Babylon – B I B L E – ONLY

Revelation 17:5 What does Babylon mean in the book of Revelation?

Tony — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Rev 17:4.5. having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

What does it mean to have a mark or name on the forehead in Bible prophecy?

We will now do a word study from the Bible on what it means to have a mark or name on the forehead.

Ex 13:9. It shall be a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes (forehead), that the Lord´s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. Verse 14. So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come saying, “What is this?” that you shall say to him, “By strength of the hand of the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Verse 16. It shall be a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes (forehead), for by strength of the Lord brought us out of Egypt. (Gods Ten Commandments and the exodus out of Egypt are related to the forehead).

Ezek 3:7-9. But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard hearted. Behold I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their forehead. Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. (Context: Ezekiel’s forehead was made strong by God to condemn the Israelites of their sins. Hence, the forehead is related to spiritual strength)

Ezek 9:1-11. (The subject is those who are worshipping idols in Jerusalem, shall be slain). Verses 3-7. God said to an angel, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are alone within it.” To the others he said in my hearing, “Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity. Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. They went out and killed in the city. Verse 11. The man clothed with linen who had the inkhorn at his side, reported back and said, “I have done as you commanded me.” (The context: A mark on the forehead means those who believe in God and his commandments who sigh and cry over abominations of Israel. Those who do not have God´s mark on their foreheads are those who do not believe in God and his commandments but worship idols, do iniquity, shed blood and indulge in perversity).

(Deut 5:6-22. Is the context to the following in Deut 6:6-8, God wrote the Ten Commandments and gave them to Moses).

Deut 6:6-8. And these words which I command you to day shall be in your heart. (These words refer to the previous chapter Deut 5:6-22, which are the Ten Commandments). Verses 7-8. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes (foreheads). (The Ten Commandments are related to the forehead).

Deut 6:4.5. Hear O Israel: The lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. (Mk12:29-31. Math 22:36-40. Love to God, is the first commandment and how you do this is by observing the first of the four of the Ten Commandments. Love your neighbor is the second commandment and how you do this is by observing the last six commandments of the Ten Commandments).

Rev 7:3. Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. Verse 4. And I heard the number of those were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousands of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed. Verse 9. After these things I looked and behold a great multitude, which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands. Verse 13. Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes and where did they come from?” Verse 14. And I said to him, “Sir, you know,” so he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (The seal of God is related to the forehead).

Conclusion

The forehead is related to the following: God´s law, the hand of the Lord and his strength, spiritual strength, spiritual decisions, sigh and cry over all abominations, the Ten Commandments of God, worshiping God, love to God, love to your neighbor, the seal of God, white robes washed in the blood of the lamb.

The opposite to God´s mark on the forehead, for example the teachings from the woman/harlot who has a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. This is the absolute opposite to worshiping God, keeping his ten commandments and the faith of Jesus Christ etc.

What does Babylon mean in the New Testament?

The word Babylon, in Hebrew and in the Greek means confusion. We first meet the word in Genesis 11: when the unbelieving offspring of Noah built a city and a tower reaching up to the heavens. God saw that nothing was virtually impossible for them to do, so he confused their language, so as to stop building the tower. Gen 11:9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Mat 1:17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations. (Babylon her refers to the city of Babylon governed by King Nebuchadnezzar who took the people from Jerusalem to Babylon in Chaldea before the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.).

Acts 7:43. You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your God Remphan, images which you made to worship; and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. (This text is referring to the house of Israel in verse 42. They were carried away into the Babylonian captivity).

1 Pet 5:13. She who is in Babylon, elect together with you. Greets you; and so does Mark my son. (Peter is sending greetings to the elect or church in Babylon. Babylon was a term used for the city of Rome to avoid political reprisals).

Rev 14:8. And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” (This Babylon refers to Rev 16:19, Rev 17:5 and Rev 18:).

Rev 16:19. Now that great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. (Babylon is related to all the people, which the plagues will fall upon in Rev 16: and this includes those who belong to the sea beast, the dragon and the false prophet in Rev 16:13).

Rev 17:5. And on her forehead a name was written: Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth. (Babylon refers to the harlot, which represents the worldwide fallen church both Roman Catholic and Protestant, and the rest of the seven worldwide churches; it also incorporates the 10 horns representing the political nations, which support these churches).

Rev 17:1. Babylon the harlot sits on many waters, meaning (Rev 17:15). Peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues.

Rev 17:2. The kings of the earth have committed fornication with the harlot Babylon.

Rev 17:2. The inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of Babylon’s teachings.

Rev 17:3. Babylon is related to the scarlet beast representing Satan, and the seven heads representing the worldwide fallen churches, and the ten horns representing the political nations of the earth.

Rev 17:6. The harlot Babylon was drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus.

Rev 17:16. The ten horns representing the political nations of the world will hate the harlot Babylon and destroy her.

Rev 17:18. The woman (the harlot Babylon) you saw is that great city. (The city is the one referred to in Rev 16:19 under the seventh plague).

Rev 14:8. (The second angel’s message). Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (This city is the one referred to in Rev 16:19 under the seventh plague. This city includes all those who support the sea beast in Rev 13:1-10, the false prophet in Rev 13:11-18, and the dragon in Rev 12:9).

Rev 14:9.10. (The third angel’s message). If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God – – – . He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone – – -.

Rev 14:12. (The people of God who are in opposition to Babylon) they are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 18:2. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen and has become a dwelling place of demons – – -. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the world have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.

Rev 18:4. Come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. (Some of Gods people are still worshipping in the churches of Babylon and God is calling them to come out).

Rev 18:24. And in her was found the blood of the prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on earth. (Babylon is related to all false worship in opposition to God and those who have slain his prophets and saints).

Rev 19:20. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Babylon includes the beast her in this text, which is the Roman Catholic Church system Rev 13:12.14. and the false prophet are the Protestants in the USA).

Rev 19:21. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of him who sat on the horse. (The rest who were in Babylon, were killed by the words of Christ from his mouth).

Conclusion of Babylon in the New Testament

Babylon means the following: city, captivity in Babylon, used as another word for the city of Rome in the first century. Babylon is related to a combination of spiritualism, the Roman Catholic Church system, Protestants in the USA, Satan, the worldwide fallen Christian churches. These will all unite in the future.

Babylon was drunk with the blood of the saints, which means there will come a time in the future where she will try to kill all the saints and true believers at the war of Armageddon. Babylon will receive the seven plagues and wrath of God. The people who are in Babylon do not keep the commandments of God or the faith of Jesus Christ. Babylon will become a place for demons. God is calling his people out of the Babylonian worldwide fallen churches. Babylon is referring to all those who have slain the prophets and saints through all ages.

Babylon includes the beast representing the Roman Catholic Church system, and the false prophet representing the Protestants in the USA. All this will happen in the future, when there will come a time when Protestants will unite with the Roman Catholic Church.

God Reveals the Future No.1

Tony — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 06:31:42 +0000

Who does God reveal his secrets to?

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless he reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets.

Who did God reveal this dream of a statue to?

Daniel 2:1.28. Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar´s reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. (Nebuchadnezzar II was the king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire from 605 B.C. to 562 B.C.)

The king forgot what was in the dream. Who revealed the dream to Daniel?

Daniel 2:28 A God in heaven.

What did King Nebuchadnezzar see in his dream from God that troubled him?

Daniel 2:31-35 You, O King, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image´s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found, and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Who is represented by the head of gold?

Daniel 2:37.38. (King Nebuchadnezzar). You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, he has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all – you are this head of gold.

When did king Nebuchadnezzar´s kingdom of Babylon reign?

From 650 to 539 years B.C.

Which kingdom represented the arms and chest of silver?

Daniel 2:39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours.

The kingdom which came after the Babylonian Empire from 650 to 539 years B.C., was the Medo-Persian Empire.

When did the Medo-Persian Empire reign?

From 539 to 331 years B.C.

Which kingdom represented the belly and thighs of bronze?

Daniel 2:39. Then another kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.

The kingdom which came after the Medo-Persian Empire was the Grecian Empire.

When did the Grecian Empire reign?

From 331 to 168 years B.C.

Which kingdom represented the legs of iron?

Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all others.

The kingdom which came after the Grecian Empire was the Roman Empire.

When did the Roman Empire reign?

From 168 years B.C. to 476 years A.D.

Which kingdom represents the feet partly of iron and partly of clay?

Daniel 2:41.42. Where as you saw the feet and toes partly of potter´s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.

The divided kingdom which came after the fall of the Roman Empire, are the divided nations of Europe and of the world.

When did the divided nations of Europe reign?

From 476 years A.D. to the Second Coming of Christ.

How do these nations of Europe and of the world mingle with one another?

Daniel 2:43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another; just as iron does not mix with clay.

Napoleon tried to conquer and unify Europe but did not succeed. Hitler tried to conquer and unify Europe but did not succeed. Royal alliances between royal families have tried to unify Europe by intermarrying with one another; but they have not succeeded. Lastly, the countries of Europe have tried to unify with the European Economic Community, but Brexit has shown us it is crumbling away.

Who does the stone represent?

Daniel 2:44.45. And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold – the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this.

God´s kingdom was set up by Jesus Christ, during the time when the Roman Empire ruled Palestine. It will consummate at Christ´s Second coming.

Where is God´s kingdom?

Luke 17:20.21. Now when he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ´See here! or ´See there!´ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

How can we enter the kingdom of God?

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Can we be sure that the last part of the prophecy of Daniel 2 will be fulfilled?

Daniel 2:45 The dream is certain, and its interpretation in sure.

Revelation 8:8.9. Second Trumpet

Tony — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 10:43:00 +0000

Second Trumpet Rev 8:8.9.

Rev 8:8.9. Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

In this text we have symbols like a great mountain, sea, blood, creatures and ships. The context decides whether these words are symbols or facts. The first trumpet in Rev 8:7 had symbols like trees and green grass. And the following trumpets have symbols, so we should interpret these words in verses Rev 8:8.9. as symbols.

What do mountains mean in Biblical prophecy?

A short word study to find out what “mountains” mean in Biblical prophecy.

Psalms 48:1-3. In the city of our God – In the holy mountain. The joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion on the sides of the north. The city of the great king. God is in her palaces. He is known as her refuge. (Mount represents the city of God on Mount Zion in Jerusalem).

Psalm 125:1. Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

Es 14:13. (The subject is Lucifer in verse 12). For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will also sit on the mount of the congregation – – -. (Mount refers to a congregation of being up in heaven).

Es 40:4. And every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill brought low. (This is the text that John the Baptist used for himself and his mission to prepare the way for the Messiah to come. His message was for sinners to repent and give their hearts to God. Therefore sinners will be exalted and the proud leaders representing the mountains of Israel will be made low).

Jerm 51:24.25. And I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion in your sight, says the Lord. Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, who destroys all the earth, says the Lord. And I will stretch out my hand against you, roll you down from the rocks and make you a burnt mountain. (The Babylon kingdom is referred to as destroying burnt mountain, both political and religious).

Ezek 6:1-4. Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face toward the mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God! Thus, says the Lord to the mountains, to the hills, to the ravines, and to the valleys: Indeed, I, even I, will bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. Then your altars shall be desolate, your incense altars shall be broken, and I will cast down your slain men before your idols!” (These are the Israelites who worshipped idols on mountains. Mountains are a symbol of false worship).

Ezek 33:28.29. For I will make the land (Judah) most desolate, her arrogant strength shall cease, and the mountains of Israel shall be so desolate that no one will pass through. Then they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have made the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. (Mountains are related to the abominations of false worship by the inhabitants of Israel).

Ezek 35:15. As you rejoiced because the inheritance of the house of Israel was desolate, so I will do to you; you shall be desolate O mount Seir, as well as all of Edom – all of it. Then they shall know that I am the Lord. (Mount Seir in this text is a symbol of Edom and their unbelief in God. Seir is from the root meaning to be hairy. This was the name of the head of the Horite family connected by marriage with Esau, from whom descended the Edomites)[1].

Ezek 36:1. And you son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, “mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel is calling to the spiritual nation of Israel to repent of their sins Verse 26. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you: I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Verse 27. I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes).

Ezek 39:1-4. (A prophesy against Gog). I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up from the north, and bring you against the mountains of Israel. You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the people who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to beasts of the field to be devoured. (The mountains of Israel are referring to the spiritual and political leaders of Israel).

Amos 6:1. Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, notable persons in the chief nation, to whom the house of Israel comes! (Mountains refer to notable persons in the Samaria of unbelievers).

Mal 1:3. But Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountain and his heritage. (Mountain is related to Esau´s inheritance of unbelievers).

Dan 2:35. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. Verse 44. And in those days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. (Mountain refers to Gods spiritual kingdom beginning on earth and continuing in heaven).

Luk 3:5. And every mountain and hill brought low. (John the Baptist message was one of repentance for the remission of sins to the people of Israel. Therefore sinners will be exalted and the proud leaders representing mountains of Israel will be made low).

John 4:20-23. (The woman at the well). Our fathers worshiped on this mountain. Jesus said to her, “The hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. but the hour is coming, and is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” (Mountain is related to a place of false worship).

Rev 16:20. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (This verse is in context with Rev 16:17-21. The seventh plague: An earthquake hits Babylon and divides the city into three parts Rev 17:1-6. It would be difficult to understand Rev 16:20 if every mountain disappeared literally all over the earth. Symbols are used in this text like Babylon. Therefore, mountains should be used symbolically, and they mean in this text, religious and political kingdoms of the earth.

Conclusion

Mountains are related to the following: City of God, trust in the Lord, mount of congregation in heaven, proud rich men and leaders. Babel is a destroying mountain both political and religious. Mountains of Israel are high places of idolatrous worship. Mount Seir in Edom is related to Esau´s descendants of unbelievers. Mountains of Israel are unbelievers in Israel. Mountains of Samaria are notable persons of unbelievers. Mountain is related to Gods kingdom on earth and heaven. A place of false worship. Religious and political kingdoms of the earth. In other words, a mountain can mean a place for false worship or true worship.

What does sea mean in Biblical prophecy?

Gen 1:10. The gatherings of the waters he called seas. (Literal seas).

Ps 33:7. He gathers the waters of the sea together. (Literal sea).

Is 57:20. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. (Wicked are like troubled sea).

Jerm 6:2.3. (Babylon). Their voice roars like the sea.

Jerm 51:42. The sea has come up over Babylon. (Sea of destruction).

Ezek 26,3. I will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. (Sea of destruction against Tyre).

Ezek 28:2 (King of Tyre). Because your heart is lifted up, and you say, “I am god, I sit in the seat of gods, in the midst of the seas. (Seas of nations).

Dan 7:2 I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. (Heaven was influencing the sea of nations in Asia and Europe).

Dan 7:3. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. (The wicked nations of Asia and Europe).

Dan 11,45. He shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain. (The papacy and priest in the Roman Catholic church system stand between the unbelieving people on earth and God´s temple of mediation in heaven).

Zech 10:11. He shall pass through the sea with affliction and strike the waves of the sea; all the depths of the river shall dry up. Then the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt depart. (Sea of affliction).

Rev 7:3. Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. (Sea of humanity).

Rev 13:1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns – – -. (The papacy rising out of Europe).

Rev 16:2. Then the second angel poured his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as if a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. (This means a literal sea because if every person on earth died there would be no point in administering the rest of the five plagues).

Rev 18:17. Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance. (These are shipmasters working for the symbolic city of Babylon, so the sea represents the sea of humanity in this text).

Rev 20:13. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each according to his own works. (This is the sea of humanity around the world).

Conclusion

The sea is symbolic of the wicked, voice of Babylon, destruction, many nations, Asia and Europe, wicked nations of destruction, unbelieving people on earth, affliction, people, and the sea on earth were God´s people live.

What is the symbolic meaning of blood in the book of Revelation?

Rev 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. (Blood refers to spiritual waters turning to polluted blood.)

Gen 9:4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. (Blood is related to life).

Ex 7:20 So he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. (Blood is interpreted literal in this text).

Ex 12:21.22. Them Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning.” (The blood here is a symbol of the blood of Christ, which protected the Israelites from the angel of death to the first born in every family in Egypt).

Lev 14:6.7. As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood and scarlet and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over its running water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him clean. (Blood is used for a symbol of cleansing).

Lev 16:15.16. Then he killed the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place. (Blood is used in the tabernacle for making atonement for the sins of the people).

Num 35:33 So you shall not pollute the land where you are; for blood defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land. (Blood can defile the land).

Is 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood. (Isaiah condemns the people of Israel who have killed innocent people and defiled their hands with blood).

Ezek 33:4 then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take the warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. (Blood is a symbol of responsibility for ones own decisions and actions).

Joel 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. (Blood is a symbol of judgment).

John 6:54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. (The drinking of blood or wine in the communion is a symbol of believing that Christ cleanses us from all sin with his blood. John 6:35. Math 26:27.28. Rev 1:5).

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (Christ´s blood cleanses people from their sin).

Rev 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His blood. (Christ´s blood cleanses people from their sins).

Heb 9:22 without the shedding of blood there is no remission. (Christ´s blood gives us remission of our sins).

1 John 5:6. This is He who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. (Jesus was baptized by water and he gave His blood on the cross of Calvary).

Conclusion

Blood is related to: life, a symbol of the blood of Christ which protected the Israelites from the angel of death to the first born in every family in Egypt. Blood is used for a symbol of cleansing and is used in the tabernacle for making atonement for the sins of the people. Blood can defile the land and pollute spiritual waters of life. Isaiah condemns the people of Israel who have killed innocent people and defiled their hands with blood. Blood is a symbol of responsibility for one’s own decisions and actions. Blood is a symbol of judgment. The drinking of blood or wine in the communion is a symbol of believing that Christ´s blood cleanses people from their sins. Christ´s blood gives us remission of our sins. Jesus was baptized by water and he gave His blood on the cross of Calvary for us all.

What do ships mean in prophecy?

Gen 49:13. Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships. (Literal merchant ships).

Deut 28:68. (Curses and disobedience of Israel). And the Lord will take you back to Egypt in ships, by the way of which I said to you, “You shall never see it again.” And there you shall be offered for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you. (Refers to the Israelites being used as merchandise on ships).

Num 24:24. But ships shall come from the coast of Cyprus, and they shall afflict Asshur and afflict Eber, and so Amalek, until he perishes. (War ships).

1 Kgs 22:48. Jehoshaphat made merchant ships to go to Ophir for gold. (Merchant ships carrying gold).

2 Chron 9:21. For the king`s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys. (Ships used for transporting merchandise).

Prov 31:14. (A virtuous woman). She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.

Dan 11:40. (This is the Hebrew direct translation from Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and from www.scripture4all.org). And in the time of the end, he shall gore (pierce with horns) with him king of Negev, and he shall (excite) horror on him king of the north, in chariots, and in horsemen, and in ships, many ones and he comes in lands, and he overwhelms, and he passes. (These ships refer to battle ships taking part in spiritual warfare).

Ezek 30:8.9. When I have set fire in Egypt and all her helpers are destroyed. On that day messengers shall go forth from Me in ships, to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great anguish shall come upon them, as on the day of Egypt. (Messenger ships refer to war ships).

Rev 18:17.18. (This text refers to spiritual Babylon). For in one hour such great riches came to nothing. Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, “What is like this great city?” (Ships of spiritual merchandise being burnt up in Babylon).

Conclusion

Literal ships, merchant ships carrying gold, a virtuous woman is like a ship bringing food, battle ships taking part in spiritual warfare, war ships, ships carrying spiritual merchandise for Babylon, war ships are a symbol of the reformers during the Protestant reformation.

What does Rev 8:8.9. mean?

We must remember that this is the second trumpet of warning to the Church from God in the heavenly sanctuary. Rev 8:8.9 Does not mention grass or trees, which are a symbol of God´s people. The burning mountain in Jerm 51:24.25 is a symbol of Babylon in Jeremiah´s time which was destroyed in 539 B.C. Babylon was a burning political, military and spiritual mountain, which tried to dominate all the nations in the then known world.

The second trumpet came after the first trumpet in the history of the Christian Church. The next trumpet warning to the Christian Church came about during the fourth century. This was the time when Paganism and worldliness entered the Church of God. This was the beginnings of spiritual Babylon entering the Church of God as outlined in Rev 18: and eventually overtaking the rulership of the Church worldwide.

The harlot Babylon enters the Church

The burning mountain is a symbol of spiritual Babylon and its teachings entering the Church. This burning mountain was thrown into the sea of humanity, especially in the region of Europe and Asia minor were God´s people lived. A third of the sea means that a third of God´s people in the sea of humanity, became spiritually polluted with the Babylonian influence of Paganism and Worldliness. As a result, a third of the creatures which are a symbol of God´s people, died spiritually. And a third of the ships which are a symbol of true Christian leaders in the Church, were destroyed.

“Thousands were imprisoned and slain, but others sprang up to fill their places. And those who were martyred for their faith were secured to Christ and accounted of Him as conquerors. – – – Their living example and dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and where least expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service and enlisting under the banner of Christ.

Satan therefore laid plans to war more successfully against the government of God by planting his banner in the Christian Church.

The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honour. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and resurrection, but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all unite on the platform of believe in Christ.

Now the Church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. – – – Under a cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating himself into the Church, to corrupt their faith and turn their minds from the Word of Truth.

Roman Catholics worshiping the image of Mary

Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although the worshippers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the Church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. – – – Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and worship. As the followers of Christ united with the idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the Church lost her purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshipped God alone.”[2]

“But as persecutions ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the Church. Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the Church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of Christ.”[3]

Leaders of the church worshipping the sun

“The spirit of concession to paganism opened the way for still further disregard of Heaven´s authority. Satan, working through unconsecrated leaders of the Church, tampered with the fourth commandment also, and essayed to set aside the ancient Sabbath, the day which God had blessed and sanctified (Genesis 2:2,3), and in its stead to exalt the festival observed by the heathen as ´the venerable day of the sun´. This change was not at first attempted openly. In the first centuries the true Sabbath had been kept by all Christians. – – – But with great subtlety Satan worked through his agents to bring about his object. That the attention of the people might be called to the Sunday, it was made a festival in honour of the resurrection of Christ. Religious services were held upon it; yet it was regarded as a day of recreation, the Sabbath being still sacredly observed.”[4]

“In the early part of the fourth century the emperor Constantine issued a decree making Sunday a public festival throughout the Roman Empire. (See Appendix). The day of the sun was reverenced by his pagan subjects and was honoured by Christians; it was the emperor´s policy to unite the conflicting interests of heathenism and Christianity. He was urged to do this by the bishops of the Church, who inspired by ambition and thirst for power, perceived that if the same day was observed by both Christians and heathen it would promote the nominal acceptance of Christianity by pagans and thus advance the power and glory of the Church. – – – (Over time) Thus the pagan festival came finally to be honoured as a divine institution, while the Bible Sabbath was pronounced a relic of Judaism, and its observers were declared to be accursed.”[5]

[1] Francis D. Nichol, Edit., The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol 4 (Washington D.C.: Review & Herald, 1977), 693.

[2] Ellen G. White, Confrontation (Grantham, Lincolnshire: The Stanborough Press, 1978), 42.43.

[3] Ibid., 49.50.

[4] Ibid., 52.

[5] Ibid., 53.

Revelation 18:1-24. Is Your Church Part of Babylon?

Tony — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:15:25 +0000

Revelation 18:1-24. The Fall of Babylon the Great.

Rev 18:1-3. After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice saying, “Behold Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”

The question arises who does Babylon represent in this text?

Firstly, Babylon is separated from, all nations, the kings of the earth and merchants as an entity. Having said that, all nations, kings and merchants have a relationship to Babylon being spiritual, political, or business like.

What does Babylon mean?

For a full explanation see my website www.ayindk.com/Rev 17:5.

A short, explanation is that Babylon represents all the worldwide churches who do not keep the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17. Rev 14:12.

What do the words, “all nations who have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,” mean? See my website www.ayindk.com/Rev 17:2., for a full explanation. In short, it means all the members of these fallen churches worldwide who do not keep the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17. Rev 14:12.

What does the citation, “kings of the earth have committed fornication with her,” mean?

See my website: www.ayindk.com/Rev 17:2 for a full explanation. In short, it represents all kings and governments who do not keep the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.

What does the citation, “merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury,” mean?

A word study on merchants.

Matthew 13:45.46. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (A pearl is likened to the kingdom of God symbolically)

Rev 18:11-13. And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. (A full explanation of these things are given on my website www.ayindk.com/Rev 17:4)

Rev 18:15.16. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, “Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!”

Rev 18:23.24. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all nations were deceived. And in her (Babylon) was found the blood of prophets and saints, and all who were slain on the earth.

Conclusion

These merchants are merchants for spiritual merchandise e.g. Rev 18:13. Bodies and souls of men. These merchants are substituting manmade teachings for the Biblical teachings of the earthly and heavenly sanctuary and the priesthood of Christ. This would involve teachings on salvation and the Ten Commandments of God.

These merchants are priests, evangelists, theologians, teachers, bishops, cardinals, popes and protestant ministers. They are responsible for the blood of the prophets and saints who were slain on the earth because they believed in the teachings of the Bible and Bible only. See my website www.ayindk.com/Rev 17:4 for a full explanation.

The next question is, when does Babylon symbolising the fallen world-wide church who do not keep the Ten Commandments of God or the faith of Jesus Christ, fall?

“Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.”[1]

Furthermore, “Papists, Protestants, and wordlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millennium.”[2]

The long expected millennium theory is the belief by the charismatics worldwide, which comes from John Darby (From the Plymouth Brethren) and is incorporated in the Film `Left Behind,` it explains that after the Second Coming of Christ in secret (The secret rapture) there will be seven years of trouble where people can have a second chance to accept Christ as their saviour. This will lead to long-expected 1,000-year millennium on the earth where the nation of Israel will return to Jerusalem and rebuild it up again to its former glory along with the temple and Christ will reign over all nations on this earth from this capital city.

When you see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world, then the fall of Babylon has begun. The world-wide fallen church has opposed the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. In addition, they will persecute all believers in the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.[3]

“Thus, the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. – – – The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the Church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power – all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the Church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of the rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven. – – – The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks.”[4]

“The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled: `All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. ` 2 Timothy 3:12. As the defenders of truth refuse to honour the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments.”[5]

The last we read about the fall and destruction of Babylon representing the fallen church world-wide who do not keep the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, is revealed in Rev 16:17-19 under the seventh plague.

Rev 16:17-19. Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Rev 18:2. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit.

Who are the demons?

See my website www.ayindk.com/Rev12:4 for a full explanation.

In a short analysis, the demons are fallen angels whom Satan has deceived. One third of the heavenly angels were deceived by Satan and cast out of heaven to this earth because of their rebellion against God. Rev 12:7-9.

If you go on www.youtube.com and search under “15 times angels got caught on camera.” You will see angels appearing in many places and especially in religious meetings and gatherings. These angels are fallen angels who work in the fallen world-wide church. Their work is to encourage false worship and cause confusion in worship to God. Their work is to destroy all people and help them to misunderstand the Bible and its teachings leading to salvation.

These demon angels are called foul spirits. What does foul mean? In the Oxford Dictionary it says morally polluted, obscene, disgustingly abusive, unfair, against the rules of the game.[6]

Their main work is to teach people to disobey the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. This they have accomplished through the world-wide fallen church called Babylon in the book of Revelation.

Rev 18:4.5. And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Who are my people in this text?

Rev 21:3. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them and be their God.”

So, the word “my” in Rev 18:4 refers to God and the word “people” refers to God´s people. God´s people are in the fallen world-wide church called Babylon. God in this text is calling his people to come out of Babylon and obey the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. It is not the church who saves us, but faith in Jesus Christ: Ephesians 2:8 and keeping the Ten Commandments of God. Rev 12:17. 14:12.

If God´s people do not listen and obey the command to come out of Babylon, then they will receive the seven plagues listed in Rev 16.

What does it mean that the sins of Babylon have reached heaven?

There must be a limit of gross sins one can commit in the sight of God, before God reacts with punishment. Which sins are these?

Genesis 19:1-29. (The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah).

Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?

Verses 13-15. For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it. So, Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who married his daughters, and said, `Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city! ` When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, `Arise, take your wife and two daughters who are with here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city. ` Verse 24. The Lord rained brimstone and fore on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens.

Which sin had the inhabitants done to deserve such a punishment?

Genesis 19: 1-11. Verse 1. Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening. And Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. Lot invited them into his house Verse 3, Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. Verses 4.5. Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all people from every quarter, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot and said to him, `Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally. `

This word “know” is the same word used for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman like in Genesis 4:1. Now Adam knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain. Genesis 4:17. And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. Genesis 4:25. And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth.

However, when this Hebrew word is applied to two men who know each other, this is called homosexuality. But in Sodom this action was not just homosexuality alone, it was forced homosexuality, and this is called rape in modern terms. When this happened in Sodom, God was forced to destroy this city otherwise this kind of licentious sin could spread to other cities.

How does this action apply to the city of Babylon in Rev 18:4.5., when it says her sins have reached to heaven? We are not talking about the sin of homosexuality, but the sin of religious worship enforced by the state leading to persecution. There will come a time in the near future, when the papacy in the Roman Catholic church, and Protestantism in the USA will unite together, and they will enforce laws through the state against God´s people who keep the Ten Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus Christ. These laws will especially concentrate on forbidding the worship on the Biblical sabbath which is a Saturday and enforcing worship on a Sunday instead.

The whole controversy in the future will be between those who keep Sunday as a holy day and those keep Saturday sabbath as a holy day. If God´s people refuse to honour Sunday as a holy day, then they will be visited with penalties, persecution, imprisonment and finally with a death decree.

All this is explained on my website www.ayindk.com/Rev 13:11-18 and /Rev 17:9-14.

“Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observance of the Church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power – all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the Church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven.

The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it shine upon their flocks.

The Church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment-keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducement to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: `Show us from the Word of God our error. `”[7]

“As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce he observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the State ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer that the whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. – – -.

This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death.”[8]

Rev 18:8. Therefore, her plagues will come in one day–death and morning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.

This citation `one day ` is similar to another citation like `one hour `in Rev 18: e.g.

Rev 18:10. For in one hour your judgment has come.

Rev 18:17. For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.

Rev 18:19. For in one hour she is made desolate.

These four texts seem to imply suddenness and not a duration of time whether being literal or prophetic, because one day cannot mean one hour also. Even more, the verse in Rev 18:8 is divided into two events: 1. The plagues will come upon Babylon before the second coming of Christ. 2. The fire which comes down from heaven from God and burns Babylon to destruction will occur after the second coming of Christ and after the 1,000-year millennium. Rev 20:7-10.

Rev 18:9. The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning.

The kings of the earth who committed fornication with Babylon refers to kings, governments and leaders of different nations throughout the whole world who have committed fornication.

What is this fornication?

In the Oxford Dictionary it says that fornication is sexual intercourse between an unmarried man or woman.[9]

However, in prophecy in Rev 18:9 this fornication is symbolic and refers to kings who are believers in God but worship the god of Babylon and attend the fallen world-wide church who do not observe the Ten Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17. 14:12.

How do these kings of the earth live in luxury with Babylon?

When referring to the fallen Roman Catholic church, the papacy is the most wealthiest institution in the world. (See me website www.ayindk.com/Rev 13:18 referring to 666). When this is so, then the kings of the earth would delight to do business with the papacy and make profits from their investments.

In addition, the Roman Catholic church is the largest church in the world, having more the one billion members. The kings and governments of the earth would profit from their political support when it comes to voting then into office and governing their nation.

Rev 18:11-20. And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore.

See Rev 18:3 for a full explanation of what merchants mean and their merchandise.

Rev 18:21. Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.”

Rev 18:22. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. (In the Old Testament 1 Chronicles 25: musicians played musical instruments together with prophesying: that is praising God. The religious services in Babylon which include the singing of hymns with musical instruments will cease and not be heard anymore in the fallen world-wide church).

Rev 18:23. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. (The light of a lamp is used as a symbol for witnessing and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Matthew 5:14-16. In this case in Babylon, they used the light to proclaim the false gospel of Jesus Christ. As for the bridegroom and bride, this would signify that there will be no more weddings in the world-wide fallen church).

Rev 18:23. For your merchants were the great men of the earth. (These merchants are great evangelist, pastors, priests, cardinals, bishops and popes who are great men of the earth).

Rev 18:23. For by your sorcery all nations were deceived.

The word sorcery is φαρμακεια (pharmakeia) in the Greek and means “One who uses witchcraft or employs powers gained from the assistance and control of evil spirits.”[10]

The word sorcery is related to the following texts:

Rev 9:20.21. But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, tone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Rev 21:8. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murders, sexual immoral, sorcerers, idolators, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone., which is the second death.

Rev 22:14.15. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexual immoral and murders and idolators, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

Conclusion

Sorcerers are related to the following words: worshipping demons, idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood. Murder, sexual immoral, thefts, cowardly, unbelieving, liars, lake of fire and brimstone, and the second death.

It is very clear from the Bible that sorcerers are related to worship in Babylon and refers to the false worship in the fallen world-wide church.

Rev 18:24. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.

This text is referring to Babylon the fallen world-wide church. When did the fallen world-wide church slay prophets and saints?

History tells us that many millions, in fact over 50 million Roman Catholic church members were killed and burnt at the stake by the papacy during the Dark Middle Ages 538-1798. Why? Because they protested against the papacy and became protestants. See my website for a full explanation. www.ayindk.com/Daniel 11:34.

[1] Ellen G. White, Confrontation, (Grantham, Lincolnshire: The Stanborough Press, 1978), 588.

[2] Ibid., 588. 589.

[3] Ibid., 606-608.

[4] Ibid., 606. 607.

[5] Ibid., 608.

[6] Dorothy Eagle, Editor, The Oxford Illustrated Dictionary, (Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1975), 328.

[7] Ellen G. White, Confrontation, 606. 607.

[8] Ibid., 615.616.

[9] Dorothy Eagle, Editor, The Oxford Illustrated Dictionary, 327.

[10] Siegfried H. Horn, Seventh-Day Bible Dictionary, (Washington D.C.: Review & Herald Pub., 1979), 1060.