Mystery Babylon
Mystery Babylon, Part I
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets,…how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Luke:13:34
I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore…With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication….I saw a woman…And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT….[She was] drunken with the blood of the saints, and…of the martyrs of Jesus….[She] is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth [and is built on] seven hills [i.e., Rome]. Revelation:17:1-6,18
Jerusalem and Rome! How different and yet how similar are these ancient (and current) rivals for worldwide spiritual leadership! Both figured so largely in Christ’s crucifixion and the persecution of the early church. Both are destined by God also to play dominant roles in the final events prophesied in Scripture. Antichrist will rule the world from Rome’s fabled throne of the Caesars, revived as the seat of the new world order. This “Wicked [one]” (2 Thes:2:8) will be embraced by Israel as her Messiah (Jn:5:43) when he brings peace to the Middle East and allows the temple to be rebuilt. That the stage for these coming events is already set seemed apparent to the participants in last month’s video making tour of Israel and Rome. [Emphasis added]
The fate of Jerusalem has been inextricably intertwined with that of Rome ever since they joined in unholy alliance to reject and crucify the Lord of glory (Acts:2:23; 1 Cor:2:8). That uneasy partnership was shattered with Jerusalem’s destruction by Rome’s legions in A.D. 70, foretold both by Daniel (9:26) and Jesus (Mat:24:2). The Roman Empire must be revived, for one day its armies will belong to Daniel’s “prince that shall come”-i.e., Antichrist–and will seek to destroy Jerusalem again.
The woman in Revelation 17 can only be Rome/Vatican City. No other city built on seven hills wields such authority, exchanging ambassadors with nations . Nor does any other city claim to represent Christ, and thus no other could stand accused of spiritual fornication due to unholy alliances with earth’s rulers. Neither can any other city rival the blood of both Jews and Christians which pagan Rome and later the Vatican have shed. Thomas Hobbes perceptively said, “The Papacy is…the ghost of the deceased Roman Empire, sitting crowned upon the grave thereof.”
“In the midst of the [70th] week [seven-year tribulation]” (Dan:9:27), Antichrist will forbid further sacrifices, place his image in the temple and demand to be worshiped as God. Israel will object, bringing the armies of the entire world, under Antichrist, against her to effect a “final solution” to the Jewish problem. Accompanied by the saints of all ages in their resurrected and/or glorified bodies, Christ will intervene. Destroying Antichrist and his armies, Israel’s Messiah, at last recognized and accepted by her, will rule the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem.
Such prophecies remain hidden from Israel. The spiritual blindness of the vast majority in that land was both apparent and incomprehensible to those on our recent tour. How true is Christ’s sorrowful pronouncement: “this [rebellious (Ps:78:8), faithless and perverse (Mat:17:17), evil and adulterous (12:39, 16:4), etc.] generation [of vipers (12:34)] shall not pass, till all these things [i.e., all the prophesied signs] be fulfilled” (24:34). Only after all prophesied events have occurred (which must precede and foreshadow the Second Coming), and Christ comes visibly in power and glory to rescue her in the midst of Armageddon, will Israel at last believe (Zec:12:10). Then shall be fulfilled Christ’s words: “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Mat:10:22); and Paul’s: “all Israel [that have survived to the end] shall be saved” (Rom:11:26).
How astonishing it is that stubborn unbelief should persistently characterize the descendants of Abraham, the father of the faithful (Rom:4:11-16)!
“[B]lindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles…” (Rom:11:25). More than 30 percent of Israel’s Jews are atheists. Although that figure is high compared with many other countries (10 percent in the USA and Ireland, 20 percent in Italy), it is even higher among kibbutz dwellers. This communal lifestyle of Marxist origins breeds atheism. We were told by our host on a visit to a kibbutz in Galilee that out of 300 kibbutzim throughout Israel only about 15 were “religious,” atheism being the faith of all of the others, including his own.
Politely but pointedly, I asked how Israel could assert any better claim to that land than the Arabs, if God did not give it to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for “an everlasting possession” (Gen:17:8; 48:4; Ex 6:8; Joel:3:2). He had no answer. I then reminded him that Israel’s children study their history from the Bible, and asked how that Book could be 100 percent accurate when it comes to ancient names, places and events and yet 100 percent wrong about the God who its authors claim inspired their writings. Again no answer.
Interviews in the streets for the videos we shot revealed that most Israelis (including even some atheists) do expect the Messiah. Yet they have no biblical understanding of who He might be–or that the prophets said Messiah would be “cut off [killed]” (Isa:53:8; Dan:9:26, etc.) and thereafter Jerusalem and the temple destroyed (9:26)! When asked how they would recognize the Messiah, nearly all responded, “He will bring peace.” What a setup for Antichrist, of whom it is said, “By peace shall [he] destroy many” (Dan:8:25)! Sadly, the worst destruction in Israel’s history, “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer:30:7), lies ahead.
Evidence of the conquering Roman presence from Christ’s day and from Crusader times is found everywhere. Ancient ruins, neglected and even destroyed when the Arabs were in control, are being expertly restored by the Jews. A Roman presence of another nature continues in Israel to this day: the Catholicized “holy” places, where events in Jesus’ life and death allegedly took place. Rome’s presence is seen and felt also in the throngs of Catholic pilgrims who come for the indulgences and special favors from God which they’ve been taught attach to physical places and relics. One has the impression that this land is still theirs. After all, didn’t the Crusaders conquer it for Holy Mother Church?
Each holy place is marked (and marred) by the inevitable church constructed upon it. In these shrines, candles (purchase price depending upon size) burn continuously. Robed priests appear periodically at altars to repeat incantations unknown to Christ and the apostles. Reverently the faithful cross themselves and join in ceremonies believed to convey special grace because performed at a sacred site. Israel needs the money the pilgrims bring. Yet one senses an uneasy truce between Jews, who disown their own who believe in Him, and Catholics, who come to see where Jesus was crucified by Jews, forgetting the Vatican’s long persecution and slaughter of Jesus’ Jewish brethren.
The Christian church, after being granted recognition and freedom by Constantine, soon became the persecutor of all those who did not submit to its doctrines. Like Islam a few centuries later, Christianity was imposed upon the entire populace of Europe under the threat of torture and death. Christ told His disciples that whosoever would be the greatest must be the servant of all. Instead, the popes aspired to be masters of the world. Church and state joined in adulterous partnership to expand the “Holy Roman Empire” by enforcing conversion with the sword.
Persecution of Jews commenced in earnest after the popes, taking advantage of the power vacuum left when the empire fell to the barbarians, began to rule not just as ecclesiastical leaders of the church but as secular kings. Papal armies fought to expand “the Kingdom of God.” The Jews’ plight–in the name of Jesus the Jew– soon became far more grievous under the alleged Christian church than it had ever been at the hands of pagan rulers. In Vicars of Christ, Jesuit historian Peter de Rosa writes of those early days:
[Catholicism] will become the most persecuting faith the world has ever seen. They will persecute the race from which Peter–and Jesus–sprang…[and] order in Christ’s name all those who disagree with them to be tortured, and sometimes crucified over fire. They will make an alliance between throne and altar; they will insist that…the throne (the state) impose the Christian [Roman Catholic] religion on all its subjects.
A major target of conquest became “the Holy Land,” which had already been claimed by “Saint” Helena. Constantine was the father of the new Church and Helena was honored as its mother. Even before it was conferred upon Mary, the title “Mother of God” was given to Helena as the Emperor’s mother. (Every Roman emperor was worshiped as God.) This “mother of the church” journeyed to the Holy Land to buy relics and to build churches upon alleged sites of key events involving our Lord.
The Roman Catholic Church began to believe it had replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. That land, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, now belonged, for new and holier reasons, to “Christian” Rome, the new Zion. The pagan empire had become the Holy Roman Empire, the “Kingdom of God” on earth. The hope of its revival was the dream of all Europe during the Middle Ages–a goal which will be accomplished at last by Antichrist. The revived Roman Empire over which he will rule, with enthusiastic Vatican support as in the past, will encompass the entire world. [Emphasis added]
Without rancor we must face the facts concerning the Holy Roman Empire to understand what its revival will mean. Pagans had blamed every disaster upon Christians. Now the Church blamed all on the Jews. Accused of causing the Black Death, Jews were rounded up and hanged, burned and drowned by the thousands in revenge. Although now and then a pope sought to ameliorate their condition, there was no place for “Christ crucifiers” in God’s Holy Kingdom. More than 100 anti-Semitic documents were published by the Roman Catholic Church between the sixth and twentieth centuries. Anti-Semitism had become official Church doctrine. To this day, the Vatican has never conceded Israel’s right to exist and wants Jerusalem to be, not in Jewish hands, but under international control. [Emphasis added]
To raise an army for the First Crusade, Pope Urban II promised instant entrance into heaven without purgatory for all who fell in that great cause. The knights and knaves who responded with enthusiasm to that deceitful promise left a trail of plunder, mayhem, and murder on their way to Jerusalem, where they slaughtered all Arabs and Jews. One of their first acts after their triumphal entry into Jerusalem was to herd the Jews into the synagogue and set it ablaze. On their way to the Holy Land, the Crusaders gave the Jews the choice of baptism or death. De Rosa recounts:
In the year 1096 half of the Jews of Worms were slaughtered as the Crusaders passed through the town. The rest fled to the bishop’s residence for protection. He agreed to save them, on condition that they asked to be baptized. The Jews retired to consider their decision. When the doors of the audience chamber were opened, all 800 Jews inside were dead. Some were decapitated; fathers had killed their babes before turning their knives on their wives and themselves; a groom had slain his bride. The first century tragedy of Masada was repeated everywhere in Germany and, later, throughout France.
Sincere followers of Christ, too, were slain by the hundreds of thousands for attempting to follow the Bible instead of Rome. What these victims suffered from Holy Mother Church is a story sad beyond belief for both persecuted and persecutors. The Inquisitors were caught in a web from which there was no escape, for the papacy did indeed “reign over the kings of the earth.” No doubt many of the zealots who carried out papal decrees were sincere. The civil authorities, moreover, feared excommunication should they fail to fulfill the Inquisitors’ demands. The facts speak volumes.
Heretics (those who felt bound by conscience to follow God’s Word) were committed to the flames because the popes believed that the Bible forbade Christians to shed blood. Victims of the Inquisition exceeded by hundreds of thousands the number of Christians (and Jews) who had been martyred under pagan Roman emperors. Catholic apologists try in vain to absolve their Church of responsibility, arguing that the sentence of death was carried out by civil authorities. Yet this transference to the “secular arm” was required by the Church’s canon law, and at the tribunal where heretics were condemned the Inquisitor’s throne was higher than that of the magistrate. The prisoner was allowed to know neither the charge against him nor the identity of his accusers. No one was ever acquitted. Torture often made the pitiful victims willing to confess to anything. Will Durant reminds us of Pope Clement V’s rebuke of King Edward II’s leniency:
We hear that you forbid torture as contrary to the laws of your land. But no state law can override [the Church’s] canon law, our law. Therefore I command you at once to submit those men to torture.
The medieval Inquisition had flourished for centuries when, in 1542, Pope Paul III gave it permanent status as the first of Rome’s Sacred Congregations, the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Inquisition. Known more recently as the Holy Office, its name was changed in 1967 to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith–quite appropriate, inasmuch as public burnings were known as autos-da-fé, or acts of faith. The Office operates today from the Palace of the Inquisition adjacent to St. Peter’s. The Grand Inquisitor is Cardinal Ratzinger, who reports to Pope John Paul II. [Emphasis added]
Before he became Pope Paul IV in 1555, Inquisitor-General John Peter Carafa had converted a house at his own expense into a fully equipped torture chamber for eliciting confessions from the accused. He denounced any who tolerated heretics and declared, “If my own father were a heretic, I would personally gather the wood to burn him.” During his brief pontificate the population of Rome was decimated almost by half, with Jews the main victims. Under Paul IV, marriage between a Christian and a Jew was punishable by death. Hitler claimed only to be carrying out what the popes and Church councils had already decreed. [Emphasis added]
Paul IV forced Jews to sell their properties, confined them to ghettos, treated them as slaves and reduced them to the status of ragpickers. Pope Gregory XIII declared that the guilt of Jews in rejecting and crucifying Christ “only grows deeper with successive generations, entailing perpetual slavery.” Later popes, such as Benedict XIV, Pius VII, Leo XII, Pius VIII, Gregory XVI, Pius IX, et al., continued the persecution of Jews. Pope Pius XII knew very well that the Nazis were systematically exterminating Jews. Yet he never spoke a public word against the Holocaust, because to do so would have condemned his own Church. This silence, historians agree, encouraged Hitler and added to the unspeakable genocide.
Jerusalem has its Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) to keep ever before the world’s conscience the 6 million Jews killed by Hitler. By contrast, there is no memorial to the untold multitudes of both Jews and Christians murdered by Holy Mother Church and now forgotten. De Rosa reminds us that Pope John Paul II “knows the church was responsible for persecuting Jews, for the Inquisition, for slaughtering heretics by the thousands, for reintroducing torture into Europe as part of the judicial process. But he has to be careful [not to apologize]. The doctrines responsible for those terrible things still underpin his position .” (Emphasis added) The Vatican has never repented of these crimes against humanity and God. Of these indisputable facts many of today’s evangelical leaders seem willingly ignorant. TBC
source: http://www.thebereancall.org/content/mystery-babylon-part-i
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Mystery Babylon, Part II
By Hunt, Dave – Aug 1 1993
And in the days of these [ten] kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed….Daniel:2:44
After this I saw…a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible…and it had ten horns….And the ten horns…are ten kings….Daniel:7:7,24
And…behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns….Revelation:12:3
And I…saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns….Revelation:13:1
I saw a woman sit[ting] upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns….And the ten horns…are ten kings….Revelation:17:3, 12
Of all the prophecies in the Bible, Revelation 17 is the most astonishing. It culminates a series of visions of four world empires, the fourth to be revived in the “last days” and ruled by Antichrist through ten subordinate “kings”-a series of visions which began 600 years earlier in Daniel 2 with Nebuchadnezzar’s image. The image’s “head of gold” was the first world empire, the Babylonian; the “breast and arms of silver” pictured the succeeding Medo-Persian Empire; next was the Grecian represented by “belly and thighs of brass”; and finally the “legs of iron, and feet [with ten toes signifying ten kings] part of iron and part of clay” depicted the fourth world empire arising out of Rome.
Daniel’s prophecy (continued in Chapters 7-12) foretold accurate details of coming world empires which we can’t enumerate. Apropos of our subject, however, the image’s two legs foretold the Roman Empire’s division into East and West. And so it happened, first politically; centuries later, religiously. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy (which in July [1993] again gained control of religion in Russia) remain divided to this day. They will, however, be reunited as the core of Antichrist’s new world religion.
In a second vision, the four world empires were seen as beasts. The fourth had ten horns, representing, like the ten toes on the image, “ten kings” (Dan:7:24) yet to arise. The ancient Roman Empire was never ruled by a coalition of ten kings; yet so it must be when “the God of heaven sets up [his] kingdom.” Thus the Roman Empire must be revived in that form.
God’s millennial kingdom will not (as many are teaching) result from a gradual takeover of the world by the church but through a sudden catastrophic intervention by Christ from heaven. He is the stone “cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet…the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold [were] broken to pieces…and the stone…became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth” (2:34-35). Christ’s sudden intervention at Armageddon is also presented by Paul: “And then shall that Wicked [Antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall…destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thes:2:8-10). The same event is found in Zechariah 12-14, Revelation 19 and elsewhere.
The Bible ignores other empires, some of which have been larger than the four above. Why? They won’t be revived. For centuries the seat of world power was Egypt. There were great dynasties in China, Genghis Khan’s far-ranging Mongolian empire, and vast Mayan and Aztec kingdoms in Central and South America. The Arabs once controlled most of North Africa, the Middle East and much of Europe. These empires will not rise again. The United States has been the dominant industrial and military force for 50 years, but that dominance cannot continue. The prophecies are clear: the Roman Empire will be revived, with Antichrist’s seat in Western Europe and the world religion’s headquarters in Rome.
In addition to the revived Roman Empire, the ten-horned beast also depicts Satan (the “great red dragon”) and a satanically empowered man(Rev:13:4-8)
-the coming world ruler, or Antichrist. Yet it wasn’t so much the sight of this terrifying beast that took John’s breath away, but the woman who was riding him: “ MYSTERY, BABYLON .” Babylon is not a country but a city (certainly not the United States). Nor is it the city Saddam is rebuilding in Iraq, for that historic Babylon, in ruins for 2,300 years, obviously does not meet the five criteria. Nor are there two Babylons (a spiritual one and a commercial one) shown in Revelation 17 and 18. They are one and the same.
Babylon was built around the ruins of the Tower of Babel, which, we noted in June, represented the false religion of human effort in opposition to salvation by grace through faith in Christ. It was the satanically inspired attempt to establish man as his own God. Babel’s antichrist paganism remained as the unifying factor linking the four successive world empires. And so it must be revived with the Roman Empire.
Like Nimrod at Babel, the Caesars presided over the pagan priesthood and were worshiped as God. All who refused to bow down before the emperor’s image in recognition of his deity were slain–a practice which will be reestablished under Antichrist (Rev:13:8,14-15). Most astonishing of all, “Christianity” must merge with Babel’s antichrist paganism to form the new world religion! That insight was a major reason for John’s amazement. [Emphasis added]
That a gorgeously clad woman was holding the reins astride such a terrifying, world-devouring beast was incredible. The woman’s identity, however, staggered John far more. Beneath the erotic attire, flashy jewelry and impudent gaze there was a haunting familiarity. It couldn’t be! How had Christ’s chaste bride become this brazen whore? What alchemy had transformed that small, despised flock of humble followers of the Lamb into this notorious prostitute toasting Satan with the blood of the martyrs in a golden cup! How could the church, hated and persecuted by the world, as Christ had said she would be–how could she have become this Machiavellian despot that reigned over the kings of the earth? [Emphasis added]
History authenticates John’s vision. The blood of the martyrs was the seed of a heavenly minded church without earthly ambition, a church whose members, increased to about 10 percent of the Roman Empire, were oppressed by the world and periodically slaughtered. Then, in AD 313, freedom from persecution came unexpectedly and suddenly under Constantine. Unfortunately, what seemed like a gift from God was a trap laid by Satan. It set the stage for an apostasy that would last more than a millennium–and is now gathering renewed momentum.
When he gave Christianity official status alongside paganism, Constantine, as emperor and “Pontifex Maximus” over the pagan priesthood known as the Pontifical College, became the de facto head of the Christian Church. As such he invented and took the title “Vicar of Christ.” Coming from the Latin vicarius , vicar means “in the place of.” Its Greek equivalent is anti . Thus the popes’ title, “Vicar of Christ,” literally means “Antichrist”-the one who pretends to be Christ. [Emphasis added]
For centuries, Protestant creeds identified the popes as antichrists. That label surely applies to the paganized Christianity over which the popes have presided as Constantine’s successors. Succeeding him also as head of Rome’s Pontifical College, the popes retain to this day the related pagan title “Pontifex Maximus.” Undoubtedly, however, the Antichrist will be the new Constantine-head of the new world order-with the Roman pontiff his right-hand man. [Emphasis added]
Constantine, the first “Vicar of Christ,” did indeed prove to be an antichrist. Not a genuine Christian, he had no concern for doctrine but only for religious unity in his empire. The original ecumenist, he convened the first Ecumenical Council, the Council of Nicea, in AD 325, set the agenda and presided over it as Charlemagne would over the Council of Chalon 500 years later during his attempt to revive the Roman Empire. Though all such attempts failed, the popes gave the Empire continuity in religion and wielded supreme secular authority as well. Historian R. W. Southern reminds us, [Emphasis added]
…there was in Rome a single spiritual and temporal authority [the papacy] exercising powers which in the end exceeded those that had ever lain within the grasp of a Roman Emperor.
To John’s utter amazement, he saw that the church Christ had founded would metamorphose into “that city…on seven hills…that rules over the kings of the earth”! Picture, for example, the humbled emperor Henry IV waiting barefoot in the snows at Canossa to make his peace with Pope Gregory VII in 1077! As noted last month, no other city in the world except Vatican City “rules over kings” and meets the other four criteria which identify the woman in Revelation 17. In the July 3, 1992 National Catholic Reporter (NCR) a Catholic priest confesses, “The church…was subverted by the ambitions of such men as [Popes] Gregory VII, Innocent III and Boniface VII [and many others] into a politico-ecclesiastical institution wielding totalitarian power in both sacred and secular fields.” Historian Walter James elaborates:
The Papacy controlled the gateway to heaven which all the faithful, including their rulers, hoped earnestly to enter….[I]t gave the Popes a moral authority which has never been wielded since. A Pope like Innocent III held all Europe in his net….
If that seven-headed beast with ten horns, the revived Roman Empire, is to appear, then the “woman” must hold the reins once again. While the Roman Catholic Church, since the Reformation, saw its supreme power challenged, it has regained much. The Vatican is a sovereign state like any nation. It exchanges ambassadors with the world’s nations and participates in international politics. The NCR boasts, “No other church has such privileged access” to top political gatherings. [Emphasis added]
John Paul II has emerged as the world’s most respected and influential leader. Though papal power is not wielded as overtly as during the Middle Ages, yet the Pope still “rules over the kings of the earth.” Presidents Bush and Gorbachev consulted with the Pope at least once a week. President Reagan solicited the Pope’s help against communism. Using Poland as a base, agents of the Vatican worked with the CIA to bring down communism and the Berlin Wall. These amazing events, Gorbachev later confessed, could not have occurred without John Paul II.
Ecumenism is essential in creating a “Christianity” which embraces all religions. Psychology plays a major ecumenical role by providing common faith, language and ritual for everyone from atheists, cultists and occultists to Roman Catholics and evangelicals. Today the Reformation is seen as a semantic misunderstanding, its vital issues blurred or ignored. There is a growing cooperation between the National Association of Evangelicals and Roman Catholics, according to Jack White, NAE president. Even leading cult experts whitewash Rome’s heresies. Chuck Colson’s (like Billy Graham’s) embrace of Catholicism and acceptance of the Templeton Prize is one more shocking example of the growing ecumenism among evangelical leaders which is preparing the way for Antichrist. (See “Q&A” for further clarification.) Nor could a more apt pope than John Paul II have arrived upon the scene at this crucial hour. [Emphasis added]
The centuries-long involvement of Roman Catholicism in pagan/occultic practices has led naturally to its present marriage to the New Age. Rome has made it clear that the disciplining of New Age priest Matthew Fox is for failure to submit to the hierarchy but not for his horrendous heresies (“ News Alerts.” ) Fox continues as a priest with a huge following among Catholics. The involvement in Eastern mysticism of tens of thousands of priests, nuns, and laity is condoned by the Vatican.
We have documented the accelerating secular acceptance of New Age “spirituality” such as Nancy Reagan’s obsession with astrology and President Reagan’s submission to astrological guidance and his own superstitions. Matters have only gotten worse with the new administration. Bill and Hillary Clinton’s and Al Gore’s commitment to an amoral, humanistic and New Age agenda is well known. That all three claim to be “Christians” fits the fact that the world religion will be an antichrist “Christianity.”
Time magazine recently had a picture of Hillary Clinton with eyes closed, head reverently bowed, as a North American Indian shaman performed a ritual over her. Concluding a recent speech, Hillary declared, “Let us be willing to remold society by redefining what it means to be a human being in the twentieth century, moving into a new millennium.” Yes, the Clintons intend to “remold society” and to “redefine what it means to be a human being”!
Part of that remolding involves promoting ungodly lifestyles. The consequences are devastating and worsening. Raw statistics condemn the Clintons’ encouragement of homosexuality. The median age of death for married heterosexual men is nearly twice that of homosexuals: 75 compared with 39. Only 1 percent of homosexuals live beyond age 65. The average age of death for married women is 79 compared with 45 for lesbians ( Christian News, 1/13/92). Secular studies have demonstrated that living together before marriage increases the likelihood of divorce–exactly the opposite of what those who engage in “safe sex” imagine ( The Baptist Challenge, 10/92).
Our world is fast ripening for God’s judgment. Consider a simple comparison between the seven leading problems in “Christian” America’s schools in the 1940s and the 1990s. Fifty years ago the worst problems faced by teachers and administrators were 1) talking in class, 2) chewing gum, 3) making noise, 4) running in halls, 5) cutting in line, 6) dress code violations, 7) littering. Today they are 1) drug abuse, 2) alcohol abuse, 3) pregnancy, 4) suicide, 5) rape, 6) robbery, 7) assault. How revealing!
Everywhere youth is bombarded not only with evil but with persuasively presented antichrist philosophies. A recent TV series began with Indiana Jones as a boy in India going to the Theosophical Society to meet founder Annie Besant. There he was introduced to Jidhu Krishnamurti, the “chosen world leader”; he then was taken to various Hindu and Buddhist temples. Christianity was degraded and Jesus was put on the level of all other “religious leaders.” Behold an even more insidious effort by George Lucas to indoctrinate the West into shamanism than even the Star Wars series of films!
Christians face two dangers: 1) becoming so immunized to apostasy that it seems normal and no longer alarming; 2) becoming discouraged and deciding that there is no use in standing up to such overwhelming evil. Yes, the stage is set for Antichrist. He will take over the world. False “Christianity” will deceive billions. The Bible says so. We will not save the world or even America. But we can rescue countless individuals through prayer, godly example and the proclamation of the gospel. Let us do so! [Emphasis added] TBC
source: http://www.thebereancall.org/content/mystery-babylon-part-ii
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[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Matrion,
One other thing:
Mystery Babylon is referring to Babylonic religion which is a religion of mysticism, codes, symbolism and mysteries with hidden messages. When the people were spread globally after the dividing of tongues (at Babel) they spread this mystery religion whereever they went. It showed up in Babylon, Persia, Greece and then in Rome. Finally this mystery religion became “christianised” through the gnostics (followers of that religion).
Paul had to warn the (Jewish and gentile) church that the “mystery of iniquity” was ALREADY at work amongst them, 2 thes 2:7
Jerusalem nor Israel has EVER been likened to the Babylonic Mystery religion. Whereas, the Catholic Institution is DEFINITELY linked to “mystery religion” following “christianised” Babylonic pagan worship.
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Debs…a JWb..hahaha…NOOOOOOO way! (I’m not up on their theology, don’t know, or care, what they think about anything – to tell you the truth).
Carolyn…you said, “Babylon is Satan’s system of religion that rules the world’s economic and political spheres. Always has.”
However, Scripture says “she” is “that great city.” I would be able to see Rome/Vatican/Papacy as the “beast” system comprised of kings, etc., per Rev. 17.
John…you are correct about the references to Ninevah also being referred to as “the great city”, obviously there were several cities in Biblical times known to be “great”…
BUT…WHAT one “great city” is referred to THROUGHOUT the Book of Revelation?…esp. Rev. 11:7-8, speaking of the 2 witnesses (see full context from verse 1-14); “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.” I ask…WHAT CITY IS THAT?
You ask, “Please advise when Jerusalem was EVER responsible for “ALL THAT WERE SLAIN UPON THE EARTH” BTW…I didn’t say it…God did in the OT Scriptures posted above, and Jesus did in the NT Scriptures, also posted above, and it was repeated by the angel in Revelation, as well as the “great voice of much people n heaven” (Rev. 19:1-3).
It can be said, yes, that the Catholic church has fulfilled such a bloody bill as well, and couldn’t we also say those devoted to Islam…so then…IF SCRIPTURE identifies Jerusalem as the one from whence all this came, might we need to examine the origins of just such religions (I said everything for me is on the table to look into…please let us all look together and continue this discussion}.
Since, as the Spirit of God revealed to Ezekiel the idolatry and abominations in the temple at Jerusalem in Ezekiel chapter 8…
let’s not forget God’s repeated judgments against Jerusalem for her “whoredomes” and “idolatries” throughout all of her history…that He might bring her back in repentance…(I’ve been in the OT mostly for the past year, studying the history of “Israel”, her judgments and her rebellion – sometimes she repented…sometimes not, and the resulting judgment upon Jerusalem and many of her cities.)
we need to recall where that “sun worship” came from…their captivity initially in Egypt, reinforced in Babylon…(the great “mystery” is that Babylon would be present in the temple of the Lord!) In fact, the Word of God tells us that this worship of the false gods by the people of God began in the wilderness, after God’s great deliverance of them from Egypt. This can be found in Acts 7:34-53…please read).
Move ahead centuries…Jesus came, fulfilling the prophecies of the promised Messiah…the religious leaders rejected Him, inciting the masses (except for the disciples) to call for His death. Who did Jesus say these Pharisees were, and what did He say to them? “Ye SERPENTS, ye generation of VIPERS, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matt. 23:33) “YE are of your FATHER the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a MURDERER from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a LIAR and the father of it.” (John 8:44) (caps mine)
Afterward, came the persecution of the Christians starting with the death of Stephen. In the early church, Paul taught that…”And that because of FALSE BRETHREN unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us INTO BONDAGE:” (Gal. 2:4)
Who might these “false brethren” be? Jesus said to the angel of the church in Smyrna, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which SAY THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, but are the SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN.” (Rev. 2:9) (caps mine)…and He said to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, “Behold, I will make them of the SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN, which SAY THEY ARE JEWS, and ARE NOT, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” (Rev. 3:9)…remember the vision of Ezekiel 8…the goings on in the temple…WOW…take a good look at Ezek. 22:17-31…in fact, a reading of the Book of Ezekiel is well worth it!
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: BUT HE IS A JEW, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and NOT in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:28-29) (caps mine). The synagogue of Satan was comprised of the unbelieving Jews.
These are the ones which the Apostle Paul warned, “For I know this, that after my departing shall GRIEVOUS WOLVES enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your OWN SELVES shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore WATCH, and REMEMBER, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:29-31) The “ravening wolves” are also mentioned in the Ezek. 22:17-31 passage above, as well.
Did not these false brethren, grievous wolves try to bring their pagan, idolatrous ways into the true church of God?…BUT those who KNEW the Word – the truth – rejected them…BUT…what of those who accepted this “paganized ‘christianity'” or should we say “christianized ‘paganism'”? (I don’t know) We can see the results in the Roman Catholic Church and all the other falsely called ‘christian” sects and cults; i.e. Christmas/Easter, just to name a few! THESE are the daughters of the “harlot.” However, I believe out of this infiltration, in order that Christianity might be destroyed, at the least, corrupted…the RCC “system” is the beast that arose from this…it being a socio/political/religious “system,”(a kingdom diverse, different from the rest, told of in Daniel…a kingdom not just political). However, this is my thinking, which could be wrong, and as you can see, I have no Scripture to support the RCC being the “beast” or the “anti-christ.” It does appear to be so, but NOT the “harlot”…the identity of the harlot is clearly supported by Scripture, as I have laid out.
SO THEN…might it be understood, that the roots of all the false systems that have spread out and about Christianity are JERUSALEM?…Old Testament and New Testament,as the prophets and Jesus have said?
Again, this is not “special revelation” in any way. When I asked God, in humility to show me what lies I have believed and to show me the truth, acknowledging that I (as all) am vulnerable to deception, because He has warned us so…it was through the study of the Word of God…HE opened up His word to me, and showed me much (and continues…as there is MUCH deception in the churches)…this is not “special revelation”…this is called “answers to prayers.”
STILL PRAYING!!
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion
Actually the Vatican is a sovereign country and the Pope is actually considered the King.
As John said,
You said,
Yes and lets NOT forget that God gave mercy to His people right after that for repenting! You quote verses to show us how bad Jerusalem has been, but you fail to show us the verses where God grants mercy and forgiveness to them.
The last 2000+ years Jerusalem has NOT been a killing people, and Jerusalem WILL NOT BE killing Jews and Saints during the Tribulation! HOWEVER the Babylonian religion that the Pharisees followed that flowed into the Roman Catholic Religion is what we are dealing with and HAS BEEN, murdering Jews and Christians for hundreds of years and will again during the Tribulation.
You need to understand that the Roman Catholic church did not just pop out of thin air, it was crafted and orchestrated as a MYSTERY religion to COMBAT Christianity. Roman Catholic roots stems from the same Babylonian religion that Israel was condemned for by God because they too started to follow after strange Babylonian god’s and goddesses. The Queen of Heaven is the same Mary in the RC church.
It is not Jerusalem that is the city that is the problem, it is the Vatican – the CITY that is in DIRECT OPPOSITION to God and Jesus Christ His Son and the Saints and the Jews.
The one who has 2 billion followers and not counting all these so called other APOSTATE Christian churches out there, and the VATICAN is DEAD SET against JERUSALEM and wishes they could wipe it off the face of the planet. The Vatican hates Jews and born again Christians alike.
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion,
I knew you would bring up the verse that states “Sodom and Egypt”. I had my reply waiting.
Remember Jesus said “when you do these things to the least of my servants, you do it UNTO ME”. Where were MOST of the apostles killed and MOST of the infant church martyred? Was it Jerusalem or Rome? Paul said in Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”
Paul is saying that his death would be similar to the death of Jesus because he had become so united in fellowship with Jesus that (in a sense) Jesus died with him in Rome.
The book of Revelation states that Egypt and Sodom was a “figurative” place. It represented cities/countries that opposed God’s purposes. Jerusalem partially opposed their messiah – especially the Jewish leadership (thousands upon thousands of Jews, didn’t,though). Rome reached a point where in its ENTIRETY it sought to destroy all believers. Jesus called the church His body and effectively those who destroy the body of Christ (believers) are actually seeking to destroy Him.
So, Jesus effectively died in Rome through His people who were dying because Jesus suffered for ALL time (past, present and future) on the cross and for ALL time has suffered in ALL things like us. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” Hebrews 4:15
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion,
You stated that the OT and Revelation mentioned that Jerusalem was responsible for the deaths of saints globally. Actually, reading the verses you quoted there is NO verses from the OT making that statement. What you quote above is actually ASSUMING that it is referring to Jerusalem. Please show CLEAR verses which specifically state that Jerusalem was responsible for the deaths of prophets and saints OUTSIDE Israel. The ones you have quoted DO NOT say those things. In the verses from Revelation it says that the “whore” is responsible. You have ONLY implied it is Jerusalem, but you do not have any HARD FACTS. The verses in Revelation DOES NOT state who the whore is.
Agreed that Jerusalem was called a whore in the OT but it doesn’t follow that the “whore” ALWAYS means Jerusalem. What about Hosea who was told to marry a whore which was a picture of how the Lord would accept Israel (Jerusalem) a whore back to Himself by overlooking all its past sins. Please read the whole of chapter 1 of Hosea.
Notice these words especially:
“Yet the number of the children of Israel
Shall be as the sand of the sea,
Which cannot be measured or numbered.
And it shall come to pass
In the place where it was said to them,
‘You are not My people,’[d]
There it shall be said to them,
‘You are sons of the living God.’
11 Then the children of Judah and the children of Israel
Shall be gathered together,
And appoint for themselves one head;
And they shall come up out of the land,
For great will be the day of Jezreel! “
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Debs…the swiftness of your response “hints” that PERHAPS, rather than examining the Scriptures posted, and thinking them through thoroughly, which takes time and searching, you provide a knee-jerk response, based on what you (and many others), think you “know” to be true; but maybe it isn’t true. Is there perhaps a “defensive” posture you are taking, due to bias, rather than seeking and learning (since none of us have “arrived”)…I don’t know…not a judgment…just asking? I know it is difficult to consider information that has not entered the realm of possibility, and we are prone to off-handedly dismiss it (I’m telling on myself here), ESPECIALLY when it is the COMMON, POPULAR understanding that has been promoted within the Christian world (secular as well). Gotta ask…what’s wrong with THAT picture?
The focus of the discussion has been on “how does the Bible reveal to us the identity of the ‘harlot’ mentioned in Revelation.”
So the focus of the Scriptures I have shared, has been those Scriptures that describe said “harlot” in relation to her evil influences and blood-guiltiness…which remains upon her because of her state of unbelief. You correctly mention God’s continued call to repentance and mercy, when the people turned to Him from their idols. However, upon the rejection of Messiah…the ULTIMATE idolatry and blood-guiltiness, it remains upon her in her continued state of “unbelief.” As I encouraged the readers and commenters to read the Book of Ezekiel, (Isaiah and Jeremiah have lots to say in this regard as well) those other aspects will be seen…God’s mercy and grace. BUT…again, for the sake of the present discussion, I did not focus there. This, of course, is not an exhaustive discussion on all the truths involved surrounding Jerusalem and all the questions that will be engendered when one recognizes that “she” is the “harlot”. And MANY new questions surface, which reflect we have had a poor understanding of MANY truths!
Perhaps you failed to notice that I wrote…
“let’s not forget God’s repeated judgments against Jerusalem for her “whoredomes” and “idolatries” throughout all of her history…that He might bring her back in repentance…(I’ve been in the OT mostly for the past year, studying the history of “Israel”, her judgments and her rebellion – sometimes she repented…sometimes not, and the resulting judgment upon Jerusalem and many of her cities.)”
When “she” turned from her idols in repentance she was shown the “mercy of God.”
Remember…it is in this last final judgment against “her” for all the already mentioned, and continued betrayals of the love of the God showered upon her, through her unbelief, and when the heavens are opened and they “look upon Him whom they have pierced”, alnog with all the world, that the “remnant will be saved.”
With the continued discussion of “Rome” being the “harlot”…where are ANY Scriptures that identify this to be true…
NOWHERE is she called a “harlot”, are her “idolatries” “adulteries” or “whoredoms” mentioned. Why? Because “she” (Rome) is not the city that has had the “love of God set upon her” that she might “betray” Him, and the great mercy and lovingkindnesses that He had relentless showered upon her. God DOES NOT EXPECT faithfulness form the heathen. AND, as you correctly point out, the Vatican is a “country”…it is a sovereign nation, with a king…(beast/anti-christ?)…it is NOT a “city.”
In fact, NOWHERE in the Old Testament is “Rome”, “Roman” or “Romans” mentioned.
There is no “witness” to Rome as such in the Scriptures; in the OT, nor in the NT is “she” (Rome) referred to as a “harlot”.
Consider the principle set forth in Deut. 19:15 “ONE witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for ANY SIN in ANY SIN that he sinneth: at the mouth of TWO witnesses, or at the mouth of THREE witnesses, shall the matter be stablished.”
Jesus reiterated this principle here: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
BUT if he will not hear thee, then take with thee ONE or TWO MORE, that in the mouth of TWO or THREE witnesses every word may be established.” (Matt. 18:15-16)…see verse 17 for full context.
The identity of the “harlot” of Revelation 17-19:2 has been “established” by the “witness” of MANY prophets, according to the Word of God and by Jesus, Himself. This meets the “witness” criteria given us in Scripture. We may have difficulty with all the questions that will come about because of such…it is true…BUT…there are NO OTHER WITNESSES.
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
I echo John & Debs comments.
I don’t hear Israel calling for all religions to unite, do you Marion? In fact, they are at odds with the surrounding countries that are Muslim. While the Vatican seeks to build bridges and they even have the worship of Mary in common and many Muslims take pilgrimages to the Marian sites. And now we hear rumblings of the Pope calling for the uniting of all faiths. It should be clear that the verses Marion quoted are not referring to Jerusalem.
And to me is the even greater question of should speculation about this be a major priority for believers? Those who honor truth know that the Romish system is corrupt as well as other religions. They are enemies of the Gospel. Our focus should be declaring the truth to a lost world and defending it to the growing number of confused Christians who are listening to the wrong voices.
We know the time is short and we are to be about our Father’s business, whatever He has called us to do to redeem the time. And we need to defend sound doctrine as it is being assaulted as never before. Bible verses are being twisted like pretzels and taken out of context and we need to stand firm and rightly divide the Word. Not everyone will listen, but we have to do what we can to stem the tide of drifting into false teaching and false concepts and downright lies.
I do not doubt for a moment Marion’s sincerity and we are just trying to reason together.
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion, I did not see where you addressed the Scriptures I asked you about.
How do you interpret
Ezekiel 16: 60-63?
60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. 61Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. 62And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: 63That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion
Do these Mysterious Babylonian rites belong to the RCC/Vatican or to Jerusalem?
The Origin of Babylon’s Religion
Ancient records indicate that Nimrod had a wife named Semiramis who was the founder and first high priestess of the Babylonian mystery religion. She gave birth to a son named Tammuz, whom she claimed was conceived miraculously. This son was considered savior of his people and in effect was the first false Messiah—a counterfeit of Genesis 3:15 and God’s promise of a Savior. The son was to have been killed by a wild beast, but brought back to life.
The religious system of Semiramis had many secret rites in the worship of its idols. These were called mysteries (secrets) into which new members had to be initiated. When the initiates were initiated they were given a cup containing a mysterious drink made of wine, honey, water and flour. This represented the doctrines of the cult, but these also made the participant intoxicated and prepared for what the participant was about to see, hear and do. These rites involved consecrated male and female prostitution and the most sordid sexual immorality carried out in connection with its idolatrous worship. The fornication is both physical and spiritual (Rev. 17:2-5).
The rites incorporated the worship of the mother (who was called “the queen of heaven”) and the child. While the rites varied, and the idol images often varied from country to country as the cult spread from one location to another, they all contained one central feature, the worship of the goddess mother and her child. Often the names changed, but no matter where you went, pictures and images of a mother with a child in her arms were found. (See the study on Rev. 14.)
The religious system which began in Babel (or Babylon), became the mother, the source of all pagan religions of the world. This is the reason she is called “Mother of Harlots” (Rev. 17:5). This system spread to Greece, Egypt, Italy, Phoenicia, Israel, India, Asia Minor and Europe. Canaan was full of this iniquity and is one of the reasons God commanded Israel to destroy its inhabitants. Their failure to do so led to Israel’s own downfall and involvement with the Babylonian system.
Babylonianism Today
But what about the present? Now we come to information which will link the past with the present and help us to identify Babylonianism today. This will also help us to identify the religious city of 17:18 which, because of its Babylonianism, is symbolically called Babylon.
Linked with the central mystery of Babylon—the worship of the mother and child—were many other lesser mysteries which will have many familiar sounds. These include:
The Doctrine of Purgatory
The doctrine of purgatorial purification after death was seen first in pagan Babylonianism. It involved the same extortion and theft of the poor to get the dead cleansed and into a higher state. Prayers and supplications were offered by the priest but only after great fees were collected.204
The Doctrine of Extreme Unction
In the pagan Babylonian system the dying were anointed for their last journey. This was done in the name of Bee?l-samen, “lord of heaven” and “lord of oil,” the anointed one.205 In James 5 anointing, by contrast, is to be done medicinally, with a view to health, not death.
The Doctrine of Festivals of Ancient Babylonianism
Yule Day
Yule means “infant,” thus, the day of birth. In Egypt the son of Isis, the Egyptian title for the queen of heaven, was to have been born at the end of December. Long before they were introduced to Christianity, Anglo Saxons celebrated a “Yule Day” and this was preceded by “A Mother’s Night.” The Sabaeans of Arabia likewise celebrated a birth festival on the 24th of December. This was the birth of their moon god, “Lord Moon” which in the East was called “Meni” (Isa. 65:11). A special tree and a yule log were both involved with this festival. The yule log represented Nimrod, the dead stock of Nimrod, cut down by his enemies, and the tree represented Nimrod come to life.
March 25
Long before the birth of Christ pagan Rome honored Cybele, the mother of the Babylonian Messiah, with a special day, March 25th, nine months before December 25th. Today in Rome this is called “the Annunciation of Mary.”
Easter
Easter was another name for Astarte or Istar, which were other names for the queen of heaven. This festival in ancient Babylonianism was a 40-day weeping period for Tammuz just prior to the festival of Astarte (or Istar or Easter), who was said to have received her son back from the dead; for it was taught that he was slain by a wild beast (boar). To him the egg was sacred, depicting the mystery of resurrection.
Fifteen hundred years before Christ the hot cross buns of Good Friday were used in the worship of the queen of heaven, the goddess of Easter. They were even called “the boun,” i.e., “bun” (Jer. 7:18). They were first offered, then later eaten.
The egg can be traced back to the fable of the mystic egg of the Babylonians. “An egg of wondrous size” is said to have fallen from heaven into the River Euphrates. The fishes rolled it to the bank where the doves having settled upon it, hatched it. Out came Venus who afterwards was called the Assyrian goddess or Astarte, the queen of heaven. So the egg first was a symbol of Astarte or Easter, the queen of heaven.
Thus you can see the background for lent, the 40-day period prior to Easter, and the Easter festival. Some simply adopted the egg and applied it to the resurrection of Christ. In the very early church there was the celebration of the Passover on Friday before the resurrection, but it was not called Easter.
The Nativity of John the Baptist
One of the grand and original festivals of Tammuz, the child of Semiramis, was observed in June. In fact, June was called by his name in some places. Other periods had been devoted to the commemoration of the death and reviving of the Babylonian god for various reasons in different countries, but the month of Tammuz appears to have been the primitive date of this festival. As a result, this date and festival still had a firm hold on the people in various parts of the Roman world, so the papacy came up with a solution. John the Baptist was born six months before Christ, which according to their festival for Christ’s birth was December 25, so June would be John’s birth month. One of their many sacred names for Tammuz was Oannes. This was just perfect because in Latin, the sacred language of the church, John was Joannes. Thus, this festival was continued and suited both Christians and pagans alike.
The Feast of Assumption
This is the teaching that Mary saw no corruption, but was in body and soul carried up to heaven and is now invested with all power of heaven and earth. This too, goes back to Babylonian mystery.
The Doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration
This doctrine of Rome did not come out of mistaken use of Scriptures such as Acts 2:38, but from Babylon itself. The baptism was by immersion and was a part of the initiation rites of Babylonianism. It was a rather rough process along with the other parts of the initiation and if one survived, then he was admitted to the knowledge of the mysteries. It took real courage to submit to these rites. The motivation, please note, was regeneration and pardon of all sins! Babylonianism spread all over the world and it touched all nations. Thus, as you would expect, baptismal regeneration was even found in Mexico before Roman Catholic missionaries ever arrived, as well as in India and among our Anglo ancestors.
The Sign of the Cross
The sign of the cross as used in Rome, did not originate with Christianity as many assume, but came right out of mystery Babylon. It represented the mystic Tau, the letter “T” and the initial for the name Tammuz. (see here for picture:
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion
Also how do you interpret:
“And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:18-24)
“Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.” (Ezekiel 37:11)
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Marion,
You said “In fact, NOWHERE in the Old Testament is “Rome”, “Roman” or “Romans” mentioned”
Did you read my article [removed]
If you did, did you read it thoroughly? That article tackles the whole question about Rome.
The above statement of yours shows how little you know the OT. How can the OT mention Rome if the OT writings were Ccompleted BEFORE the Roman empire came into being? The last book of the OT was written towards the end of the Persian empire (just before the Greek empire). The book of Daniel, Nehemiah and Ezra highlights this. But the unknown 4th beast was prophesied to appear directly after the Greek empire. Who was that 4th beast Marion?
Therefore, indirectly Rome IS mentioned. Daniel gives us details about Rome (in his book). The Book of Revelation gives us further information about this 4th beast with 7 heads which contained 10 horns (10 kings). Since when could Jerusalem be considered as a beast with 7 heads and 10 kings? Even if Jerusalem has 7 hills, it DOES not have 10 kings. It did have kings but MANY MANY more than ten. Only Rome fulfils this. Rome is a CITY but within that city has a COUNTRY (vatican city). As I tried to show in my article the 8th head (arising in latter times) is part of the 7 (as explained in the book of Revelation)
Also, Marion,
Rev 17:18 says “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth”.
Since when has Jerusalem ruled over the kings of the earth? However, the Catholic institution HAS ruled over the kings of the earth!!! Jerusalem (during the Solomonic empire) may have ruled over a number of kings, but NEVER the kings of ALL THE EARTH.
Then what about Revelation 17:5 “This title was written on her forehead:
“MYSTERY,
BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
Again, that DOES NOT fit Jerusalem, but it DOES fit how the religion of Babylon filled the Earth with its influence after the people were scattered from the tower of Babel. The catholic institution has always been seeking to re-establish the Babylonic religion and bring the whole world back into the tower of Babel scenario, ie global governance.
I will now show you an excerpt from my article which will show how ludicrous it is to try and match Jerusalem to the whore.
To be Continued …..
[Edit: Comment moved from Calvinism’s Roman Catholic Connection]
Continued:
As promised, here is an excerpt from my article:
7) Daniel 2:32-33
The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay.
Here Daniel refers to 5 empires (remember he does not relate to Egyptian and Assyrian empires because they were in the past). The 5 empires are likened to a human body: head, chest and arms, belly and thighs, legs and feet = 5 parts. Therefore this 5th empire is effectively the 7th as contained in Revelation 13 and 17. This 5th empire (feet) is a mixture of iron and clay. Daniel explains that the iron represents the 4th empire Rome, but the 5th also contains iron = Rome. The 5th (ie, 7th) empire will contain Rome but also includes a different element = clay. We know that God made man out of clay and therefore clay represents mankind. Could this mean that this final empire will be democratic?
Therefore, the 7th head of Revelation 17 is this empire containing something of the Roman empire or its influence.
8) Revelation 17:9-11, Revelation 17:18, Revelation 17:5
The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.
The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth
This title was written on her forehead:
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
If the woman (the whore) was the great city, what city was she? Well it says she represented Babylon. But …. It says “Mystery”. Babylonic religion was a religion of mysteries full of imagery and symbolism. This city was located with 7 hills. Babylon was not surrounded by 7 hills. Rome has always been known as the City on 7 hills. Also, Revelation 13 and 17 are clearly talking about the Roman empire. It says that the 7 heads are seven hills and also 7 kings. The seven hills represent Rome and the culmination of the 7 kings or the 4th and final beast (as described earlier) is a final Roman empire. Then we read that there is an eighth king. During the time when chapter 17 was written it says that the beast “once was and now is not” but will rise at the end. This must mean that the 7th head will be when the full embodiment and power of that beast will be unleashed. The 6th head of the original empire was not the full embodiment of the beast (with all its unlimited power) until the time of the 7th head.
What we are also told is that there is an eighth. “The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven” This excellently explains the Vatican City. It is part of Rome but yet a separate country in its own right, with its own separate political powers. It is set on Vatican Hill which is part of Rome but is not under the Political authority of Rome. It has its (eighth) own hill.
This could be why Revelation 17 links hills and kings together and says it belongs to the 7, ie is part of Rome. Not only does this re-emphasise that the prostitute (woman) is Rome but actually Vatican City. She rides upon the political power of the Roman Empire being, part of it but separate.
So the Roman empire (the 6th head and the 4th beast) continued on throughout history. History tells us that though the Roman Empire fell it didn’t really fall but became much weakened and actually continued its influence through the ROMAN Catholic institution. Throughout the “dark ages” the Vatican basically was effectively the ruling power throughout the empire.
The seventh head (empire) would be a re-emergence (revival) of that political power combined with the Babylonic influence of the Vatican. It will not last long as it will be brittle, won’t be able to co-exist properly.
So Revelation 17 verses: 5, 9-11 and 18 only make sense if they are relating to Vatican City (The Roman Catholic Institution) and their Mystery religion which has ruled over the kings of the whole Earth.
9) Revelation 17:15
The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.
This clearly explains what the seas or waters are. The Vatican sits over multitudes throughout the Earth “peoples, multitudes, nations and languages”
Dave Hunt obviously did his due diligence in studying the Word and imparting truth.
The newly elected Pope is noted for his humanitarian efforts. It will be interesting to watch this all develop. Those with eyes to see and ears to hear will not be alarmed, just alert.
POPE URGES ALL RELIGIONS TO UNITE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
http://www.voanews.com/content/pope-justice/1625457.html
He even includes those with NO religion!
Hi Marion
You said “I have no Scripture to support the RCC being the “beast” or the “anti-christ.” It does appear to be so, but NOT the “harlot”…the identity of the harlot is clearly supported by Scripture, as I have laid out.”
If you are accepting that the beast MAY be the Catholic system,but still hold to Jerusalem being the whore, then let me ask you; how do you account for the “woman riding the beast”? Since when has Jerusalem rid on the bacxk of the Catholic system?
You mentioned that the catholic system came out of Jerusalem. If that was correct (which it is not) then that would mean that the beast is riding the woman. Can’t you see how silly that sounds? It simply DOES NOT ADD UP.
The harlot has always been understood as “false religion (a system of idolatry, having “many” lovers). At the time the Book of Revelation was written, gnosticism (babylonic religion) had infiltrated the church. John “foresaw” the culmination of this harlot religion as riding the beast. The beast is NOT the woman. The woman rides the beast. They are 2 distinct entities. My article above goes to great lengths to explain this distinction, the cathol;ic babylonic system USING political power/authority to achieve its global bjectives. That CAN NEVER be said about Jerusalem.
Cont….
Jerusalem has NEVER ridden that 4th beast. As shown above, the 4th beast is the Roman Empire. This 4th beast had 7 heads and 10 horns. If it was true that the woman who rode that beast was Israel, then it would mean that Israel (in the future) would have to be in cooperation with Rome. We see no indication of this in the NT. Jerusalem was always in total opposition to Rome until Jerusalem fell in AD70. Jerusalem could not have ridden the beast system during those 2000 years of exile because it was controlled by the gentiles.
In recent times – since 1948, Jerusalem again emerged as a Jewish state. Has it ever (during these 65 years) embraced other religions? NO! It has stood strong on its own feet, trying to retain its own unique sovereignty independent of the beast system. It cannot be considered as “riding” upon the political force of the beast. In fact the beast has always opposed Israel. It was nothing other than a DIVINE MIRACULOUS act of God that Israel became a nation again and it is ONLY because of God who promised to bring the Jews back to their Land from all the nations of the world.
They have come back in the hardness of their hearts. That was prophesied many times in the OT but specifically by Ezekiel through chapters 36 to 39. In Ezekiel it says that they would first return in hardness of heart, then God would deal with them in their Land showing Himself to be HOLY in their site. He stated that a time would come when God would take away their stony heart (after the return, whilst in the Land) and bring them to repentance and acceptance of their messiah Jesus “they will look upon ME who they have pierced and mourn for HIM”. Jesus said, “you will no longer see ME until you say ‘blessed is HE who comes in the name of the Lord’ “. That WILL happen during the gog and magog wars as a third of Israel (that remains) will cry out to God and receive a heart of flesh.
If Roman Catholicism was foisted by unbelieving Jews of the Synagogue of Satan who infiltrated the church of Rome in their attempt to destroy Bible believing Christianity(which they started doing from Jerusalem), as Marion comment’s seems to imply (and I’ve read other sources that allege the same thing) THEN both theories are correct: the “whore” could well be Jerusalem (Talmudic Judaism of the Synagogue of Satan) AND her daughter Rome.
The daughter must needs be after the image of her mother.
Just my fifty cents.
Redeemed, after you stop rolling your eyes, you can read this, putting away your preconceived ideas. Try to read with discernment.
While I agree that Rome is part of Mystery Babylon, she is not it. This is one place I have to disagree with Dave Hunt.
Debs, Marion, John and Redeemed, and others:
This 5 part series is something that I’ve been reading little by little. I do not endorse the man or the teachings but I do endorse his research on the Mystery Babylon, I agree with most of his connections and interpretations of Scripture. Although I can’t at the moment discuss due to personal issues, I will offer this for review. There are 5 parts to this study and here is part 5 with the symbology and history behind them which lines up with Scripture. In my estimation, the author proved how the Masons (Mystery Babylon) has embedded itself into the Catholic Church, into Israel (Kabbalist), into the Christian Church and into America. So that is how they are all connected…by the idolatry of Isis/Osiris.
[edited by DTW: URL REMOVED < -- if you dig deeper you will find out the author is a guy called Stewart Best who thinks Satan is God with a Capital G"]
John Part 1 answers your question to me about seaports. The land, the end time nation representing Babylon is much bigger than the Vatican, Rome or Italy. This series answers why I believe that America is the end time Babylon.
[edited: URL REMOVED – same Stewart Best guy]
Paul
No, the CITY is not Jerusalem and to think so is borderline anti-semetic.
Just because some Jews followed after Babylonian teachings does not in any way make Jerusalem evil. Marion and you (Paul) are now following after the strange teachings of the Merovingian bloodline and the lost tribe of Dan.
Carolyn, I stopped rolling my eyes and in fact had to put them back in the sockets after reading what you posted here. You have the audacity to tell me to use discernment and set aside preconceived ideas?
Well Carolyn, I waded through all the garbage of the links you sent and I smelled a very odious rat, but needed to do some searching to unearth him.
I really question your wisdom Carolyn. Did you do your due diligence before swallowing this “America is Babylon” swill before regurgitating it to others?
Did you investigate the author and find out where he is coming from? Do you know who Stewart Best is?
He made this statement:
Stewart Best asserts that all Christians must have a supernatural experience with another aspect of Christ “that was not in operation during his visit with us” before they can know they have been regenerated. He says a “hidden aspect of Christ brings union and salvation.” According to Best, regeneration is to “experience the reality of the inner essence of Christ.”
This greatly alarmed me! He is a false teacher of the most vile, occultic kind. I am utterly shocked at the depth of the evil connected to this man! He preaches a false gospel with the “hook” of people searching for answers to prophecy just like yourself.
Carolyn, I issue this stern rebuke out of love and concern for the sheep who could be misled and to give you opportunity to rectify this serious error.
All:
I have carefully read over every comment and question posted on this thread. What I HAVE observed are arguments propped up by “articles, links, books, men, and human reasoning.” I have used Scripture, and will continue to do so..you are familiar with the phrase…’Sola Scriptura’…no?…if not, it means ‘Scripture alone.’ And to your next obvious question…NO…I do not “follow” Luther or Calvin. Jesus asked me to “come, follow me”…I said, “yes.” I am now ready to respond, and this will be my last; so please bear with me.
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John Chingford said (see March 21 for full comment):
“Remember Jesus said, ‘when you do these things to the least of my servant, you do it UNTO ME.’ Where were MOST of the apostles killed and MOST of the infant church martyred? Was it Jerusalem or Rome? Paul said in Phil. 3:10 ‘that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.’
Paul is saying that his death would be similar to the death of Jesus because he had become so united in fellowship with Jesus that (in a sense) Jesus died with him in Rome. So Jesus effectively died in Rome, through His people who were dying because Jesus suffered for ALL time…on the cross for ALLtime has suffered in ALL things like us.”
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WOW!! REALLY??? Is this “special revelation?” Perhaps you don’t remember that “we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.” (Heb. 10:10)??? Paul stated that HE would be conformed to the death of CHRIST. You state that CHRIST’S death would be conformed to PAUL’S…OURS?? So much so that you now add to the word of God which explicity states Jesus died in Jerusalem and ‘in a sense’ He now DIES (again) with Paul in ROME??? Paul NEVER inferred such a thing!! What kind of blasphemy is this???
BLASPHEMY:
1. profane or contemptuous speech, writing, or action concerning God or anything held as divine
2. any remark or action held to be irreverent or disrespectful
What will you not do to “make” your case? I find myself wondering…were all the “discerners” asleep for that one?? This is pure sophistry!!
SOPHISTRY:
1. unsound or misleading but clever, plausible and subtle arguments or reasoning; sophism
1. the methods or practices of the Sophists
SOPHIST:
3. any person practicing clever, specious reasoning
SPECIOUS:
1. seeming to be good, sound, correct, LOGICAL, etc. without REALLY being so; plausible but not genuine
2. pleasing to the SIGHT
(Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition) (caps mine)
John: Do I read your blog? In a word…NO!
Debs: Merovingian Bloodline nonsense? I care not for “fables.”
Borderline anti-Semitic??…using such labels are an attempt to “shut down” an open and honest examination of the facts…where has any “hatred” been expressed??
IF however, as I put forth, God’s own Word is teaching ideas that our sensibilites find “distasteful”, or hard to comprehend…what are we to do? Present a lie that we prefer? Call God’s Word a lie? Neither choice is acceptable. If we are God’s people, we MUST simply believe His Word…comparing Scripture with Scripture, examining parallel passages.
“For precept MUST be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line; HERE a little and THERE a little: (Is. 28:10) (caps mine)…to carefully do so, is not using Scripture out of context.
As long as men and women of God lean on their “own understanding” and the “imaginations of their hearts”, looking OUT into the world, to what they can “see” and put together, from the “natural plane”, to the “wisdom”, words and musings of men (and there are FAR too many “lying in wait to deceive”), we will not have “eyes to see, ears to hear, or hearts to understand” the truth plainly written before our eyes…our vision being obscured, with confusion the result, being “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Eph.4:14b) The things of God are “spiritually discerned.” (see 1 Cor. 2:1-16) We MUST look into Scripture to understand Scripture and our world. We cannot look into the world to understand Scripture, and to guide our interpretation, running our eyes to and fro throughout the world to lend credence to our conclusions.
As a jury examines the evidence in a court of law, who are REQUIRED (as difficult as that may be) to “lay aside” their own ideas, opinions, biases, conclusions and the opinions and verdicts of others and are REQUIRED to simply examine the evidence set before them and the testimony of the witnesses (hearsay “evidence” is inadmissible)…
SO WE… in the same way, the people of God, are to be TRUE Bereans; to simply look to the Word of God…He has spoken…Himself, through the prophets, His own dear Son, and the apostles. He has provided the truth, the “evidence” if you will…the written Word of God, along with the eye witnesses. We are to examine these alone. Nothing else. No other opinions, conclusions, alternative “scenarios” are allowed.
Through the examination of Scripture, and the testimony of the witnesses, I have shared what I have learned, using only SOME of the myriads of supporting Scriptures…no outside observations (what my eyes might see, and thereby deceive me), no other books, no other men. If you have not been able to “see” what is there from these few Scriptures, any more I can give will not help. I am not the one who gives sight to the blind.
I don’t understand all the hows and whys of all the questions being asked…I have enough of my own…I ask the Lord for truth. I don’t need all those questions answered…I need only believe what He has said. As I believe…He gives more light. It’s simple, really.
Rather than demanding of me to answer your questions related to what Jesus has spoken…why not DEMAND of Jesus…”just when was ‘Jerusalem’ responsible” for this, that, and the other things…(is this not what the Pharisees did? – just asking)…rather than just believe His word?
All I know is:
Jesus said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of teh prophets and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the BLOOD OF THE PROPHETS.
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them WHICH KILLED THE PROPHETS.
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Wherefore behold, I send UNTO YOU PROPHETS, and WISE MEN, and SCRIBES: and some of them YE SHALL KILL and CRUCIFY; and some of them shall ye SCOURGE in your synagogues, and PERSECUTE them from city to city:
That upon you may come ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BLOOD SHED UPON THE EARTH, from the BLOOD of RIGHTEOUS Abel unto the BLOOD of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye SLEW between the TEMPLE and the ALTAR.
Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
O JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM, THOU that KILLEST THE PROPHETS, and STONEST THEM WHICH ARE SENT UNTO THEE, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not?
Behold, your house is left unto you DESOLATE.” (Matt. 23:29-39) (caps mine)
The evidence has been presented, the witnesses have spoken…the chiefest of them…THE LORD JESUS CHRIST…has spoken…either you believe Him… or not…there is nothing left to say.
The ALMIGHTY GOD has made His case.
“Study to shew THYSELF approved UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the word of truth. But shun PROFANE and VAIN babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Tim. 2:15-16) (caps mine)
Redeemed: Could I have direct quotes and link(s) to what you are saying please. I did not get that from anything I read. He has a clear message of salvation throughout the 5 part series that I read through before posting. I’m wondering where I missed all the references you are talking about. Clearly, my intention is not to mislead anyone. From: http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/hardtruth/america_babylon.htm
“Does it not seem odd to you that America, the GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD, the greatest evangelical nation; that took the Gospel of Christ to the four corners of the world; THE RICHEST NATION ON THE EARTH, who has given more aid to nations than any other; THE NATION TO HAVE WON TWO MAJOR WORLD WARS and many others; IS NOT EVEN MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? That God would forget a nation that has been central to the survival of Israel in this age? Not even in a cryptic way?
That is like saying God is blind in one eye, and cannot see out of the other! It is accusing God of utter negligence! But it is not God who is NEGLIGENT. It is not God who FORGOT AMERICA in prophecy. It is not God who failed to paint a picture that was obvious to those that wanted to find it. IT IS NOT GOD, BUT THE FALSE PROPHETS OF AMERICA WHO HAVE UTTERLY FAILED THEIR FLOCK. They are DECEIVED, AND THUS ARE DECEIVERS AND HYPOCRITES, FOR THEY LEAD MILLIONS TO ETERNAL RUIN.
God told the citizens of BABYLON THE GREAT, AMERICA, exactly what would happen in America, and pointed a finger directly at the CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS. Why do you suppose that God would do that? Why would He pick a specific group and lay the blame right at their feet? Because it is GOD’S PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ANTICHRIST NATION, THE NATION THAT SPAWNS ANTICHRIST. Remember that antichrist rises in DECEPTION.
“My people (Christians) hath been LOST SHEEP
(UNSAVED, UNREGENERATE – HELL BOUND):
THEIR SHEPHERDS
(THE CHRISTIAN CLERGY, THE EVANGELISTS, THE PREACHERS, THE TEACHERS)
HAVE CAUSED THEM TO GO ASTRAY,..(Jeremiah 50:6).
The shepherds of God’s people in Babylon America embrace a FALSE SALVATION GOSPEL (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:1-3), which leads MILLIONS into eternal ruin. Their salvation Gospel is an UTTERLY FALSE GOSPEL. It is “sugar-coated”, and an ALL POSITIVE GOSPEL. That is what Jeremiah means when he says: “they have turned them AWAY on the MOUNTAINS; they have gone from MOUNTAIN TO HILL, they have FORGOTTEN THEIR RESTING PLACE.”
God fights His wars IN THE VALLEY. True salvation lies IN THE VALLEY. If you refuse the VALLEY EXPERIENCE (THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE SALVATION DOCTRINE) you will never FIND YOUR RESTING PLACE. Jesus said you MUST PICK UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW HIM. Babylon’s gospel of salvation HAS NO CROSS, NO DEATH OF SELF, AND THEREFORE NO TRUE LIFE. It is an utterly false salvation doctrine. IT SWEEPS THE VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANS INTO ETERNAL HELLFIRE. That is why God says they ARE LOST SHEEP. They ARE lost, LOST FOREVER.”
Redeemed, what is not true from this excerpt? Part 1
Redeemed, I made it clear that I was not endorsing anything else he wrote, as I have not specifically read much by him. I was presenting an article that I felt was well organized and Scripturally/historically based. Show me something in the article that is misrepresenting truth.
Are you not doing the same thing that Paul was doing with Dave Hunt? and other writers? Digging up something besides the topic at hand and diverting all the attention onto something else that they are teaching? Yes, Dave Hunt was teaching a divine union with God which is Platonic and Gnostic and wrong. And Stewart Best may have some wrong teachings. I was only considering what he said in this 5 point article. And I said that I agree with most (not all) of his connections. The biggest and most important point he is making is how the Masonic, Occultic agenda is fulfilling prophecy. Also I did not find anything contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ in this series.
And that was my point as well. If you want to trash the whole idea because you don’t agree with something you found in his links…I will accept that. But really, it’s a bit unfair to Paul then, because he was right about Dave and others.
Redeemed, last thing…my comment about rolling your eyes was only meant to lighten things up a bit…momentarily, of course, as it is a rather serious subject. But my apologies if it was offensive to you. Reading over my comment, I could see how you could read into my comment a haughty attitude that wasn’t my feeling/intention at the time. Sorry.
Marion: you said, “ALSO your charge of “special revelation” is false…I clearly stated that I was merely studying out the Scripture…ALL of Scripture. I receive no “special revelation” and have never claimed to have.”
Yes, the Word is all we need and the Holy Spirit is our teacher. It’s our assumptions that are the problem and we don’t even realize we’re making them. So that’s why we have a safeguard in listening to a broad spectrum of orthodox teachers. It keeps us safe from tunnel vision. No one teacher has everything right. And that’s a good thing because then we’d follow the teacher. One teacher has some insights and another teacher may be wrong about some things and totally, awesomely right about most things. So we gradually gain perspective. No one is exempt from making mistakes, especially me…
Debs…this comment could replace the comment above that I made at 7:32 pm on the 27th as I have changed the link to just a pdf file. That way we’re not linking to someone named Robert Howard who is linked to Stewart Best…it gets complicated…and confusing.
Redeemed: Could I have direct quotes and link(s) to what you are saying please. I did not get that from anything I read. He has a clear message of salvation throughout the 5 part series that I read through before posting. I’m wondering where I missed all the references you are talking about. Clearly, my intention is not to mislead anyone. From: http://www.markswatson.com/BAB.pdf
“Does it not seem odd to you that America, the GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD, the greatest evangelical nation; that took the Gospel of Christ to the four corners of the world; THE RICHEST NATION ON THE EARTH, who has given more aid to nations than any other; THE NATION TO HAVE WON TWO MAJOR WORLD WARS and many others; IS NOT EVEN MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? That God would forget a nation that has been central to the survival of Israel in this age? Not even in a cryptic way?
That is like saying God is blind in one eye, and cannot see out of the other! It is accusing God of utter negligence! But it is not God who is NEGLIGENT. It is not God who FORGOT AMERICA in prophecy. It is not God who failed to paint a picture that was obvious to those that wanted to find it. IT IS NOT GOD, BUT THE FALSE PROPHETS OF AMERICA WHO HAVE UTTERLY FAILED THEIR FLOCK. They are DECEIVED, AND THUS ARE DECEIVERS AND HYPOCRITES, FOR THEY LEAD MILLIONS TO ETERNAL RUIN.
God told the citizens of BABYLON THE GREAT, AMERICA, exactly what would happen in America, and pointed a finger directly at the CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS. Why do you suppose that God would do that? Why would He pick a specific group and lay the blame right at their feet? Because it is GOD’S PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ANTICHRIST NATION, THE NATION THAT SPAWNS ANTICHRIST. Remember that antichrist rises in DECEPTION.
“My people (Christians) hath been LOST SHEEP
(UNSAVED, UNREGENERATE – HELL BOUND):
THEIR SHEPHERDS
(THE CHRISTIAN CLERGY, THE EVANGELISTS, THE PREACHERS, THE TEACHERS)
HAVE CAUSED THEM TO GO ASTRAY,..(Jeremiah 50:6).
The shepherds of God’s people in Babylon America embrace a FALSE SALVATION GOSPEL (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:1-3), which leads MILLIONS into eternal ruin. Their salvation Gospel is an UTTERLY FALSE GOSPEL. It is “sugar-coated”, and an ALL POSITIVE GOSPEL. That is what Jeremiah means when he says: “they have turned them AWAY on the MOUNTAINS; they have gone from MOUNTAIN TO HILL, they have FORGOTTEN THEIR RESTING PLACE.”
God fights His wars IN THE VALLEY. True salvation lies IN THE VALLEY. If you refuse the VALLEY EXPERIENCE (THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE SALVATION DOCTRINE) you will never FIND YOUR RESTING PLACE. Jesus said you MUST PICK UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW HIM. Babylon’s gospel of salvation HAS NO CROSS, NO DEATH OF SELF, AND THEREFORE NO TRUE LIFE. It is an utterly false salvation doctrine. IT SWEEPS THE VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANS INTO ETERNAL HELLFIRE. That is why God says they ARE LOST SHEEP. They ARE lost, LOST FOREVER.”
Redeemed, what is not true from this excerpt? Part 1
Hi Carolyn, Marion, Paul
I have been monitoring my blog over the last 8 or 9 days to see if anyone visited it DIRECTLY via the DTW site through my links and read the articles I listed above, as related to this subject. According to my blog records, only 1 person has visited my blog via the DTW route (and not necessarily to read the important article relating to Mystery Babylon).
Just wondering why only one person has visited. If you raised the issue are you not prepared to consider what other contributors (on this blog,who have studied the subject in great detail) have to say?
As NO-ONE has replied to any of my last comments above I am rather disappointed.
Just in case you didn’t notice my links, I post them here again:
[removed]
Also, here is my article PROVING how unique Israel STILL iS and how God MIRACULOUSLY brought the Jews back to the Land after 2000 years (as Isaiah 61 told us “the desolation of many generations” being restored – note: 70 years exile was just ONE generation not MANY generations).
[removed]
OOOps…I’m sorry Debs…I missed it…my comment is up…please delete the one I just sent today.
I am glad to see you back!
Debs…new comment from me (I know you know what I mean)…don’t want to confuse the issue.
JOHN: No need for disappointment. I actually did respond to the comments posted before Deb’s was off-line.
You and all others can find my response dated 3/26/13 above.
That said, I’m done!
Debs…I mistakenly thought my comment dated 3/27 was posted. On a second look, it is still awaiting moderation. Yet, comments dated after it are up. Have you overlooked this is some way? Thanx.
Marion
Yes I am back! Thank you 🙂