Mystery, Babylon the Great

The Mother of All Harlots

In Revelation 17:5-6, the Holy Spirit says of Babylon... "And across her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH... I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus..."

Christ Jesus says in Matthew 24:15, when speaking of the time of the end... "Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (the one who reads, let him understand)..."

In the book of Daniel, the prophet Daniel writes of the visions he is shown by God about four great beasts coming up out of the Great sea... Daniel 7:17 says, "Those great beasts" represent four kingdoms, "which arise out of the earth"... The interesting thing about Daniel's time is that the kingdom of Judah had been taken captive because of their disobedience in God's law of the Old Covenant, and the kingdom which took Judah into captivity was called "BABYLON" - this was no coincidence.

Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots explained: by Ron Davis, minister of Christ

The word "Babylon" in the Scriptures refers to both the physical place and spiritual state of places or people, the sinful nature thereof. Such as, the word "Egypt" representing sin and the word "Jerusalem" representing the church of God, the Mother of us all (Acts 7:38-40, Rev. 11:8 and Galatians 4:26-27). The word "Babylon" is used to represent those who opposes God through deceptions, mixing with the true believers, and causing confusion with their many doctrines. In the future, this Mystery Babylon and her protesting daughters will become more distinct in her deeds against God and His people, followers of Christ and the poor and oppressed of this planet. For it said by Christ our King of kings, "I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:9-10 NIV). 

We must look at the context in which words and nouns such as "Babylon" are used to determine its spiritual meaning. Remember God do not use words to just fill space or for no meaning at all. (I have heard some say and even so-called scholars - that these words are in there only for the story sake).

First, let us look at the meaning of the word "Babylon" in the Aramaic / Hebrew and the Greek:

Strong's Definition:

Looking at Strong’s definitions:

  1. Strong's Number 894 - Definition: The original word "lbb"; transliterated word from the Aramaic is "Babel"; phonetic spelling "baw-bel". The words Babel and Babylon have the same meaning, which is "confusion (by mixing)". In ancient times, "Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and / or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates."
  1. Strong’s Number 897- Definition: The original word "babulon"; transliterated word from the Greek is "Babulon" written in the English as "Babylon" with the phonetic spelling as "bab-oo-lone". As state above, it meaning is the same as Babel, of which comes its origin. "1) A very large and famous city, the residence of the Babylonian kings, situated on both banks of the Euphrates. Cyrus had formerly captured it, but Darius Hystaspis threw down its gates and walls, and Xerxes destroyed the temple of Belis. At length the city was reduced to almost solitude, the population having been drawn off by the neighbouring Seleucia, built on the Tigris by Seleucus Nicanor. 2) of the territory of Babylonia 3) allegorically, of Rome as the most corrupt seat of idolatry and the enemy of Christianity"

The definition for "Babylon" which says, its "the enemy of Christianity" is somewhat misleading (deceptive) because "Mystery Babylon" consist of those who are called by the name Christianity, a man-made religion, the Bible is clear on this. For in Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV), Christ Jesus, Himself says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!" As you can see, these professing Christians "prophesy, drove out demons, and performed many miracles" all in Christ name; yet, they are called evildoers because they did not do the will of the Father in heaven. Remember there is a difference between true followers of Christ and the religion called Christianity. There are true followers of Christ in the churches of this world called Christianity, but not all who attend these churches are followers of Christ. Also, how can Christianity persecute itself? For the Spirit says, Mystery, Babylon the Great, was "drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" (Rev. 17:6). Today, the true followers of Christ are the "wheat" mixed among the "tares" who represent "Mystery Babylon the Great".

From Genesis 11 above, we see the whole world had one language and speech and under one ruler after the flood. Also, notice what these people said in verse 4, they wanted to build a tower into heaven. Their reasoning behind this was that if God brought another flood upon the earth as He did in Genesis chapters 6-9, then they would be safe. They did not want God to scatter them across "the face of the whole earth". But God knew their evil hearts, and He came down and scattered the people over the face of the earth, and He confused their language because of what they proposed to do. So, God confused their language, and they did not understand each other speech. These were the descendants of Noah and his sons. Today, this society with its many languages is the result of this scattering by God. Because the people showed complete defiance towards God, and His authority over them. Here was the beginning of the word "Babel or Babylon" representing confusion, corruption, idolatry and all that are against God, the enemy of God. Babylon became to represent the established religions and its rulers and leaders of this world who opposes God's authority and rule over them. Today, this Mystery Babylon takes its name from this first mixing of the people by confusing their languages, as the many religions of this world have many doctrines another confusion.

In Acts 7, Stephen under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said that because of the house of Israel sin God would carried them "away beyond Babylon".

The head of the Mystery religion called "Babylon the Great":

Below in 2 Thessalonians 2, the Spirit speaking through the apostle Paul tells us that Christ will not return until there is a "falling away" of "professing Christians" from the religion of Mystery Babylon. And this "man of sin" in verse 3 is also called by the name "false prophet" in the book of Revelation. This "man of sin", the false prophet will head this mystery religion called "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots", he will be revealed just before Christ return. Notice the characteristics of this "man of sin", he is "the lawless one", he "exalts himself above" God, he causes people to worship him as God, he sits in a temple whom the people refers to as representing God on earth, and "son of perdition", which means son of destruction. This "man of sin" is described as a man leading a religious organization, superfluously parading around as if he is himself God. Currently, the "man of sin" is restrained until the time of his revealing. Also, notice the Spirit says in verse 7 that the "mystery of lawlessness is already at work" on this planet, meaning the deception is already at work. Then verses 9-12, more is revealed about this "man of sin", which reveals to us that he is the "false prophet" in Revelation 16 and 19. Therefore, this "man of sin" is the head of Mystery, Babylon the Great religion who comes in "the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders". This "lawless one" will be masquerading as a man of God, using "all unrighteous deception", and with "strong delusion" causing those who are perishing to believe the lies of deception. 

The leader of the coming one world government, spiritually called the "Roman empire":

In Daniel 8 below, this "king", the leader of the people will be caught up in this mystery religion called "Babylon", and he shall rise in the end time. Notice, the characteristics of this "king": "fierce features", he "understands sinister schemes", "he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people". Now, this gives us some more details about "Mystery, Babylon the Great" where her "king" shall persecute the true saints of God. Also, notice this leader also causes deception to prosper under his rule, meaning the people will believe he is working for good and not evil. As the Holy Scriptures tell us, there is a deception on this planet in the Christianity community, not everyone who go to the churches are in the Church of the Living God. For Christ Jesus tells us, "many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ', and will deceive many" (Matthew 24:5, 9-11). Again, this "king" shall "rise against the Prince of princes", both he and the "man of sin" who will be "showing himself that he is God" are against Christ and His holy saints (2 Thess. 2:4). But this "king", also called by the name "scarlet beast" in Revelation 17, and the "false prophet", the "man of sin" shall be destroyed along with Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots at the coming of Christ our Prince of princes, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Amen. Praise God.

Back to the body of this "man of sin", called Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots. In Revelation 17 below, this "Mystery, Babylon the Great" is portrayed as a woman, "the great harlot" arrayed in purple and scarlet with a cup of abominations and fornication, and her name written on her forehead. The Holy Spirit portrays "Babylon the Great" as a woman, and she sits on many waters, which represent many people (verse 15). And "the kings of the earth committed fornication" with this woman, this is spiritual fornication where these kings believed the lie and lying wonders. Also, this tells us that Mystery, Babylon the Great represents a counterfeit religion, masquerading as the Church of the Living God. For it is written, "if he who comes preaches another Jesus" or if you receive a "different spirit", or a "different gospel" that these are "false prophets deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15). Notice, also the Holy Spirit tells us that this "woman" is "drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" (verse 6). This "woman" called Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots causes the scarlet beast to make war against the saints of God (verse 14, 18 and Revelation 12). In the end, the scarlet beast and its followers will turn on the "woman", "for God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose" (verse 17).

As I have said before, and I say again, Scripture interprets itself. As we see the prophet speaking by the Spirit in Isaiah 1:18…"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool".

So, we see Scripture telling us that sins are like scarlet and red like crimson. Therefore, this woman Babylon the Great is clothed with sins, like scarlet. And this is the opposite of the Woman Jerusalem, the Mother of us all who is clothed with the righteous acts of the Saints. For it is written, "the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints" (Revelations 19:7-8).

This is consistence with all of God’s word where He uses names of cites, places, and people to represent the sinful nature in humans and societies; and for representing things that are holy and set apart. (Remember this when studying God’s word when proper names are used to represent the sinful nature or state of the people).

Below in Revelation 18, the woman called Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots receives her just punishment from God. Babylon "has become the dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit" (verse 2). The kings and people of the earth have committed fornication with Babylon the great, the kings and merchants (corporations) have become "rich through the abundance of her luxury" (verse 3). Then, God calls to His true saints saying, "Come out of her, My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues" (verse 4). Here God is speaking to those Christians, who actually have the Spirit of Christ worshipping in these churches, but they are caught up in the deception of these counterfeit churches believing these false ministers and prophets represent God. These are the Christians who must go through the Great Tribulation, which God brings upon the earth to test those who dwell on the earth (Revelation 3:9-10 and 7:9-17). Unless, those true saints who are tried by this Great Tribulation come out of Babylon the Great, they will share in her sins and plagues from God. As you can see in Revelation 18:7, this Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots who are her daughters have "glorified herself", claiming she is God representative on the earth.

This Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots has caused the nations and the people to commit spiritual fornication with her (she is a woman who glorified herself). God calls on His people to "come out of her" (think now who is God calling His people?). These are those Christians that’s among (attending one of these human organizations called churches) those who profess to be Christians but are not.

The passages below tell us that, we as true followers of Christ must not be friends of this world. We as true followers of Christ are not to be "yoked together with unbelievers", "for we are the temple of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6:14, 16). Then the Holy Spirit says to us as true followers of Christ, "come out from them and be separate, says the Lord" (2 Cor. 6:17). Question, do you think Christ Jesus wants us to come out from the people of this world? Or is He speaking of coming out from the churches of this world with their many doctrines? God is calling for us to come out from these churches masquerading as the Church of God. These churches are spiritual called the "synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9, 24, 3:9). If your hope is in this world, then you "love the world", and not the Father in heaven (1 John 2:15).

The punishment of Mystery, Babylon the Great is final. There was a "great earthquake", which divided the "great city" into three parts. Then it is said, "great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath" (Revelations 16:19). Those who "worships the beast and his image" are given the final warning to "fear God and give glory to Him" (Revelations 14:7, 9).

Do you think God is speaking here in Revelation 14 of physical fornication or spiritual? Remember the context gives us the answer since the woman represent the churches of this world and with the false prophet at its head then this word fornication refers to spiritual harlotry. The kings and merchants of the earth who committed spiritual harlotry with Mystery Babylon will "weep and lament for her" (Revelation 18:9). They will be wailing and weeping, in mourning for the great city which is destroyed in one hour. And heaven, the holy apostles, and prophets are told to rejoice over her because "God has avenged" them on her (Revelation 18:20).

In Mystery, Babylon the Great, is "the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth" (Revelation 18:24). Babylon the Great deceived all the nations with her sorcery (Rev. 18:23). This Babylon will cause the killing and persecution of the true saints of God. As it is written, the souls of those previous slain for the word of God and the testimony they held, asked Christ Jesus, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on these who dwell on the earth?" And again it is said, "that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed" (Revelation 6:9-11). Therefore, this Babylon the Great will cause the death of the true followers of Christ Jesus.

Revelation 18

Since the Holy Scriptures tell us that this Mystery, Babylon the Great, have the "souls of men", and she deceives the people. And this woman is clothed in scarlet having the  "blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth" in her (Rev. 17:1-6 and 18:13, 23-24). We have further identifying proof of this woman called "Mystery Babylon" by looking into the history of this evil and adulterous world. The first state religion came out of Babylon in history, at the tower of Babel and Nimrod, the civil and religious leader of the people. The phrase in Genesis 10:8 saying, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord"; means Nimrod was against the Lord, as leader of the people. Nimrod wanted to be worshipped by the people.

Now, the history of Nimrod as given by the people of Judah and legend. It is said that Nimrod tried to prevent the prophecy of God in Genesis 3:15, to send a Child forth who would be the Savior of the people of this world, and will crush the serpent in Genesis 3. This serpent has now grown into the great dragon of Revelation 12:9. Yes, it is even said Nimrod set himself up as one to be worship by the people, showing himself to be a "savior" of the people. Afterwards Nimrod and his mystery religion spurred on by his evil wife in history. This religion is spiritual called "Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots" became the symbol and forerunner of all the religions of this evil and adulterous world with their deceptive teachings called spiritual "Satan's so-called deep secrets" (Rev. 2:24).  

Then we have the history of the state religion having its birth under the Roman empire. So-called "the Church" of this world, the state established religion which began with Constantine I, the Roman emperor 324-337 AD. This man-made religion forbid marriage in the 11th century, as it is written:

Next, this man-made religion, "the Church" of this world carried out "the Crusades". The so-called "freeing of Jerusalem and the 'holy land' from the Muslims", which failed in the end. But many were slaughtered by these so-called "professing Christians", motivated by their "religious notion and motive", that they had a God-given right to the land of Israel, and the city of Jerusalem. And these "professing Christians", set out to take this land by force, even using their own children in these ungodly blood baths and senseless killing and massacring of the people. 

Then we have the 'Inquisition', the bloody massacres carried out on those who did not hold to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. And the 'Protestants', who broke away from the Catholic church because of its un-scriptural teachings. Yet, these 'Protestants' kept some of the false doctrines of Catholicism such as: tithing, infant baptism, traditions of the so-called church fathers, and church hierarchy system called spiritual "the teaching of the Nicolations" (Rev. 2:6,15). These Protestant as well as the Catholic church persecuted and murdered other professing Christians who did not adhere to their teachings. As our Master, Christ Jesus tell us in the book of John, chapters 15 and 16:

Again, in John 16 Christ tells us that these so-called 'professing Christians' will kill His true believers, and think they of doing God a favor.

Remember the churches of this world (the Protestant and the Catholics) have all aligned themselves with the governments of this world. And the world has joined itself to the Catholic Church. Therefore, when we read these words of Christ it refers to those who were killed in the past for their testimony and those who will be killed in the future because they will keep the testimony of Jesus. These followers of Christ who refuses to accept the teachings of the Protestant and the Catholics. 

Therefore, I exhort all who hold and will hold to the testimony of Jesus with these comforting words from our King of kings, Lord of lords, and the Faithful and the True One, Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God:

Back to the Holy Scriptures and this woman who deceives with sorcery (lying wonders, think back to the false prophet in Revelation 19:20…the false prophet who worked signs…by which he deceived those with the mark of the beast). Notice also, this woman has the bodies and souls of men giving us more evidence that this is representing the churches of this world (those attending these human organizations without God’s Spirit - deceiving and being deceived, Revelation 18:13). They will become more evident in the near future as those who are spoken of in:

This woman has the blood of God’s apostles, prophets, the saints, and all who are slain on this evil and adulterous planet. But God will repay her and her prophets with His wrath and avenge the blood of the people of God. Therefore, we must conclude that Mystery, Babylon the Great; the Mother of Harlots is a religious organization masquerading as the true Church of God. Christ refers to these churches, the daughters of Babylon as the "synagogue of Satan", where His true followers dwell also (Revelation 2:13). We as true followers of Christ Jesus must continue in the faith to the end, for we are the called, the chosen, and the faithful. God has judged the "great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her" (Revelation 19:2). Amen. Praise God.

In the end, the "beast" and the "false prophet" are cast alive into the "lake of fire". I pray that God bless and continue to bless you and your household until we speak again. Amen. Praise God.

 

Evangelist Ron Davis, a minister of Christ, of the Kush Edifying Ministries, the author of these messages, some were given in part on his Kush Edifying Radio Ministry. Similar messages maybe heard on radio station 1590AM coming out of Glen Burnie / Baltimore, Maryland area and my Spreaker Page. Send your comments to Evangelist Ron Davis, of the Kush Edifying Ministries.

The Kush Edifying Ministries proclaims the whole counsel of God. This ministry believes in the command of Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 10:7-8 "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give" (NIV). Jesus commands us to "freely" preach the word without demanding that those preached to give us a tithe or tenth of their earnings. "For if I do this willingly, I have a reward...That in preaching the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without expense [by not demanding an offering from you], so that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel." For if I do not receive an offering from you, should I stop preaching the gospel to you? "Woe to me, if I stop preaching the gospel... What then is my reward?" (See I Corinthians 9:15-18).

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