Introduction: The Great Deception Unveiled – Is Christianity the Babylon of Revelation?
For centuries, millions of people have looked to Christianity—and particularly the Roman Catholic Church—as the guiding light of truth, morality, and salvation. But what if the very system that claims to be the beacon of faith is, in reality, the fulfillment of one of the Bible’s darkest prophecies?
What if Babylon, the harlot described in the book of Revelation, isn’t a distant, ancient kingdom but a religious power that dominates the world today—deceiving nations, corrupting truth, and leading billions astray with demonic doctrines? What if the Roman Catholic Church, and the versions of Christianity that stem from it, is that Babylon?
The Bible speaks of a great apostasy, a time when the true faith would be abandoned, and a counterfeit religion would take its place, one that wears the mask of Christianity but teaches false gospels, another Jesus, and doctrines rooted in deception. Could it be that what many see as the ultimate truth is, in fact, a system of lies designed to control and manipulate the masses?
This book will explore how Catholicism, and the Christian denominations that have emerged from it, perfectly fulfill the prophecies of Babylon. We will reveal how her doctrines, including the Trinity and teachings about Jesus’ deity, are not divinely inspired but are part of the apostasy warned about in Scripture—doctrines that contradict the Bible and were shaped by men with no divine authority.
To understand this claim, we first need to delve into the prophecies and warnings given by Paul, which set the stage for the rise of this powerful religious system.
Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about faith, the Bible, and Christianity. This is the story of Babylon—her rise, her deception, and her ultimate destruction. It is time to see the truth and come out of her, before it’s too late.
Chapter 1: The Apostasy Foretold – How Babylon Came to Be
While Paul was still ministering, and as the church grew and spread into the pagan world, false brethren (aka Tares) with a different Jesus, and differing gospels, began to emerge that conflicted with what the apostles taught. The false brethren were frequently mentioned in Paul’s epistles because people were falling for their false doctrine.
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.
During this time, Paul (by the Spirit of God) warned that a great apostasy would come—a falling away from the true faith, where deceiving spirits would infiltrate and pervert the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
And it did.
These days, many people don’t believe the teachings of the apostles. Instead, they believe the version that Paul fought so valiantly against.
The apostasy, or great falling away from the true faith, foretold by Paul, describes the emergence of those who would follow “deceiving spirits” and teach “doctrines of demons”:
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
This prophecy not only predicted that people would fall away from the original faith but also identified specific characteristics of those who would lead the faithful astray. These leaders would lead God’s people away from the teachings of the apostles, they would forbid marriage and command abstinence from certain foods, reflecting a man-made asceticism rather than the true faith.
The Apostasy that Birthed Babylon: A Perfect Description of the Church of Rome
Why is Babylon a mystery?
“…..and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, ‘BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH…..'”
Babylon is a mystery, but it is a mystery that God intends His people to solve because He has commanded all of His people who have been deceived by Babylon to come out.
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 that contradicted their new “universal” state-church. Thus, the mystery surrounding Babylon’s identity allowed the message to survive and to be passed down to future generations.
The book of Revelation was written at the end of the first century, c. 90 AD. The details that were 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 in Revelation were a prophecy of Babylon as she would be far into the future.
The apostasy prophesied in the Scriptures was no small deviation from the truth—it was the very beginning of a powerful religious system that would come to dominate the world, a system identified in Revelation as Babylon the Great Harlot.
Thankfully, when Babylon compiled the first Bible, many of these events hadn’t yet unfolded. The persecution of the saints, the accumulation of wealth, the political domination—all of these characteristics weren’t fully visible at the time. So, the men assembling the canon couldn’t have known that the religious system they were helping shape would, centuries later, perfectly match the Babylon described in Revelation. If they had known that every sentence in Revelation 17 and 18 was a symbolic depiction of the Church of Rome, with a description was so precise that it had to be symbolic, the Church of Rome would have simply removed it from the Scriptures themselves–as they had done with other books that contradicted their version of “Christianity.” By the time the Roman Catholic Church had cemented its power and influence, it was too late—the prophecy was preserved, hidden in plain sight.
Each symbolic line in the chapters describing Babylon unveils the wealth, the influence over nations, the political power, and the spiritual corruption that emerged through this church. The very men who led the apostasy didn’t just drift away from the original faith—they built a religious empire that became the Mother of Harlots, leading all the nations into spiritual fornication.
As we delve deeper into the prophecy in Revelation, it becomes undeniable that the Roman Catholic Church perfectly fulfills the description of Babylon. Every verse, every symbol, every description of wealth and influence mirrors the history and actions of the church that arose from the apostasy Paul warned about. In fact, the symbolic nature of this description may have been the very reason it survived—hiding in plain sight to avoid being cut from the Scriptures by the very institution it condemns.
In the following Chapter, we will reveal how Babylon, the apostate church, fulfills every line of the prophecy that foretold her existence. Then, in the following chapters we will delve into ancient history to reveal exactly how she came to be.
UNVEILING BABYLON
The Apostasy that Birthed the Harlot
Our first clues to the identity of the “Fallen” Babylon are found in the prophecy in 1 Timothy 4 foretelling an apostate church who would fall from the faith to an ascetic, demonic doctrine. They can be identified by a system that forbids marriage, advocates fasting, and has abandoned the faith of the apostles. The Church of Rome fulfills this by having broken away from the early church’s belief in one God–the Father (John 17:3, 1 Cor 8:6), by forbidding marriage for priests and nuns, and by demanded fasting during Lent and at other times for thousands of years.
Babylon is the apostate church that fell from the faith, all grown up.
Fallen, Fallen, is Babylon, the great!
“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’
She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.
Remember in 1 Timothy 4, some of the church would fall away to following a demonic doctrine from deceiving spirits? Just as that prophecy foretold, this passage in Revelation 18 reveals that Babylon has fallen, and the evil spirits she followed to her fall have made their home in her. This verse is the fulfillment of that prophecy, and announces that the apostasy has happened.
Furthermore, the words used in this verse mean much more than is readily evident to a person unfamiliar with the Bible. As we will show forthwith, the terms—adultery, harlotry, abominations, and detestable beasts—all leave no doubt that God is declaring Babylon to be a corrupt, idolatrous, and demon-filled religious system.
The Unfaithful Church
Many of the words in Revelation 17 and 18 have long been established as Biblical metaphors for idolatry. Terms like ‘adultery,’ ‘prostitution,’ ‘fornication,’ and ‘abominations’ are frequently used in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books (e.g., Hosea, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah), to represent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. These same terms appear in Revelation to describe Babylon’s spiritual state, reinforcing that idolatry is her defining characteristic.
Abominations
In biblical language, abominations refer to things that are detestable to God, particularly idolatrous practices.
In the context of Babylon, abominations signify her role in promoting false doctrines, idols, and spiritual corruption. These abominations are associated with practices that defile the pure worship of God and replace it with idolatry. Babylon’s abominations include holding idolatrous feast days and the veneration of saints, voting on Jesus to become God (c. 325 A.D. – Council of Nicea), and other unscriptural practices that lead God’s people away from the true faith.
Ezekiel 8:9-10 – God shows Ezekiel the idols of Israel, calling them “abominable creatures,” representing the people’s idolatrous practices.
Deuteronomy 7:25-26 – The Israelites are commanded to destroy the idols of other nations because they are “abominations” to God.
Jeremiah 44:4 – God warns the people not to commit the “abominable thing” He hates, referring to idol worship.
1 Kings 14:23-24 – Idolatrous practices are described as “abominations” that provoke God to anger.
Detestable Beasts
Detestable beasts, are first mentioned in Ezekiel as symbols of idolatry. Again in Revelation they are used along with the words harlotry, abominations, and fornication to confirm that these terms represent idolatry once again. Babylon is filled with these symbolic creatures, representing her total corruption by false religions and demonic forces, illustrating that she has become a center for everything abominable to God.
Adultery and Babylon: Why Babylon Must Be a Religious Body
The term adultery specifically implies that Babylon had a prior relationship with God—much like a wife who is unfaithful to her husband. To commit adultery, one must first be in a covenant relationship. Therefore, Babylon cannot be a secular entity like America, Israel (after the New Covenant), or any other political nation. Instead, Babylon represents a religious body that was once in covenant with God, but has now fallen into idolatry and false worship.
This is evidenced in Revelation 18:4, where God calls His people to “come out of her.” This shows that Babylon contains people who were once part of God’s true faith but have now been led astray by the demonic forces within Babylon. The concept of adultery reinforces that Babylon must be a religious system, not a nation, because only those who are spiritually married to God can commit spiritual adultery. Babylon’s fornication with the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:2) further emphasizes her spiritual infidelity and role in spreading idolatry.
Biblical Examples of Idolatry as Fornication and Adultery
- Jeremiah 3:1-3 – God compares Israel’s idol worship to a wife who commits adultery by going to other lovers. This passage describes how Israel’s unfaithfulness has polluted the land, just as Babylon is later described as polluting the world with her false teachings and spiritual unfaithfulness.
- Hosea 2:2-5 – Hosea is commanded to marry a prostitute to symbolize Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. The metaphor of adultery is used to describe how Israel has forsaken God by going after idols.
- Ezekiel 16:15-17 – Jerusalem is called an adulterous wife who trusted in her beauty and lavished her favors on other gods. This passage shows how spiritual unfaithfulness is linked to idolatry, with the adulterous wife being a symbol of idolatrous practices.
Babylon’s Idolatry and Spiritual Infidelity
In Revelation 18:4, where God calls His people to “come out of her.” This clearly shows that Babylon is a group that was once part of God’s true faith but has been led astray by the demonic forces within Babylon. The concept of adultery reinforces that Babylon must be a religious system, not a nation, because only those who are spiritually married to God can commit spiritual adultery. Babylon’s fornication with the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:2) further emphasizes her spiritual infidelity and role in spreading idolatry.
By combining these metaphors, the Bible makes it clear that Babylon is not a secular entity but a false religious body that has led God’s people astray through idolatry. God’s call for His people to “come out of her” (Revelation 18:4) is a call to return to the true faith and reject the false doctrines of Babylon, which are powered by demonic deception/sorcery.
Why is the apostate church called, “she, her” and Babylon
God considers Himself to be in a binding covenant with His people and often describes Himself as a husband to them. Babylon is represented by a woman because there is a biblical precedent for depicting God’s people as a single person, usually as a bride or a woman. For example, Israel is referred to as His unfaithful wife throughout the Old Testament, and today the church is described as a bride.
God’s people are often portrayed as a single person, such as a bride, or as Ephraim (Joseph’s son). They are also frequently named after their origin, such as Israel or Judah. Similarly, Babylon is a body of people named for its origin in Rome.
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.
At the time that Peter was the head of the church of Rome, the term “Babylon” served as a code name for Rome, allowing early Christians to critique the Roman Empire without direct repercussions. This usage is discussed in various theological contexts, indicating that early Christians viewed Rome’s practices as analogous to the ancient Babylon’s idolatry and oppression. Also, Rome still served many of the same idols and religions that were worshipped in ancient Babylon.
The apostate church is now referred to solely as Babylon instead of “the church at Babylon” because Revelation’s Biblical figure, ‘Babylon,’ is not Peter’s church that was “at” Babylon. Instead, she is a church that is the strictly product of the 4th century Roman empire. So, once Babylon was a fully grown apostate religion, God assigned her the name: Babylon.
Are you “in” Babylon or “in” Christ?
Being “in” Babylon means to be a part of that body of people. For example, the Bible frequently references God’s people being “in Christ” or part of the “body” of Christ. If you are “in Christ” you are a part of the body of people who belong to God. Similarly, to be “in Babylon” means to belong to the fallen body of Babylon.To be in Babylon means to be part of the fallen body of Babylon.
Then another angel followed him through the sky, shouting, “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen—because she made all the nations of the world drink the wine of her passionate immorality.” Rev 14:8
“[Babylon] The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet..” (Rev 17:4)
This detail may seem inconsequential at first, but its simplicity is significant. It is one of the key features that makes it impossible to confuse the Church of Rome with any other entity. No other institution can be identified by these specific colors while also fulfilling all the other criteria laid out in the text.
“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)
Partaking in the Cup of Demons
14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
18 Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?
19 Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?
20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.
21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
The gold cup is significant because it is so iconic. Anyone who has been to a Catholic mass has seen the gold cup. We have already established that the apostate church would be led to fall because of following deceiving spirits and the doctrine of demons. Continuing on that theme, Paul warns his peole not to partake in the worship services of pagans. Following demons and partaking in false religion is the one sure-fire way to fall from the faith and to be excluded from the body of Christ.
This cup not only identifies Babylon but it also represents the cup of demons that Paul warned his people to avoid.
“The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated.” (Rev 17:9)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seven_Hills_of_Rome.svg
Babylon is depicted sitting on a beast with seven heads, which represent seven mountains. These mountains are often interpreted as the Seven Hills of Rome. However, it is essential to understand that Biblical Babylon is not the beast with seven heads itself—she merely sits upon it, just as Vatican City physically sits in the center of Rome.
The seven mountains are a direct reference to the city of seven hills—Rome. While Vatican City (Babylon) is at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and geographically situated within Rome, Babylon in the Bible is not synonymous with the beast or with Rome itself. Instead, Babylon rides on the beast, symbolizing influence over or association with this entity.
This distinction is crucial: Biblical Babylon, the “Harlot,” is not Rome or the beast but is portrayed as sitting atop and exerting influence over the beast, just as Vatican City does within 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)
“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.'” (Revelation 17:15)
Babylon is described as sitting on the beast, which represents Rome, but she is also seated on “many waters.” This is a fitting description because, while Babylon is headquartered in Vatican City at the heart of Rome, her physical presence extends worldwide through her churches.
This is not merely influence—Babylon has an actual, physical presence across multitudes of nations and languages, with Catholic churches established in almost every corner of the globe. She is the “Great Harlot” because of the sheer size and scope of this presence. Billions of people across nations, languages, and multitudes comprise these “many waters.”
Thus, Babylon’s “greatness” is due to her vast, tangible presence in the world through the Catholic Church, headquartered in Rome, but reaching across the world.
Babylon is the ‘Great’ Harlot because of her 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 Rome. From Vatican City, Babylon has exercised authority and influence over kings and rulers throughout history. This aligns with the depiction of Babylon in the Bible as a powerful entity, not just in terms of spiritual or symbolic influence, but in literal governance and authority over nations.
Historically, the Papacy was often referred to as “Rome,” especially in contexts where its authority and influence were discussed. This is because the Papacy has been headquartered in Rome for most of its existence, and the city itself became synonymous with the power of the Roman Catholic Church.
When people referred to the Church’s influence or power, they frequently used “Rome” as shorthand to represent the Papal authority and the broader Roman Catholic institution. This association is why terms like “Rome” or “the Holy See” were often used in diplomatic and political contexts when discussing the Church’s interactions with kings and nations.
The “great city” of Rome and much of the surrounding territory was eventually ruled by the papacy for centuries. From the early Middle Ages until the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the Popes not only held religious authority but also exercised temporal power as rulers over the Papal States, a collection of territories in central Italy, including the city of Rome.
During this time, the Pope’s influence extended far beyond Rome, as the Papacy was a dominant force in European politics. Popes crowned emperors (like the Holy Roman Emperors), mediated disputes between kings, and could even excommunicate rulers, which had significant political consequences.
Historically, the Vatican has exerted significant influence over kings and rulers, particularly during the height of the Roman Catholic Church’s power in the Middle Ages. The Pope, as the head of the Catholic Church, often held authority that extended beyond spiritual matters, influencing political decisions, and even crowning and deposing kings. The Church’s role in the Holy Roman Empire, for instance, demonstrates how Vatican City (or more precisely, the Papacy) had sway over sovereign rulers.
Babylon, seated in Vatican City, has a long history of wielding power over sovereign rulers, making her the only city that fits the description of the one that “ruled over the kings of the earth.
The “great city” was ruled by the Papacy, as was the rest of Europe. The Popes not only led the Church but also governed Rome and surrounding areas, exercising both spiritual and political power.
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 for merchants the world over. Black Friday is the day that the majority of retailers go from red to black. Christmas makes the difference between profit and loss. And Rome is the reason that Christians celebrate Christmas.
Also…
2. Religious Tourism
The wealth accumulated through religious tourism is another angle. Millions of people travel to religious sites each year, including Vatican City, contributing billions of dollars to the tourism industry. Hotels, airlines, tour operators, and countless businesses profit from the pilgrimages and religious visits tied to the Church’s influence. This could be seen as merchants becoming rich through their association with the “harlot.”
3. Art and Religious Artifacts
The Church has historically been a patron of the arts, commissioning some of the most famous pieces of artwork, sculpture, and architecture in the world. Religious art and artifacts have become extremely valuable commodities. Merchants, auction houses, and collectors dealing in religious relics, icons, and artworks have accumulated vast wealth through these transactions.
4. Clothing and Adornments
The verse speaks about the fine linen, purple, and scarlet, along with gold and precious stones, which could symbolize the opulence associated with the church hierarchy and their robes, ceremonies, and cathedrals. The immense wealth tied to these symbols of religious authority could also be part of what merchants profit from—luxury items related to religious worship, vestments, or artifacts.
5. Publishing Industry
Think about the publishing of religious texts and materials. The sale of Bibles, religious books, catechisms, pamphlets, and various forms of media centered around Catholicism and Christianity have made publishers and merchants rich for centuries. This commercial aspect of religious materials could also be tied to the merchants profiting from Babylon.
6. Financial Institutions and Investments
Some interpret the wealth of Babylon as being tied not only to direct religious influence but to financial institutions that have strong ties to the Church. The Catholic Church is known to hold significant real estate and financial investments globally, which might suggest another layer of wealth from which merchants and investors have profited.
7. Church-Related Ceremonies (e.g., Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals)
The commercial aspect of religious ceremonies—from the clothing, decorations, catering, and other services—are also be a way merchants become rich from Babylon. The Church’s sacraments and ceremonies often involve considerable expenditure, and industries supporting these events are tied to this religious influence.
BABYLON, THE GREAT HARLOT
From Apostasy to Great Harlot
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
The prophecy in 1 Timothy 4 matches with the life and teachings of Tertullian, who is one of the most significant early figures in shaping Western Christian theology. Tertullian is often referred to as the Father of the Trinity because he was the first to introduce the term “Trinitas” (Trinity) to describe the relationship between God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He proposed the doctrine in a way that and never been taught by the apostles, blending it with Greek philosophical concepts, particularly those of Platonism. His ideas were instrumental in the eventual formalization of the Trinity at the Council of Constantinople (381 AD).
Tertullian’s Influence on the Trinity
It may as a surprise to many that the Trinity has a “father” and that the doctrine of the Trinity developed over a period of almost 400 years rather than as a truth that was originally preached by the apostles.
Tertullian’s introduction of the Trinity doctrine in his work “Adversus Praxean” (Against Praxeas) sought to explain the nature of God by describing Him as three persons in one essence. While Tertullian claimed that this distinction helped safeguard monotheism, his explanation heavily drew from Greek philosophical ideas about the nature of the divine, rather than from the teachings of the apostles.
Plato’s influence on Tertullian’s thinking is clear: just as Plato believed in the concept of a divine triad, Tertullian adapted this framework to fit Christian theology, making it easier for pagans in the Roman Empire to accept Christianity. However, his Trinitarian doctrine contradicted the simple, monotheistic faith that the apostles had delivered, where God is the Father alone, and Jesus is His Messiah and Son, not God’s equal.
- If you loved me, you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I. (John 14:28)
- And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, (John 17:3)
- There are many gods and lords, yet for us there is one God, the Father. (1 Cor 8:6)
Tertullian’s Ascetic Teachings: The Fulfillment of Paul’s Prophecy
Tertullian was not only instrumental in formalizing the doctrine of the Trinity, but he also became a fervent advocate of extreme ascetic practices, which aligned with the prophecy in 1 Timothy 4 that warned of men who would “forbid marriage and command abstinence from certain foods.”
He believed that human beings, particularly Christians, needed to punish their bodies to atone for the fall of Adam. His asceticism involved fasting, abstaining from meat, and practicing sexual abstinence, even within marriage. He believed that by doing so, Christians could purge the effects of original sin, a belief that stood in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of grace and freedom in Christ.
In many ways, Tertullian laid the foundation for the monastic traditions that would later emerge in the Roman Catholic Church, where priests, monks, and nuns were required to remain celibate and practiced regular abstinence from certain foods, particularly on days of fasting. These practices became institutionalized, fulfilling the prophecy Paul had given of the men who would lead the faithful into a false religion—a religion built on the doctrines of demons.
Tertullian’s dual role as the Father of the Trinity and the advocate of asceticism makes him a key figure in understanding how the apostasy unfolded, giving birth to Babylon, the great harlot, and the false religious system that would dominate the world for centuries to come.
As is readily apparent from Tertullian’s own writings, c. 213 A.D., Tertullian’s new notion of the Trinity was not widely received. On the contrary, it was forced upon all Christians by Emperor Constantine after the Council of Nicea.
As of the writing of Tertullian’s book Against Praxeas, c. 213 A.D., the majority of the church rejected Tertullian’s new version of God as a Trinity instead of as the One True God taught by Jesus and Paul. (John 17:3, 1 Cor 8:6)
Tertullian’s introduction of the Trinity was a doctrine foreign to the early church—and his embrace of ascetic practices align perfectly with the demonic doctrines that Paul warned would lead people away from the original faith. By teaching doctrines that were never part of the true gospel, Tertullian and others like him paved the way for the rise of Babylon and the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church, which would institutionalize these false teachings through the power of the Emperor of Rome.
Babylon: The Great Harlot
Let’s break down Babylon, the Great Harlot, and emphasize how the Bible defines “harlot”—especially in light of Israel’s history of idolatry—and why this Hebraic understanding is crucial for interpreting the symbolism in Revelation.
To fully understand the term “harlot” in Revelation 17, it’s important to first grasp the biblical context in which this word was used, especially in the Hebrew scriptures. The word “harlot” in the Bible is a metaphor for sexual immorality—it refers to a spiritual betrayal, a turning away from God by following false doctrines or engaging in idolatry.
In the Old Testament, Israel was the first nation to be referred to as a harlot because of her spiritual unfaithfulness. Israel was chosen to follow God, but she repeatedly fell into idolatry, and because she was described as God’s wife, her idolatry is depicted as adultery in the Bible. For example, in Jeremiah 3:6-9, Israel is accused of playing the harlot by following after false gods—turning away from the one true God to worship idols of stone and wood. This concept of spiritual harlotry is closely tied to the nation’s betrayal through idolatry and the worship of demonic doctrines.
The Hebraic understanding of the word “harlot” is crucial because it reveals that this label is used to describe any spiritual entity or nation that abandons the truth of God’s commandments and turns to false religion. Therefore, in Revelation, when Babylon is called the Great Harlot, it isn’t speaking about sexual immorality—it is referring to the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of a religious system that once had access to the truth, but turned away from it to follow demonic doctrines.
Israel: The First “Harlot” and the Prototype
In the Old Testament, Israel serves as the first example of harlotry. The nation’s spiritual adultery is repeatedly condemned by the prophets as they lament Israel’s unfaithfulness. The Book of Hosea, for example, is a prophetic narrative that illustrates Israel’s betrayal of God through the metaphor of harlotry (Hosea 1:2). God accuses Israel of prostituting herself with other nations and their gods, breaking the covenant that was meant to bind Israel to Him.
This understanding of harlotry as spiritual betrayal is important because Babylon the Great Harlot is a spiritual entity that follows this same pattern. Just as Israel was condemned for following after idols, Babylon is condemned for leading the nations into spiritual fornication and spreading false doctrines.
In fact, the idolatry practiced by Israel in the Old Testament—worshiping idols of stone and wood under every green tree (Jeremiah 3:9)—mirrors the idolatry of the Roman Catholic Church, which elevates images, icons, and saints to positions of veneration, practices that contradict the Bible’s warnings against idolatry.
Babylon: Spiritual Harlotry on a Global Scale
When Revelation calls Babylon the Great Harlot, it is drawing on this Hebraic understanding of harlotry as spiritual betrayal. Babylon, which symbolizes the Roman Catholic Church and her daughters (the Christian denominations that came after), are accused of leading the world into spiritual fornication—a global apostasy rooted in false teachings, idolatry, and the doctrines of demons.
Just as Israel was unfaithful to God by turning to pagan idols, Babylon has led the nations into spiritual adultery by promoting idolatry (such as the veneration of saints, Mary, and the use of images in worship) and false doctrines (like the Trinity and the deification of Jesus). The Church of Rome did not merely reject the truth, but it corrupted it, blending it with pagan practices and leading billions into deception.
The Great Harlot is described as “great” because of her size. The body of Catholicism and Christianity is huge. Therfore, Babylon is described as sitting on many waters, because she has global influence over billions of peoples, and in every nation, and language (Revelation 17:1, 15). This description fits the Roman Catholic Church perfectly, as her religious authority spans continents and has influenced kings, rulers, and governments for centuries. The harlotry described in Revelation isn’t limited to one nation like Israel—it has become a global phenomenon, drawing all nations into the false religious system of Babylon.
This understanding of “harlotry” allows us to see how the Roman Catholic Church fulfills the prophecy of Babylon in Revelation, leading the world away from the original faith and into a system of idolatry and false doctrine.
You’re absolutely right—Babylon’s harlotry in the Bible doesn’t refer to sexual immorality at all. It’s about spiritual unfaithfulness through idolatry and false worship. In fact, Babylon has shifted the focus to sexual morality to distract people from the true meaning of these terms, which are all about spiritual betrayal and idolatry.
The Church of Rome and its system have historically tried to emphasize sexual morality while downplaying idolatry, because of the uncomfortable reality that they are deeply intertwined with the very idolatrous practices the Bible condemns. By shifting the narrative, Babylon has effectively “wagged the dog”—they’ve put the focus on sexual sins and rules about personal conduct to divert attention from the much more grievous sin of idolatry. Here’s why this shift happened:
Idolatry as the Core Issue
In the Bible, idolatry is the most serious spiritual sin, as it involves turning away from God and replacing Him with false gods or representations. When Babylon is called a harlot, the image refers to spiritual adultery, which is Israel (and later, spiritual systems like Babylon) betraying God by following after demonic doctrines and engaging in the worship of idols—not physical adultery.
Jeremiah 3 and Ezekiel 16 are clear examples of where Israel is condemned as a “harlot” for turning to idolatry. The consistent biblical theme is that idolatry is the ultimate betrayal of God, akin to adultery in a marriage covenant. God’s relationship with Israel, and by extension His people, is described as a covenant relationship. When Israel or Babylon breaks that covenant through idolatry, they are called a harlot.
Why Babylon Diverts Attention to Sexual Morality
By placing sexual morality at the forefront, the Church of Rome (and the system of Babylon) has created a distraction from the true sin: spiritual fornication, which is idolatry. Here’s why they’ve done this:
- To Hide Their Own Idolatry: The Church of Rome, with its veneration of saints, icons, images, and relics, engages in practices that closely resemble the idolatry condemned in the Bible. To prevent people from realizing that they are engaging in spiritual adultery, the church has historically shifted the focus to sexual purity. This effectively deflects attention from their idolatrous practices, allowing them to claim the moral high ground while continuing the very practices that the Bible condemns.
- Misdirection from the Real Issue: The church made sexual morality the central issue to distract people from the core biblical issue of idolatry. By focusing on issues like celibacy, chastity, and sexual conduct, the church created a system that looked pious and disciplined, while deflecting criticism of their idolatrous rituals—such as praying to saints and venerating statues. This kept the masses from questioning their involvement in spiritual harlotry.
- Controlling the Masses Through Guilt: By emphasizing sexual sin, the church could instill guilt and fear in the hearts of believers, using it as a tool of control. Sexual morality became a way to police personal behavior, while idolatrous practices were integrated into daily religious life without scrutiny. In this way, the church could manipulate people’s personal lives while subtly leading them into spiritual adultery through its false doctrines.
Biblical Prophecies Point to Idolatry
Revelation’s descriptions of Babylon aren’t concerned with sexual morality at all—they are focused entirely on idolatry, false worship, and spiritual fornication. Babylon is called a harlot because she has led the nations into idolatrous worship, which is spiritual betrayal on a global scale. The Bible consistently points to idolatry as the real spiritual adultery:
- Revelation 17:4-5 describes Babylon as being adorned with gold and precious stones, symbols of her wealth and splendor, but this wealth is connected to her idolatrous practices.
- Revelation 18:3 reveals that “the merchants of the earth have grown rich” through their dealings with Babylon, signifying her economic and political power derived from leading the world into false worship.
- Revelation 17:2 explains how “the kings of the earth committed adultery with her”, which refers not to sexual immorality but to spiritual fornication—nations abandoning true worship of God to follow Babylon’s religious system.
Babylon’s True Harlotry
The Great Harlot is not about sexual morality—it’s about spiritual adultery through idolatry and false doctrines. Babylon, through her emphasis on sexual purity and morality, has deflected attention from her idolatrous practices, using false piety to disguise the fact that she leads the nations into spiritual fornication. By understanding the Hebraic meaning of “harlotry”, it becomes clear that Babylon is condemned not for physical sins but for spiritual betrayal—leading people away from God and into the worship of false idols.
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STOP HERE >>>>>
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?
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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)
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)
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:
- 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 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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, 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.
ARE YOU IN CHRIST OR ARE YOU IN BABYLON?