Come Out of Babylon

Everything that you need to know to come out of Babylon is right here.

Babylon is the Apostate Church, which was foretold and described in many chapters of the Bible.

Revelation 17 and 18 say that Babylon, the apostate church, has deceived all the nations so it will be very difficult for people to receive this message unless they’re led by God and want nothing but the truth.

God left everything that we need to follow His instructions, it’s up to us to do the work.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Identifying Babylon: The Apostate Church Fits Every Line of Babylon’s Description: This section delves into the very unique parallels between Babylon as described in various biblical texts and the characteristics of the apostate church.
2. A picture is worth a thousand words: Babylon in Pictures: This section includes visual representations and illustrations that make Babylon easy to identify.
3. Paul Warned of the Apostate Church and Described Her to a T: This section identifies passages from the writings of Paul that warn about the emergence of false teachings and apostasy within the church.
4. The Prophecies of Apostasy: This section identifies prophecies from various biblical books that foretell the rise of the apostasy.
5. Early Church History Reveals the Nicean Controversy is the Great Apostasy: This section examines historical events and their implications for the development of the church and the rise of apostasy.
6. Babylon is the Product of the Apostate Church Fornicating with Rome: This section discusses the entanglement of the apostate church with political and worldly powers, particularly the influence of Rome.
7. The False Religion Departed from the True Faith and Followed the Doctrine of Demons: This section explores the divergence of the apostate church from the fundamental tenants of the faith, leading to the adoption of false teachings and demonic doctrines.

While Paul was still ministering, and as the church grew and spread into the pagan world, differing gospels began to emerge that conflicted with what the apostles taught. The false gospels (as Paul called them) sprang up during Paul’s ministry, evidence of which shows up repeatedly in his epistles to the churches. Those false gospels frustrated Paul because he knew they were circulating and people believed them.

In his epistles, Paul railed against the false brethren who spread the false version of Jesus and the false gospels.

18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. (1 Corinthians)

“..we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions..” (Acts)

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians)

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— (Galatians)

“For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians)

So, when Paul discovered that heretics were trying to lead his flock astray he repeatedly set them all straight with a reminder of the truth.

The One and Only True Gospel

Now, brothers and sisters,

I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.

6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

These verses are evidence that the seeds of the apostate church, or false brethren, began in Paul’s day. As the early church expanded beyond its Jewish roots and encountered diverse cultures, the purity of the gospel became increasingly vulnerable to distortion. Paul, in his fervent commitment to preserving the truth, confronted the emergence of false teachings and false brethren with unwavering resolve in an effort to save God’s people from the deception being spread throughout

Throughout the following chapters, we reveal the historical fulfillment of the prophecies of apostasy and of the identity of the Great Harlot, Babylon, in order to help people follow God’s command to come out.

“Come out of [Babylon], my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.”

Revelation 18:4, NIV

But who is this enigmatic Babylon, and why the urgent call to forsake her? Why have most of God’s people never heard of this command?

As we peel back the layers of this historical tapestry, we will reveal several prophecies of apostasy and their subsequent fulfillment that led to the birth of Babylon. Join us in deciphering the signs and unraveling the warnings as we strive to discover the truth and the compelling reasons behind the divine command to break free.

We hope that this manuscript will assist those who find themselves within Babylon. We urge you to read with an open mind and heart and to heed the warning to come out before it is too late. May the Holy Spirit guide you as you read, and may the truth set you free.

The Apostasy Birthed Babylon

• Part I: The Prophecy of Apostasy
• Part II: The Bible Evidence of Apostasy
• Part III: The Fulfillment of the Apostasy: The Birth of Babylon

Part I: The Prophecy of Apostasy

In the context of the Bible, apostasy is a grave departure from the true faith, where individuals or groups abandon following God and instead embrace false doctrines. The Bible contains several prophecies about a great falling away from the true faith to the doctrine of demons. It also identifies the group that fell away by the doctrines of the men that led them astray; specifically, these men advocated for abstaining from food (like in Lent) and forbidding marriage (like in priests).

One notable prophecy is found in 2 Thessalonians:

“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first….” (2 Thess 2:1-3a)

This passage makes clear that Jesus would not be returning until the apostasy occurred.

Another important prophecy concerning the apostasy is found in 1 Timothy, chapter four. This prophecy is one of the most significant. In many Bibles, chapter four of 1 Timothy is often titled: ‘The Great Apostasy.’ This chapter foretells that in the future, an apostasy will occur, and it also leaves clues that would help identify the apostates:

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.”

In Part III below, our search for the apostates will begin with the identifying characteristics provided here. Namely, the apostates were led astray by men who advocated abstaining from food and forbidding marriage.

Bible Prophecies of the Apostasy

The apostasy is foretold through various metaphors in the Bible:

• Faithful and Apostate believers (1 Timothy 4)
• Wheat and Tares in a field
• Virgins with and without oil.
• Mother of Prostitutes vs. Mother of God’s People

The apostasy from the true faith described in 1 Timothy created two distinct groups of believers who believed in two very different versions of God, with both believing they were the Wheat and not the Tares. Some of the church departed from the faith and followed very religious ascetic doctrines (the apostate), while the others continued In Christ. The church became divided into those who fell away and those who remained true to the faith.

In the prophetic parable of the Wheat and Tares, Jesus foretold a time when Satan would plant counterfeits among the wheat. In the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30), a man sowed good seed (wheat) in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds (tares) among the wheat. In this parable, the owner of the field instructed his servants not to uproot the tares, as doing so might harm the wheat. Consequently, they were instructed to allow both to grow together until the harvest. At that time, the reapers would gather the tares and burn them, while the wheat would be collected in the barn. Satan did this through deceiving spirits who led some of the church to follow a ‘demonic doctrine’ which ultimately ended up deceiving “all the nations.” (Rev 18:26) . Their ultra-pious doctrine seemed to align with righteous living and many assume that fasting is something that only devoted followers of God would endure, so these people appear to be extra holy. The tares appear to be followers of God but they are not in the same way that real tares look almost identical to real wheat but are not. On the contrary, instead of being extra holy, the Tares are, in fact, following the doctrine of demons and are being used by Satan to reduce the harvest by leading others astray with them.

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NIV)

In addition to alerting us to the existence of counterfeits, this parable tells us that the false brethren will remain among the wheat until the harvest, which symbolizes when Jesus will return. Sadly, this means that this day and until Jesus returns the world will be filled with people who believe they are following God but instead are deceived and following demons.

“Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink…. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism…. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

The Ten Virgins Parable-prophecy

Marriage is a metaphor for the covenant relationship that God has with His people and is found in many places throughout the Bible. The prophetic parable of the Ten Virgins uses virgins who are betrothed to a bridegroom to represent all the people who believe that they are in a covenant relationship with God. The Ten Virgins who are waiting for the bridegroom symbolize all of the people who are waiting for God to take them into eternity with Him.

The metaphor of the Ten Virgins is very similar to the metaphor of the Wheat and Tares in several ways. Like the Wheat and Tares, the ten virgins are a group that represents all of the people who believe they are in a covenant relationship with God. Also, like the Wheat and Tares, only half of the group truly belongs to God. The very significant difference between them is that some have oil (the Spirit of God) and some do not. The Virgins with oil are the true followers of God. Those without oil are not part of the Kingdom of God. In addition, as with the Wheat and Tares parable, the Ten Virgins all remain together until the end, but only half of the group goes into God’s Kingdom.

Other Biblical Examples of Lamps and Oil Used in the Same Way

In the Bible, lamps are frequently used as symbols for people. For instance, John is described as a lamp that burned and gave light. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. (John 5:35). The Bible instructs believers to let their lights shine through good works (Matthew 5:16). This is another illustration of people as a lamp. John the Baptist being compared to a lamp reinforces the idea that individuals are represented by lamps.

The Holy Spirit as the Oil in the Parable of the Ten Virgins

Throughout the Bible, oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The Blue Letter Bible along with other online Bibles and resources, have lengthy commentaries that explain how and why oil is used to represent the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

The ten virgins who are waiting for the bridegroom represent all of the people who believe that the God of the Bible is their God. BUT! Not all go in. Those who have been deceived meet a very sad end. This means that right up until the time that Jesus returns, at least half of the people who believe that they belong to God are deceived and in danger of the coming plagues sent by God. The sad part is that these people genuinely love God. They truly believe they are followers of God and they are unaware that they’ve been deceived.

The Rise of Deceptive Influences:

Colossians 2:8 (NIV): “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

One of the “fathers of the apostate church” is Justin Martyr. His doctrine was fits the description of those who distort the truth with philosophy.

Ephesians 4:14 (NIV): “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” Galatians 1:6-9 (NIV):

1 John 4:1 (NIV): “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

1 John 2:18 (NIV): “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”

The Arian Controversy Unveiled:

As we transition to the exploration of the Arian Controversy, we witness these biblical warnings manifesting in a profound historical event. The contours of this theological dispute, the players involved, and the implications for the early Church are woven into the fabric of biblical prophecy and apostolic admonitions. Join us in unraveling the layers of the Arian Controversy, where heresy and orthodoxy clashed, and the true nature of Christ became the focal point of a schism with far-reaching consequences.

The Arian Controversy:

A Battleground of Doctrines:

The Arian Controversy, primarily revolving around the nature of Christ and the Trinity, became a defining moment in Christian history. While the focus was on Christology, it also had broader implications for theological doctrines and ecclesiastical authority.

Ascetic Influence and Tertullian:

Tertullian, acknowledged as a significant figure in early Christian theology, was a proponent of ascetic practices, including fasting and celibacy. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, contributing to the ascetic ethos that gained traction within certain Christian circles. Tertullian’s advocacy for fasting and celibacy aligned with the apostasy foretold in 1 Timothy 4.

Arianism’s Impact on Apostasy:

Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria, propagated Arianism, a theological stance that questioned the traditional understanding of the Trinity. The Arians, influenced by various theological considerations, presented a distinctive perspective on Christ’s nature which was supported by thousands of years of Jewish tradition and scripture, and which closely mirrored the teachings of the Jesus and the apostles.

he Arian Controversy did not inherently involve ascetic tendencies, and their theological disputes focused primarily on Christology. Resolution and Apostate Victory: The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD sought to address the Arian Controversy and solidify orthodox Christian doctrine. However, the subsequent development of Catholicism witnessed the incorporation of certain ascetic practices, including fasting and clerical celibacy. Tertullian’s Legacy and Asceticism: Tertullian’s ascetic legacy endured, finding a home within certain branches of Christianity. The emphasis on fasting, celibacy, and ascetic practices, which aligned with the identified apostasy in 1 Timothy 4, became ingrained in the fabric of ascetic traditions within Christianity. Catholicism and Ascetic Practices: The ascetic practices championed by Tertullian found a prominent place within the evolving structure of Catholicism. Fasting and the forbidding of marriage became institutionalized, reflecting elements of the apostasy foretold in Scripture. Tertullian: Architect of Catholic Doctrine and Ascetic Extremes: In the intricate tapestry of Christian history, Tertullian emerges as a central figure whose influence reverberates through the corridors of doctrine. Often hailed as the father of Latin Christian literature, his theological contributions played a pivotal role in shaping early Christian thought. However, Tertullian’s legacy extends beyond mere literary prowess, reaching into the heart of doctrinal controversies and ascetic extremes. Premier Example of Deceptive Teachers: Tertullian, though esteemed for his intellectual prowess, stands as a premier example of the deceptive teachers warned against in 1 Timothy 4. His ascetic inclinations, characterized by rigorous fasting and an uncompromising stance on celibacy, reflected an extreme interpretation of Christian devotion. In his writings, he expounded notions that resonated with the apostasy foretold in Scripture. Asceticism Knows No Bounds: Tertullian’s asceticism knew no bounds, and his fervor for bodily discipline became a hallmark of his theological stance. Going beyond the Scriptural guidance on self-discipline, his extreme views manifested as a form of punishment for sin, exemplifying the very deception cautioned against in the New Testament. Penance Through Punishing the Stomach: Tertullian, in his theological articulations, proposed a concept of penance that involved punishing the stomach as a means of atoning for sins. This radical notion, far removed from the biblical principles of repentance and grace, encapsulates the extremes to which asceticism can be taken. Father of Catholic Doctrine: Tertullian’s imprint on Christian theology is particularly evident in his contributions to what would later evolve into Catholic doctrine. His influence on the development of sacramental theology, including the concept of penance, reverberated through the corridors of Catholic tradition. Legacy of Deceptive Asceticism: As Christianity progressed, Tertullian’s legacy endured, leaving an indelible mark on ascetic traditions within certain Christian circles. The extreme ascetic practices advocated by Tertullian found resonance in later developments, contributing to the ascetic ethos that became intertwined with certain branches of Christianity. Anathema to the One True Way: In light of these historical developments, it becomes crucial to emphasize that the specific doctrine advocated by Tertullian, involving acts of penance through bodily punishment, stands in direct contradiction to the core tenets of the New Testament. The notion that humans can atone for sins through self-imposed suffering runs counter to the foundational message of grace and redemption proclaimed in the New Testament.

Absolutely, your assertion aligns with fundamental Christian doctrine, emphasizing the unique and

complete atonement accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently underscores the sufficiency of Christ’s redemptive work, negating the need for additional acts of penance or self-punishment to secure forgiveness.

The idea that human efforts, such as punishing the body through ascetic practices, could contribute to atonement contradicts the core message of grace and redemption proclaimed in the New Testament. The apostles, including Paul, stress the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice and the immeasurable value of God’s grace as the sole means of salvation.

Your emphasis on the exclusive role of Jesus in atonement reflects a central tenet of Christianity and highlights the importance of aligning theological perspectives with the foundational teachings of the New Testament.

In conclusion, as we navigate the historical currents shaped by Tertullian and the Arian Controversy, it is evident that deviations from the New Testament principles led to the emergence of ascetic practices that stand in stark contrast to the message of grace and redemption. The victory of such ascetic-influenced doctrines within certain branches of Christianity further underscores the need for a vigilant adherence to the authentic teachings of the New Testament.

False Teachers and Doctrines:

1. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV): “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
2. 2 Peter 2:1 (NIV): “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

False Brethren and Apostasy: 3. 2 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV): “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”

4. Galatians 2:4 (NIV): “This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.”

Another Jesus and False Gospels: 5. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (NIV): “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”

6. Galatians 1:6-9 (NIV): “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.”

Deceptive Spirits: 7. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV): “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

Deceptive Influences: 8. Colossians 2:8 (NIV): “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

9. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV): “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”

Warning Against Distorted Gospels: 10. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NIV): “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

Discerning False Spirits: 11. 1 John 4:1 (NIV): “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

12. 1 John 2:18 (NIV): “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”

False Prophets and False Christs: 13. Matthew 7:15 (NIV): “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

14. Matthew 24:24 (NIV): “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Part III: The Fulfillment of the Apostasy

The Apostasy: The Faith & Where The Apostate Departed

1 Timothy 4 – The Prophecy of the Great Apostasy

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will depart and fall from the faith ….

The faith mentioned in this verse is the faith of the apostles at the time this prophecy was recorded. This faith is the faith of the apostles called The Way. It is generally accepted by scholars of early Christianity and the New Testament that the followers of The Way, namely the apostles and early church, were monotheists who believed that YHVH, the Father of Jesus, was the only God as taught in the Hebrew Scriptures. This belief was based on the Jewish tradition of monotheism, which teaches that there is only one true God and that worshiping any other person/deity is idolatry. This belief is often referred to as “Jewish monotheism” and it is a central tenet of the faith of Jewish people, including the apostles and other early followers of Jesus. The New Testament writings continued to affirm the belief in one God, with Jesus being portrayed as His Son and the Holy Spirit as the power of God at work in the world.

A central and most important tenant of the faith of The Way was the Shema, which comes from Deuteronomy 6 and which states:

Hear, O Israel, YHVH is our God, YHVH is One.

It is a Jewish tradition to recite the Shema twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This practice is based on a verse in the Torah that states: “And you shall speak of them [these words] when you sit at home, and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up” it is a Jewish tradition to recite the Shema twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This practice is based on a verse in the Torah that states: “And you shall speak of them [these words] when you sit at home, and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). The rabbis interpreted this to mean that the Shema should be recited in the morning and evening, as these are the times when people typically lie down and rise up.

Their belief in God’s oneness originates from YHVH Himself, who declares that He is the only God and there will never be another:

“You are My witnesses,” declares YHVH, “And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. I, even I, am YHVH, And there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses,” declares YHVH, “And I am God. Even from eternity I am He; (Isaiah 43:10-13)

The early followers of Jesus were primarily Jewish, and they saw themselves as part of the Jewish tradition. They continued to worship in synagogues, observe Jewish customs and laws, and see Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. They were raised in a Jewish culture that was deeply committed to monotheism, and they continued to hold this belief even after they became followers of Jesus. The belief in one God was central to their faith, and they saw Jesus as the unique and divine Son of God who was sent by the Father to redeem humanity and reconcile them to God.

The apostles’ monotheistic belief in YHVH (also called Yahweh or Jehovah) as their only God is reflected in the New Testament writings of the apostles, which affirm the oneness of YHVH. In fact, the apostle Paul wrote extensively about the oneness of God and the importance of worshiping Him alone. In his letter to the Corinthians, for example, Paul writes:

“Although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’— yet for us there is but one God, the Father” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB). Similarly, Jesus himself identified the Father as the only true God (John 17:3), while also revealing his own unique relationship with the Father as the Son.

The Tares

Over time, as non-Jewish individuals, particularly pagans and Greek philosophers, became followers of Jesus, a distinct movement began to emerge, deviating from mainstream Judaism and eventually evolving into a separate religion known as Christianity.

This new movement, as mentioned by Paul, was based on “false gospels” and “another Jesus” propagated by “false brethren,” all of which contradicted Paul’s teachings. This faction later became known as the Catholic faction of the early church, primarily consisting of pagan converts who departed from the original faith known as “The Way” (which was upheld by the apostles and their flocks). They introduced the concept of the Trinity and formed a new religion that contradicted God’s promise of a New Covenant from within. These ideas gained traction in the second and third centuries as non-Jewish thinkers went beyond the scriptural teachings and embraced a false ascetic religion influenced by deceiving spirits.

As the faith expanded beyond its Jewish origins, the majority of its followers were non-Jews. This demographic shift influenced the development of the early Church, incorporating pagan and philosophical influences that deviated from the monotheistic framework of Jesus and the apostles. This led to a split within the early church, resulting in the birth of the Great Prostitute, Babylon, and the development of the Trinity—an apostasy foretold to divide the church.

The controversy surrounding these theological disputes caused significant unrest within the Roman Empire, prompting Emperor Constantine to intervene. Constantine’s involvement was driven by his desire to maintain peace within the empire. He repeatedly sent letters urging for peace and unity, as evident in “The Life of Constantine” by Eusebius. Recognizing the divisions as a threat to the empire’s stability, Constantine called for the Council of Nicaea.

The Nicene Council, convened in 325 AD, aimed to settle the theological controversy surrounding Arianism. Constantine called for the council to restore peace within his empire and resolve the theological divisions. Although the council consisted of bishops and theologians engaged in theological debates, Constantine played an active role in overseeing the proceedings. His support for the orthodox position and his efforts to promote a unified belief system greatly influenced the council’s outcomes.

During the council, after prolonged debates, Constantine urged the attendees to reach a resolution through a formal vote. The majority of bishops agreed upon the Nicene Creed, which included the term “homoousios” (consubstantial), incompatible with Arius’ beliefs. Arius and two others refused to vote in favor of the Catholic position, resulting in their exile.

Arius’ banishment serves as a reminder of the potential consequences faced by those with dissenting opinions. The fear of ostracization, exile, loss of possessions, or other forms of punishment likely influenced the attitudes and decisions of the council participants.

The involvement of Constantine in church matters raises significant concerns. Most importantly, a pagan Roman official had no business dictating a popular vote to determine the nature of God. This notion contradicts the essence of God’s divine communication throughout history. God has consistently chosen prophets and direct divine intervention as means of conveying important messages to His people.

Scripture attests to this pattern of divine communication, evident in the New Covenant era, including the book of Revelation. God’s revelation of crucial truths about His nature would not be subject to a democratic vote or political decision led by a pagan emperor. Rather, it would be conveyed through a prophet or chosen messenger, ensuring clarity and divine authority.

Looking at history, we find evidence that God would not rely on a popular vote to determine His identity. Throughout Scripture, God emphasizes the sanctity and integrity of His creation. For example, He commanded the Israelites to use uncut stones for altars, honoring His creation in its original state, untouched by human intervention.

Applying this principle to the question of God’s identity, it becomes clear that a popular vote, a human-centered process, would not determine such a crucial aspect. God’s nature is divine, transcendent, and beyond the limitations and biases of human opinions. His identity is not subject to human consensus or democratic decision-making. If God were to reveal Himself or define His nature, He would do so in a manner that reflects His authority, and sovereignty, and aligns with His established means of communication throughout religious history.

Throughout the Bible, God consistently communicates through chosen messengers, prophets, and direct divine interventions. This pattern continues into the New Covenant era, as exemplified by the book of Revelation. If God intended to reveal something of utmost importance about His nature or divine truth, it would not be left to a democratic vote or political decision initiated by a pagan emperor.

When God sends a message through a prophet, He often accompanies it with extraordinary signs, wonders, and visible demonstrations of His presence. These remarkable displays leave no doubt that the communication is from God Himself. However, such signs and divine manifestations were notably absent during the proceedings of the Nicene Council.

Therefore, considering the biblical principles and the historical precedent, we can conclude that God’s self-revelation and the definition of His nature would not be determined through a popular vote. His identity is far too sacred and significant to be subject to human preferences or flawed understanding. Instead, God’s self-revelation would come through His deliberate and sovereign means, ensuring the preservation and integrity of His divine nature.

As individuals seeking to understand God’s nature, it is important for us to humbly approach Him, seeking His wisdom and guidance through His appointed means of communication, rather than relying on human systems that are inherently flawed and limited.

The Prevailing Christian Theology is the Product of Roman Emperors

Throughout the history of the Roman Empire, the influence of emperors on shaping Christian theology is keenly apparent. Emperors held considerable power and actively participated in shaping the theological landscape of their time. They convened church councils, made decisions on doctrinal issues, and enforced religious policies. This involvement of emperors in religious affairs is evident in significant events like the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where Emperor Constantine played a prominent role and influenced the outcomes.

The political and social context of the time also played a significant role in shaping the theology of Rome. Emperors were not solely concerned with matters of faith; they sought to maintain stability and unity within the empire. As such, they used their authority to promote a standardized form of Christianity that would serve as a unifying force. Imperial edicts and decrees influenced the development of Christian doctrine, leading to the emergence of state-sponsored orthodoxy.

Historical accounts reveal instances where emperors intervened in theological disputes, exerting their authority to enforce their preferred positions. This direct involvement in theological matters demonstrates the significant influence emperors had in shaping the theological landscape of Rome.

The impact of emperors can also be seen in the development of the early church’s organizational structure. The emergence of the patriarchal system, with prominent bishops in key cities, can be attributed in part to the patronage and support of emperors. This hierarchical structure allowed emperors to exert control and influence over the church’s affairs, including matters of theology.

The history of the theology of Rome from the Nicene Council in 325 AD until the Justinian decree shows a dependence on which emperor held power. The theological landscape experienced fluctuations and shifts between Arian doctrine and Catholic doctrine depending on the emperor in power. Some emperors favored Arianism and supported its spread, leading to the suppression and persecution of Catholic doctrine and its adherents. Conversely, other emperors, like Emperor Theodosius I and Justinian, promoted Catholic doctrine and suppressed dissenting views.

The solidification of papal authority under Justinian and the suppression of Arianism can be seen as a remarkable fulfillment of the prophecy of persecution in Revelation 12. In this biblical passage, the woman symbolizes God’s people, the Commonwealth of Israel or Israel In Christ, who faithfully follow Jesus. The dragon represents Satan working through Rome to oppose the true faith and unleash a flood of lies, persecution, and false religion against the faithful.

During Justinian’s reign, his approach to suppressing heresy was characterized by consistency and uniformity, unlike the fluctuating policies of previous emperors. He enforced strict measures that denied earthly goods to those deviating from orthodox worship, making adherence to right belief a prerequisite for participation in the State’s service. To ensure conformity, Justinian implemented a system requiring attestation of orthodoxy from three witnesses. Heretics were barred from certain professions and faced severe limitations on their rights as citizens.

Justinian’s religious intolerance is exemplified by a law that stripped women belonging to heretical sects of their legal rights concerning dowries and property. Local priests and officials were granted authority to determine a woman’s orthodoxy, using attendance at Holy Communion as a litmus test. These measures foreshadowed the methods employed by the later Inquisition, revealing the authoritarian spirit of the Imperial regime.

Rome’s persecution against the faithful can be likened to the dragon’s pursuit of the woman in Revelation 12. Rome wielded its authority to suppress and persecute those who held divergent beliefs, mirroring the forceful flood described in the biblical passage. The overwhelming strength and intensity of Rome’s opposition to the faithful are symbolized by the flood.

The woman, representing the devoted followers of Jesus known as the Commonwealth of Israel or Israel In Christ, comprises Jewish and Gentile believers united as one people. They transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries, embracing the blessings and promises of God. The woman’s flight into the wilderness, where she is protected for a specific period of time, can be understood as God’s people seeking refuge and protection from the relentless persecution by the dragon through the Roman Empire.

The actions taken by the Roman Empire to suppress alternative beliefs and enforce the Nicene Creed resulted in the marginalization, exile, and even execution of individuals who held dissenting theological positions, particularly the Arians. Many Arians were forced underground, their teachings and beliefs suppressed, and their communities scattered. This hidden and marginalized existence aligns with the depiction of the woman going into hiding to escape the dragon’s wrath.

The magnitude of the Arian controversy’s effects can be compared to a powerful nuclear bomb, with shock waves still rippling through time. The Roman Empire’s suppression of “The Faith” had enduring repercussions. Over thousands of years, Rome imposed a “doctrine of demons” upon the entire Roman Empire, leading to widespread deception among nations that persists even in contemporary times. The prolonged period of Rome’s deception and eradication of the truth resulted in the true Faith being all but forgotten.

By drawing connections between historical events, such as Justinian’s reign, and the symbolic language of Revelation 12, we can discern a profound fulfillment of this biblical prophecy. The dragon’s pursuit and the woman’s hiding represent the struggle and persecution experienced by God’s people under Rome. The enduring effects of the Arian controversy underscore the far-reaching consequences of Rome’s suppression of alternative beliefs and the struggles faced by those who challenged the prevailing religious orthodoxy.

Exactly 1,260 Years of Dragon Rule

Scholars believe that the woman mentioned in Revelation 12 represents faithful followers of Christ, and the 1260-year period symbolizes a time of persecution and opposition against them.

The Edict of Thessalonica, issued in 380 AD by Emperor Theodosius I, played a crucial role in establishing Nicene Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire and suppressing other Christian groups and beliefs. This shift in imperial support towards a specific Christian doctrine greatly contributed to the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church and the marginalization of other Christian sects.

The 1260-year period, during which the woman of Revelation 12 was in hiding, is closely connected to the Roman decrees that persecuted “heretics” and imposed severe penalties on those who did not conform to the prescribed doctrine. This period is believed to reflect the suppression of early Christian faith and the subsequent rise of the Roman Catholic Church. Scholars who support this interpretation often cite historical events and decrees that took place within this timeframe.

These historical events, along with subsequent imperial decrees and the consolidation of power within the Roman Catholic Church, led to a period of dominance and influence by the papal authority. Some scholars argue that this period aligns with the 1260-year timeframe, symbolically representing the woman of Revelation 12 going into hiding.

The starting point of the 1260-year period is often associated with the year 538 AD. This date is significant because of the decree issued by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, which recognized the Bishop of Rome as the head of the church. This decree, known as the Justinian Decree, bestowed considerable temporal and ecclesiastical power upon the Bishop of Rome, laying the foundation for the rise of papal authority.

The 1260-year period represents the extended era of dominance and influence of the papacy in both spiritual and temporal matters during the Middle Ages. This was a time when the papacy expanded its power, established its own territories, exerted control over rulers, and wielded significant influence over political and religious affairs in Europe.

The endpoint of the 1260-year period is often associated with the year 1798 AD. It was in this year that the French army, led by General Berthier, invaded Rome and took Pope Pius VI captive. This event marked a significant decline in the temporal power of the papacy, as the Pope’s authority was greatly diminished and the Papal States were subsequently dissolved.

During this period, Babylon grew into the Great Prostitute, as described in the book of Revelation.

Babylon Identified Through The Clues Left By God

Babylon is the False Religion of the Roman Empire

Revelation is a new testament book like no other, and evidence that it came directly from God can be found in the amazing accuracy of its prophecies. Throughout its pages, Revelation unveils events and entities that would come to pass far in the future, serving as a testament to its divine inspiration and the omniscience of God.

The prophecies contained in the Book of Revelation are not vague or ambiguous; they are remarkably specific and, as you’ll see below, have been fulfilled with astonishing precision. From the rise and fall of empires to the portrayal of influential figures and religious institutions, the prophecies of Revelation have found fulfillment in history. This undeniable accuracy, spanning centuries and even millennia, provides compelling evidence that the book of Revelation is not merely a product of human imagination but a divinely inspired revelation.

Furthermore, the prophecies of Revelation transcend individual events and extend to the broader scope of the war against the faithful and the true gospel. The warnings and admonitions to come out of false religions and to remain faithful to God reflect an enduring relevance that resonates through the ages. The fulfillment of these prophecies throughout history, dissected in the coming chapter, serves as a powerful reminder that God’s word is eternal and His plans will ultimately come to pass.

As we examine the remarkable accuracy of the prophecies in Revelation, we are confronted with the undeniable truth that this book could only originate from the divine mind of God. Its prophetic insights, fulfilled in intricate detail, serve as a testament to the divine inspiration and authority of the book while also serving as proof of God’s existence.

“…..and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, ‘BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH…..'”

The verse says that Babylon’s identity is a mystery but it’s a mystery that God intends us to solve because He has commanded all of His people who have been deceived by Babylon to come out. To this end, God made it possible for her to be identified through the numerous details provided for us in chapters 17 and 18 of Revelation.

The book of Revelation was written at the end of the first century, c. 90 AD. The details that John recorded in these chapters were not details of a familiar entity because Babylon (as she is described by John) would not exist for hundreds of years. On the contrary, the descriptions that were provided to him by the angel were a prophecy of far into the future.

The Mystery Is Solved

At the time that John saw the vision and wrote the Apocalypse of John (now known as Revelation), nothing on Earth bore even a tiny resemblance to Babylon’s description nor would it for hundreds of more years. It would take hundreds of years for each detail of the prophecies within chapters 17 and 18 to become a reality – but, today, thousands of years later, every detail used to describe Babylon almost 2,000 years ago makes it easy to identify her.

In this section, we will go through each clue to Babylon’s description from chapters 17 and 18 of Revelation to reveal how easy God made it to identify Babylon.

Who is Babylon?

Why a mystery?

God, in His infinite wisdom, intentionally kept the identity of Babylon a mystery because if He had revealed it directly, the Roman Empire would have destroyed the revelation as they did with almost every other early Bible manuscript. Thus, the mystery surrounding Babylon’s identity allowed the message to survive and be passed down to future generations.

As you will see below, some of the descriptions of Babylon are quite literal while others are symbolic metaphors that are very easy to understand.

Babylon is the Fallen, Apostate, Church

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!

This is a very significant detail. Even before Revelation was written, a prophecy had already been made that part of the church would fall away from the faith.

1 Timothy 4

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, by following men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

Babylon is the fallen, apostate, church who departed from the faith.

Why is the apostate church called Babylon?

Babylon is the nickname given to Rome as a pagan empire, almost identical to Babylon, and which still served many of the same idols and religions that were worshipped in ancient Babylon.

1 Peter 5:13

The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Peter was the head of the church of Rome. At the time that Revelation was written, the kingdom of Babylon was long gone but the term “Babylon” was in use as a metaphor for Rome.

It is common knowledge that the Catholic Church prides itself on being descendants of the apostle Peter and makes much mention of carrying Peter’s authority forward in perpetuity because he was the head of their church.

World history and the ancient genealogy of the Catholic Church back up the claim that Rome was the location of Peter’s church. The earliest historical quote providing evidence of Peter’s leadership in the church of Rome comes from early church writer Irenaeus (c. 180 A.D.), who wrote:

“Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church.” [1]

According to Bible Gateway, ‘Babylon’ was the Christian nickname for Rome [2]: 

‘Many Biblical scholars believe that “Babylon” in the First Epistle of Peter refers ‘to Rome (1 Peter 5:13)’ and is a metaphor for the pagan Roman Empire at the time it persecuted Christians, before the Edict of Milan in 313.…[3]

“Babylon” is the apostate church that formed in Rome (Babylon) and was headed by Peter.

Babylon, the Great

Babylon is called great because the number of people who are “in” Babylon is enormous. Great, big, massive, Babylon.

Prostitution is a Simple Metaphor for Idolatry.

Babylon, often referred to as the Great Prostitute, is an apostate church, or body of “believers”, which has departed from the true faith by embracing a doctrine of demons. This departure from the genuine Faith, and the worship of the One True God, to a false religion is precisely why Babylon is metaphorically depicted as a prostitute.

“Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.” 

‘…on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”

Because God is the husband of His people, whenever God’s people were unfaithful by following false religions (idolatry), God called them harlots.

Examples of this come from the Old Testament which is largely one instance after another of God rebuking his people who seemed to constantly stray from God.

Verses that provide examples of this:

• ³¹ The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. ³² It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. ³³ But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ³⁴ No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
• ⁶ During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. ⁷ I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. ⁸ I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. ⁹ Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood (stone and wood are idols). ¹⁰ In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord.
• “Return, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” (Jer. Jer. 3:14)
• Bring charges against your mother (meaning: Israel) bring charges; For she is not My wife, nor am I her Husband! Let her put away her harlotries (meaning: idolatry) from her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts . . . (Hos. 2:2)
• She will chase her lovers (meaning: idols), but not overtake them; yes, she will seek them, but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for then it was better for me than now.’ (Hos. 2:7)
• It shall be, in that day,” says the Lord, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master.’ ” (Hos. 2:16)

This verse sums it up:

“Go, take yourself a wife of prostitution and children of prostitution, for the land has committed great prostitution by departing from YHVH.” (Hosea 1:2)

Fornicating with Kings

Fornication is a Bible metaphor for being unfaithful to God through the practice of idolatry. When God’s people worship idols or follow false religions, as described above, it is described metaphorically as committing prostitution (later, called fornication), which leads to one being called a prostitute.

When temples to idols were built on the high places and hill country of Judah it led God’s people to commit idolatry. As you can see by the verses below, idolatry was described metaphorically as whoredom, prostitution, fornication, harlotry, and unfaithfulness. When you see these words used in the Bible they usually mean idolatry.

Below are several different translations of 2 Chronicles 21:11. Each translation uses a different word that is synonymous with unfaithfulness to God as the husband of His people. As you can see by these verses (from Biblehub.com), different Bible translations use different words in place of fornication but each has the same meaning.

English Standard Version
Moreover, he made high places in the hill country of Judah and led the inhabitants of Jerusalem into whoredom and made Judah go astray.

Berean Study Bible
Jehoram had also built high places on the hills of Judah; he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and had led Judah astray.

King James Bible
Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto.

New King James Version
Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.

New American Standard Bible
Furthermore, he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to be unfaithful, and led Judah astray.

‘Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed fornication with stone and wood.‘

The verse above describes Israel committing adultery with stone and wood. When we see references to stone and wood it means idols made from stone and wood. Under spreading trees and on high places are places where idolatry is committed. So, Israel committed idolatry with idols made of stone and wood.

“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the prostitute with many lovers; yet return to Me,” says the Lord. (Jer. Jer. 3:1) (This means idolatry with many idols or false religions.)

Israel was continually accused of prostitution. Her unfaithfulness was so extensive that the Old Testament books by the prophets are largely one instance after another of God rebuking His harlot wives, Israel and Judah, for going up onto high mountains and under spreading trees, with abominations (idols) made of wood and stone, and committing metaphorical “adultery” against Him.

As you’ll see in the verses below, Biblically speaking, the symbolic use of a harlot always depicts people of God who practice idolatry or false religions.

They will play the prostitute, but not increase, because they gave up devoting themselves to the LORD.  Infidelity, wine, and new wine take away the understanding. My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviner’s wand informs them; For a spirit of infidelity has led them astray, And they have been unfaithful, departing from their God. They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountains And burn incense on the hills, Under oak, poplar, and terebinth, Because their shade is pleasant.

Therefore your daughters play the prostitute, And your brides commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute, Or your brides when they commit adultery, Because the men themselves slip away with the prostitutes. And offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes;

So the people without understanding are ruined. Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, Judah must not become guilty; Also you are not to go to Gilgal, Nor go up to Beth-aven And take the oath: “As the LORD lives!” Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn cow, Will the LORD now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field? Ephraim is allied with idols; Leave him alone. Their liquor is gone, They prostitute themselves continually; Their rulers dearly love shame. The wind wraps them in its wings, And they will be put to shame because of their sacrifices.” Hosea 4

Babylon is accused of “fornicating with kings” and this can be seen in her unholy union with the Roman Empire where together they commit idolatry in joining together the Roman Empire with the apostate Church of Rome and all her offspring.

She is represented by the body of a woman.

“Come out of her, My people.”

This group of people being symbolized by a woman is a common theme in the Bible where God’s people are often depicted as a single person such as Israel, Ephraim, Judah, or Christ.

Babylon’s name reflects her character and the traits of this body of people. They are pagans who have polluted the true gospel and the identity of God.

Being “in” Babylon means to be a part of that body. For example, the Bible frequently references God’s people being “in Christ” or part of the body of Christ, which means to be a member of the body that is “in Christ.” If you are ” in him” or “in Christ” you are a part of the body of people who belong to God. To be in Babylon means to be part of the fallen body of Babylon.

Babylon is full of people who believe that they are followers of God and God has called His people out.

“[Babylon] The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet..” (Rev 17:4)

‘Nuff said. This detail may seem inconsequential but its simplicity is rather important. This is one of the details that makes it impossible to confuse the church of Rome with any other entity. There is no other entity that can be identified by these colors alone AND fulfill all the others as well.

“..is adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls“

In the United States alone… ‘the Catholic Church employs more than one million employees with an operating budget of nearly $100 billion to run parishes, diocesan primary and secondary schools, nursing homes, retreat centers, hospitals, and other charitable institutions’ [W-US]

“She held a golden cup in her hand” (Rev 17:4)

The gold cup is significant because it is so iconic. Anyone who has been to a Catholic mass has seen the gold cup. So, this verse has a symbolic and a literal meaning.

Paul mentions the cup of God and the cup of demons as a symbol for true and false worship in 1 Corinthians. In this case, the literal cup is a symbol of the church that was born in Rome (all orthodox churches) but also of the symbolic meaning of worship.

“The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated.” (Rev 17:9)

Babylon sits on a beast with seven heads representing seven mountains.

The seven mountains are the city of seven hills, Rome. Vatican City (Babylon), the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, sits in the center of the city of Rome.

“The waters that she sits on are multitudes of peoples, in multitudes of nations and tongues.“

“Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. – “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.” (Rev 17:15)

Babylon sits on the beast, which represents Rome, but she is also seated on many ‘waters’.

This makes perfect sense because, while Babylon is headquartered in Vatican City (in the center of Rome), she also has a presence in multitudes of nations and languages, and multitudes identify as Catholic.

Babylon is the ‘Great’ Harlot because of its size. Billions of people are many waters. Nations. Languages. Multitudes. Massive.

“The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.” (Rev 17:18)

There is only one “city” that has ruled over the sovereign kings of multiple nations and that city is Vatican City. From Vatican City, Babylon has ruled over kings.

“For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her prostitution.”

This verse is easy to understand if we just replace “prostitution” with idolatry. Wine is absolutely a part of her idolatrous religion, and drinking this wine is practiced in every nation.

“For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her idolatry.”

“And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints”

The Edict of Thessalonica Authorizes The Persecution of Believers:

The Edict of Thessalonica (also known as Cunctos populos), issued on 27 February AD 380 by three reigning Roman Emperors, made Nicene Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire. It condemned other Christian creeds such as Arianism as heresies of madmen, and authorized their persecution (torture).

And, then there’s the Inquisition through which thousands of God-loving people were killed. Google Dictionary defines the Inquisition as:

‘ an “ecclesiastical tribunal established by Pope Gregory IX c. 1232 for the suppression of heresy. It was active chiefly in northern Italy and southern France, becoming notorious for the use of torture. In 1542 the papal Inquisition was re-established to combat Protestantism, eventually becoming an organ of papal government…’

Detail # 19: ‘ The merchants of these things, who became rich from her’ (Rev 18:15)

“The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning,  saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls; for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,  and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’ “And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!’ “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.”

Aside from the staggering wealth of the church and what it costs to support the clergy worldwide, Babylon has made merchants ridiculously rich in other ways.

Think Christmas.

Black Friday is the reason for a healthy bottom line across the world. Christmas is the difference between profit (black) and loss. Black Friday and Christmas shopping is the point where businesses go from the red (loss) to the black (profit). Christmas has literally made the merchants of the world rich.

She is “the Mother of Prostitutes …..”

The Catholic Church claims to be the “Mother Church” to all trinitarian denominations based on its historical roots and doctrinal beliefs. According to Catholic doctrine, the Catholic Church traces its origins back to Jesus Christ and the apostles, viewing itself as the original and authoritative Christian church.

The claim of being the “Mother Church” stems from the belief that the Catholic Church represents the continuation of the early Christian community established by Jesus and the apostles. It asserts that the apostle Peter, who many considered the first Pope, was given special authority by Jesus to lead and shepherd the Church. The Catholic Church sees itself as the direct successor to Peter and the apostolic tradition, preserving and passing on the teachings and sacraments instituted by Christ.

In this context, the Catholic Church claims to be the mother to all trinitarian denominations by asserting that it is the foundational church from which other Christian groups have diverged. It sees itself as the custodian of the fullness of Christian truth and the rightful interpreter of Scripture and tradition.

The Catholic Church maintains that other trinitarian denominations, such as Orthodox churches and Protestant denominations, have separated from the unity and authority of the Mother Church.

“…..and abominations….”

In the Old Testament, the terms “abominations” and “detestable things” are often used to describe idols and their associated idolatry, and are considered offensive or repugnant in the eyes of God. In the book of Revelation, the use of the term “abominations” in relation to Babylon carries a similar connotation. It signifies that Babylon, representing the apostate church, is involved in promoting and embracing practices and beliefs that are contrary to the true faith.

The term “abominations” in relation to Babylon indicates that the apostate church promotes false teachings, rituals, and idol worship. It signifies that Babylon has strayed from the worship of the true God and has introduced idolatrous practices that are considered unacceptable and detestable to God.

This reference to Babylon as the Mother of Abominations is a clue to Babylon’s identity that is confirmed by Babylon’s practice of venerating saints through idolatrous “feast days”, by the deviation from Jewish Monotheism to Trinitarianism, and by the founding of a false religion.

Evidence of Demons

The influence of demons is evident through various aspects of the apostate church, such as the Inquisition, asceticism, and the harshness of leadership toward even the youngest of pupils. The Inquisition, which was established by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, was a system of investigation and persecution aimed at suppressing heresy and dissent. This dark chapter in history was marked by a zealous pursuit of individuals deemed heretics, often resulting in torture, forced confessions, and even executions. The extreme measures employed by the Inquisition reflect the oppressive and manipulative tactics that are associated with demonic influence.

Additionally, asceticism, the practice of extreme self-denial and self-discipline, was one of the first signs that the apostate church had gone off the rails. While voluntary self-discipline can have spiritual benefits, when taken to an extreme, it can lead to a distorted understanding of God’s grace and salvation. This excessive focus on self-mortification and rigid adherence to rules and rituals can create a breeding ground for legalism and self-righteousness, diverting individuals from the true freedom and grace found in Christ.

Furthermore, the accounts of abusive behavior within certain religious orders, such as physical abuse and sexual misconduct, are deeply troubling and reprehensible. These actions go against the teachings of love, compassion, and respect that Jesus Christ exemplified. The presence of such misconduct within the leadership of the apostate church highlights a departure from the true spirit of Christ and the infiltration of destructive forces that seek to distort and undermine the genuine expression of faith.

Ultimately, Satan made serving God as horrible as humanly possible because he hates God’s people so he made certain that anyone legitimately trying to serve Him was taught to believe that they had to suffer to please Him. This accomplished two things, demons enjoyed the suffering and it also helped to keep people from turning to God.

She deceived all the nations.

An extensive look at the most serious Bible Corruptions can be found here.

The evidence that Babylon deceived the nations is irrefutable. Only by closing our eyes can we deny that Babylon allowed very significant changes to be made to the Bible in support of her doctrine during the time that she was in power and ruled over Europe.

1. Altered Scriptures: Virtually every significant Bible corruption (or variant) contradicts the Old Testament and is in favor of the Catholic doctrine. This is significant. Babylon deceived the world by manipulating and altering scripture to suit its own agenda. The evidence provided shows that early Bible manuscripts differ from the current versions, indicating deliberate changes made to support the Trinity doctrine. By altering the word of God, Babylon misled people and led them astray from the true message to the false doctrine, different Jesus, and false gospels that Jesus warned about.
2. Misinterpretation of Doctrine: Through false interpretations of biblical teachings, Babylon propagated misleading doctrines. By distorting the meaning and context of certain beliefs, they deceived individuals into adopting erroneous practices. This misinterpretation led people away from the genuine faith and into a distorted version of Christianity.
3. Cultural Assimilation: Babylon cunningly assimilated various cultural practices and beliefs into its religious system. By blending different religious and cultural elements, Babylon deceived people into accepting an idolatrous form of worship. This deviation from the true faith led the nations astray and furthered Babylon’s deception.

Inside of Babylon’s Buildings

(Churches, monasteries, rectories, nunneries)

Other details from these chapters that Babylon fulfills:

• Musicians play inside of her.
• She employs craftsmen and builders.
• Flour is ground within her.
• Lamps/Weddings are held inside of her.

“Come out of [Babylon], My people.”

Come out of Babylon by believing what the Bible says and refusing to accept contradictions.

In his letters, Paul emphatically stated that anyone who preaches a contrary gospel should be accursed. He urged the early believers not to waver in their faith and not to be swayed by false teachings. We should take these warnings to heart and ensure that we are holding firm to the authentic truth and the One True God.

The most significant factor in Babylon going off the tracks is that it went “beyond what is written”. The phrase “do not go beyond what is written” in the context of 1 Corinthians 4:6 encourages believers to adhere to the teachings and instructions found in Scripture without adding or emphasizing human wisdom or opinions above what is explicitly written. Following men who went beyond what was written gave birth to the apostasy, thus birthing the fallen, Babylon.

The parables that we shared are like the warning from God to come out of Babylon (Rev 18), they are very dire warnings. People who believe that they belong to God are in danger! The warning in Revelation is addressed TO God’s people because God’s people do not know they’ve been deceived.

This should alarm every person who has not strived to understand and follow the command to come out of Babylon. If you don’t know who Babylon is but consider yourself one of God’s people, these warnings are for you!

It’s critically important to question EVERYTHING because Revelation 18 says that all of the nations have been deceived by Babylon. ALL THE NATIONS!! Have been deceived!! The odds that you are not deceived, when ALL THE NATIONS are deceived is incredibly thin.

When the groom comes, only half go in with him. Many, many, people who believe that they are God’s people are left out.

It’s not an accident that you are reading these words. You’ve been led to these pages and have an opportunity to choose the truth. We need to honestly evaluate our own beliefs and practices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Paul and the apostles. Are we following the message that Paul and the apostles preached? Or have we unknowingly embraced a different version of Jesus and a different gospel?

Next: The God of Jesus and His Disciples According to the Bible

References

• “Theodosian Code XVI.1.2,” Fordham University: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/theodcodeXVI.asp
• “Edict of Thessalonica,” Encyclopaedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/event/Edict-of-Thessalonica
• “Arianism,” Encyclopaedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Arianism
• “Arius and Arianism,” New Advent: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01707c.htm
• EAA – Athanasius, Defense of the Nicene Definition, Socrates, Church History, and Gelasius, Church History

Supporting Verses for Ten Virgins

• Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)
• Leviticus 8:12 (Anointing with oil)
• 1 Samuel 16:13 (Anointing of David)
• Psalm 119:105 (God’s word as a lamp)
• Luke 4:18 (Jesus anointed with the Spirit)
• Acts 10:38 (God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit)
• Matthew 13:24-30 (Parable of Wheat and Tares)
• 1 Timothy 4 (Warning about deceiving spirits)
• Matthew 5:16 (Let your light shine)