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Bible Pathways - December 29, 2005


December 29, 2005

Read Revelation 17

In Today's Reading:

Babylon, the mother of abominations; the doom of Babylon predicted; fall of Babylon

The Apostle John reported that one of the seven angels. . . . 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. . . . having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations (detestable sins) and filthiness of her fornication (unfaithfulness): And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (Revelation 17:1, 3-5) Old Testament Babylon became the most magnificent capital city of the ancient world, and its king, Nebuchadnezzar, controlled the then-known world. Its religion was one of idolatry. During his conquests, he destroyed the kingdom of Judah, as well as the Temple of God and the holy city Jerusalem.

BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates God-defying forces in politics and religion that will unite and soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system called the scarlet coloured beast, which will be ruled by the Antichrist. The mother of Harlots and the beast represent the close alliance that exists between the world government, called the beast, and the harlot which pretends to be the true Church. This harlot will oppress God's people and teach false doctrine.

This false church will demand the "equality of all religions." Eventually, they will fiercely oppose Jesus Christ as the only Way to obtain eternal life. This superchurch will have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof and will be based on social issues, humanitarian objectives, and lifeless formalism, and it will appeal to the majority of people throughout the world (II Timothy 3;5).

The forces of the world, led by the Antichrist, 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 (Revelation 17:14).

Cross References:

For Revelation 17:4: See Jeremiah 51:7. Revelation 17:12: See Daniel 7:20-24. Revelation 17:14: See Daniel 2:47. Revelation 18:2: See Jeremiah 50:39; Isaiah 21:9. Revelation 18:5: See Jeremiah 51:9. Revelation 18:7-8: See Isaiah 47:7-8; Zephaniah 2:15. Revelation 18:22: See Ezekiel 26:13. Revelation 18:24: See Jeremiah 51:49.

Word Studies:

17:8 perdition = destruction .

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr Charles Serball · Staff: Beth Carlton · Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent · Major languages: French and Sangho · Religious freedom · 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your hands in surrender and praise as you pray (Psalm 63:4).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 John 3:3



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