Rev #56~17:1-5 Origin Of Religious Babylon Series

This system is described as a great whore; which is in respect to its unfaithfulness.

This system is also called the MOTHER OF HARLOTS, which is another inference to unfaithfulness.

Since she is a mother, it must be because she has offspring.

The true Church is a called-out assembly that is to be separated from the world. This does not mean that the true Church should be isolated, but it should be separated.

Revelation 17 outlines the judgment on the great harlot, the apostate religious system that exists in the tribulation period.

The True church is raptured out of this world in chapter 4: and the unbelieving professing church will go into the tribulation period and a great religious system, under the domination of the great harlot will arise, with the False Prophet as it’s head.

Ø John has given many details that give the description of this system.

(1) The system bears the characterization of a harlot (Rev 17-1-2 15-16) It claimed to be Christ’s bride, but the True Church left in chapter 4:.

(2) The system is a leader in ecclesiastical affairs [religious affairs] (Rev. 17:2, 5). Spiritual fornication. Is a reference to a false system.

(3) The system is a leader in political affairs as well (Rev. 17:3). It is seen to be controlling the Beast [R.R.E.] upon which this religious system sits.****she sitting as the RRE supports her.

(4) The system has become very rich and influential (Rev. 17:4).

(5) The system represents a phase of the development of Christendom** {the Hugh umbrella of a Christian appearance. that is here unveiled (Rev. 17:5) in that it is called a “mystery.

(6) The system has been the great persecutor of the saints all down through the ages, [fox’s book of martyrs] (Rev. 17:6).

(7) The system is an organized system of worldwide scope,**-[many waters] (Rev. 17:15).

(8) The Religious system will be destroyed by the Beast, the Antichrist, the head of the Roman coalition,** [ about 3½ years into the tribulation]**so that his supremacy may not be threatened (Rev. 17:16-17)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Ø WHO IS THIS HARLOT:

Ironside has given a good description of this system and how it began.

I’m going to read to you what he says about this system and it origins, here is what he says.

The woman is a religious system, who dominates the civil power, for a short time. ***

In the Gen.10: account we learn that the founder of Bab-el, or Babylon, was Nimrod, he persuaded his associates and followers to join together in “building a city and a tower which should reach unto heaven.” ... they called their city and tower Bab-El, which means, “the gate of God;”

Gen. 10: 8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. 9He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, “Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.” 10And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel,

Ø But it was soon changed by divine judgment into Babel, Confusion.

Gen. 11:3 we are told “they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar.” An imitation of that which is real and true has ever since characterized Babylon, in all ages.