then of course, this would, has, and does represent the healing of the first beast of the book of Revelation chapter 13. Which received its deadly wound from the French Revolution in the mass rejection of abusive papal spiritual and temporal authority.

4. We come to you grieving and sorrowful because We know that you are concerned for the faith in these difficult times. Now is truly the time in which the powers of darkness winnow the elect like wheat.[3] "The earth mourns and fades away....And the earth is infected by the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, they have changed the ordinances, they have broken the everlasting covenant."[4]

Ah yes, those pesky infecting inhabitants of the earth who so recently rejected your abusive leadership and power. Never mind all of the very very good reasons they had to do so. No no. No confession or repentance on your own part for the evils you committed which lead to that rejection. Just condemnation for those who dared to do so. As though they had broken God's law, changed His ordinances, and broken His everlasting covenant. As though the papacy itself and the pope were God.

2Th 2:1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5. We speak of the things which you see with your own eyes, which We both bemoan. Depravity exults; science is impudent; liberty, dissolute. The holiness of the sacred is despised; the majesty of divine worship is not only disapproved by evil men, but defiled and held up to ridicule. Hence sound doctrine is perverted and errors of all kinds spread boldly. The laws of the sacred, the rights, institutions, and discipline — none are safe from the audacity of those speaking evil. Our Roman See is harassed violently and the bonds of unity are daily loosened and severed. The divine authority of the Church is opposed and her rights shorn off. She is subjected to human reason and with the greatest injustice exposed to the hatred of the people and reduced to vile servitude. The obedience due bishops is denied and their rights are trampled underfoot. Furthermore, academies and schools resound with new, monstrous opinions, which openly attack the Catholic faith; this horrible and nefarious war is openly and even publicly waged. Thus, by institutions and by the example of teachers, the minds of the youth are corrupted and a tremendous blow is dealt to religion and the perversion of morals is spread. So the restraints of religion are thrown off, by which alone kingdoms stand. We see the destruction of public order, the fall of principalities, and the overturning of all legitimate power approaching. Indeed this great mass of calamities had its inception in the heretical societies and sects in which all that is sacrilegious, infamous, and blasphemous has gathered as bilge water in a ship's hold, a congealed mass of all filth.

Never mind the constant abuses the people who rejected her usurped authority suffered at her hands, causing their rejection of her leadership. They are all damned because she is unquestionably divinely established authority. Her adulterous relations with the kings of the earth, with whom she walks upon the backs of the people, is divinely ordained. How dare they not be obedient to herself, her clergy, and her adulterous lovers. She must of course remedy such servile conditions, as those which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ endured for the sake of righteousness, and warned His followers they would also if they picked up their crosses and followed their Savior.

The papacy suffered such things exactly because she would be no servant to mankind unless mankind bowed in obedience before her. To the contrary, she did, has, and does make life as difficult as possible for all who will not bow before her usurped authority. Regardless of how corrupt and abusive it became or becomes due to that same usurped power. She suffered the same fate as many other abusive forms of government of this world throughout history, when their abused citizens rose up against them. This because she is herself a kingdom and government of this world, usurping the power and name of Christ to her own ends. Professing to serve Him who declared His kingdom was not of this world, while being constantly in bed with the kings and leaders of this world. The only power she considers legitimate, is her own, and that granted by her.

She also begins to identify her enemies which caused her downfall, and must be overcome in the above. It is the heretical societies and sects which have and do exist without her permission. This of course includes all Protestants, and the second rebellious child of the papacy as well, rationalism, secular humanism, and or atheism if one prefers. Children or daughters spawned as it were, by their rejection of her abusive and usurped authority. Many of whom already have and do continue to return to her. Ever increasing allies submitting to her completely compromising global vision as not only a friend of this world, but the ruler of all its inhabitants unto judgement and destruction. So be it, as God has determined.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6. These and many other serious things, which at present would take too long to list, but which you know well, cause Our intense grief. It is not enough for Us to deplore these innumerable evils unless We strive to uproot them. We take refuge in your faith and call upon your concern for the salvation of the Catholic flock. Your singular prudence and diligent spirit give Us courage and console Us, afflicted as We are with so many trials. We must raise Our voice and attempt all things lest a wild boar from the woods should destroy the vineyard or wolves kill the flock. It is Our duty to lead the flock only to the food which is healthful. In these evil and dangerous times, the shepherds must never neglect their duty; they must never be so overcome by fear that they abandon the sheep. Let them never neglect the flock and become sluggish from idleness and apathy. Therefore, united in spirit, let us promote our common cause, or more truly the cause of God; let our vigilance be one and our effort united against the common enemies.

There you have it. Immediately upon being reestablished enough to write and disperse encyclicals, the papacy begins her call for open warfare against all who rejected her, as she believes, God given spiritual and temporal authority. No holds barred. All enemies, especially those viewed as wild boars by the papacy as Martin Luther was, must be dealt with in any way shape or form possible. Luther of course rejected papal authority completely after being excommunicated, and entered into the battle for liberty of conscience in a big way. The papacy certainly cannot tolerate such as that.

7. Indeed you will accomplish this perfectly if, as the duty of your office demands, you attend to yourselves and to doctrine and meditate on these words: "the universal Church is affected by any and every novelty"[5] and the admonition of Pope Agatho: "nothing of the things appointed ought to be diminished; nothing changed; nothing added; but they must be preserved both as regards expression and meaning."[6] Therefore may the unity which is built upon the See of Peter as on a sure foundation stand firm. May it be for all a wall and a security, a safe port, and a treasury of countless blessings.[7] To check the audacity of those who attempt to infringe upon the rights of this Holy See or to sever the union of the churches with the See of Peter, instill in your people a zealous confidence in the papacy and sincere veneration for it. As St. Cyprian wrote: "He who abandons the See of Peter on which the Church was founded, falsely believes himself to be a part of the Church."[8].........................

The above would include her divinely appointed right to spiritually and temporally rule the world of course. Regardless of what any dissenters might think about that.

9. Furthermore, the discipline sanctioned by the Church must never be rejected or be branded as contrary to certain principles of natural law. It must never be called crippled, or imperfect or subject to civil authority. In this discipline the administration of sacred rites, standards of morality, and the reckoning of the rights of the Church and her ministers are embraced............

It is true that the authentic church of Christ should never be subject to civil authorities, though it should cooperate with them as far as possible save when their policies conflict with a thus saith the Lord. The papacy accepts this rule, as it favors her own authority in any contest. Yet she rejects another biblical rule which is just as important, in attributing to herself that which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ never taught or exemplified, but only discouraged. That is presuming civil or temporal power for herself in and of this world. Thereby making herself unquestionably a friend of this world, unto the only possible end of apostasy and corruption.

Joh 18:36  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Jas 4:1  From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

One cannot be on any more intimate terms with this world, than to be the one leading it.

13. Now We consider another abundant source of the evils with which the Church is afflicted at present: indifferentism. This perverse opinion is spread on all sides by the fraud of the wicked who claim that it is possible to obtain the eternal salvation of the soul by the profession of any kind of religion, as long as morality is maintained. Surely, in so clear a matter, you will drive this deadly error far from the people committed to your care. With the admonition of the apostle that "there is one God, one faith, one baptism"[16] may those fear who contrive the notion that the safe harbor of salvation is open to persons of any religion whatever. They should consider the testimony of Christ Himself that "those who are not with Christ are against Him,"[17] and that they disperse unhappily who do not gather with Him. Therefore "without a doubt, they will perish forever, unless they hold the Catholic faith whole and inviolate."[18] Let them hear Jerome who, while the Church was torn into three parts by schism, tells us that whenever someone tried to persuade him to join his group he always exclaimed: "He who is for the See of Peter is for me."[19] A schismatic flatters himself falsely if he asserts that he, too, has been washed in the waters of regeneration. Indeed Augustine would reply to such a man: "The branch has the same form when it has been cut off from the vine; but of what profit for it is the form, if it does not live from the root?"[20]

While the above condemnation embraces the false religions of this world, it also embraces all professing followers of Jesus Christ who are not of the Catholic faith. Echoing the infamous declaration of the papal bull Unam Sanctam,  - 

"Furthermore, we declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff."

14. This shameful font of indifferentism gives rise to that absurd and erroneous proposition which claims that liberty of conscience must be maintained for everyone. It spreads ruin in sacred and civil affairs, though some repeat over and over again with the greatest impudence that some advantage accrues to religion from it. "But the death of the soul is worse than freedom of error," as Augustine was wont to say.[21] When all restraints are removed by which men are kept on the narrow path of truth, their nature, which is already inclined to evil, propels them to ruin. Then truly "the bottomless pit"[22] is open from which John saw smoke ascending which obscured the sun, and out of which locusts flew forth to devastate the earth. Thence comes transformation of minds, corruption of youths, contempt of sacred things and holy laws — in other words, a pestilence more deadly to the state than any other. Experience shows, even from earliest times, that cities renowned for wealth, dominion, and glory perished as a result of this single evil, namely immoderate freedom of opinion, license of free speech, and desire for novelty.

Ta da! That's right. As soon as the papacy was capable of doing so, she declared open warfare against these United States of America. She attacked one of our most important and basic Protestant principles, liberty of conscience. Supported in a big way by another founding principle of our nation built upon mature Protestant principles of government, separation of church and state. She has been at war with us and all others who support the same ever since. National lockdowns and mandates which she supports if not inspired, are just the most recent manifestations of her ever increasing successes. Her non stop mass migrations of her own adherents into our nation, presently and for many years now from our southern boarder, are ever increasing her ability to lord herself over us through a subjugated majority of them within. As we have already been witnessing for many decades now, for those who would care to admit of such, so few there be. The following frank confession written many years ago in the Catholic publication Our Sunday Visitor, can be seen to have been coming to fruition for many years now.

'If Catholics ever attain, which they surely will, though at a distant day, the immense numerical majority in the United States, religious liberty, as at present understood, will be at an end. So say our enemies; so say we.'(Our Sunday Visitor, pg. 3, Apr. 18, 1915)

15. Here We must include that harmful and never sufficiently denounced freedom to publish any writings whatever and disseminate them to the people, which some dare to demand and promote with so great a clamor. We are horrified to see what monstrous doctrines and prodigious errors are disseminated far and wide in countless books, pamphlets, and other writings which, though small in weight, are very great in malice. We are in tears at the abuse which proceeds from them over the face of the earth. Some are so carried away that they contentiously assert that the flock of errors arising from them is sufficiently compensated by the publication of some book which defends religion and truth. Every law condemns deliberately doing evil simply because there is some hope that good may result. Is there any sane man who would say poison ought to be distributed, sold publicly, stored, and even drunk because some antidote is available and those who use it may be snatched from death again and again?

Ta da! Another direct attack upon another one of these United States foundational, basic, and fundamental principles. Freedom of speech and the press. Do we not see these freedoms being increasingly jeopardized and threatened the world over as the papacies power and influence increases? Yes we do. Has the world not been being warned of these very things for years now concerning papal Encyclicals and Doctrinal Notes addressing the internet and social media? While the papacy has been meeting with, hopping in bed with, and instructing the leaders and owners of these conglomerates of communications the world over? Yes it has. All such is simply the continued war against freedom and liberty the papacy outlined in this encyclical of long ago. Which itself was and is nothing short of the resurrection if you will, of the exact abuses which caused this world to reject her usurped authority enmass and climactically in the French Revolution. Look at the French now, under the Roman Catholic globalist leadership of Macron.

Will the world at large accept this straight testimony about the recorded and published intentions of the papacy, and obvious successes of that intent right before our very eyes? No it will not, just as scripture has predicted. Go too. Turn your heads, close your eyes, stop your ears. Return to the couch and bow before your idiot box, or computer, or phone. Choose your side between the left, liberals, and Demlicans who major in misinformation and minor in misdirection, or the right, conservatives, Republicrats who major in misdirection and minor in misinformation. Never mind that man behind the curtain who manipulates both with his vast number of constituents and minions on either side if the isle.

16. The Church has always taken action to destroy the plague of bad books. This was true even in apostolic times for we read that the apostles themselves burned a large number of books.[23] It may be enough to consult the laws of the fifth Council of the Lateran on this matter and the Constitution which Leo X published afterwards lest "that which has been discovered advantageous for the increase of the faith and the spread of useful arts be converted to the contrary use and work harm for the salvation of the faithful."[24] This also was of great concern to the fathers of Trent, who applied a remedy against this great evil by publishing that wholesome decree concerning the Index of books which contain false doctrine.[25] "We must fight valiantly," Clement XIII says in an encyclical letter about the banning of bad books, "as much as the matter itself demands and must exterminate the deadly poison of so many books; for never will the material for error be withdrawn, unless the criminal sources of depravity perish in flames."[26] Thus it is evident that this Holy See has always striven, throughout the ages, to condemn and to remove suspect and harmful books. The teaching of those who reject the censure of books as too heavy and onerous a burden causes immense harm to the Catholic people and to this See. They are even so depraved as to affirm that it is contrary to the principles of law, and they deny the Church the right to decree and to maintain it.

Does the above not speak loudly and clearly enough on its own? When she had the power to do so, the papacy burned the author of books she disapproved of, with their own books. This was not considered abuse of course, but rather God's divine will, as the papacy has declared itself the visible representation of. In the place of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lest we forget, God's holy word was one of the books she outlawed in the vernacular, and burned regularly along with persons who dared to write and publish the same. Make no mistake about it, the present politically motivated trends of censorship are a direct result of her increasing power and influence upon the same. She wants her right to burn and or censor books back, on a global scale.

The Apostles never commanded book burnings, or even requested such that we know from scripture. This is simply another papal lie to support their own usurped and abusive authority. The one incident recorded in the book of acts, was voluntary action taken on the part of those whose books they were, after their conversion.

17. We have learned that certain teachings are being spread among the common people in writings which attack the trust and submission due to princes; the torches of treason are being lit everywhere. Care must be taken lest the people, being deceived, are led away from the straight path. May all recall, according to the admonition of the apostle that "there is no authority except from God; what authority there is has been appointed by God. Therefore he who resists authority resists the ordinances of God; and those who resist bring on themselves condemnation."[27] Therefore both divine and human laws cry out against those who strive by treason and sedition to drive the people from confidence in their princes and force them from their government............

More phony baloney from the papacy. Directly attacking yet another foundational principle of these United States of America. Representative government for the people, and by the people. She lies once again in basically stating that the abused must be obedient to their abusive leaders according to scripture. Again, make no mistake about it, the ever increasing gap between the political class and the rest of us, is a direct result of her increasing power and influence. She is a monarchial and elitist system. Who has been, is, and will always continue to support huge authoritarian elitist government. As long as that government is in bed with, and being manipulated by her. Otherwise her entire purpose is subversion from within until the former may be accomplished. She is the destroyer of the freedoms and liberties of nations and peoples, and her global guidance will lead to global destruction by the judgments of God. 

On and on this document goes, telling all the people of the world that they must willingly bow before her and her adulterous political lovers as obedient little sheeple "Christians". While she herself will bow before no one, but as is obvious from this encyclical itself, go to immediate literal war with any that would dare to demand such from her. Our Lord paved the way with personal example, and infinite sacrifice and humility. She will do no such thing. To the contrary -

Rev 18:1  And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

19. These beautiful examples of the unchanging subjection to the princes necessarily proceeded from the most holy precepts of the Christian religion. They condemn the detestable insolence and improbity of those who, consumed with the unbridled lust for freedom, are entirely devoted to impairing and destroying all rights of dominion while bringing servitude to the people under the slogan of liberty. Here surely belong the infamous and wild plans of the Waldensians, the Beghards, the Wycliffites, and other such sons of Belial, who were the sores and disgrace of the human race; they often received a richly deserved anathema from the Holy See. For no other reason do experienced deceivers devote their efforts, except so that they, along with Luther, might joyfully deem themselves "free of all." To attain this end more easily and quickly, they undertake with audacity any infamous plan whatever.

With what disdain does the papacy look upon all who hold liberty and freedom from other mere fallible men who would lord themselves over them, dear. Thereby destroying her and their, self imposed supposed rights of dominion over them. Those whom she persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, murdered, exterminated, and banned form societies when she had the power to do so in the past. Which she is now rapidly putting back in place with her new elitist lovers, bound and determine to apply such self exalted and proclaimed rights of dominion over all of us again, for themselves today. As she increasingly mounts the globalist final beast of biblical prophecy which she and her adulterous elitist lovers are rapidly forming through created chaos, confusion, and fear mongering.

20. Nor can We predict happier times for religion and government from the plans of those who desire vehemently to separate the Church from the state, and to break the mutual concord between temporal authority and the priesthood. It is certain that that concord which always was favorable and beneficial for the sacred and the civil order is feared by the shameless lovers of liberty. .................................

Ah yes, those shameless lovers of liberty, who would keep Roman Catholic priests from exercising temporal authority.  Which without, Roman Catholicism would basically cease to exist. Not to mention go broke, without receiving the countless billions of dollars every year she does, from the governments of this world. With or without the consent of their people. Our Lord said His kingdom was and is not of this world. Roman Catholicism says the temporal authority of this world must in bed with her, and financially support her. Two more major differences between the Bride, and Babylon. The former is not of this world, the latter is completely dependent upon the power and wealth that be of this world. Her supposed distributive justice, is just another ploy to put all the power and wealth of this world under her own thumb. She loves the poor because they are dependent upon her and her lovers. Therefore does she create the poor as well, wherever possible.

Don't worry, she and her elitist lovers have promised us, we will own nothing and be happy. They will own it all, and distribute it as they please, and you will be happy about that, or else. This is after all, their self appointed divine right of dominion over all of humanity. Be quiet and submit, like good little sheeple.

23. May Our dear sons in Christ, the princes, support these Our desires for the welfare of Church and State with their resources and authority. May they understand that they received their authority not only for the government of the world, but especially for the defense of the Church. They should diligently consider that whatever work they do for the welfare of the Church accrues to their rule and peace. Indeed let them persuade themselves that they owe more to the cause of the faith than to their kingdom. Let them consider it something very great for themselves as We say with Pope St. Leo, "if in addition to their royal diadem the crown of faith may be added." Placed as if they were parents and teachers of the people, they will bring them true peace and tranquility, if they take special care that religion and piety remain safe. God, after all, calls Himself "King of kings and Lord of lords."

Ah yes, Babylon's invitation to the royalty of the day, to come a whoring after her again. Come and have illicit relations with us once again, as in the days of old, when we ruled together over the lives and consciences of all. The days of princes and kings however, did not return as she desired. She therefore then, turned her attentions toward dictators and representative governments. Supporting Hitler, Mussolini, and others who ultimately failed. Today she works within all nations possible, to subvert their leaders and politics toward her own goals. With much success. Even successfully hijacking the elected leaders of supposed representative governments. Who once in office, deny and defy the will of the people, in favor of their illicit lover, the Church of Rome and the rest of her elitist lovers and minions.

24. That all of this may come to pass prosperously and happily, let Us raise Our eyes and hands to the most holy Virgin Mary, who alone crushes all heresies, and is Our greatest reliance and the whole reason for Our hope.[33] May she implore by her patronage a successful outcome for Our plans and actions. Let Us humbly ask of the Prince of the Apostles, Peter and his co-apostle Paul that all of you may stand as a wall lest a foundation be laid other than that which has already been laid. Relying on this happy hope, We trust that the Author and Crown of Our faith Jesus Christ will console Us in all these Our tribulations. We lovingly impart the apostolic benediction to you, venerable brothers, and to the sheep committed to your care as a sign of heavenly aid.

Given in Rome at St. Mary Major, on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, in the year of Our Lord 1832, the second year of Our Pontificate.

Although this encyclical appears to contradict the course of later popes up to the present, concerning their allusions towards peace and unity, do not be fooled by the devices of the evil one's institution. This has been a matter of necessity alone. Having failed in her attempts with kings and princes to reestablish monarchial governments she could be in bed with, a different plan and course of action became necessary. She has been adapting and adjusting along with the changing tides of politics and government. Her relations with, and support of several of these failed dictatorships or systems of government, have turned out to be relations or support of basic evil. Some of which she still and increasingly supports to date. To the detriment of the truly free societies which our founding fathers and other envisioned. Destroying these visions from within and without, with the aid of all of her illicit lovers. The history is there for all who truly desire to do so, to see.

As stated even in this encyclical under examination, any and all things must be attempted if necessary, to regain what she had lost. Her present pretended course of peace and unity, are simply veils to conceal her true purposes delineated in this most honest deliberation we have just examined. Which the scriptures themselves have predicted.

Dan 8:23  And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Through craft and deceit regarding false proclamations of peace, the Popes shall destroy many. As they already have many times.

1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

https://www.papalencyclicals.net/Greg16/g16singu.htm

The following quoted encyclical may be viewed at the link provided above. Emphasis is mine.

The illustrious examples of faith, obedience, and devotion conveyed by the enthusiastic reception given everywhere to Our encyclical letter of August 15, 1832, gave Us great joy. We declared in it the only sound doctrine to be followed concerning the main points in the fulfillment of the duties of Our office for the whole Catholic flock. The statements made by many who had approved those counsels and opinions which so grieved Us have increased Our joy, for they have acted as prompt defenders and supporters of Our decrees. We recognized that that evil which is still inflamed against both sacred and civil matters is not yet removed. Widely disseminated but very shameless pamphlets and certain gloomy machinations openly denoted those things which We condemned in a letter sent to Our venerable brother, the bishop of Rennes, in the month of October. Moreover, his response to those things which cause Us so much concern and anxiety has been gratefully received. His statement sent to Us on December 11 of last year distinctly confirmed that he would follow solely and absolutely the teaching transmitted in Our encyclical letter and that he would not write or approve anything which differs from it. In that matter We opened Our heart in paternal love to the son who was moved by Our warnings. We should also have trusted that he would produce more brilliant writings in time to confirm his compliance in word and deed with Our decision.

2. It hardly seemed believable that he whom We welcomed with such good will and affection would so quickly forget Our kindness and desert Our resolution. We can hardly believe that the good hope which occupied Us with the fruit of Our teaching has died. However, We have learned of the pamphlet written in French under the title Paroles d'un croyant, for it has been printed by this man and disseminated everywhere. It was written under a pseudonym, but matters of public record make clear the author's identity. Though small in size, it is enormous in wickedness.

3. We were very much amazed, venerable brothers, when at first We understood the blindness of this wretched author, for in him knowledge does not come from God, but from the elements of the world; this "knowledge" bursts forth. Against the oath solemnly given in his declaration, he cloaked Catholic teaching in enticing verbal artifice, in order ultimately to oppose it and overthrow it. We expressed this in Our letter mentioned above concerning both the dutiful submission toward authorities and the prevention of the fatal contamination of the people by indifferentism. It also concerned measures to use against the spreading license of ideas and speeches. Finally, it concerned that freedom of conscience which should be thoroughly condemned and the repulsive conspiracy of societies enkindling destruction of sacred and state affairs, even from the followers of false religions, as We have made clear by the authority handed down to Us.

4. The mind shrinks from reading through those things in which the author tries to break the bond of loyalty and submission toward leaders. Once the torch of treason is ignited everywhere, it ruins public order, fosters contempt of government, and stimulates lawlessness. It overthrows every element of sacred and civil power. From this, the writer transposes the power of princes, through a new and wicked idea, to the power of Satan and an omen of subterfuge, as if it were dangerous to divine law, even a work of sin. He brands the same marks of wickedness on the priests and rulers because of the conspiracy of crimes and labors in which he dreams they are joined against the rights of the people. Not content with such temerity, he thrusts forth every kind of opinion, speech, and freedom of conscience. He prays that everything will be favorable and happy for the soldiers who will fight to free liberty from tyranny, and he encourages groups and associations in the furious combat which engulfs everything. He stands so firm in such heinous thoughts that We feel him trample right from the beginning Our advice and orders.

5. It is annoying to recount here everything which throws all human and divine affairs into confusion with the wicked fruit of impiety and daring. But these things especially arouse Our indignation and should clearly not be tolerated by religion. Especially dangerous is the fact that holy Scriptures that have been tainted with the errors of this author are disseminated to the unwary. Acting as if he were sent and inspired by God, he speaks in the name of the Trinity and then uses Scripture as a pretext for releasing the people from the law of obedience. He twists the words of holy Scripture in a bold and cunning manner in order to firmly establish his depraved ravings. He does this in order that, as St. Bernard used to say, "He might spread clouds for light or give poison for honey, or rather in the honey, creating a new Gospel for the people and laying a different foundation from the one which is already laid."

6. He who placed Us as scouts in Israel for bids Us to hide in silence the great harm brought to sound doctrine. So We must warn about the error those whom Jesus, the author and perfector of the faith, entrusted to Our care. Therefore, We consulted many of Our venerable brothers, the cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. We have studied the book entitled Paroles d'un croyant. By Our apostolic power, We condemn the book: furthermore, We decree that it be perpetually condemned. It corrupts the people by a wicked abuse of the word of God, to dissolve the bonds of all public order and to weaken all authority. It arouses, fosters, and strengthens seditions, riots, and rebellions in the empires. We condemn the book because it contains false, calumnious, and rash propositions which lead to anarchy; which are contrary to the word of God; which are impious, scandalous, and erroneous; and which the Church already condemned, especially in regard to the Waldensians, Wycliffites, Hussites, and other heretics of this kind.

7. Venerable brothers, it will now be your duty to strongly support Our orders which We urgently demand as necessary for the safety and welfare of both sacred and civil affairs. Let us see that no writing of this kind comes out of hiding into the light, since it would be that much more harmful if it were to set sail through the passion of insane reform and creep far and wide like a crab among the people. It should be your duty to encourage sound doctrine through this whole affair and to make known the craftiness of the innovators. Watch more keenly over the care of the Christian flock, so that zeal for religion, piety of actions, and public peace might happily flourish and increase. We wait for this, trusting in your faith and commitment to the common good so that, with the help of God who is the Father of lights, We might give thanks (with St. Cyprian) that the error has been understood and weakened and then laid low, because it was recognized and discovered.

8. As for the rest, We greatly deplore the fact that, where the ravings of human reason extend, there is somebody who studies new things and strives to know more than is necessary, against the advice of the apostle. There you will find someone who is overconfident in seeking the truth outside the Catholic Church, in which it can be found without even a light tarnish of error. Therefore, the Church is called, and is indeed, a pillar and foundation of truth. You correctly understand, venerable brothers, that We speak here also of that erroneous philosophical system which was recently brought in and is clearly to be condemned. This system, which comes from the contemptible and unrestrained desire for innovation, does not seek truth where it stands in the received and holy apostolic inheritance. Rather, other empty doctrines, futile and uncertain doctrines not approved by the Church, are adopted. Only the most conceited men wrongly think that these teachings can sustain and support that truth.

9. While We write these things to understand and preserve the sound doctrine divinely delegated to Us, We sign over the harsh wound inflicted to Our heart by the error of Our son. In the great sadness We suffer, there is no hope of consolation, unless We can recall him to the way of righteousness. Therefore, at the same time, let Us raise Our eyes and hands to Him who is the leader of wisdom and the corrector of the wise. Let Us beseech Him with repeated prayer to give this man a docile heart and a great spirit to hear the voice of the most loving and most sorrowful Father. May he hasten the joy of the Church, the joy of your order, the joy of this Holy See, and the joy of Our unworthiness. Certainly We shall provide an auspicious and happy occasion to take hold of him and embrace him as a son returning to the bosom of his Father. We are and We shall be very optimistic from his example that others will come to their senses, others who might have been led into error by the same author. May there be an agreement of teaching, one course of thinking, one harmony of action and study, among all for the good of sacred and public matters. We need you and We expect you to beseech the Lord with Us in your pastoral concern for this great gift. We pray for divine assistance in this work and We lovingly impart Our apostolic blessing on you and on your flock as a sign of this.

Given in Rome, at St. Peter's, on June 25, 1834, in the fourth year of Our pontificate.

The above encyclical appears to be more or less a response to a booklet published by a Catholic who would not agree or submit to the commands of the previous encyclical we just examined. Judging by the tone of the document, this individual should have considered himself lucky, that the papacy had lost its ability to procure civil penalties and or death for the disobedient.

True to her nature, Babylon compounds church and state again in the above, declaring all who do not agree or submit to her sentiments enemies of sacred and civil affairs. How dare this individual have and exercise freedom of speech and liberty of conscience, to openly disagree with her teachings and use of civil power to enforce compliance with the same. All such is of course presented as a serious danger to herself and the princes and rulers she is always in bed with. She has warred against government by and for the people since her inception, and always will. Having to change her approach and strategies over time as her calls to reestablish the old order were so widely ignored.

We can see her age old desire to silence and censure all dissent in this document. Those who are paying attention also understand her heavy influence regarding the censorship we see today in the mainstream and social media arena's. She has invested heavily in both, often meeting with the leaders and CEO's of them, and already controls much of what the world will or will not hear and see. This trend will only continue to increase of course, if she can help it.

She again attacks certain groups from the past which she sets forth as examples of those she properly dealt with and put in their places. Others who dared in the past to exercise freedom of conscience and speech against her divine authority and will, as she sees it. The Waldensians, Wycliffites, Hussites, and other heretics. People, Christians, who dared to disagree with her teachings and self declared right to force the same upon all. These whom the papacy persecuted, cut off from societies, outlawed, hunted, imprisoned, tortured, murdered, burned at the stake, and exterminated. All in the name of Jesus Christ, and still apparently proud of doing so when this encyclical was written.

No institution on earth more properly fits the description of the man of sin given by the apostle Paul, or BABYLON THE GREAT described in the book of Revelation, than the papacy and their pope. Who set themselves up in the temple of God, and placed their man of sin over it, as judge, jury, and executioner of all on this earth. Setting himself up in the temple of God, as though he were God. Blasphemy upon blasphemy. As she is now and intends to do once again through her non stop illicit relations with her elitist and power hungry lovers of this doomed world. Presenting herself and her illicit religious, political, and "scientific" lovers, as the saviors of this world for all who will submit to the same. This in the place as it were, of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who alone has and will save anyone. 

2Th 2:1  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Short as the above quoted encyclical was, it revealed no changes from the previous one examined. Its message still being as hostile toward the founding principles of the United States, as the first one examined. Babylon's encyclicals have grown far more lengthy and complicated over time. Nevertheless, their goal is the same today and always as that of those already examined. In the establishment of her authority once again, over and above all others. We will end our examination of papal encyclicals with this chapter. Moving on to a closer look at the Babylon's of the old and new covenants in the next chapters.

 ::tearhair::

Words do not fail me on this, but words that will not get me booted off here shall not be uttered.

8. Rather, other empty doctrines, futile and uncertain doctrines not approved by the Church, are adopted. Only the most conceited men wrongly think that these teachings can sustain and support that truth.

Harumph! Doctrines from Frankie? Teachings from Frankie? None of which are the truth.

Put this one on the back burner, probably got busy and forgot about it. I suppose I should finish the book I started on this thread. These boards remaining for use, or not. Perhaps a few more posts or chapters on the way.

The deadly wound of Revelation 13 is still yet to be healed today.

The Revelation 13:1 beast is a KINGDOM for the END that will have seven heads, which Revelation 17 defines the heads as mountains, literal, not another symbolic but the actual explanation of the seven heads. It means seven geographic locations on earth, even continents if you will.

Upon ONE of those 7 heads, suffered a "deadly wound". Most have not been paying attention to the clues Lord Jesus gave about that in the previous Revelation 12 Chapter.

In Revelation 12:3-4, we are shown a BEAST KINGDOM OF OLD which links to the time when that "red dragon" (a title for Satan), drew one third of the "stars" (put for angels) to earth with him. So when was that? It was at Satan's original rebellion against God in the old world. We are shown that old Beast Kingdom had ONE difference than the one in Revelation 13:1 for the end of this world. That old Beast Kingdom had ONLY "seven crowns", instead of "ten crowns." That beast in Rev.12 is NOT the same beast of Rev.13.

That Beast Kingdom OF OLD, which had only "seven crowns", which Satan originally created and first rebelled with, must have suffered a "deadly wound". And it did, because GOD destroyed that old world when Satan first rebelled in coveting God's Throne for himself.

Now just what... area on earth would Satan most desire in order to PLAY God and be worshiped as GOD? JERUSALEM, which is where God has chosen forever to dwell. There's the 'head' (mountain) that suffered the "deadly wound" in that OLD WORLD. That deadly wound has NOT been healed yet to this day, because it MUST be healed by the coming FALSE-Messiah that Lord Jesus and Apostle Paul warned about that is coming to sit in a NEW 3RD TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM BUILT BY THE UNBELIEVING JEWS AT THE END.

Matt 24:15
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
KJV

Matt 24:23-26
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 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.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
KJV

2 Thess 2:3-4
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
KJV

: dpr  Sun Feb 01, 2026 - 08:49:06The deadly wound of Revelation 13 is still yet to be healed today.

The Revelation 13:1 beast is a KINGDOM for the END that will have seven heads, which Revelation 17 defines the heads as mountains, literal, not another symbolic but the actual explanation of the seven heads. It means seven geographic locations on earth, even continents if you will.

Upon ONE of those 7 heads, suffered a "deadly wound". Most have not been paying attention to the clues Lord Jesus gave about that in the previous Revelation 12 Chapter.

In Revelation 12:3-4, we are shown a BEAST KINGDOM OF OLD which links to the time when that "red dragon" (a title for Satan), drew one third of the "stars" (put for angels) to earth with him. So when was that? It was at Satan's original rebellion against God in the old world. We are shown that old Beast Kingdom had ONE difference than the one in Revelation 13:1 for the end of this world. That old Beast Kingdom had ONLY "seven crowns", instead of "ten crowns." That beast in Rev.12 is NOT the same beast of Rev.13.

That Beast Kingdom OF OLD, which had only "seven crowns", which Satan originally created and first rebelled with, must have suffered a "deadly wound". And it did, because GOD destroyed that old world when Satan first rebelled in coveting God's Throne for himself.

Now just what... area on earth would Satan most desire in order to PLAY God and be worshiped as GOD? JERUSALEM, which is where God has chosen forever to dwell. There's the 'head' (mountain) that suffered the "deadly wound" in that OLD WORLD. That deadly wound has NOT been healed yet to this day, because it MUST be healed by the coming FALSE-Messiah that Lord Jesus and Apostle Paul warned about that is coming to sit in a NEW 3RD TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM BUILT BY THE UNBELIEVING JEWS AT THE END.

Matt 24:15
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
KJV

Matt 24:23-26
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 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.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
KJV

2 Thess 2:3-4
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
KJV

Rev 12 does not actually address prophetic beasts. It is the Dragon or devil that has seven heads. Per Rev 17 we know that the seven heads, beasts, kings or kingdoms, and mountains are either all the same entities, or very closely intwined entities throughout history. Which most obviously represent seven different phases of the dragon, either over time, or contemporaneously. The descriptions of both Dan 7 and Rev 13 though, suggest the transition of one phase, kingdom, or beast to another over time. The number seven representing completeness of course, suggesting the seven heads of the dragon or devil represent the completeness of his rebellion against God through humanity from the alternate kingdoms he raises throughout history to confront and combat God's chosen people throughout history.

Rev 17:1 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: 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. 3 So 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. 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These 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. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Literal Israel of the New covenant has not ever reigned over the kings of this earth, and never will again. Apostate spiritual Israel has and will. But authentic spiritual Israel will triumph over all and inherit the earth, because they have and seek to keep the commandments of God by their faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

: Amo  Sun Feb 08, 2026 - 10:18:52Rev 12 does not actually address prophetic beasts.

Well now, that was a short conversation. If you cannot recognize that beast system of old when Satan ("red dragon") drew a third of the angels ("stars") to earth with him in rebellion, then you'll never understand what the "deadly wound" of Revelation 13 is about.

: dpr  Sun Feb 08, 2026 - 16:49:57Well now, that was a short conversation. If you cannot recognize that beast system of old when Satan ("red dragon") drew a third of the angels ("stars") to earth with him in rebellion, then you'll never understand what the "deadly wound" of Revelation 13 is about.

To the contrary, it is exactly because I know exactly who the red dragon is, that I do understand who the first beast Rev 13 is, and what and when the deadly wound was and is.

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The dragon is the devil.

Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

The beast is not the dragon, it is the kingdom to which the dragon gives its power, seat, and authority. Which is in opposition and relation to the power, seat, and authority of God's authentic people on earth. Whom God most obviously backs up with His power, seat, and authority. Which first beast of Rev 13, which is the fifth beast of biblical prophecy, is composed of parts of the four biblical beasts of prophecy recorded in the book ode to Daniel existing during the Old Covenant. Being a conglomeration of the false religions and politics of this world which the evil formed in the Roman Empire. As that eras empire through which the dragon most specifically continued his war against God and His people through the kingdoms of fallen humanity.

Which is why the wounding of only one head of the beast needed to be fatally wounded to end it. That head representing the kingdom through which the dragon maintained his rebellion against God and his people in that era. The Roman Empire absorbed and allowed for all the ancient religions of the peoples it conquered or succeeded within, including those of the four beasts of Daniel 7. Just as the Holy Roman Empire which succeeded it as the fifth beast did and does as well in Roman Catholicism. Which received a deadly wound in 1798 as predicted.

Which wound is well on its way to being healed through the ever increasing global influence of the Vatican and Roman Catholicism again, in combination with apostate Protestantism. As the two continue to grow ever closer in religious and political goals and action. Unto persecution in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ once again, as it was in the dark ages during the "Holy" Roman Empire.

Jhn 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

This will be the last time an apostate "Christian" entity, or anyone else for that matter, perpetrates such crimes against humanity before the living God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

: Amo  Mon Feb 09, 2026 - 10:01:13To the contrary, it is exactly because I know exactly who the red dragon is, that I do understand who the first beast Rev 13 is, and what and when the deadly wound was and is.

What you wrote after the above shows you do not... really know even WHAT the "beast" represents. It represents BOTH a kingdom beast, AND a beast king.

The 1st beast of Rev.13:1 is a KINGDOM BEAST.

The "another beast", or 2nd beast of Rev.13:11 is the BEAST KING.

If you do not understand that concept, then you will confuse the prophecies given in Revelation that are specific to each beast.

: dpr  Tue Feb 10, 2026 - 22:48:04What you wrote after the above shows you do not... really know even WHAT the "beast" represents. It represents BOTH a kingdom beast, AND a beast king.

The 1st beast of Rev.13:1 is a KINGDOM BEAST.

The "another beast", or 2nd beast of Rev.13:11 is the BEAST KING.

If you do not understand that concept, then you will confuse the prophecies given in Revelation that are specific to each beast.

Of course kingdoms have kings or leaders. I figure that goes without saying. We know however, from scripture, that the kingdoms beasts represent, may go through more than one leader or king during their existence or rule. Beasts as kingdoms therefore, are not dependent upon a single king or leader to exist. Whereas beasts as a king are in fact dependent upon a continuation of the kingdom with or without them. They can be replaced without a change or succession of beasts, but not the other way around.

: dpr  Tue Feb 10, 2026 - 22:48:04What you wrote after the above shows you do not... really know even WHAT the "beast" represents. It represents BOTH a kingdom beast, AND a beast king.

The 1st beast of Rev.13:1 is a KINGDOM BEAST.

The "another beast", or 2nd beast of Rev.13:11 is the BEAST KING.

If you do not understand that concept, then you will confuse the prophecies given in Revelation that are specific to each beast.

All one in the same legion beasts Lucifer, father of lies, Satan, man of sin ,antichrist, legion, Beelzebub  used in different ways. The first beast unseen made know by the seconds. the perfect law of faith the invisible powerful "Let there be"  made manifest as very good

: garee  Wed Feb 11, 2026 - 19:01:40All one in the same legion beasts Lucifer, father of lies, Satan, man of sin ,antichrist, legion, Beelzebub  used in different ways. The first beast unseen made know by the seconds. the perfect law of faith the invisible powerful "Let there be"  made manifest as very good

Afraid not. Christ's Revelation is specific to TWO separate 'beast' ideas. Trying to mash them together is a doctrine of men, and not what God's Word teaches.