A Study of Revelation BABYLON, JUDGMENT, AND PARADISE REGAINED

Transcription

1 A Study of Revelation PART 4 Revelation 17:1-22:21 BABYLON, JUDGMENT, AND PARADISE REGAINED LESSON 2 Revelation 17:7-17:18 MYSTERY AND THE BEAST SYSTEM Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Revelation 22:7) Rev 17:7-18 Theosophy According to the Luciferian dogma of occult Theosophist Society founder Madam Helena Blavatsky in The Secret Doctrine, Lucifer is older than Jehovah, and he is the angel of light. She writes of the divine "Father- Mother and Son" who shapes the universe. She alleges that Lucifer (Satan) is good, that he is both "Holy Ghost," and "Satan," and our "Tempter and Redeemer" at the same time. 1 Notice the objectives of the theosophist Alice Bailey, a disciple of Madam Blavatsky. Michael Coffman writes in Saviors of the Earth, that the objectives of Theosophist, Alice Bailey, founder of Lucifer Publishing Company, now Lucis Trust, are that: "Although the primary objective of Theosophy has always been to change Western civilization back to its Babylonian belief system, Lucis Trust and the Theosophical Society have used the peace movement and environmental movement in America as vehicles to make the change." 2 Lucis Trust is made up of the political "Who's Who" of America. Past and present members include: Robert McNamara, Donald Regan, Henry Kissinger, David Rockefeller, Paul Volker, and George Shultz. 3 So we see the demonic nature of the theosophical roots of the Lucis Trust. Also, in the statement of Blavatsky we can see the connection to Nimrod (Baal) and the Babylonian Mystery Religion described in the previous lesson. The Lucis Trust and theosophy seemingly have vast support among our nation's leaders and organizations. Edith Kermit Roosevelt in her syndicated column of 21 October 1962 wrote that: "The international Lucis Trust Network, which has substantial financial backing, regularly holds 'Full Moon Meditation Meetings' at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to promote UNESCO and New World Religion." 4 1 Helena P. Blavatski, THE SECRET DOCTRINE: THE SYNTHESIS OF SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND PHILOSOPHY, VOL. 1 AND 2, London, England: The Theosophical Publishing Company, Ltd., 1888, Vol. 1, pp. 70, 436, Vol. 2, pp. 237, Michael S. Coffman, Ph.D., SAVIORS OF THE EARTH?, Chicago, IL: Northfield Publishing, 1994, pp. 221, Coffman, SAVIORS OF THE EARTH?, pp. 221, Robert Keith Spenser, THE CULT OF THE ALL-SEEING EYE, Palmdale, CA: Omni Publications, Monte Cristo Press, 1964, pp. 45, 46. 1

2 This shows that the tax-exempt foundations are tied to theosophist organizations and the United Nations in support of a world religion. In her column of 28 October 1962 she states that: "Curriculums are being drafted to indoctrinate our children in what John D. Rockefeller, Jr. calls 'the church of all people.'" 5 She further states: "The first step is to break down loyalty to a single religious faith." 6 Former Vice-President Al Gore seems to advocate a return to some form of New Age (Gaia) goddess worship in his book, Earth in the Balance. On page 258, he speaks of the spiritual "richness and diversity of our religious tradition throughout history" that has been ignored by minds closed to teachings outside their own system of belief. 7 He continues with: [The fast pace of knowledge in our time has] " led to an intense new interest in the different perspectives on life in other cultures and has spurred a renewed investigation of the wisdom distilled by all faiths. This panreligious perspective may prove especially important where our global civilization's responsibility for the earth is concerned." 8 On pages 261~263 of the same book, Al Gore praises the Baha'i faith and advocates a change in our Christian religious beliefs when he quotes Catholic Theologian Teilhard de Chardin: The fate of mankind, as well as of religion, depends upon the emergence of a new faith in the future. 9 Rodney R. Romney, Pastor of Seattle s First Baptist Church, believes: He [Jesus] meant to establish a world religion that would embrace every soul and synthesize every creed, and his work will not be consummated until he has done just that. 10 The final Tower of Babel is nearing completion. We are building the edifice of world government and world religion. We have even climbed the tower of our space program to challenge God in the heavens. We can see the desired melding of the world's religions in the statement of Catholic Archbishop Francesco Gioia in At the Parliament of Religions, a mixture of Christian and non-christian religions, the Papal representative from the Vatican said the following: "Other religions may achieve salvation. The differences in other religions does not prevent them from obtaining salvation." He observed that other religions: " reflect the truth of God." "Truth" he said: " lies hidden in other religions. Truth in all religions constitutes ground for dialogue. Dialogue was opened by God's initiative." He added: "A change has come. We now talk, listen to, and walk together. There is good news of friendship among us all." 11 Liberalism REV 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 5 Spenser, THE CULT OF THE ALL-SEEING EYE, pp. 45, Spenser, THE CULT OF THE ALL-SEEING EYE, pp. 45, Al Gore, EARTH IN THE BALANCE: Ecology and the Human Spirit, New York, NY: Plume/Penguin, 1992, 1993, p Gore, EARTH IN THE BALANCE: Ecology and the Human Spirit, p Gore, EARTH IN THE BALANCE: Ecology and the Human Spirit, pp Hunt, OCCULT INVASION, p Bracketed words added for clarity. 11 Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, p

3 Political liberalism breaks down national patriotism and promotes international socialism. Religious liberalism denies the miracles of Christ, the deity of Christ, supernatural intervention of God in the affairs of men, and other essential doctrines of our faith. In the late 1800's and early 1900's our brightest youth were sent to be educated in the European universities and seminaries. They returned home steeped in liberal thought, both religious and political. This imported liberalism eventually infected the nation's universities and seminaries as these young people began to teach the ensuing generations. Theological liberalism has reduced Christianity to that of just another religion, setting the stage for cooperation and merger of various religions including Babylonian paganism. Theological and political liberalism is setting the stage for world government. 12 The woman of Revelation 17 is the future world religion. The beast is the Antichrist and his world government. The woman riding the beast shows cooperation between this new world government and this new world "church." 13 The Beast GEN 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. God divided the people into nations and tongues. Henceforth God could deal with individual nations when they fell into national disobedience. No more would he need to send a universal judgement to destroy man's wickedness. Whenever a nation fails to honor God through their government, they fall to tyrants and oppressors. 14 We are now entering a time when the Antichrist will succeed in uniting the world during a sevenyear period. We see the signs today. Global Civilization From 27 September to 1 October 1995 the former Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, and his Gorbachev Foundation played host to the State of the World Forum. Hundreds of world religious, secular, and political leaders, including those of eastern religions, Mother Theresa, Margaret Thatcher, George Bush, Albert Gore, Colin Powell, Carl Sagan, Ted Turner, Mario Cuomo, Ted Koppel, and Shimon Peres among many more notables. The forum focused " on the fundamental challenges and opportunities confronting humanity as we enter the next phase of human development. It is being held in the belief that at this momentous juncture in history, we are giving birth to the first global civilization." 15 The United Nations New Age planners have encouraged ecumenism in order to bring in interfaithism for the purpose of merging Christianity with the other religions. To this end, the 1993 Parliament of World Religions was held in Chicago. Out of the 1993 Parliament of World Religions, came the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders. From the results of the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, led by the United Nation s Robert Muller, came another organization with backing by the United Nations. This organization is intended to emulate the UN in the area of religion. This organization is called United Religions. 16 The agenda of United Religions is to bring all the world s religions into cooperation with the United Nations. Working closely with Muller in this effort has been Rev. William Swing of Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco. Also, working closely with the Gorbachev Foundation and the World Conference on Religion and Peace (a Vatican supported organization), Swing assembled a Global Interfaith Summit in San Francisco in Supporting the ideals of the Parliament of interfaithism, the Catholic theologian Hans Kung affirms interdependence and calls for a common set of core values found in the teachings of the religions. The 12 Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, pp Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, p Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, p. 68. Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp. 198, Noah W. Hutchings, GOD DIVIDED THE NATIONS, Oklahoma, City, OK: The Southwest Radio Church, 1981, p FACTS, TRUTH, EVIDENCE, Hope for America Ministries, Booklet I, p Gary H. Kah, THE NEW WORLD RELIGION, Noblesville, IN: Hope International Publishing, Inc., 1998, pp Gary H. Kah, THE NEW WORLD RELIGION, pp

4 curriculum promotes the concepts of world government and pantheistic religion. He has stated that this new ethic is not optional. 18 He further states: Any form of church conservatism is to be rejected. To put it bluntly: no regressive or repressive religion whether Christian, Islamic, Jewish or of whatever provenance has a long-term future. If ethics is to function for the wellbeing of all, it must be indivisible. The undivided world increasingly needs an undivided ethic. Post modern men and women need common values, goals, ideals, visions. But the great question in dispute is: does not all this predispose a religious faith?... What we need is an ecumenical world order! 19 Kung s ideas are promoted in public schools via Muller s and the United Nation s The World Core Curriculum. 20 World Government in the Making? There is even a new world constitution in the works. An organization, The World Constitution and Parliament Association, made up of world dignitaries has been meeting to draft a world constitution for the new world government. Former Attorney General Ramsey Clark has been active in this effort and is part of the executive cabinet of this organization. 21 This may or may not be the ultimate solution, but people do not do these things unless they see a chance to implement their plans. This organization seems to have impressive support. If you think world government is good, ask yourself, "what's to become of our own Constitution?" Alice Bailey of the Lucis Trust called for a "New World Order." Earlier in this lesson we learned that many of our prominent leaders have or are members of the Lucis Trust. In the 1950's Bailey stated that "in the preparatory period for the new world order there will be a steady and regulated disarmament." The Earth Summit of 1992, supported by Vice President Al Gore, called for a socialistic redistribution of wealth in agreement with the theosophical religious left that advocates the abolishment of property rights and national sovereignty. Alice Bailey's plan calls for a continuation of some national sovereignty, in name only, with the real power administered by some "economic league of nations." The ruling of the earth will be administered by separating the earth into economic and political zones in a global world system. This New World Order will be threefold: (1) a one-world government, (2) a forced education system based on mysticism, and (3) a one -world religion based on Theosophy. 22 Does this seem preposterous? A former college student revealed to me that during the 1980's she was subjected to a business course in a major university that involved participation in New Age meditation techniques in a darkened classroom, using Shirley MacLane's book Out on a Limb as the textbook. And just what do you think is the purpose of the European Union, World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Court, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) treaties, but to divide the world into political and economic blocks without regard to national sovereignty. Alice Bailey's plan is being implemented, and it is both political and religious. The Ten Kings In Daniel chapter 7 we find four beasts described as four kingdoms. The traditional interpretation is that these kingdoms are the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and the Old Roman Empire. Out of the fourth kingdom ten future kings shall arise. These ten kings will constitute a revival of the old Roman Empire. 23 DAN 7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. 19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; 20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout 18 Gary H. Kah, THE NEW WORLD RELIGION, pp. 171, 212, Gary H. Kah, THE NEW WORLD RELIGION, p Gary H. Kah, THE NEW WORLD RELIGION, pp. 171, Kah, EN ROUTE TO GLOBAL OCCUPATION, pp Coffman, SAVIORS OF THE EARTH?, pp Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, p Duck, DANIEL: GOD'S WORD FOR THE BIBLICALLY-INEPT, pp

5 than his fellows. 21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. In Daniel 7:23 the fourth beast is said to devour the whole earth. The old Roman Empire never did that. So we are seeing the revived form of the Roman Empire predicted here. 24 Let s examine this same subject from the perspective of the book of Revelation: REV 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there [they] are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. We see a parallel in Revelation Chapter 13. REV 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. In Revelation 17:10 we see in the KJV these words And there are seven kings. The word there may properly be translated they. The literal translation of the Greek of Revelation 17:10 is And the kings are seven thus referring to the seven heads (mountains). 25 John here is also speaking about seven empires. These empires are the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman, and the revived Roman Empire. The revived Roman Empire (world government) will produce ten kings or nat ions that will come to be dominated by the Antichrist. Each of the heads will have a blasphemous name indicating that the seven world empires and their false religions will be wicked. 26 Notice that in Revelation 17:9 the woman sits on seven mountains. 27 Some scholars believe that the seven mountains refer to Rome, which sits on seven hills. The problem with this view is that the seven mountains are described by the context as seven kings ( empires) which interpretation will shortly be made clear. 28 Let s examine the meaning of "mountains" in another verse of prophecy, Isaiah chapter 2 verse Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p Jay P. Green, Sr., THE INTERLINEAR GREEK-ENGLISH NEW TESTAMENT, (Volume IV of The Interlinear Hebrew-Greek English Bible), Hendrickson Publishers, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, Revelation 17:10, Vol. IV, p Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, pp. 251, 252. Hocking, THE COMING WORLD LEADER, Understanding the Book of Revelation, p Duck, Richards, REVELATION: GOD'S WORD FOR THE BIBLICALLY-INEPT, pp Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp. 199, Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, p Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp. 198,

6 ISA 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. Isaiah 2:2 is referring to the future 1000 years government of the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth. Jesus will be on top of and rule over the mountain (big government or nations) and hills (small government or countries) of the earth. 29 When the mountain is not named, "mountains" or "heads" in biblical prophecy represent big governments, nations, or empires. "Hills" in biblical prophecy represent small governments or countries. 30 The woman of Revelation 17:9 is pictured sitting on seven big governments or kingdoms. The woman will have significant religious influence over the seventh big government (the revived Roman Empire). 31 Now look closely at Revelation chapter 17 verses 8 and 10. REV 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. In the Apostle John's day five empires had risen and fallen: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece in that order. Rome at that time was the empire that "is." The Babylonian religious system, and her daughters, dominated these six empires. 32 It cannot be Papal Rome alone that is the final religious system since Papal Rome did not exist during these six empires. 33 The seventh empire would be future and would last only a short time, and it would come out of these empires or big powerful governments. 34 The Seventh Head ("The other not yet come") will be the Revived Roman Empire. The resurrected system, the seventh head, will not be a restoration of the Roman Empire, but of the system that produced the Roman Empire. It will be comprised of a minimum of ten nations and will not necessarily be contained in the same geographical area as the Roman Empire (Appendix, Figure 1). We can only conclude that the seven mountains refer to the seven great kingdoms each ruled by a king. Today six of them have fallen. The seventh head now showing itself will produce the eighth head (Rev 17:11), the Antichrist (see also: Dan 7:8-26). 35 REV 17:11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. Notice in Revelation 17:17 that this is the will of God, to fulfill His prophecy. This is the Key verse for prophecy for the entire Bible. 29 Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, p Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, pp. 15, 16. LaHaye, REVELATION ILLUSTRATED AND MADE PLAIN, p Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, p Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, pp. 16, 17. Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp. 200, Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, pp. 16, 17. Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, p Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, p Hocking, THE COMING WORLD LEADER, Understanding the Book of Revelation, pp. 249, Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, pp. 252, Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, p Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp. 199,

7 The seventh head, the future world government becomes operational under the eighth head (Antichrist). During this time the Antichrist brings together the governments, armies, commerce and religions of the Ten Nation Confederacy. According to Revelation 17:10 this confederacy lasts only a short space. The Antichrist uses the Harlot system to advance himself to the center of the World Religion in order to promote his goals and achieve his purposes. When the harlot religion is no longer useful in deceiving the people, it will be destroyed. At mid-tribulation the Antichrist, produced by the seventh head, assumes the identity of the eighth head. He attempts to force himself on the world as a self-appointed "god" existing as such for only 3-1/2 years before being totally destroyed when Christ returns. 36 The "Ten Horns" in Revelation 17:12 are ten kings who will receive great kingdoms by assisting the beast (Antichrist). They rule for a short time. Just before mid-tribulation they will destroy the harlot religious system in favor of deification of the Antichrist when he enters the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and declares himself to be god, demanding worship. 37 This is the alliance of rulers and armies, which the Antichrist leads on the final day of the Tribulation and is destroyed in the Battle of Armageddon. Daniel chapter 7 describes "ten horns" and another "little horn," the eleventh. DAN 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. 21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time [3-1/2 years]. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. The beast of Revelation 17:11 described from Daniel's perspective is the same as the eleventh (little) horn of Daniel 7:8-26. The eleventh horn of Daniel 7 will rise to power among ten nations or regions. The ten horns of Daniel 7:8-24 will be governments and rulers of nations possibly now in the European Community or in the imperial empires of Rome represented by the ten regions of the Club or Rome (Addendum, Figure 1). 38 The revived Roman Empire may be like the former, but not necessarily bound by the former boundaries. The Antichrist will arise out of the ten kingdoms. The words "he shall subdue three kings" (Daniel 7:24) indicates that he will deal with three obstructionist kingdoms by striking them down and removing their kings, after which he will assume control of the ten kingdoms. 39 Many people assume that these ten kingdoms are part of the European Community within the boundaries of the old Roman Empire, however, as we have seen before, the Club of Rome has proposed dividing the world itself into ten regions, each of which would need a leader or some sort of government head (Appendix, Figure 1). 40 Today the stage is set for the global community, the satanic one-world government and religious system. That Great City In Revelation 17:16 "hate the whore" indicates that the Antichrist must destroy the religious system to make himself god. "That great city" may simply refer to the headquarters of the Harlot (the religious system). It may refer to the seat of the Babylonian Mystery Religion headquartered in Rome. Pagan Rome was the successor to Babylon. Papal Rome absorbed the mysteries that began with Nimrod and Semiramis. 41 However, we see that Christ's Bride is described as "the holy city, New Jerusalem" in Revelation chapter 21 verse 2. REV 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels 36 Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp Hocking, THE COMING WORLD LEADER, Understanding the Book of Revelation, p Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word, pp Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, p Carlisle, A WORLD "CHURCH" IS PLANNED FOR 2000 A. D, p Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p Kah, EN ROUTE TO GLOBAL OCCUPATION, p Ironside, REVELATION, p Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, p

8 which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Therefore, we see that a city can be used to symbolize a woman. With this in mind we can relate the Harlot with "that great city" of Revelation 17:18. If the woman is good, the reference is to the "Bride of Christ" or "Jehovah's Wife." If the woman is evil, a false religious system of idolatry is indicated. The ten kings will be ruled over by a false religious system that wields tremendous power. 42 "That great city" may refer to a literal rebuilt Babylon. The modern Nebuchadnezzar pretender, the late Saddam Hussein, poured a vast sum of money into rebuilding ancient Babylon. Some believe that Babylon will rise again like a phoenix from the ashes in fulfillment of numerous prophecies that when finally destroyed would be a place of "perpetual desolations" (Isa 13:9, 12); no man will dwell there anymore (Jer 50:1-4, 40-46); the Arabian will be afraid to pitch his tent there; it will be the abode of dragons; empty and without inhabitants; and its destruction will be violent (Isa 13:9, 12, 20; Jer 25:12; 50:1-4, 40-46; 51:3-43). None of these prophecies has been adequately fulfilled to this day. 43 Therefore, the rebuilt Babylon might be the seat of government of the Antichrist during the Tribulation. John Walvoord believes that that great city is a reference to Babylon in its religious rather than historical significance. It was responsible for the Roman Church s authority of the church over the state similar to the domination of the Babylonian king s political dominance over those he defeated. 44 There is yet another possibility. There is a modern Babylon in existence today. New York City is the seat of a growing global government. The United Nations is a modern version of the Tower of Babel that is attempting to make the world one in defiance of God's scattering of the nations. Will the unfulfilled prophecies of Babylon find their fulfillment in this modern revival of the unity sought at the ancient Tower of Babel? If so, the message for the United States is ominous. Referring to Babylon, Isaiah prophesied: ISA 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. 19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. 21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. 22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged. Revelation is specific about the suddenness of her destruction. REV 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. The ruin of Babylon may also refer to the ruin of her wealth. New York City is also the home of great wealth. If the mighty New York stock market collapses in one hour, the destruction of much of the capital of the world will be accomplished. Notice Revelation 18: 17 and 18. REV 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! Notice, the city of Babylon is not near the sea, but New York City is. interpretation is to be. Only time will tell what the true 42 LaHaye, REVELATION ILLUSTRATED AND MADE PLAIN, pp. 228, Phillips, EXPLORING REVELATION, p Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, p

9 The Final Religion According to Dave Hunt in his book Occult Invasion: All that remains for the occult invasion to triumph is the establishment of a New World Religion in partnership with a world government. One would have to be blind not to see that this New World Order heralded by [the first] President Bush and the Pope [John Paul II] is fast coming upon us. 45 Praised by Billy Graham as a saint, Mother Teresa did not try to evangelize those she helped, but considered Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and other religions as acceptable ways to God. She told those she served, What God is in your mind you must accept. When Mother Teresa was asked what she thought about Hinduism she responded: I love all religions. 46 New Agers would also be deceived by a cosmic Christ-like figure that speaks of oneness of mind and spirit in harmony with mother earth. Islam is looking for seven years of peace with the return of their mahdi, and Christians believe that there will be a false peace agreement resulting in the seven-year Tribulation. We note that many liberal churches do not believe that the book of Revelation is relevant for today, and so might well fall prey to the deception of this seven-years peace agreement and accept the Antichrist. In view of this, could it be that the final religion will merge New Age beliefs, the apostasy of liberal Protestant and Catholic churches, and Islam together in a oneness of spirit with nature? The acceptance and worship of the Antichrist could conceivably merge these belief systems. Notice how John Phillips and Jerry Vines describe the Antichrist in their commentary, Exploring the Book of Daniel: Wickedness will get worse and worse. As the man of sin the promotion of sin will be his chief aim. He will gratify lust and glorify sin. He will appear as the messiah of the Jews, the mahdi of the Muslims, the krishna of the Hindus. He will be the ideal of the humanists, the Christ of apostate Christendom, the mantra of the eastern mystics. A war-weary, famine-ravished, disease-ridden, plague-infested, panic-stricken world will hail him till the indignation be accomplished. 47 The indignation referred to is God s indignation against the nation of Israel for continually rejecting her Messiah, calling down God s curse on itself Crucify Him, crucify Him and His blood be on us and our children (Matthew 27:25). 48 After all that, God loves and will save Israel (Romans 11). Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. From Daniel 9:24 we know that God had a seventy weeks plan and purpose. For a detailed explanation of this plan see previous lesson Part 2, Lesson 3. However, look carefully at Daniel 9:24 for God s purpose. DAN 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 45 Dave Hunt, OCCULT INVASION, Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1998, pp Bracketed words added. 46 Dave Hunt, OCCULT INVASION, Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1998, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p

10 God had specific purposes for His plan. God's Seventy-Week Plan - Purposes Finish the transgression - Israel's transgression against the Law and the commandments of God. This will be completed when Christ returns to rule on the throne of David. 2. Make an end of sin - An end of sin takes place when the sinner accepts Christ as the one who died for sin. The full meaning of this verse is when Israel accepts Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Until that time Israel continues to sin. 3. Make reconciliation for iniquity - This will occur when Israel "looks upon Him whom they have pierced and mourns for Him even as an only Son." (Zechariah 12:10). 4. Bring in everlasting righteousness - No man has righteousness on his own account. Righteousness in Israel will prevail when they accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. 5. Seal up the vision and prophecy - Prophecy was sealed up until Israel would begin to return to the land. Until Israel actually obtained their land in 1948 the key to end-time prophecy was sealed. 6. Anoint the most Holy - This means the sanctification of the temple with the presence of Messiah. It may also mean the anointing of Jesus Christ as King of kings when He returns to reign on David's throne. All six of these things will be fulfilled when Israel receives the Messiah. In Daniel 9:27 we see that God s plan will culminate in a seven-year tribulation during which time God will pour out His indignation on all nations in order to fulfill His plan. DAN 9:27 And he [Antichrist] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. The words until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate refers to God using the persecutions by the Antichrist to prune and purge the nation of Israel after which He will act in wrath against the Antichrist and his world system. 50 This is clearly prophesied by Jeremiah and Isaiah. JER 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble [the Tribulation], but he [Israel] shall be saved out of it. ISA 34:2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. It is the things described in this lesson and more that are setting the stage for the final deception and the religion of the Beast, ending in God s wrath being poured out on a rebellious God rejecting world and system. 49 Hutchings, Daniel the Prophet, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p

11 APPENDIX FIGURE 1 TEN REGIONS OF THE CLUB OF ROME Kah, EN ROUTE TO GLOBAL OCCUPATION, p

12 REVELATION Levy, REVELATION: Hearing the Last Word. 12