The Fall of Babbylon

[Messenger1]

Is the prophecy of the fall of Babylon as recorded in Revelation chapter eighteen, really symbolizing the fall of the harlot Church, or the same as Revelation chapter seventeen? I have come to believe that it is.

The falling away, or great forsaking of God spoken of in 2nd Thessalonians, which is also often called the apostasy, is speaking about the very same fall of Babylon that the man of sin rule in the Temple. Is not man ruling in God's place abomination?

2Th 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.

So we know that there must be a departing from truth and false god made to sit in God's place. Thus it is fallen away from God. Or as this verse says, forsaken or falling away. The fall of Bablyon, called the harlot. God always calls his unfaithful congregation a harlot. As he did Israel in the Old Testament.

Does anyone think this is plausible? The scriptures seem to show this clearly. At least from what I read.

 

[Messenger]

I'm not sure? Seems it could be.
I saw your name and wanted to welcome you to the forum....
I like your name

 

[Bruno]

The book of Revelation is a very difficult read. I am not sure we are supposed to understand it fully just yet. Once the time is right, God will open the eyes and ears of those that are meant to understand and all will become clear. I do have a strong suspicion that this time is very near.

 

[Messenger1]

Originally posted by Bruno
The book of Revelation is a very difficult read. I am not sure we are supposed to understand it fully just yet.

The first part of your statement I agree with totally. But I disagree with the last part. I think that we're fully intended to understand it now. In fact, the more I study it, the more I realize that we're intended to understand that there is something seriously wrong in the Churches today and it is equated with spiritual fornication or in Biblical terms, harlotry. This idolatry in the Churches we are supposed to turn away from. But few even recognize it, so how can they. Like a self fulfilling prophecy where the signs are there, but few see them.

One thing I do not believe is that we are supposed to throw our hands up and say "don't worry, we'll understand it by and by." I don't think we'll ever understand it without studying it carefully. The thing I find is that few Christians have the desire to do that, as if it's really unimportant. I guess you know by now I don't believe that is true.

There are just too many simularities between the fall of Babylon the Great and the fall of that Great city Jerusalem to be coincidence. If the Bible is divinely inspired, then these simularities are not insidental. At least, that's how I see it.

 

[marjoriemh]

I believe the City of Babylon the great is not a specfic city/location or even the church, which is not made up of one denomination but of those who are born of the spirit of God. A city in the bible is symbolic of a place of great authority where laws & the customs of civilations are established. Notice how many deals are done by those in authority at the gate of the city in the old testament. The gate is symbolic of the enterance of the law or a change that will effect the city. Now regarding what Babylon is - listen to what the word says regard the fall of this great city Rev18:12-13 '...for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchdise of gold and silver, precious stones...., and the bodies and souls of men.' also Rev18:24 'and in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, AND of ALL WHO WERE SLAIN on the earth.' This is indeed a profound statement. What power could be so great that this could be said of it? Yes, even Jesus was killed in this great city - but it is not a specific place - it is the power of the monetary system for which the bodies & souls of men are bought & sold & which the pharisees & Hebrew leaders were threated by when the masses followed Jesus. Their lively hoods & worldly positions became threated in their minds (minds enslaved to the system & the enemy). They wanted to get rid of Jesus not because he broken the Jewish laws - that was just their offical excuse to jusify their murderous actions - we know Jesus was sinless. Yes - the Bablyon system is the monetary system. I believe the roots of our current world banking system is found in the actual ancient city of Bablyon - it is in place world wide now - & it is currupt. I believe the Lord is bringing a economic colapse of somekind at the close of this age which is the fall of Bablyon. Don't be afraid - the Lord will take care of you - The word says in fact that we should rejoice when we see this happen - Rev. 18:20' for God has avenged you on her.' I have realized that the money is controlled by a select few people & the rest of us seem enslaved in this system - working every day to pay taxes & debts on 30 year mortgages & never seeming to get ahead. Our soul is our mind, will & emotions. Yes, many spent thier souls enslaved in this system. The compounding interest works against us - we pay two & three times the value of our homes to the banks - they get rich off of us. We spend the first months of every year just to pay our tax burden - while the rich have tax free lives because everything is protected in 'corporations' & trusts. That is the Babylon system - unknowly some christians support this system but the word says for us to 'come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins'

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[Wildfire]

Mystery babylon; I have read it often. My gut instinct tells me that babylon will be future America, just by reading through her description!! There is no nation like ours in the world; and (we do) rule over the kings of the earth.

But I do believe that the unveiling of this 'city' is yet a future event; and it is an unfortunate one. Because the 'beast' will hate the 'harlot' and make her desolate, and men will stand afar off in FEAR of her burning. She says in her heart; I sit a widow and shall see no sorrow. How true we feel here. Safe. Secure. Just think about how the USA has changed over the past fifty years, and whose to say how it will be here in another ten, twenty or thirty, given the wrong president...
just my thoughts.

Wildfire

 

[marjoriemh]

Many times I have thought the same. America is like two peoples - one born of the spirit & one born of the world. Each is getting stronger. From what I have studied of the founding of this nation, the constitution & the changes in the laws including the tax laws, well - things in the natural relm seem bleak. Christians seem to have been asleep & did not seem to do anything to stop these things. The Lord said to occupy until he comes - not to hide & hope we all escape our troubles thru the rapture. But their is hope for us & for America - the Lord is still on the throne & their are many born of the spirit in America. Plug into what the spirit is saying to the church - I read the posting on the Elijiah List regularly & try to keep in touch with Cindy Jacobs world wide ministry, as well as Chuck Peirce's. These ministries are Apostolic - they hear from God & help position us. It is not all gloom & doom for America. I believe the youth will rise up as never before in the coming days & years & that revival will sweep this land in such a way that it will effect our culture. We need it - it is on the way - the fires have been in several places already in the last few years - including Brownsville & Toranto - just wait. God also has polictial people in the wings he has been hiding & training - just like Daniel. Yes the enemy will still be there - but their is great hope in God - we just need to keep our eyes on Jesus.

 

[Brain Damage]

for she says in her heart, "I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'


Compare :



Isaiah 54

5For your Maker is your husband,
The LORD of hosts is His name;

 

[marjoriemh]

Such wisdom! This is true. How can Bablyon be America --because it can not be said of America 'and in her was found the blood of prophets and saints and of all who were slain on the earth.'
Jesus said His word is spirit -

 

[Brain Damage]

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you!

To what John says in Rev 18:21-24

"So shall Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and shall be found no more... 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of ALL who have been slain on earth."

 

[Homie]

Babylon is already fallen. Do you see a Babylon on your map, exactly!

 

[Wolseley]

Well, if nothing else, this thread clearly demonstrates that while Scripture might be divinely inspired, interpretations are ten cents for a dozen, and all of them conflicting.

I wonder which one is correct?

 

[Terri]

Originally posted by Wolseley
Well, if nothing else, this thread clearly demonstrates that while Scripture might be divinely inspired, interpretations are ten cents for a dozen, and all of them conflicting.

I wonder which one is correct?

&nbsp;

I will take your opinion and my dime and buy a dozen interpretations.

 

[JesusServant]

Originally posted by Homie
Babylon is already fallen. Do you see a Babylon on your map, exactly!

Actually there is a babylon once again in Iraq, sadaam had it rebuilt.

 

[Messenger1]

Originally posted by Wolseley
Well, if nothing else, this thread clearly demonstrates that while Scripture might be divinely inspired, interpretations are ten cents for a dozen, and all of them conflicting.

I wonder which one is correct?

The one which can be supported by the scriptures is correct. Yes, I know everyone says their interpretation is (as did those in Jesus day) but the fact is, only the truth is really supported. In other words, the fact that the Scribes and Pharisees quoted scripture didn't mean they had support for their views, it in fact was a witness against their form of interpretation. As Christ in fact demonstrated. They (like so many Today) were caught up in private interpretations and the traditions of their assemblies, instead of searching the scriptures for the "real" truth.

Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

But there are those whom God calls who will in fact swearh the scriptures that they do not privately interpret God's Word, and these are those who by the Spirit will not be deceived by private interpretations, traditions, politics, dreams, humanistic reasonings, and fanciful prognostications. I prefer to call these the Berean-like who have a true love for God that they will search the scriptures.

Ac 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The fall of babylon I believe is clearly not speaking of a literal city anymore than the great Harlot called babylon is speaking of a literal harlot, or her kings committing fornication with her literal men with a literal woman. We must search the scriptures, or be deceived.

If the woman called Babylon in Revelation 17 is not a literal Woman, and Revelation a book replete with obvious symbolism, it is not difficult to understand that she is "Spiritually" called babylon. Just as Revelation chapter 11 speaks of that city "Spiritually" Called Egypt and Sodom. God is not interested in literal cities here. Something to Think about.

 

[Terri]

Messenger1 Wolseley was just trying to get a jab in at we who believe in the rapture.

I don't think he even believes in the Rapture since he is Catholic.&nbsp;

 

[Wolseley]

Actually, I do. I merely believe it will occur simultaneously with the return of Jesus.

 

[Terri]

Originally posted by Wolseley
Actually, I do. I merely believe it will occur simultaneously with the return of Jesus.

&nbsp;

I don't believe the yo-yo theory: going up just to turn around and come back down could be considered a rapture!&nbsp;

 

[Brain Damage]

Quote Messenger 1 - If the woman called Babylon in Revelation 17 is not a literal Woman, and Revelation a book replete with obvious symbolism, it is not difficult to understand that she is "Spiritually" called babylon. Just as Revelation chapter 11 speaks of that city "Spiritually" Called Egypt and Sodom. God is not interested in literal cities here. Something to Think about.




The Witnesses Killed
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our[1] Lord was crucified. 9Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow[2] their dead bodies to be put into graves.


"Where also our lord was crucified". I just "had" to get that one in&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 

[Messenger1]

Originally posted by Brain Damage
for she says in her heart, "I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'
Compare :
Isaiah 54
5For your Maker is your husband,
The LORD of hosts is His name;

Sounds very much like Jerusalem who believes that she shall never be in the condition of a widow. That is, without Husband. She says in her heart is an illustration of her estimate of herself. And her declaring that she sits a queen, indicative of her belief in ruling (albeit, ilegally) and her pride.
But she shall be in a state of sorrow and mourning, and all her delusions of security and her self-confidence will be brought to nothing as she falls. All because the Children of God has turned against him and become "Spiritually" as babylon. And thus they shall fall. As the example recorded in Isaiah.

Isa 3:8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.