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THE BOOK OF REVELATION #41 THE JUDGMENT OF THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT DATE: TEXT: Revelation 17:1-18 INTRODUCTION: In chapter 16 we witnessed the final judgment of God against this world We saw God destroy this world through a series of powerful plagues We also witnessed the defiance of fallen man Even in the face of judgment / man refused to repent Of course / this shouldn’t surprise us / man refused to repent in the face of the Law and man has refused to repent in this age of Grace Man is an incorrigible sinner / and apart from the grace of God / mankind is hopelessly lost! The last plague in Revelation 16:17-21 brought about a great earthquake that destroyed the cities of the world This final / great quake devastated all the places that man had created This earthquake destroyed everything that represented the greatest accomplishments of humanity The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 All of mankind’s centers of pleasure and profit are wiped out Since the dawn of time / man has been in the business of trying to get by without God Man rests on his own power / his own accomplishments / his own ability to produce and his own ability to enjoy pleasure In that last great judgment / everything man trusts in is taken away We are also told in Revelation 16:19 that – “great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath,” Babylon is a city / but it is also a system Babylon represents everything mankind has accomplished apart from God This system is judged in the seventh bowl judgment What we have in chapters 17 and 18 is another parenthetical passage These two chapters give us the details of the destruction of the Babylonian system In chapter 17 we will see the destruction of religious Babylon In chapter 18 we will see the destruction of economic Babylon -2- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 I want to preach from this chapter on – “The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot” ~~~OPENING PRAYER~~~ Notice the facts this passage reveals: THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS I. “DESCRIBED” - vs. 1-6 The first verse tells us that we are going to witness “the judgment of the great whore.” The word “whore” is a word that we would not normally use But / it is a word used by the Bible / so we must deal with it It is a word which refers to “a woman of ill repute” It is also used to refer to a woman who is an “idolatress” In our text the word is referring to the world’s system of “false religion” These verses teach us about this system of false religion and how it will be judged A. The “Scope” of this System – v. 1 We are told that the harlot “sitteth upon many waters” -3- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 Verse 15 gives us the commentary on v.1 “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” What we see here is a “One World Religious System” Right now there are thousands of religions on the planet / and there is little agreement between them The primary religions recognized by most people are Christianity / Judaism / Islam / Buddhism and Hinduism Most of the world’s population observes one of these religions The day is coming when all the religions of the world will be brought together The Antichrist / or the False Prophet / will have a plan that will iron out all the difference between these systems of belief One day there will be a one world religion There is already a great push in that direction It is called the Ecumenical movement Christianity is different from all other religions on the earth because it is not really a religion / it’s a relationship by faith When the Rapture occurs / all true Christians will be removed What will be left will be those who – -4- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 “have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof” Those people will be easy prey for the devil and demonic religion The “Scope” of this System B. The “Seduction” of this System – v. 2 According to verse 2 the entire world will come under the spell of this great end-time religion Kings and world leaders will be a part of the movement The whole world will be intoxicated by the teaching of this false system of belief “made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” Like a slick seductress / this great harlot will seduce the world with her promises and her power The “Scope” & “Seduction” of this System C. The “Supporters” of this System – v. 3 This harlot is supported by the Antichrist “I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast,” The Antichrist is the “beast” and he brings this religious system to great power in the world The phrase “full of names of blaspheme” reminds us that Antichrist will set himself up as God -5- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 He will enter the Jewish Temple and he will demand that the world worship him – II Thessalonians 2:3-4 – “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” 4 “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” He will demand worship and a deluded world will give him what he desires – II Thessalonians 2:11 – “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” He will give this religion its power According to verse 9 / this system sits on “seven hills” This could be a reference to ancient Rome which was built on seven hills Some people think that this reference ties this system in with Roman Catholicism However / the seven hills could be a reference to the seven continents / which would indicate that this system is worldwide in nature Truth: There is a tendency to try and figure out which religion this passage is referring to -6- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 I believe that it will contain Roman Catholics / Mormons /Jehovah’s Witnesses / Muslims / Presbyterians / Methodists / Church of God / and yes / even Baptists I believe the final construction of this end-time religion is best left in the hands of the Lord! The “Scope” “Seduction” “Supporters” of this System D. The “Success” of this System – v. 4 Just as a prostitute usually dresses provocatively to draw attention to her-self / so does this false religious system This religion wears the colors “purple and scarlet” These are the colors of royalty and nobility She is “decked with gold and precious stones and pearls” This speaks to her wealth and prosperity This system will be wealthy beyond words Truth: This is true of many of the “great religious systems” of our day There is a lot of big money in religion! Some people grow very wealthy at the expense of others! The Bible tells us that this system is well connected and prosperous / but it is all a pretense -7- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 The Bible tells us that this harlot holds in her hands “a golden cup full of abominations and filthiness of her fornications.” While this religion appears healthy / wealthy and wise on the outside It is really filled with corruption It is an abomination to God! Truth: There’s a danger for any church or denomination that grows / that it will thrive on its prosperity and forget its allegiance to the Lord There is a subtle seduction in money and power that can easily lead a system off the course of holiness and godliness Many movements that begin well / have left God … Having been seduced by power / popularity and prosperity! There is a tendency to compromise so that the trends may continue! The “Scope” “Seduction” “Supporters” “Success” of this System E. The “Spirit” of this System – v. 5 In ancient times / it was common for prostitutes to wear identification so that prospective customers could recognize them -8- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 This system is identified by God as “the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth” When we speak of Babylon / many people immediately think of a city And it is a city located in the country of Iraq Babylon the city was once the grandest capital of the most powerful nation in the world Today / it is abandoned by everyone but archaeologists and historians But / Babylon is also a system Babylon is described as the system from which every false religious system in the world originated That is what the title “mother” implies This Babylonian system first appears in Genesis 11:1-9 The city was called Babel then and was founded by a very wicked man named Nimrod The people of Babel decided to build themselves a tower so that they could leave their mark on the world – Genesis 11:3-4 – “And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.” 4 “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, -9- The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” The flood was fresh in their minds and they wanted to leave their mark on the world This tower was not designed to reach into Heaven as some think It was designed as a temple of the Heavens The constellations were placed on the top of this tower and men climbed it to worship the heavenly bodies – Genesis 11:4 - This tower / and the religion it represented / is the first of many false religions started by man They were the first false religionists / but they would not be the last The same seeds of humanism and pride that are found in their attempt at forming their own religion can be found in every religion founded by man! God judged these people for their rebellion and for their foolish worship Just as He judged them then / He will one day judge all the false religions of the world That is what we see here in Revelation 17 - 10 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 This chapter clearly reveals what will happen to the false religion of this world at the end of the Tribulation Period Truth: Many of our common religious practices have their root in ancient Babylonian worship rituals Things like Easter eggs / unicorns / the circle of life / yin yang / Christmas trees etc. have their origins in ancient Babylon The “Scope” “Seduction” “Supporters” “Success” “Spirit” of this System F. The “Slaughter” associated with this System – v. 6 This Wicked System is responsible for the deaths of every saint of God who has ever died at the hands of false religion From the death of Abel / to the prophets / to the early Christian martyrs / to the martyrs of the inquisition / all the way to the millions of martyrs of the Tribulation Every single death can be laid at the feet of the Babylonian harlot She is responsible for the deaths of God’s children and she will be judged for her blood thirsty ways! THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS “DESCRIBED” THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS: II. “DEMYSTIFIED” - vs. 7-15 Notice John’s statement at the end of v.6 - 11 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 “and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” The verses we are about to consider are among the most intriguing in the entire book of Revelation I don’t claim to have all the answers / but I hope that I can take some of the mystery out A. The “Beast” Demystified – vs. 7-11b Now notice the response of the angel in v.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. Matthew 24:24 – “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Verse 8 refers to the miracle of the Antichrist’s death and resurrection – Revelation 13:3, 14 – “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.” “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.” - 12 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 Whether his death and resurrection is real or faked / it doesn’t matter The result will be the same Most of the lost world will believe the miracle and follow the Antichrist Verse 10 refers to the seven great “world kingdoms” Five were already passed in John’s day Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia; and Greece One was ruling / Rome - “and one is” The 7th will be the Ten Nation Confederation – “and the other is not yet come” The 8th is the kingdom of the Antichrist Verse 11 refers to this reign of the Antichrist He will be a world leader / but after the miracle of his death and resurrection / he will become “the ruler of the world” But / his “judgment” is set in stone End of v.11 – “and goeth into perdition” Even with all his power and popularity / the Antichrist is headed to perdition! The word “perdition” means “utter destruction” - 13 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 The “Beast” Demystified B. The “Benefactors” Demystified – vs. 12-13 These two verses refer to ten kings who will give their allegiance and power to the Antichrist In return / he gives them great power and authority These kings are wholly committed to the reign of the Antichrist They are given a kingdom / but their reign is short lived “one hour” The “Beast” & “Benefactors” Demystified C. The “Battle” Demystified – v. 14 As we mentioned in our last study / the nations of the world under the direction the Antichrist and his kings will gather to do battle with Jesus Christ at Armageddon They are fighting a losing battle because they are foolish enough to attack the Lamb The Lamb they attack is the “king of Kings and the Lord of Lords.” He will destroy them with the word of His mouth – Revelation 19:11-21 We will get to that in a few weeks! - 14 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 V.14 also refers to those who are with the Lamb when He does battle with the world These people who are “called, and chosen and faithful” refer to the Bride of Christ This / my friends, is us! When He comes / we are coming with Him! We will watch the Lamb do battle and shout for Him as He claims victory over all His enemies! What a day that will be! THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS “DESCRIBED” THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS “DEMYSTIFIED” THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS: III. “DESTROYED” - vs. 16-17 A. The “Reality Of” the Harlot’s Destruction – v. 16 After the Antichrist and his minions use the harlot to achieve power / they will turn on her When they have reached the pinnacle of success / they have no more need of a religious system They turn on the Harlot and they totally destroy her The “Reality Of” the Harlot’s Destruction - 15 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 B. The “Reason For” the Harlot’s Destruction – v. 17 Antichrist and his followers don’t know it / but they are merely doing the will of the Lord He is the One who puts it into their hearts to destroy the Babylonian religious system God uses these wicked men to carry out His will against this false religion God hates false religion! In the end of the world / He will use the ungodly to destroy the ungodly Truth: Organized religion is a disgrace to God! When ritual / tradition and the doctrines of men take prominence over the Lord God / it becomes false worship (The example of the Pharisees) It does not matter what name they have over the door It does not matter what they claim to be When anything or anyone but Jesus Christ is the center of attention … It is a false religion and it will be destroyed by God one day! When the Tribulation Period ends / all false religion will have been destroyed - 16 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 This will pave the way for the Millennial reign of Jesus He will usher in a one thousand year period of time when people will worship no one but Him / at least openly! CONCLUSION: Did you know that man is a religious creature? That’s right / all people are going to worship something Everyone believes in something Even the person who claims to be an atheist believes in his unbelief (which is really humanism, man worship) When it is all said and done this thing comes down to two simple choices: Jesus Christ or false religion! Every belief system in the world that does not center on the Lord Jesus is a false system of belief / it is a false religion How can I say that? Listen to what Jesus said John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Listen again / Acts 4:12 – - 17 - The Judgment of the Babylonian Harlot – Revelation 17:1-18 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Listen to one more / John 8:24 – “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.” That is not my word / that is His Word! So what is it with you / Your Family / Your Friends? Is it Jesus, or is it religion? Don’t be satisfied to join a church or be baptized Don’t be satisfied to get you name on the role of some religious organization Don’t be satisfied with anything less than believing on Jesus Christ / and Him alone / for your salvation! Anything else is just religion Anything less than Jesus is a prescription for Hell One day God will judge and do away with all false religion THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS “DESCRIBED” THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS “MYSTIFIED” THE BABYLONIAN HARLOT IS “DESTROYED” - 18 -