Revelation 17 Explained

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🌍  THE END TIMES

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The Great Tribulation

The Antichrist

The Mark of the Beast (666)

Armageddon

The Second Coming of Jesus

Revelation Explained

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📖  Revelation 17:1-5

1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

In this passage, John receives a vision of the judgment of Babylon the Great, portrayed as a woman riding a scarlet Beast. The woman represents a worldwide apostate religious system that leads the nations away from God and exerts great influence over the rulers of the earth.

Her wealth, luxury, and attractive appearance symbolize her power and ability to deceive the nations. By riding the Beast, she demonstrates her alliance with the Antichrist, through whom she exercises her influence during part of the Tribulation.

This passage reveals that God fully sees the corruption, idolatry, and spiritual deception of this religious system. Though it appears powerful in the eyes of the world, its judgment is certain. Babylon the Great will ultimately be destroyed, proving that no human or religious system can stand against the perfect justice and sovereignty of God.

📖  Revelation 17:3

« So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. »

In this verse, John is carried away in the Spirit into the wilderness, where he receives a symbolic vision. He sees a woman riding a scarlet-colored Beast, identified in this chapter with the kingdom of the Antichrist. The Beast is covered with names of blasphemy and has seven heads and ten horns, representing the power and authority of his empire.

The fact that the woman rides the Beast indicates that a worldwide apostate religious system will exercise great influence by relying on the political power of the Antichrist. For a time, these two systems will work together to deceive the nations and turn people away from God.

This verse highlights the alliance between religious and political power during the Tribulation. However, this alliance will be temporary, as the Antichrist will eventually turn against this religious system, leading to its destruction.

📖  Revelation 17:12-14

12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

In this passage, John is told that the ten horns represent ten kings who will rule alongside the Antichrist. United in purpose, they will surrender their authority and power to him, supporting his worldwide kingdom.

These rulers will join the Antichrist in the final rebellion against Jesus Christ, seeking to oppose the Lamb. However, their efforts will be in vain, because Jesus Christ will decisively defeat them. His authority is supreme, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings.

This passage emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Although the rulers of the world unite against Him, their power is temporary. The Lamb will triumph completely, and those who belong to Him—the called, the chosen, and the faithful—will share in His final victory.

📖  Revelation 17:16

« And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. »

In this verse, John reveals a dramatic turning point. The ten kings allied with the Antichrist will turn against Babylon the Great, the worldwide apostate religious system that had previously supported them. They will strip her of her wealth, completely destroy her, and burn her with fire.

This sudden betrayal shows that the alliance between the religious system and the political power of the Antichrist is only temporary. Once the Antichrist has secured his authority, he will no longer tolerate any rival system of worship and will destroy it so that all worship is directed to himself.

This verse demonstrates that God remains sovereign, even over the actions of rebellious rulers. Without realizing it, they carry out God’s judgment against Babylon the Great, fulfilling His prophetic plan exactly as He declared.

✝️  THE RAPTURE

What Is the Rapture?

Who Will Be Taken?

When Will the Rapture Happen?

Can You Miss the Rapture?

What Happens After the Rapture?

🌍  THE END TIMES

End Times Timeline

The Great Tribulation

The Antichrist

The Mark of the Beast (666)

Armageddon

The Second Coming of Jesus

Revelation Explained

📖  UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

Who Is Jesus?

How to Read the Bible

How to pray

Start with God

Who is the Holy Spirit?