Revelation 17:1

"And one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying: 'Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters,' " -Rev 17:1

In the Theocratic Ministry School, I have been assigned to identify, the harlot in Revelation 17 verse 1. Since interpretations belong to God we use His word to help us discern who this harlot is. Therefore, all reasoning must be backed up by scriptures. (Gen40:8; 2 Peter 1:20)

Examining this scripture in context will help, so the next verse reads:

"with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication." -Rev 17:2

We learn who the harlot commits fornication with, the kings of the earth! Now we know who the harlot does not represent, she is not the political element of the world. Comparing, Revelation 18:9 with what we just read verifies that the harlot is not political it reads:

"And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her, when they look at the smoke from the burning of her," -Rev 18:9

Yes, the political element of this world weeps over her destruction, so there is no doubt that this harlot is not the governmental authorities of this earth. Now go down to Revelation 18 verse 15 notice who else weeps over her destruction:

"The traveling merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and will weep and mourn," -Rev 18:15

Yes, the commercial element of this world also weeps over her destruction. Now we know she does not represent the commercial part of this world. Who then can she represent? Notice the clue in Revelation 17 verse 5:

"And upon her forehead was written a name, a mystery: "Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth" -Rev 17:5

Ancient Babylon was set up in direct opposition to Jehovah and to his will. Today this once world power now lies in ruins, the political element of this city is non-existent. However, the false religious ideas and practices promoted by this ancient city are very much alive. We can see her influence on the world's religions today. (For details of ancient Babylon's start see: http://sweetoldersister.blogspot.com/2009/03/genesis-chapters-10-11.html)

Could she really represent a religious entity? Let's continue on in examining what the Bible teaches. Revelation 17:18 reads:

"And the woman whom you saw means the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth." -Rev 17:18

In what way could she exercise a kingdom over the kings of the earth? What do you remember from history? Kings have been placed in their positions by the approval of religions. Throughout history religion has been mixed up with politics, exercising great influence over governmental rulers, even telling governments what to do. But how can we really be sure that Babylon the Great represents a religious entity? Turn your attention to Revelation 18:23:

"and no light of a lamp will shine in you again, and no voice of a bridegroom and of a bride will ever be heard in you again; because your traveling merchants were the top-ranking men of the earth, for by your spiritistic practice all the nations were misled." -Rev 18:23

By using the phrase "spiritistic practice" we can see there is a spiritual element that is in opposition of the true God, Jehovah. We can identify "Babylon the Great" as the world empire of false religion. She shows herself in opposition to truth. Why is it important that this harlot be identified? Allow Revelation 18:4 to answer:

"And I heard another voice out of heaven say: "Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues." -Rev 18:4

What a fine warning for all of God's people today. Yes, to make sure of the more important things in life, to draw close to the living God and to get to know his viewpoint towards any false teachings that can harm his people. We must not have anything to do with false teachings that bring reproach on our loving Heavenly Father.

So, my freinds and family, I will be delivering my part on the Theocratic Ministry School tomarrow. I am a little nervous but if I keep in mind the importance of the information rather then my feelings and rely on Jehovah in prayer, then my nerves will settle down. May you be encouraged and enlightened by these thought provoking scriptures.