WHO IS BABYLON/HARLOT IN REVELATION?

[ewq1938]

In keeping with what you stated about “Satan’s kingdom,” Jesus told the Pharisees that their father was Satan. Where did the Pharisees “rule?” Jerusalem. It was being ruled by (according to Jesus’ accusation) the children of Satan, doing Satan’s work... deceiving the people, killing the prophets (including Jesus), and living in luxury.

And Babylon at that time was a different city not ruled by the Pharisees.

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

There are some similarities and perhaps Jerusalem is a shadow of Babylon to come but ultimately when Babylon is in power, she is a symbolic city ruling over the whole world including Jerusalem and all literal cities.

I think you see more than you thought you saw regarding the similarities between Jerusalem and Babylon... is Jerusalem a shadow of Babylon or is Babylon a shadow of Jerusalem?(rhetorically asked, just food for thought.)

I appreciate your interpretations on Babylon, I thought the same for decades, but finding so many “similarities “ in numerous OT books, I couldn’t help but to realize it just can’t be a coincidence that most(all?) of the descriptions in Revelation about Babylon are said of Jerusalem/Israel/God’s chosen.

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

And Babylon at that time was a different city not ruled by the Pharisees.

I don’t think God sees Jerusalem at any one period of time, but of all eras where she strayed and prostituted herself.

 

[ewq1938]

I think you see more than you thought you saw regarding the similarities between Jerusalem and Babylon... is Jerusalem a shadow of Babylon or is Babylon a shadow of Jerusalem?(rhetorically asked, just food for thought.)

I appreciate your interpretations on Babylon, I thought the same for decades, but finding so many “similarities “ in numerous OT books, I couldn’t help but to realize it just can’t be a coincidence that most(all?) of the descriptions in Revelation about Babylon are said of Jerusalem/Israel/God’s chosen.

The differences are what proves they are two different things. One is a literal city that is part of the larger non-literal city. One is not destroyed forever, while the other is destroyed forever. At best Jerusalem was a shadow of the future Babylon but while Jerusalem was a harlot, Babylon is the mother of all harlots which means not giving birth to many harlots but being the biggest harlot.

Definition of the mother of all
: —used to say that something is larger, better, worse, etc., than all other things of the same kind
It has been described as the mother of all construction projects.

 

[Arbown]

IMO, most people are right looking at both "jews" and churches, but are still only seeing the tree and not the forest.

IMO, we are rapidly approaching the fall of the harlot.

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

Babylon is the mother of all harlots which means not giving birth to many harlots but being the biggest harlot.

If you use modern etymology for “mother of all” that doesn’t trace back to the book of Revelation, then you can’t use it to define a spiritual symbol in a prophetic vision from God.

Prophetic visions do not follow 21st century vernacular. Mother simply means a matriarch here, not necessarily a woman who has given birth- remember, it’s a symbol. Jerusalem does have daughters, there are numerous references in the OT: “Daughters of Jerusalem,” Daughters of Zion...” You’ll find it interesting, if you study the numerous references, some of the “activities” the daughters of Jerusalem have been accused of by God.

 

[parousia70]

The Pope wears purple and scarlet:

View attachment 268712

As do the Espicopalians!

And the Eastern Orthodox:

and the Coptics:

And the Baptists -who dress in SUPER PURPLY-SCARLET!:

And the Presbyterians:

And the Methodists:

And the Pentecostals:

And don't forget the Lutherans!:

What's your point?
That it's perfectly fine for the Baptists and all other denom's to dress in scarlet and purple, but if the Pope (or any Catholic) does it, it means something sinister?

 

[parousia70]

Let the bible explain the symbols used in prophecy not your interpertation

Yes, Let's do that.

Let's let scripture interpret scripture for the real evidence you seek:

MYSTERY BABYLON
Rev. 18:24
And in her was found the blood of prophets...

JERUSALEM
Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee...

Luke 13:33
... for it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.


MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:22-23
...and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 25:10-11
Moreover I WILL TAKE FROM THEM the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that GREAT CITYBabylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

JERUSALEM
Revelation 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. [our Lord died in Jerusalem, of course]

MYSTERY BABYLON -- CLOTHED IN PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Revelation 17:4, 18:16
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication ... And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones...

PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Exodus 28:4-6, 17-20
they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister
unto me in the priest's office. And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with skillful work....And thou shalt taketwo onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel...Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings...

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 4:30
Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 3:1
but thou hast played THE HARLOT with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:3
and thou hadst a w-hore's forehead...

Ezekiel 16:35-36
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy ABOMINATIONS, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

JERUSALEM/APOSTATE ISRAEL
Luke 11:47
Woe unto you! ... Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: THAT THE BLOOD OF ALL THE PROPHETS, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, IT SHALL BE REQUIRED of this generation.

The cross references in Holy Scripture are so abundant as to leave us without any doubt who is Mystery Babylon -- JERUSALEM AND APOSTATE ISRAEL.

Jerusalem is the Great City in the book of Revelation (Rev 11:8). She is Babylon (1 Pet 5:12-13), the Harlot that rode on the Beast's back (her alliance with Ancient Rome) before the Beast turned on her and made her desolate and burned her with fire (Rev 17:16; Lk.21:20).

Earthly Jerusalem, by Divine right and calling, was the preeminent city among all nations. The Hebrew/Biblical understanding of Jerusalem is that she is the "Chief of the nations" (Jeremiah 31:7; Ez 5:5), the Queen city of the earth (Lam 1:1/Rev 18:7). She, by Divine right and covenant, was appointed as the head of all nations (Deut 26:19; Deut 15:6; Deut 28:1,10-13), and the gentile kings recognized God's dwelling was at Jerusalem with the Hebrews (1 Ki 10:24; Luke 11:31; Ezra 1:2; Dan 2:47, 3:28-29, 4:1-3, 4:17, 4:34-37; Ezra 1; Ezra 4-7; Ezra 7:15,23).

The Governor of all nations (Ps. 22:28) lived in Jerusalem in his House (Ez 7:15,23), and all the kingdom, power and might over earth was His (1 Chron 29:11-12). Indeed, all kings receive their power to rule from that Divine King (Rom 13:1-2,6; John 19:11; 1 Pet 2:13-14,17; Ez 1:2; Dan 1:1-2; Dan 2:20-21; Dan 2:37-38; Dan 2:47, Dan 3:28-29; Dan 4:1-3,17,34-37.).

Yet, Jerusalem was also famous for becoming The Harlot City -- an unfaithful spouse to her King (Isa 1:21; Jer 3:6-10; Ez 16:37-39). She had become "drunk with the blood of the saints" (Rev 17:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16) as Christ had prophesied she would (Mt 23:33-37; Lk 11:50-51).

Sadly, the "great city," Jerusalem (Rev 11:8), had fallen, and had become the habitation of demons and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (Rev 18:2). The Queen City Jerusalem (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1), which had been great among the nations (Lam 1:1), had become a widow (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1). And She, having become an unfaithful Harlot to God, was thus "burned with fire" (Rev 18:8/17:16) as her covenant law demanded for her (Lev 21:9). The blood of all the apostles and prophets who she famously killed (Matt 23:33-36; Matt 21:34-39; Lk 13:33; Acts 7:52; 1 Thess 2:15-16; Lk 11:47; Neh 9:26; 1 Ki 19:14) was avenged upon her (Matt 23:33-37; Rev 16:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16).

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

Babylon is the mother of all harlots which means not giving birth to many harlots but being the biggest harlot.

If you use modern etymology for “mother of all” that doesn’t trace back to the book of Revelation, then you can’t use it to define a spiritual symbol in a prophetic vision from God.

Prophetic visions do not follow 21st century vernacular. Mother simply means a matriarch.

Yes, Let's do that.

Let's let scripture interpret scripture for the real evidence you seek:

MYSTERY BABYLON
Rev. 18:24
And in her was found the blood of prophets...

JERUSALEM
Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee...

Luke 13:33
... for it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.


MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:22-23
...and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 25:10-11
Moreover I WILL TAKE FROM THEM the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that GREAT CITYBabylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

JERUSALEM
Revelation 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. [our Lord died in Jerusalem, of course]

MYSTERY BABYLON -- CLOTHED IN PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Revelation 17:4, 18:16
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication ... And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones...

PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Exodus 28:4-6, 17-20
they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister
unto me in the priest's office. And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with skillful work....And thou shalt taketwo onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel...Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings...

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 4:30
Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 3:1
but thou hast played THE HARLOT with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:3
and thou hadst a w-hore's forehead...

Ezekiel 16:35-36
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy ABOMINATIONS, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

JERUSALEM/APOSTATE ISRAEL
Luke 11:47
Woe unto you! ... Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: THAT THE BLOOD OF ALL THE PROPHETS, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, IT SHALL BE REQUIRED of this generation.

The cross references in Holy Scripture are so abundant as to leave us without any doubt who is Mystery Babylon -- JERUSALEM AND APOSTATE ISRAEL.

Jerusalem is the Great City in the book of Revelation (Rev 11:8). She is Babylon (1 Pet 5:12-13), the Harlot that rode on the Beast's back (her alliance with Ancient Rome) before the Beast turned on her and made her desolate and burned her with fire (Rev 17:16; Lk.21:20).

Earthly Jerusalem, by Divine right and calling, was the preeminent city among all nations. The Hebrew/Biblical understanding of Jerusalem is that she is the "Chief of the nations" (Jeremiah 31:7; Ez 5:5), the Queen city of the earth (Lam 1:1/Rev 18:7). She, by Divine right and covenant, was appointed as the head of all nations (Deut 26:19; Deut 15:6; Deut 28:1,10-13), and the gentile kings recognized God's dwelling was at Jerusalem with the Hebrews (1 Ki 10:24; Luke 11:31; Ezra 1:2; Dan 2:47, 3:28-29, 4:1-3, 4:17, 4:34-37; Ezra 1; Ezra 4-7; Ezra 7:15,23).

The Governor of all nations (Ps. 22:28) lived in Jerusalem in his House (Ez 7:15,23), and all the kingdom, power and might over earth was His (1 Chron 29:11-12). Indeed, all kings receive their power to rule from that Divine King (Rom 13:1-2,6; John 19:11; 1 Pet 2:13-14,17; Ez 1:2; Dan 1:1-2; Dan 2:20-21; Dan 2:37-38; Dan 2:47, Dan 3:28-29; Dan 4:1-3,17,34-37.).

Yet, Jerusalem was also famous for becoming The Harlot City -- an unfaithful spouse to her King (Isa 1:21; Jer 3:6-10; Ez 16:37-39). She had become "drunk with the blood of the saints" (Rev 17:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16) as Christ had prophesied she would (Mt 23:33-37; Lk 11:50-51).

Sadly, the "great city," Jerusalem (Rev 11:8), had fallen, and had become the habitation of demons and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (Rev 18:2). The Queen City Jerusalem (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1), which had been great among the nations (Lam 1:1), had become a widow (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1). And She, having become an unfaithful Harlot to God, was thus "burned with fire" (Rev 18:8/17:16) as her covenant law demanded for her (Lev 21:9). The blood of all the apostles and prophets who she famously killed (Matt 23:33-36; Matt 21:34-39; Lk 13:33; Acts 7:52; 1 Thess 2:15-16; Lk 11:47; Neh 9:26; 1 Ki 19:14) was avenged upon her (Matt 23:33-37; Rev 16:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16).

Amen!

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

In Revelation 17:5, the Harlot appears as “Babylon the Great.”

She is repeatedly called “The Great City.”

We then encounter the phrase “the great city” in

Revelation 11:8 “And their dead bodies will lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY which is mystically called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.”

Two things to consider.

1. There is only one city throughout the Bible which is referred to as Sodom and Egypt and guess which city IT IS NOT? IT IS NOT ROME.

But the Bible does refer metaphorically to on multiple occasions Jerusalem as Sodom and Egypt.

2. Notice the last 6 words of Revelation 11:8 “WHERE ALSO THEIR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED.”

Jesus was NOT crucified in Rome.

Jesus WAS crucified in Jerusalem.

Therefore, The Harlot, and Babylon can be none other than Jerusalem NOT Rome.

Revelation 18:24 says “In her (Babylon) was found the blood of prophets and saints.”

This same language appears in Revelation 16:6, 17:6, and 18:21 and 18:24. John is making the same statements as Jesus made in Luke 11:50-51.

Luke 11:50-51: “In order that the blood of all the prophets, she’d since the foundation of the world may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the house of God, yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation.”

Rome never killed an Old Testament prophet as per Revelation 18:24, but Jerusalem certainly did.

The New Testament shows over and over the Jewish persecution of the prophets (Matt. 23:29-37; Luke 6:23-26; Luke 11:47-50; Luke 13:34; Romans 11:3; 1Thessalonians 2:15; and Hebrews 11:32-38.)

The Harlot being drunk on the blood of the saints and prophets ONLY fits Jerusalem.

Last thing: Even the Harlot’s attire provides evidence of Jerusalem.

Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in "PURPLE AND SCARLET...”

Revelation 18:6 “Woe, woe, the great city clothed in fine linen and PURPLE and SCARLET...”

Notice the clothing of the Harlot is the exact clothing required of the priests who served in the Temple in Jerusalem (Exodus 28:4-5 and also verses 8-9.)

This attire of the harlot also matches the decor of the Temple (Exodus 26:1).

Lastly notice the harlot has headgear (Revelation 17:5)

And so did the High Priest who served in the Old Testament Temple (Exodus 28:36 -38).

The Harlot and Babylon again only fits Jerusalem and NOT ROME!


Most that identify Rome as Babylon do so because of the phrase “the city on 7 hills” and Rome certainly was known as the city on 7 hills, but what most don’t know or either forget is that Jerusalem was known first as the city on 7 hills.
1. The Mount of Olives
2. Mount Scopus
3. Mount of Corruption
4. Original Mount Zion/called Temple Mount
5. The New Mount Zion/called Western Hill
6. Mount Ophel
7. Antonia Fortress Hill

Amen!

 

[FredVB]

The differences are what proves they are two different things. One is a literal city that is part of the larger non-literal city. One is not destroyed forever, while the other is destroyed forever. At best Jerusalem was a shadow of the future Babylon but while Jerusalem was a harlot, Babylon is the mother of all harlots which means not giving birth to many harlots but being the biggest harlot.

If you use modern etymology for “mother of all” that doesn’t trace back to the book of Revelation, then you can’t use it to define a spiritual symbol in a prophetic vision from God.
Prophetic visions do not follow 21st century vernacular. Mother simply means a matriarch.
Amen!

If we want to see what Babylon the great in the book of Revelation is representing, we should give attention to where the description of it is given, which it is in chapter 18 of that book. The long list describing its involved trade of many things, and living beings, with wealth coming from that for many, can characterize a certain city, or another city, or in fact many cities. These things are in the collective history of the cities of civilization generally. All civilization came from violent processes with inhumanity among human people. Civilization is without God calling for it and has grown from pursuits of ambitious men while many were used and not benefiting much, or at all, from it, with involving all of these things listed. It has now grown so destructive in this world, contrary to God as civilization is not ever a godly society, as God shows this is what God utterly hates, Revelation 11:18. We should even come out, getting away from involvement with it (Revelation 18:4), to live with having much more of sustainable ways, according to what God meant for humanity since the Garden and the removal from it with curse from sin in the world which kept growing and still does, and with death, working with sweat and among thorns and other unpleasantness, but never with all those things listed in Revelation 18.

 

[FredVB]

I meant it will be to those that think it is a physical city. You dont need to look outside scripture. To say the truth unless God has revealed to you that Mystery Babylon is Jerusalem, you are a liar causing confusion.

In Ezekiel 28, there is a prophecy about the prince of tyre (the Antichrist, who has the audacity to sit in the seat of God, figuratively) and another prophecy about the king of tyre, a code name for Satan. Babylon the great is Satan's mystical kingdom, and the city in Revelation 18 mystical as well, not an actual city. But given the king of tyre code name for Satan, Revelation 18 the city of Babylon the great could be modeled on tyre, a great trading city.

Revelation 18 is likening Satan's kingdom to a great trading city, that had grown wealthly on immoral actions, that suddenly meets its demise.

Satan's kingdom is called Babylon the Great. It rules over the nations of the world. Revelation 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. There is no conventional city that meets that description, because it goes back to when Cain slew Abel.

In Ezekiel 28, referring to Satan...

Ezekiel 28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

In Revelation 12, Satan and his angels will be cast down to the earth from the second heaven. That is the fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation 18.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Revealtion 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

You guys are making something difficult out of something simple. It is talking about the end of Satan's kingdom, code named Babylon the Great.

To those thinking Babylon the Great is a physical city, they look to one specific city to fulfill the characteristics listed for it. But many cities show the characteristics listed in their history, and earlier all the big cities had such for the exploitation in their history. It makes more sense to see Babylon the Great, or Mystery Babylon, in the book of Revelation, is symbolic of more than one city. It would be even symbolic of all cities. All civilization was never called for, or promoted, by God. From the time of the tower of Babel it was pursued contrary to and in rebellion to God, and civilization in general was never godly society. Prophetically it is something for believers to come out from, they are called to that, and not just simply removed, it is up to them. What else are you, meaning believers generally, going to actively come out from? We know that civilization these days is destructive in this world, it can be seen with checking into it, it is what God hates, Revelation 11:18. That is what Satan has rule over.

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

To those thinking Babylon the Great is a physical city, they look to one specific city to fulfill the characteristics listed for it. But many cities show the characteristics listed in their history, and earlier all the big cities had such for the exploitation in their history. It makes more sense to see Babylon the Great, or Mystery Babylon, in the book of Revelation, is symbolic of more than one city. It would be even symbolic of all cities. All civilization was never called for, or promoted, by God. From the time of the tower of Babel it was pursued contrary to and in rebellion to God, and civilization in general was never godly society. Prophetically it is something for believers to come out from, they are called to that, and not just simply removed, it is up to them. What else are you, meaning believers generally, going to actively come out from? We know that civilization these days is destructive in this world, it can be seen with checking into it, it is what God hates, Revelation 11:18. That is what Satan has rule over.

I appreciate your perspective, and understand your explanation... however, the descriptions of the Great Harlot are not inconsistent with the OT descriptions of Jerusalem... and while Jerusalem IS a physical Coty, I believe you’re on the right path saying this isn’t about a single, physical city... it is about God’s chosen being involved in worldly activities- that’s how God describes His “wife” when He refers to her as committing adultery. He promises to punish her and then restore her and marry her. Thus we have following the punishment of the harlot the marriage of God and His Bride, made clean.
(If you happen not to believe Jesus is God, then you may have difficulty seeing the the bride of Christ is the same bride of God promised in the OT.)

 

[FredVB]

I appreciate your perspective, and understand your explanation... however, the descriptions of the Great Harlot are not inconsistent with the OT descriptions of Jerusalem... and while Jerusalem IS a physical Coty, I believe you’re on the right path saying this isn’t about a single, physical city... it is about God’s chosen being involved in worldly activities- that’s how God describes His “wife” when He refers to her as committing adultery. He promises to punish her and then restore her and marry her. Thus we have following the punishment of the harlot the marriage of God and His Bride, made clean.
(If you happen not to believe Jesus is God, then you may have difficulty seeing the the bride of Christ is the same bride of God promised in the OT.)

In the old testament of the Bible, Israel is properly depicted as the wife of Yahweh God, there isn't further meaning that was hidden. I don't say this with not believing in Jesus and who he is. My faith is shown with my information below my avatar, this and my signature could have been checked. The bride of Christ is a new concept for believers when the revelation of this came to the new church of believers who had come to Christ. There wasn't harlotry from them. The harlot depicted in Revelation for what is called Mystery Babylon and Babylon the great is guiilty with involvement with all that trade, and blood of many, typical of civilization, not simply a religious system of error.

 

[Eloy Craft]

Abel's blood is on her hands. Abel's blood was all the blood ever shed at that time. What city could that be?

 

[summerville]

Did you not read my post? I let the scripture identify the harlot. DONE!

Of course.. Scripture does identify the harlot as Jerusalem. When the OT prophets were scolding Israel for "whoring after false gods" they always called her "harlot".

 

[summerville]

I disagree

If the harlot is Jerusalem then who is the "mother of harlots"?
Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.

Babylon is the mother of harlots.. Martin Luther tried to reinterpret scripture to condemn Rome and the Pope.

 

[summerville]

Throughout the Bible a pure “woman” is a symbol of God’s true church while a harlot represents a corrupt church. Hosea 1:2; Ezekiel 16; 2 Corinthians 11:2.

Not a city

Hosea is also about Israel.

 

[summerville]

In the old testament of the Bible, Israel is properly depicted as the wife of Yahweh God, there isn't further meaning that was hidden.

I don't say this with not believing in Jesus and who he is. My faith is shown with my information below my avatar, this and my signature could have been checked.

The bride of Christ is a new concept for believers when the revelation of this came to the new church of believers who had come to Christ. There wasn't harlotry from them.

The harlot depicted in Revelation for what is called Mystery Babylon and Babylon the great is guilty with involvement with all that trade, and blood of many, typical of civilization, not simply a religious system of error.

How does the "bride of Christ" enter this conversation?

 

[Non-profit Prophet]

(Old) Jerusalem is God’s unfaithful wife; in the OT, God promises to first punish her, then restore her (cleanse her) and marry her. After her punishment (as Babylon), her sin is forgotten and God fulfills His promise to restore her and marry her.

in Revelation, you see her punishment, and following that, the marriage... she is God’s bride, the New Jerusalem.

Don’t let the doctrine of the “Church” being the “bride of Christ” cause confusion... God/Jesus has one bride, His people.