Thursday, January 1, 2004 (63)
THE EXTREMELY GORGEOUS CLOTHING OF THE HARLOT CHURCH. Her clothing is of beautiful and attractive colors. The scarlet color is in keeping with the beast whom she is riding, the one who sustains her. This color is in conformity to her life style. Scripturally, it relates to sin. Isa. 1:18 In mockery and stupidity a scarlet robe was placed on the Lord Jesus and a crown of thorns on His head. Then He was proclaimed, king of the Jews. Little did they realize that He was the conqueror, the king triumphing over sin. Mt. 27:28-29 The common practice was to double dip cotton into the dye in order to obtain the rich color desired. This false church is that which will receive a double reward for her sin. She is the pinnacle of wickedness and unrighteousness. Rev. 18:6 The purple is representative of riches and royalty. It was also used in the tabernacle and temple, therefore symbolizes worship. In this case false worship. With so much emphases on riches in the church today it is no wonder that this woman glitters with all of her gold ornaments, her precious stones and costly pearls. A golden cup, impressive, attractive, appealing but extremely deceptive. Sin has its attractions to the natural man, but the ultimate price paid is horrendous. The cup is filled to the brim. Significant of the complete lawlessness of the tribulation period. The cup is filled with the detestable immorality of her spiritual idolatry or fornication. What a dangerous and very greatly deceptive church or religion she represents. Rev. 17:4
HER TITLE. This title is emblazoned on her forehead where it is easily observed. Her mind and life are under the full domination of satanic powers. MYSTERY. A mystery is something that is secret or hidden. There is a constant and consistent attempt by that which is false to duplicate the real, the true article. Rev. 17:5 Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ and His church as being a great mystery. Eph. 5:32 The false church will represent itself as being that true church, the Bride of Christ. It has a great and strong appeal to the natural senses. It looks like, it sounds like the real thing but is deception personified. Its magnetic attraction is so powerful that if it were possible the very elect would be deceived. It is the result of the mystery of iniquity reaching its final stages. 2 Thess. 2:7 BABYLON. The city which is typical of tyranny, confusion and captivity. On the positive side, great architectural advancement, riches and security. Lulled to sleep in the lap of luxury. As Babylon of old was to be destroyed, so the Babylon of the immediate future will also know the full wrath of the Lord against all that she represents. Jer. 51:55-57 The Lord has a charge or a controversy with the nations of the ungodly and will yet make manifest His displeasure against all who join with the spirit of Babylon. Jer. 25:31 Even if they be of Israel, Mic. 6:2 or of Judah. Hos. 12:2 Any and all who align themselves with the last day Babylon will seal their eternal destiny to be punished with everlasting destruction. Pathetic, yet true and will be done exactly as the Word declares. 2 Thess. 1:7-10