Revelation is full of mystery and secrets that are still and are to come. The same can be said with Mystery Babylon, which we learned in part 1 of this message that it is the Catholic Church, which resides in Vatican City in Rome. We learn even more about the mother of harlots, which I believe is referring to what the Catholic church would say the mother church is. One reason for this name is the elevation of Mary, the mother of Jesus, into godhood. People in this church even have a rosary they use when they pray, where most of the prayers go to Mary and only a few go to Jesus. Because they have become what they call the mother church, they also believe that Mary is the mediator between us and God. If they would just read the Bible, they would know that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) This notion that Mary is doing things for us in our prayers is a false teaching added by the Catholic church. Mary is saved, but speculating anything else about her is heresy in its finest. Speaking of the mystery Babylon and mother of harlots, we read the following in Revelation, chapter 17, “and the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.” (Revelation 17:7,8) This interpretation is then given to us later on as we continue reading this chapter. All we know is that the beast is carrying this church, so it could be the pope.
Speaking of the Catholic church, we learn much more about where it resides in Revelation, chapter 17, and who is working for it, which is the beast. We read, “the beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Revelation 17:8-11) The Catholic church is surrounded by seven hills or mountains in Rome. These hills are the Palistine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, Esquiline Hill, Caelian Hill, and the Aventine Hill. That is correct, a city with seven hills or mountains just as was described in Revelation. What is very interesting is that this beast we hear about in Revelation is working with the Catholic church, as a pope would. Even people who follow this beast or pope, which is a worldwide leader, will wonder why their names are not written in the book of life, which would be terrifying. Five kings have come forth, one is in power, and one is yet to come. And that is where we leave this message. Amen.
Let us pray:
Lord, it is my prayer that people will not have to find out in the long run that their names are not written in the book of life. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody, even though it is a reality for many. Instead, help people know this now, while they have breath. That if they confess their sins and come unto You, then they can be saved still. What I fear is that many people will end up dying in a state of mind that they are saved, but really were not. It would be terrifying to know that what we did in this life was not enough or didn’t merit salvation in Your kingdom. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is so important to our way of life. How can I even know what I should be doing for You and not the flesh, if I am not led by the Spirit? One thing I know, God, is that the Holy Spirit leads me into sharing the gospel with others. I become even more selfless and desirous to tell people about You, Jesus. And not just this, but to help others in need, no matter their condition in life. Lord, You have led me in this life and I am so grateful. Keep me on the path that leads to heaven. If I ever go off track, let me know right away. It is not in me to willfully sin against the God I love above all things. And Lord, bring into people’s hearts what goes against Your will and what is for You. Then, can every evil thing be removed from our lives, in order to let Your light in. Lord, show me Your mysteries and help me gain the correct interpretation of the Bible at all times. I love You, God. Amen.
