The Christ in Prophecy Journal

The Wretched Reprobate of Revelation

Wretched Reprobate

An angel in Revelation 17 introduces us to one of the most bizarre characters in all the Bible. He approaches the Apostle John and bids, “Come, I will show you…the Great Prostitute.”

As to her physical appearance, the Great Prostitute is described as having a tattoo across her forehead that reads: “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth.” The woman is draped in purple and riches. She holds a golden cup in her hand filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.

As for her actions, she commits adultery with the kings of the earth while the inhabitants are intoxicated by the wine of her adulteries. She rides upon a seven-headed, ten-horned, scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names and which sits on many waters. She gets drunk on the blood of the Saints of Christ.

Questions Raised by the Imagery

In Revelation 18 another Babylon is introduced, called “Babylon the Great.” Is this the same Babylon as the one pictured in Revelation 17?

If so, her demise is violently assured. God will not allow her to thrive for long, “For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (v. 5). “Therefore her plagues will come in one day — death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire…” (v. 8). This sudden fall of Babylon is met by the wailing of the nations who have become rich on her excesses.

Three questions come to mind after encountering this wretched reprobate of Revelation:

  1. Is she representative of the United States?
  2. If not, then who or what exactly is this “Mystery Babylon” of Revelation 17?
  3. And, is she different than the “Babylon the Great” described in Revelation 18?

A Political System

Because Revelation 17:18 defines Babylon as, “that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth,” we’ll first approach Babylon as a political entity.

United States — The United States today is the world’s richest nation, the foremost military power, a major importer of fine goods and services, and a major exporter of debauchery. The modern-day Tower of Babel — the United Nations — is headquartered in New York City.

But, is the United States actively killing Christians? Is it truly the most demonic nation in existence? Does the U.S. rule over the “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues” of the world? In all these cases, the answer is no.

In context, the book of Revelation places the era of Babylon in the future seven-year Tribulation. The kingdom that will rule the world at that time is under the Antichrist, not the President. The Bible says it will be a global kingdom based in Europe, and that all the nations of the world, including the United States, will be merely vassals. Even now, America’s might and influence are waning. Therefore, the United States could not be Babylon.

Rome — If not the United States, some look to the European Union as Babylon. Daniel 9:26-27 reveals that the Antichrist will rise from a Revived Roman Empire.

Revelation 17 explains that while the Antichrist and his ten kings will severely persecute the Saints (v14), they will hate the Great Prostitute which rides them, and they will participate in her destruction (vv16-17). The European Union which births the Antichrist’s political system cannot also be the Great Prostitute because he kills her.

Babylon — Some point to Babylon as the seat of the Antichrist’s kingdom located in a newly constructed city of Babylon in Iraq. The city, though, was cursed by God, never to be rebuilt (Isaiah 13:20). In fulfillment of this prophecy, Babylon was conquered by the Medes and then became nothing but “mounds and stones and ruins.” Even Saddam Hussein was unable to rebuild it into more than a paltry tourist spot.

A Religious System

Because women are often used in the Scriptures to symbolize religious systems, let’s approach Mystery Babylon as a religious system.

Islam — Islam is a religious system that has caused the bloody martyrdom of countless Christians over its 1,400 years. It dominates the daily news stories. But, by the time of the Tribulation, Islam will most assuredly be wiped out. Islamic wars against Israel as foretold in Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39 will bring about the demise of Islam as a power by the onset of the Tribulation.

Apostate Church — Rome is more than just a political entity that births the Antichrist, for it also houses the seat of Roman Catholic papal authority reaching across the world. In its history, the apostate Roman Catholic Church has the blood of countless Protestant believers and the victims of crusaders and inquisitors on its hands.

After the Rapture, the remaining heretical structure will continue to exist along with other apostate Christian denominations. The Catholic Church after the Rapture is the best candidate for Mystery Babylon, uniting all faiths under the banner of a one-world, ecumenical religion.

Two Babylons

The Apostate Church, with the Pope possibly at its head, will lead the world at the onset of the Tribulation into a humanistic, one-world religion. For 3½ years the religions of the world will hold hands and preach Universalism. This is Mystery Babylon, the source of the world’s cultic spiritual evil which will hold a dominant presence during the first half of the Tribulation.

#Pope will lead the world in the #Tribulation into a humanistic, one-world #religion. Click To Tweet

Once Satan possesses the Antichrist by the midpoint of the Tribulation, whatever flavor of humanistic self-worship the people adhere to will be silenced. The Antichrist and False Prophet will murder the Great Prostitute of human-willed spiritual harlotry and the institution in which she is enshrouded (Revelation 17:16). Only one religion will be allowed by the Antichrist’s demonic master to exist during the remaining 3½ years of the Tribulation, and that will be the worship of Satan through the Antichrist.

Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17, the one-world apostate church, will be destroyed to make way for Babylon the Great of Revelation 18, the one-world empire of the Antichrist. At that point, the Antichrist’s empire will finally encompass both religious and political Babylon.

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Dr. Nathan E. Jones

As the Internet Evangelist at Lamb & Lion Ministries, Nathan reaches out to the over 4.5 billion people accessible over the Internet with the Good News of Jesus Christ. He also co-hosts the ministry's television program Christ in Prophecy and podcast The Truth Will Set You Free.

30 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • Nothing to discuss I agree 100% with your analysis of the scriptures. You have done an outstanding job clarifying the scriptures about the whore.

  • IF we’re still here when voting day comes (!), I will not enter the booth without having much time in prayer first. Trump ultimately showed his true colors to me when he made fun of a handicapped reporter; when I saw that, I thought, “What a nasty piece of work he is!” And I could NEVER vote for Hillary “what difference does it make???” Clinton, so I am in a quandry this year for certain. A conservative friend who also doesn’t like but will vote for Trump in an attempt to keep Clinton from winning, justifies it by saying that at least Trump won’t fill the Supreme Court with Far Leftists. But in my heart right now I’m thinking this year’s election would be like if the world had had a choice between Stalin and Hitler, who would you in clear conscience vote for? After all, ultimately we Christians are going to be held accountable to GOD and that puts a different perspective on things for me. If I have to write in Huckabee or someone else, that will be between the Lord and me. After all, GOD is ultimately the One Who puts rulers in their place. I will do my civic duty and vote my convictions; the outcome is in HIS Hands.

    • I agree completely Linda! My family and I were just discussing what to do and all of us felt our consciences wouldn’t allow us to vote for Trump simply to keep Hilary from winning. Ultimately, our nation and its course is in God’s hands and the outcome He brings about will work perfectly into His plans for America. In the meantime, we are praying for mercy and I really liked the suggestion of writing in another candidate on the ballot. There are still a few months and nothing is impossible for God – I’m curious to see how everything plays out. God bless!

      • I agree with the disgust of both candidates personally, but sadly we do no live in a parliamentary system, (Thank Goodness), a write in is one less vote for the alternative to Hillary. We did that with Ross Perot, couldn’t stand Bill and couldn’t stand George the First, well that got us Bill. …. I look at it this way, and I can not see this in any other fashion. Trump says out in the open very stupid things. Hillary says very stupid things mostly in private, but her hatred for the Constitution is so vile that the very thought of her having control over a Supreme Court for 8 years that will totally destroy our way of life is not an alternative to Trump that I can entertain. Hillary hates our right to self preservation, ref: the death of the Second Amendment under a Hillary Presidency, she hates the military as evidenced by her lack of action in Benghazi. Her hatred of women as evidenced by her enabling Slick Willy during his reign of debauchery during the 90’s. I look at Trump, brash and loud, but he has an apparent stable loving marriage, that sure is not the Clintons, his children are producers, Chelsea is living off the influence of her parents. Move to the positions of each, balance the likes and dislikes. If you like Hillary more vote for her, but if you don’t your true choice is only voting against Hillary, for voting for a write in is a vote for Hillary. Think if through and please don ‘t stay home, make your vote, either way, count. Please don’t throw it away to many people have died for your right to make your vote count.

    • Well said. So true in what you say here. All this just reveals how far down the slope this country has slid in finding ourselves stuck in such muck — the mire — that we don’t, really, have any options. A shame. As Dr. Reagan himself has said on many a occasion I am certain, “America is begging for destruction!” However, in the link below, there is a brief write up that hits home rather hard on this reality/truth but encouraging, nevertheless, in how we, as believers, still ought to respond:

      http://raygano.com/we-are-not-electing-a-pastor/

      — Eric

  • Your view of this important (all scripture is important) portion of scripture is right on target it seems to me. Thank you brother.

  • So amazing. We have this mind blowing book written thousands of years ago with prophecies that are unfolding with great detail yet man in his great “wisdom” considers it a book of fairy tales designed to control “mindless” people. Darkness and hatred multiplies! But yet, what do you expect? It is also part of the prophecy.
    Thank you for yet another stellar and insightful analysis!

  • Nate, this is my understanding of these two chapters as well. Linda, you too are correct. I remind Christians that we will give an account to God as to our vote. The lesser of two evils is still evil. Having said that it is also true that the Lord has always used ungodly men to accomplish his plans. Pharaoh, Nebuchednezzar, Darius, Cyrus, Herod, Caesar, Constantine, Hitler, Obama just to name a few. All used for blessings and cursing. We are under judgement. We know Jezebel has a long line of mysterious murder/suicidal deaths associated with her, plus her horrific time at the State Dept All we seem to have on Trump is he doesn’t speak like a saint (doesn’t claim to be one) and he owned casinos in his YUGE portfolio.. He may fiscally save the country but not spiritually nor morally. If a nation will humble itself…says the Lord. No repentance in sight folks

    • Kim you are correct. to vote for “the lesser of 2 evils” is a worldly view not Biblical. “Choose this day whom you will serve” I choose to serve God, trust him n honor him by not voting at this election. I am confident that his mercy is with the faithful n overcomers even when he must exercise his justice. My heart is grieved by how some believers have compromised Biblical civil responsibility
      with political expediency, but I also have peace for I know God is in control

  • James here.

    Great article about the end times, keep up the good work and may God bless you and yours.

  • Finally the Pope and the Catholic Church are mentioned as a possible player in the end times. So tired of evangelicals afraid to mention the Catholic Church as part of the demonic system for fear they will offend Catholics. We need to speak up, their souls are at stake. Also tired of the excuse that there are born again Catholics in the church because they want to be a “witness”. Give me a break. Why not join the Mormons then and be a witness to them. The Deceiver is at work and is manipulating those who fear making the step to get out of Catholicism. Thank you Lamb and Lion for taking a stand…

  • I’m Canadian; and firstly a believer, and a dispensational fundamentalist, if that counts. We
    here were, I believe, in a “reprieve” for the 10 years with Harper as Prime Minister. Now he is
    gone, and our “joyride” is just beginning; and what a ride down the inclined plane it will be. He
    by all indications will spend like crazy, giving more and more to more and more short-changed people. Nobody remembers that the govt. that can give us “everything” can also take it all away. (they Do have ways). I would vote for Trump within a heartbeat. Of course he’s a worldly deluded guy—but what kind of a leader do you all expect?????

  • This is interesting. I can’t think of any other viable candidate for the whore than the Roman Catholic church – especially with the great increase in a plea for unity coming from the pope. My advice as a Christian who is on the narrow way eagerly awaiting the return of Christ? Pray for discernment and that you will be counted worthy to escape the things that are coming on this world. Maranatha.

    • I agree and that is why when Christians are raptured and some left behind will mention it was the rapture Christians talked about the pope will get on national TV and tell everyone if it was the rapture I would not be here and other well Known so called Christians (prosperity preachers) will say the same thing and how many will believe them to their everlasting regret.

  • I am inclined to agree. It may be that Islam is merely a bogeyman whose destruction will lend power and legitimacy to whatever arises in its place.

  • You may be correct but I think a more likely candidate would be the whole world financial, economic and political system. This would include the world banking system and its elites. Thus the new world order. We are all aware that history is full of individuals, leader and countries with their drunkenness of riches and lust for power have committed great atrocities and abominations. Today the power and riches of these elites is staggering as they diabolically bring about a one world political and religious system.

  • Your Right On About This. The Antichrist is waiting for All To Be set Up and It Is happening In front of our very Eyes! Bold and evil! But as I move On I know were I am going And I know who I am. And I can Have Great Confidence Like Never before, As I Look beyond The Evil I See The Lord Jesus Blowing The Trumpet and saying To Me Let Us Go On To The Next Place. For It Is Time For Me To Show You The Place I have for You.

  • This lesson article explained the 17th and 18th chapters of Revelations clearly. Thank you for doing that. Could you explain the scripture text you mentioned in Daniel 9:26,27. I really love Dr. Reagan’s and your ministry, GOD bless you.

    • Thank you for those encouraging words, Becky! So good to hear Lamb & Lion Ministries has been a blessing to you.

      Daniel 9:26-27 reveals that the Antichrist’s origins will hail from the people who destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, which ended up being the Romans in 70 AD. Therefore, it’s very likely the Antichrist will arise from the European Union.

      • If this is true, Nathan, about the Catholic Church being associated with the end times in such a horrible way, then why on earth do almost all “Christian” churches celebrate Christmas and Easter? My research shows these holidays were created by the early Catholic Church and full of twisted and pagan symbolism. When I discovered God’s holy days in the Old Testament, I could believe it! Those are the holy days we should be celebrating as they are mandated by God and tell the story of Christ. I feel like the whole world has been deceived already!

  • We have BO because Christians did not vote for Romney. If we stay home this time we will have Hillary. God is large and He is in charge! Pray before the election we may have Biden😎

  • I just read an article”the Clinton Body Count” and it’s amazing that people will still vote for her when she should be in prison. I don’t like the Donald but I think he’s a better person and really does love our country. So I will vote for him over her any day. In any case God holds us all accountable because we are to pray for those in leadership. If we don’t we sometimes get what we don’t ask for! So please remember to keep these elections in prayer that He will raise up the right people to lead our country!

  • Thank you Nathan for this explanation. And I think we should watch Mecca as well as other Saudi cities as Babylon at one time was encompassed in the Saudi territory. Isn’t it still possible that antichrist could be a Sunni Muslim?

    • Prophetically, I don’t see how Islam can survive being gutted at it’s core population by the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog Battle. I anticipate that that battle, which will most likely occur close to the beginning of the Tribulation (see this article), will give the non-Muslim world the impetus it needs to push back against Islam and Russia, with the Antichrist spending most of the beginning of the Tribulation destroying what’s left of the Muslim world (Second Seal) and seizing its oil-rich land.

  • There is no rapture its a made up story backed by out of context scripture. You will have to stand for Christ or be killed by Antichrist. If Got didn’t swoop down and save the apostles from the terrible torment they died from what makes you think he will fly you away. Read 2 Thessalonians.

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