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:
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).
Send your comments to Evangelist Ron Davis:
If you want to argue your own "private interpretation"
of the Scriptures, then please send it to the below email address, and provide
your Scripture backing up what your argument. Thanks, and may God bless you in
understanding His Holy and righteous word.