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The woman of Revelation seventeen is also termed a MYSTERY. A mystery is something which is hidden from the general public but may be understood by the initiated. In this case it is the mystery of iniquity. 2 Thess. 2:7 A situation which will culminate in the revelation of the antichrist, of whom this woman is a paramour and comrade. Never is the mystery of iniquity manifest in more splendor and earthly beauty than in this woman. John is made to marvel at the eye appealing figure which he is beholding before him. A messenger of the Lord will illuminate John and unravel the mystery for him. Basically he gave him a history lesson leading up to the end of the age and then showed him the end of this beautiful creature. The very thing which she helped develop will be her undoing. In spite of her widespread power and influence over the leadership of the earth, she will be completely stripped of all of her beauty and in the end burned. Rev. 17:16.
BABYLON THE GREAT. It is clear that this name Babylon speaks of utter confusion. Rev. 17:5 The nations, the kingdoms and their leaders, at the end of the age are wiser than any which preceded them, but at the same time they are more insecure and confused as they seek peace for the world. Peace is a way of life that has been taken from the capability of mankind. Rev. 6:4 Not until the Prince of peace comes and establishes real peace, will there be peace again on this earth. Isa. 9:6-7 Babylon represents the world system which will be united under the hand of the antichrist. The ten kingdom empire is much greater than just the EU nations, it will embrace the entire world and include all nations. Any who resist will be destroyed. The message concerning her as found in the Book of Revelation is one of ultimate defeat. Rev. 14:8 Her reward will be equal to the measure of her fornication. Thus, she is made to drink of the fullness of the wine of the fierceness of the wrath of God. Rev. 16:19 She will be destroyed in one hour. An hour predetermined and marked on the calendar of the Lord. Rev. 18:10 Her hour of judgment will come upon her violently and her destruction absolute. Rev. 18:21 She is destined to be filled with all that is unholy and ungodly. Rev. 18:2 That can only speak of a place of eternal punishment.
THE MOTHER. A system, denying the very existence of God can only reproduce unrestrained wickedness and ungodliness. Paul wrote, stating that earthly Jerusalem has as its example, Agar which speaks of bondage, and servitude for herself and her children. Gal. 4:25 Liberty and freedom are not to be found in that which is natural and of the earth. Real life and liberty are found in that which is above, the new Jerusalem. Gal. 4:26.