A GREAT MYSTERY

REV 17:5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH.

THE FOREHEAD

STUDY BIBLE: In ancient times, inscriptions on the forehead were often used to signify ownership or identity, as seen with the high priest in Exodus 28:36-38. The forehead represents the mind and will, indicating a deliberate and public declaration of allegiance.

“HOLINESS TO THE LORD” was the inscription of the high priests. It signified identity with the God of Israel!

In Revelation 3:12, those overcomers in the church are promised that the names of YHWH, New Jerusalem and Yeshua’s NEW name will be on these saints, declaring that they are in the family of God. It doesn’t say where these names will be, but on the basis of this custom, I would say they were on the head.

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: [The name] “was made prominent and public, as if written on the forehead in blazing capitals. In Revelation 13:1 it is said that “the name of blasphemy” was written on the “heads” of the beast.* The meaning in both places is substantially the same, that it was prominent, and unmistakable.”

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*NOTE:

The end times scenario has three entities with a spirit of Antichrist: dragon (devil), beast (political), and false prophet (religious). They imitate the triune nature of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This can be seen in Revelation 13 and here:

REV 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

THE HARLOT’S NAMES

These are the harlot’s names boldly proclaimed.

MYSTERY

STUDY BIBLE: The term “mysterious” suggests a hidden or deeper meaning, inviting readers to seek spiritual insight into the identity and nature of this figure.

What is this mystery? It’s a MYSTERY! Some say that it is the “mystery of iniquity” (or lawlessness) mentioned in Thessalonians.

Some say it is all the unbiblical doctrines, including transubstantiation, an occult mystery!

Maybe part of the mystery is all subterfuge the hierarchy uses.

Well, what is so interesting is that the pope’s mitre had “MYSTERY” for some time!

Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible “and it is very remarkable what has been observed by some, that the word “mystery” was formerly upon the frontlet of the pope’s mitre, and was removed by Pope Julius the Third, when it was observed that the Protestants made use of this passage of Scripture, and applied it to the Romish antichrist. Joseph Scaliger affirms, that he saw mitres at Rome with this inscription on them.”

BABYLON THE GREAT

STUDY BIBLE: Babylon is a symbol of rebellion against God, originating from the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its idolatry and opposition to God’s people, as seen in the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. In Revelation, Babylon represents a system of worldly power and corruption, often interpreted as a metaphor for Rome or any anti-Christian entity throughout history. The term “Great” emphasizes its significant influence and reach.

THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS

The great harlot “is mother of harlots. Others, in smaller spheres, will follow her example; but she is the origin and type of all.” (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers)

Does not the Roman Catholic Church call herself mistakenly – in that it is not holy – the “holy mother church”?

Matthew Poole’s Commentary: “The mother of harlots; not it mere harlot but one that bred up harlots, and nursed up idolatry, communicating it to others. This is the true name of Rome instead of “holy mother church.” (Italics mine)

The RCC, who had dominance over Europe for centuries, persecuted and martyred many saints of God. When the Reformation (beginning in 1517 AD) was underway, people heard the Good News and left the RCC. But some churches kept many of the traditions of the RCC.

Today some Protestant churches, due to infiltrators and a desire to be “politically correct”, have strayed from the truth of Scripture. Many pastors do not believe in the virgin birth! Some say the OT miracles are myths. These apostate churches have “Ichabod” (1 Samuel 4:21) or “without glory” spiritually written over them. These churches as a whole are faithless!

PULPIT COMMENTARY: [on REV 17:1] … But it seems equally impossible to accept the view that this faithless portion of the Church refers to papal Rome, and none other. We must include all the faithless of God’s Church … [on REV 17:5] … the harlot is Babylon; that is, that the worldly portion of the Church, though nominally Christian, is in reality identical with the world, which is openly antagonistic to God. Indeed, the latter portion of the verse goes even further than this. This faithless (though outwardly Christian) portion of Christ’s Church is the mother, that is, the cause of the existence of unfaithfulness to God. So true is it that the professing Christian who is worldly minded does more to cause in others disobedience and unfaithfulness to God, than he who openly declares himself in opposition to God, and even persecutes the faithful;

THE WARNING

Yet there are true Christians still in “churches” with “Ichabod” written over them. These are God’s people – He calls them “My people”! So the LORD lovingly issues a warning!

This is a warning to come out of this deviant, idolatrous religion of Babylon, the Roman Catholic Church and those ungodly, non-believing Protestant churches who have been mothered by the RCC:

REV 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her [Babylon], My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

However, there are still Protestant churches that are keeping God’s way! One should be careful to check the pastor’s doctrines, not just the doctrine on the website, but the pastor’s. He just may be an infiltrator, too.

INFILTRATORS

— FREEMASONS

The intent of the Freemasons is to infiltrate the church and the schools and they have done this. Many “pastors”, who should be the bulwark of the community, are giving way to such things in their churches that are not Biblical, including abortion and the perverse movement.

Rev. C. G. Finney, a president of Oberlin College, was at one time a Freemason. Then when he was born-again. The LORD told him to get out of Freemasonry because it is inherently evil. He has a treatise on Freemasonry that shows how it will invade the church: “The Character, Claims, and Practical Workings of Freemasonry” (1869)

— A LIBERAL LUTHERAN

I once was running a Bible study for the residents of this apartment complex. There I met a Lutheran pastor. I had taught piano at a Lutheran school and was somewhat familiar with their doctrine, so I thought to ask this pastor if he could provide a lesson on John the Baptist. He complied. But I had to interrupt him when he insisted that the Book of John was just John’s opinion! Not the inspired Word of God! He disagreed with the “I AM” statements in John. Later, I prayed for this man and I hope that he repented and came to the Messiah. He died shortly afterwards. It turns out that he went to a very liberal Lutheran college to get his degree, probably one with infiltrators!

— THE JESUITS

The Jesuit website names “soldier-turned-mystic” Ignatius Loyola as the one who founded the Jesuits, a Society of Jesus. But this society is not anything like Christ! Oh, they look good on the surface… In reality, these “priests” are a military order and totally loyal to the pope. How interesting that Ignatius was a soldier before! Eric Jon Phelps, a researcher of this group, authored a book named Vatican Assassins regarding the Jesuits as such. The deceiving Jesuits infiltrate seminaries and various institutions where they can do much harm from the inside!

KNOW THE SCRIPTURE

There have always been deceivers. It is most important to have the gift of discerning of spirits and I pray that the LORD would grant this very important spiritual ability to more saints. If you have a check in your Spirit, it just may be that a doctrine, a false teacher, a false prophet is not truthful! Check with the Holy Spirit and also with Scripture!

2 TIM 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come … 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

May you be wise in the Messiah!

Christian music by Carolyn Anne Venable may be heard on Spotify, Pandora, Apple and other music apps.

Part of a series:

The LORD’s Warning: “Come Out!”

The GREAT HARLOT is an apostate religion.

#1 – “On Many Waters” – worldwide influence

#2 – Mother of Harlots – some denominations

The Great Harlot & Kings

#3 – the kings of the earth committed fornication

#4 – nations made drunk

Ba’al Worship: Then & Now

#5 – REV 2:14 eating “things sacrificed to idols”.