Revelation Chapter 17 in The Amplified Bible “The Doom of Babylon” “Victory for the Lamb”
Introduction
Revelation Chapter 17 introduces a vision of a great prostitute sitting on a scarlet beast, representing the spiritual corruption and idolatry of a false religious system. This chapter exposes the deception and judgment of this system and contrasts it with the purity and glory of the true bride of Christ.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Verse 1-2: The Doom of Babylon - “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment and doom of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters [influencing nations], she with whom the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality, and the inhabitants of the earth have become intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.”
The angel shows John the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, symbolizing her influence over the nations.
Relevance To Today’s Believers:These verses warn believers about the dangers of spiritual deception and false teachings that seek to lead them away from the truth. They emphasize the need for discernment and adherence to the true gospel.
Verses 3-6: “And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was entirely covered with blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls, [and she was] holding in her hand a gold cup full of the abominations and the filth of her [sexual] immorality. And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery: “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES (false religions, heresies) AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” 6I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints (God’s people), and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus [who were martyred]. When I saw her, I wondered in amazement.”
The angel carries John into the wilderness to see the woman sitting on a scarlet beast, drunk with the blood of the saints. The woman is identified as Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.
Relevance To Today’s Believers: These verses highlight the depravity and wickedness of the false religious system, which persecutes and opposes the true followers of Christ. They serve as a reminder to believers of the spiritual warfare they face and the need to stand firm in their faith.
Verses 7-14: “But the angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. “The beast that you saw was [once], but [now] is not, and he is about to come up out of the abyss (the bottomless pit, the dwelling place of demons) and go to destruction (perdition). And the inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, will be astonished when they see the beast, because he was and is not and is yet to come [to earth]. Here is the mind which has wisdom [and this is what it knows about the vision]. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits; and they are seven kings: five of whom have fallen, one exists and is reigning; the other [the seventh] has not yet come, and when he does come, he must remain a little while. And the beast that [once] was but is not, is himself also an eighth king and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction (perdition). The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but [together] they receive authority as kings for a single hour [for a common purpose] along with the beast. These [kings] have one purpose [one mind, one common goal], and they give their power and authority to the beast. Victory for the Lamb - “They will wage war against the Lamb (Christ), and the Lamb will triumph and conquer them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him and on His side are the called and chosen (elect) and faithful.””
The angel explains the mystery of the woman and the beast, revealing that the beast will come to power and wage war against the Lamb but will ultimately be defeated.
Relevance To Today’s Believers: These verses reveal the ultimate triumph of Christ over the forces of evil, encouraging believers to remain faithful and steadfast in their commitment to Him. They also serve as a warning against aligning with worldly powers and compromising one's faith.
Verses 15-18: “Then the angel said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her desolate and naked [stripped of her power and influence], and will eat her flesh and completely consume her with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to carry out His purpose by agreeing together to surrender their kingdom to the beast, until the [prophetic] words of God will be fulfilled. The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over and dominates and controls the kings and the political leaders of the earth.””
The angel further explains the meaning of the waters and the beast, indicating that the kings of the earth will turn against the prostitute and destroy her.
Relevance To Today’s Believers: These verses emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly power and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who oppose God. They serve as a reminder to believers to place their trust in God alone and to remain faithful to Him, regardless of the pressures and temptations of the world.
Summary
Revelation Chapter 17 exposes the deception and judgment of a false religious system, symbolized by the great prostitute, Babylon the Great. For today's believers, this chapter serves as a warning against spiritual deception and the dangers of compromising one's faith. It emphasizes the need for discernment and adherence to the true gospel, as well as the ultimate triumph of Christ over the forces of evil. Overall, Revelation Chapter 17 underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and resisting the allure of worldly powers and false teachings.
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!
If You have been blessed, empowered, informed, or enlightened by any of my writings, please consider buying me a cup of coffee, click here & Thanks in advance!