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." (Revelation 17:3-5)
As the hour and days of this age show signs of coming to a close, many are wondering "who is the Great Whore mentioned in this passage, identified as the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth" I have had many people ask me that question and have explored several possibilities of who this end time abomination actually is. One asked me if I think that America is actually Babylon the Great in Revelation. So is she? It is a great question that needs to be looked at again.
"And a mighty 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." (Revelation 18:21)
As you read the words found in the prophecy written in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, Christ our Lord shows John the Apostle using elders and angels what will come upon this earth in the final days of man's rule on this earth. When you interpret what is written, it sure sounds like America could indeed be this Mystery Babylon, as it gives a detailed word picture that could be describing what our culture has fallen to.
We all have read or seen individuals that have succumbed to the multi-billion dollar illicit drug industry, or the one country who is responsible for 60% of all pornography that floods the rest of the world. Let us not forget the complete addiction to the need for black gold, which is oil to run our cars and our factories that gives us the need to appease evil empires that are completely opposed to the Constitutional Republic this country was founded upon. Then we look at lawlessness that is trying to flood our shores, and the murders of the innocents in schools and places where people gather to feel safe, and has cries of taking away our God given freedom that I explored in my last message, that when gun control is completed (and mark my words, it will come to pass and when it will be completed is unsure, whether this side of the rapture or the other side), then it will lead the the complete takeover of this nation by the powers that desire a New World Order and the rise of the Anti-Christ.
Revelation chapter 17 describes a great scarlet whore, a word picture of decadence, debauchery and prostitution of religious Christianity upon the earth.
This is where I have to get off when this description speaks of religious prostitution. America was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles that formed this nation based on the Ten Commandments. But obviously, this once great nation has fallen far from where she began. But when you talk of religious prostitution, my mind reverts to another author of this abomination that qualifies her only, as the Harlot of Revelation.
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." (Revelation 17:6-8)
As the above verses show the two are distinct from one another. There is only one dominating world power that could be accused of fulfilling the previous verses 3-6 and part of verse 7 that once ruled with an iron fist in the Dark Ages after the fall of the Roman Empire. Their history is over-whelming with the death and the destruction of whole classes of people who would not bow their knee to their one-religion rule. This is not to disparage anyone's beliefs of their interpretation of what the Bible says, but to point out that there is one religious system that has perverted the bible in about every aspect based on "traditions and/or rituals" that were derived from the imagination of mortal men.
WHO IS THE BEAST?
The better question, is who is the beast that this false religion supports and rides the beast in Revelation 17:7? They are in collusion with one another, for one purpose and that is complete rule of this earth.
Historically, we know that there were four world Empires that Daniel the prophet spoke of and is alluded to in this chapter of Revelation 17. Those empires were Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. The Apostle John speaks of seven, and then speaks of an eighth...
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.
11And 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." (Revelation 17:10-13)
Reading verse 11 above, the passage is quite confusing....Who is the eighth, and is of the seven and goes into perdition? I had a brother hypothesize that it speaks of popery that the sixth pope will abdicate for the rise of the seventh, and then retake the title of Pope, but also becomes the new "Caesar" of Europe, as that is why he left to become president of the European Union. Then he comes back and reclaims his title as both pope and Caesar of the European continent. Is he right? We may wonder, but we'll never see it fulfilled, but we may have a good idea before Jesus comes for His Church. . I find it interesting, as the Popes will be involved in the New World Order, and have a place at the table of power when this One World Government is set up.
A LOOK AT THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE
History records six great empires; two before Daniel (Egypt, Assyria) and four afterwards (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome).
Checking history once more, we know that five have fallen and as John says one is. The one in existence when John wrote this prophecy was the Roman Empire with its Caesars and cruel dominating Roman soldiers who did the Caesar's bidding to conquer all that was in front of them.
John says the next empire, the seventh, which is not yet come, will be short-lived. John appears to say that the seventh is also the sixth, and simultaneously the eighth. It may sound confusing, but not really as the above hypothesize sounds most reasonable.
As we look at what John wrote in this chapter he identifies that the beast will have 10 horns which will be 10 future kings, not during John's days, but in the end of days. They have not, as of yet, received a kingdom, but as the days grow closer to the coming of our Lord, the ten regions become more clear and who the leaders of those ten regions will most likely be. These future 10 kings that have control of a region of this earth will each submit their power to one central dictator who will demand complete worship and obedience of his power to rule.
"And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows." (Daniel 7:20)
John pictures the beast as an empire. Daniel's horn had eyes and mouth speaking great things. Which is right? Actually, both are right.
The beast is a system, personified by a man, but actually administered by two men, separated according to specialty. They are two systems. One is political and the other is religious that deceives the whole world by doing miracles (although false miracles by the power of Satan) to fool those who have the desire to continue in their sinful, unrighteous behavior.
REVELATION AND THE BEAST FROM THE SEA
"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." (Revelation 13:1-3)
This is but one of the beast that rules the entire world during the end of days, at least for the LAST 3.5 years. The next part of the passage introduces the religious aspect of this unholy alliance.
11 "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.
12 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.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 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.
15 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." (Revelation 13:11-15)
Note this religious beast speaks like a dragon, but tries to appear like a lamb. I can quote many, many departures from the faith of a central religious leader who has even said "there is no hell". This is but one of his outrageous quotes and proclamations that even says that atheist will make heaven just by doing good. Then one wonders, did he ever know the Jesus is the Only Way to heaven?
6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." (John 14:6-7)
This second beast, who looks like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon, as Satan moves him to apostasy within the central faith in God. He derives his power directly from Satan, which is the dragon and promotes the first beast that all should worship him.
In the Apostle John's day, the seat of secular authority was Imperial Rome, but by the 3rd century AD, Rome had become the seat of the religious authority when Emperor Constantine declared "Christianity" the state church of Rome and the Emperor, now Constantine declared to be Pontifex Maximus of this so called "Christian church". This title was transferred to the Bishop of Rome as Imperial Rome was imploding from outside influence and debauchery from within.
It is as I have described it, the Caesars took off their royal robes and armament and took on the robes of the clergy and wore a "Miter's hat" in the shape of a fish's head (promoting the god Dagon) that the priest of pagan Philistines wore.
"Pontifex Maximus" literally means "the greatest bridge builder" and was the title conferred on the high priest of the College of Pontiffs in ancient pagan Rome.
The College was ancient Rome's most sacred priesthood of advisers to the Roman Emperor-god.
This title of Pontifus Maximus has been applied to the Roman popes since at least the 3rd century. When the rule of pagan Imperial 'Rome collapsed in the 5th century, much of its political power was transferred from the state to the religious found in the Pontifus Maximus or the Roman popes.
The Roman Empire which was in John's day was the present tense (the beast that is) that became the beast that was and is not, and yet is.
The Roman Papacy ruled Western European Christendom from the early 4th century until well after the French Revolution and was the most powerful political, yet "religious" ruler that had no problem with destruction of anyone who stood in their way of complete dictatorship in the name of their "church". That is until a general of Napolean's army captured the pope from Rome and imprisoned him, so the beast received a wound that was not healed until the early 20th century.
So the question comes down with just these points that describe the Roman shift of pagan to religious authority, is the Roman Catholic pope the False prophet? Nobody can be 100% positive on that claim, but the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, and the statements and actions by the modern popes during the 20th century leading into the 21st century and this present pope, gives ones to wonder if we are not looking at either the false prophet who is alive and will live through the coming tribulation, or a precursor to the man, as this pope is growing very old at this point..Just how long will he live? You may think this is Catholic bashing, but the evidence says that we have to look at what is going on and what the bible says will be evident at the end of days and not let our prejudice blind us.
I believe the Rapture takes place before either the political Anti-christ or the False Prophet shows up.
What is a Church after all the Christians are gone?
WHAT DO WE MAKE OF THIS?
Whether one wants to take issue with me probing the possibility of the Roman Catholic pope is the false prophet, is not the issue. The issue is the Catholic church the seat of the coming beast power, the religious half that rules the whole world?
We come back to the question to answer the complete question. Is the Beast power, the secular, political aspect of the coming world power ruled by one man, be centered in 'America?
Right now, the center of economic power in this world is the United States of America. She has come to be the lone super-power on earth with the fall of the Soviet Empire. Many have tried and are attempting to knock her off this seat and bring her into submission to a One World Government. We have in our shores an institution that was formed during the end of the last World War, and the United Nations has promoted the political objective to be the central power of this world. No other political organization has attempted to usurp the sovereignty of the USA other that that of the United Nations. Only the United States stands in the way of complete world control by the seat of lesser powerful nations. But change is coming, and may be on the road to complete fulfillment. When America falls, (if she falls) then this whole economic world will be in chaos.
"And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; 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;
"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." (Revelation 18:22)
I have spoke of in the past, and must speak of again, that they have put into their political objectives what is called Agenda 2030 that all nations will proclaim allegiance to which is the complete control of every man and woman on this earth that will be enduring the coming Tribulation. (Mark of the Beast?) Why the coming Tribulation? Because I don't believe it will come into force until the Church is removed and the spirit of Anti-Christ comes into full power, as Satan will have full sway over this earth and its inhabitants. In this Agenda 2030 is the nefarious belief of Sustainable Development that advocates that the earth's population must be adjusted downward to approximately 500 million people. They will start with making everyone equal financially, then politically, and throw in religiously, as it will be the mechanism to make those who are left follow their demands. Think of this..we have nearly 7 billion people give or take after the rapture, and to eliminate the population to a "manageable" 500 million will be the extermination of 6.5 Billion people in 7 short years. That will be genocide that only war can ultimately achieve or state extermination of entire races of people. Jews and Tribulation saints will be prime subjects for extermination.
Remember, and I want to call your recollection that the mouthpiece of this new World Order, was the present Roman Pontiff who spoke gloriously of this coming Sustainable Development and Agenda 2030, for the good of the planet. Maybe he has a different idea of what is good for the planet, and what is good for mankind, than what God has got planned for mankind in the coming Millennium. The difference is night and day...evil vs. good.
SO IS AMERICA BABYLON?
Now to answer the question "is America the Babylon of Revelation?" As we have noted, Babylon is in two parts, religious and political as described in Revelation 17 and 18, both concerning economic and political power. The fall of economic Babylon could easily be interpreted as America, as the center of economic might in this modern world we live in, the bread basket to the world and the greatest merchant of all the earth is America. All wealth flows from within America , or through America's economic heart, which is New York City and how it branches out all over this nation and the world. If she ever declines, the world will decline with her. In her ashes, will arise a new world power that "never lets a crisis go to waste". To see America fall would have to be a crisis so powerful, that she implodes from within, as no nation will be able to conquer her from without. But if she continues to rule the economic world, she could fulfill the secular portion of this coming Beast political power. Because of the evils that permeate her culture, as one could line up America with the deception of " sorceries" (Greek, pharmakea, or the use of drugs), pornography, murder and evil desires of every kind. But, it is just as difficult to find a major role for America during the Tribulation Period as it is to find a role for the Church. The Bible makes it clear that during the last days, all eyes are on the battlefield.
God's attention will be turned to Israel and Satan's attention will be focused on Europe. America isn't the religious Babylon of Revelation or the Harlot of Revelation 17. She might qualify for the main member of the church of Laodecia. But as far as what the Bible describes as the religious beast, this is where American does not qualify for the other half of the beast that rises to rule using religious power, much as it was done in the Dark Ages.
"And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth." (Revelation 18:24)
America has not slain or split the blood of prophets. Only one power has done such, and she is still alive today. That "honor" belongs to Rome, and she will return to her ways of the Dark Ages when she rises to promote the one man who take control of the ten regions and the ten kings that transfer their power to him.
America conceivable could rise to be the Beast power, but we won't know for sure, as I believe the church won't be here to know.
My belief is in another power that will rise to the table of power, as she has done in the past and will rise again to be the religious half of this unholy alliance.
America could be ready to implode from within, as I see one event that could decimate her. The sudden removal of million of people from this planet, that will remove people even from centers of power, or seats of government, and will leave this country in utter chaos....Even if a tenth to 20 percent of the people of 350 million people disappear from this nation, it will effect near every home on this planet, and the disappearance of whole families from every walk of life, from the highest positions in the land to the lowest. America, even with her faults, is the last haven for those who believe in Jesus Christ. How many of your friend or relatives that you have laughed at for believing such "religious nonsense" cause you to re-evaluate your position of eternal destiny? How many of you will fall on your knees with your face in your hands and know that you had heard the message of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and never accepted Jesus as Lord for yourself? What will you do when you realize that you had the truth right in your grasp and you neglected so great a salvation?
2 "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;" (Hebrews 2:2-3)
But you don't have to be part of those who will be sorely surprised and faced with the horror that is coming. If you have read any of my messages on the coming Tribulation, not to mention the Great Tribulation that both cover 7 years where 80% of all mankind will be eliminated from this planet by evil men, and Divine wrath that will nearly wipe this planet clean of all life, then your salvation is only a prayer away.....believe these words found in your bible, and you shall BE SAVED!
16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18)
Then confess to others around you what God has done for you, and witness to your family and friends the change of mind concerning God that Jesus has wrought in you, and God says, "you shalt be saved".
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:9-11)
Jesus is coming soon. Before you complete reading this message, a trumpet could sound and millions could be disappearing....maybe even from your own family. Then you will be convinced that what I say is true. Then you will see with all the other condemned souls on this earth that will be slated for death by whatever means comes to pass. Don't wait for that end. Believe the Gospel, (Good News) that Jesus died for sinners, of whom I am chief.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1st Timothy 1:15)
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