Revelation: The Fall of Religion

Revelation 17:1-18

In Revelation 16, John highlights the end of the tribulation when the voice from the throne declares, “It is done!” (Rev. 16:17). Then, in chapters 17 and 18, John goes back to explain some of the events leading up to the end. These chapters have various interpretations. One of my favorite commentators mentioned consulting three of his favorites, each with a different view! Therefore, our main focus will be on the key lessons to learn from this section.

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls invited John to see an amazing sight. The angel showed John the “judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality…” (Rev. 17:1-2a). John was carried away “in the Spirit,” that is, he saw a vision of a “woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns” (Rev. 17:3). The woman was adorned with jewels and on her forehead was written, “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations” (Rev. 17:5). This woman was “drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Rev. 17:6). 

When John saw all this, he “marveled greatly,” asking himself, “How can this be and what does this mean?” But the angel explained to John the meaning of what he saw. 

The Beast is the Antichrist (Rev. 17:8)
In Revelation, there are three beasts: the beast from the bottomless pit—Satan, the beast from the earth—the False Prophet, and the beast from the sea—the Antichrist.

The beast here is the one depicted in Revelation 13, identified as the Antichrist who rises from the sea. He will be alive, then appear to die, and later reappear alive. Those who do not know Jesus at that time will be amazed by the Antichrist and follow him (Rev. 17:8). However, Revelation 17 focuses on the woman riding the beast. Who is this woman?

The Woman Riding the Beast (Revelation 17:9-18)
John tells us in the last verse of the chapter: “And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth” (Rev. 17:18). In Revelation 17:5, we learn that the “great city” is “Babylon the great.” So, why is the ancient city of Babylon mentioned here in the last days?

Babylon is an important theme in Scripture. We see it in Genesis as the city of Babel, where humanity attempted to reach God by building a tower (Gen. 11). This was clearly an act of pride and a complete failure.

Six hundred years later, the city, now called Babylon, gained worldwide fame under Nebuchadnezzar. I won’t take time to detail Babylon's history, but many pagan religions originated there. As a result, in Scripture, Babylon often symbolizes religious systems that oppose God. 

Babylon is called “the great prostitute” and “mother of prostitutes,” for having committed spiritual adultery by engaging with pagan religions and leading others astray. Babylon represents religious systems that appear impressive on the outside (Rev. 17:4) but, in Jesus’ words, are “whitewashed tombs.” He pointed out their hypocrisy as being full of dead people’s bones on the inside (Matt. 23:27). This describes the religions of the world and all the magnificent monuments built for them. 

In the first part of the tribulation, religious and political leaders will unite for one purpose.

Revelation 17:12-14
And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.

The ten horns signify powerful earthly rulers, probably from the Middle East, who will join with the beast and hold authority for a brief time. They are dedicated to following the beast and pledge their allegiance to him. 

Their purpose in gathering is to “make war on the Lamb,” but they will not succeed. They will be soundly defeated because they oppose the “Lord of lords and King of kings!” (Rev. 17:14) Believers stand with the Lamb. I love how they are described here—“called and chosen and faithful.” Those who stand with the Lamb are called and protected by him. Through the Holy Spirit's power within each believer, they continue to follow Jesus with steadfastness and faithfulness. 

In Revelation 17:1, we learn that the woman was sitting on many waters. Then, in Revelation 17:15, the waters are explained as “peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.” This suggests that there will be a one-world religion encompassing all nations and languages.

This one-world religious system will not be tolerated for long by Satan, as he desires all worship for himself. Revelation 17 concludes with the woman—symbolizing the religious system—being destroyed (Rev. 17:16). Many interpret this as occurring midway through the tribulation. The rulers will overthrow the religious system, transferring all power to the Antichrist, whose aim is to replace God by demanding exclusive worship. All worship will then be directed to Satan’s substitute for Jesus. 

One more thing. Everything unfolds according to God's perfect plan. Nothing is outside of his control. John states, “for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled” (Rev. 17:17).

God has been, is now, and will always be sovereign over all.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 17:1-18.

Talking to God: In what ways is God calling you to live as one who is “called, chosen, and faithful” amid a world drifting toward spiritual compromise?

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