Happy Holy Saturday!
Today, I want to shed some light on the "Mysteries" of our world and their connection to the figure described as the whore in Revelation 17:
"Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth."
First, let’s clarify who the Bible is referring to and how.
Mystery Babylon represents a city—a city that sits upon many waters. But how can a city be likened to a whore? The analogy draws from how God referred to Jerusalem when it turned to idol worship and lost its holiness:
*"How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers."* (Isaiah 1:21, KJB)
This shift occurred as the people began to worship false gods.
In a similar manner, John refers to this other "whore" in a spiritual context. The only other city in the world that claims to be the heart of Christianity is Rome. The term "mystery" is connected to the ancient Mystery religions of Babylon. So how is this linked to Rome? One can find clues within the very Catechism of the Catholic Church itself.
The term "mystagogy" ( from the Greek word mystagogia, which combines mystes (initiate) and ago (to lead), appears in various sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly in relation to initiation and liturgical formation. Paragraph 1387 specifically addresses the concept of Mysterium Fidei, translated as "Mystery of Faith," emphasizing that the liturgy invites believers into the mystery of salvation and the life of the Trinity.
While "mystagogy" isn’t frequently mentioned in papal encyclicals, it does appear in significant church documents. The General Directory for Catechesis (1997) elaborates on mystagogy as a time for deeper reflection on faith following the sacraments, aiming to incorporate these teachings into daily life. Additionally, the Second Vatican Council's document, Sacrosanctum Concilium, addresses the importance of liturgical formation, emphasizing how sacraments guide the faithful deeper into the mysteries of faith.
But there are no mysteries of Christ and certainly none to be initiated in as the Catholic catechism discusses in paragraph 1233, where it mentions the role mystagogy in leading the newly baptized deeper into faith after receiving the sacraments of intiation. In addition to paragraph 1075, the term "mystagogy" is referenced particularly in relation to initiation and liturgical formation. For instance, paragraph 1233 discusses the process of Christian initiation, especially for adults, highlighting how mystagogy aids newly baptized individuals in deepening their faith after receiving the sacraments. This initiation process culminates in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, with mystagogy serving as a vital follow-up. Paragraph 1248 focuses on the catechumenate, emphasizing that this period is designed to help catechumens mature in their faith. It states that mystagogy is essential for understanding the mystery of salvation and integrating the practice of evangelical virtues within the Christian community after receiving the sacraments.
In fact the Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions the word "mystery" a total of 114 times across various contexts.
What strikes me as particularly strange is the alteration of verses in the NIV Bible, which I’ve discussed in a previous post. It’s worth highlighting again that this translation is linked to media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who has connections to the *Sun* newspaper and has even received a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II, underscoring his ties to the Roman Catholic Church.
So why does the NIV translate Revelation 17:1 "the great whore" as "the great prostitute," and change "sitteth upon" to "sits by"?
Could it be because Rome is the whore that God refers to in the final unfulfilled prophecies? Rome indeed does sit on many waters, not by them, in fact Rome is situated on the Tiber River and is in proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, which made it a significant maritime center in the ancient world. Additionally, the surrounding region includes numerous rivers, which further supports the idea of Rome's connection to water.
Revelation 17:9 explicitly mentions that "the seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."
This passage has frequently been interpreted as a reference to the city of Rome, which is well-known for being built on seven hills: Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal, which has led many scholars and theologians to associate the figure of the woman (the unholy city) with the Roman Catholic Church or with the Vatican city itself. The woman’s actions and characteristics are frequently analyzed as representing corruption, immorality, and the seduction of nations through her influence.
But I encourage you to look into it yourselves.
Revelation 17:1-2
KJB "Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
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.
NIV “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
I explored further and found that the verses continue to change, not for clarity, but in their fundamental meaning.
Revelation 17:4-6
KJB "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:
And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
NIV The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery:
babylon the great
the mother of prostitutes
and of the abominations of the earth.
I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.
Actually there was no mystery, the name she was given was "Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth."
Above you can see how the meaning has been cleverly changed.
It’s also significant to note that the NIV altered the phrasing of...
Revelation 17:6
KJB "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus
to
NIV "I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus"
Could it be that this emphasizes the idea that the saints are living believers in Christ rather than individuals sanctified by the pope? If so, this perspective would challenge the practice of venerating saints within the Roman Catholic Church.
But how does all of this tie into the Babylonian mystery religion?
As I’ve mentioned frequently when discussing sun worship and the pagan rituals tied to the equinoxes, Babylon was at the heart of ancient idolatry and pagan practices. This city played a pivotal role in fostering beliefs that celebrated celestial bodies and false gods, particularly through rituals centered around the changing of seasons. Babylonian culture significantly influenced later religious systems, blending their worship of the sun, stars, and other elements of creation with elaborate ceremonies. These pagan traditions laid the groundwork for future idolatrous practices, establishing Babylon as the epicenter of spiritual rebellion against God.
Throughout history, the reverence for celestial cycles, particularly during equinoxes, became deeply embedded in various cultures. Babylon's influence reached far beyond its borders, impacting civilizations for centuries. The Bible frequently warns against these forms of idolatry, calling God’s people to reject false worship and return to true reverence for the Creator, as seen in passages condemning Babylon’s influence and urging separation from its practices.
Initiation into the Mystery Religion of Babylon involved secretive rites designed to reveal hidden knowledge or divine truths to the initiates. These rituals were highly symbolic and shrouded in mysticism. The initiates were often led through stages of purification, where they renounced their old beliefs and embraced the mysteries of the gods (fallen angels). This could involve fasting, ceremonial bathing, or meditations.
The Mystery Religion of Babylon is an ancient belief system often cited in theological and esoteric studies, believed to have originated in Babylon, one of the oldest civilizations in Mesopotamia. This religion is commonly associated with polytheistic worship, and is thought to have deeply influenced later religious traditions.
In Catholicism, baptism is a sacrament of spiritual cleansing and rebirth, symbolizing the washing away of original sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Similarly, in Babylonian mystery rites, ceremonial bathing was used as a purification ritual, representing the cleansing of the old self and the initiation into secret spiritual knowledge, often symbolizing a type of rebirth.
In Catholicism, baptism is seen as a sacrament that not only cleanses from original sin but also marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. It involves a ritual act that signifies spiritual rebirth and incorporation into the Church.
However in the Bible (the word of God through his prophets) baptism serves as a vital outward expression of an inner transformation that has already occurred through the rebirth of the Holy Spirit. Scripture highlights this distinction clearly. In John 3:5, Jesus explains to Nicodemus that one must be "born of water and of the Spirit" to enter the Kingdom of God. This implies that spiritual rebirth is a prerequisite for baptism, emphasizing that true purification comes from the Holy Spirit, not from the act of baptism itself.
Baptism, therefore, symbolizes the washing away of sins, showcasing a believer’s commitment to a new life in Christ.
Acts 2:38 reinforces this, where Peter instructs,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."
The act of baptism symbolizes the believer's acceptance of salvation and their public declaration of faith, but it does not enact the purification process—only the Holy Spirit can accomplish that transformation.
At no point does the Bible mention any initiation into the mysteries of Christ. Scripture consistently affirms that true spiritual change comes not from ritualistic initiation, but from a genuine relationship with God through repentance and faith.
For instance, John 3:5-6 highlights that one must be "born of the Spirit" to enter the kingdom of God, indicating that transformation is an act of divine grace rather than a human rite. Similarly, Acts 2:38 underscores that repentance is the starting point for receiving the Holy Spirit, illustrating that it is through a heartfelt turning away from sin that believers are transformed.
Questions:
If a Catholic seeks forgiveness by confessing to another human in a confessional booth rather than repenting directly to Christ, how can their sins truly be forgiven?
How can a Catholic truly be in Christ if they pray to Mary, a human, or to saints, who are also human, instead of directly praying to Christ Himself?
John 8:47
"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
Moreover, 2 Corinthians 5:17 states,
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
This new birth is solely attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, reinforcing the idea that there are no initiatory rites required to enter into the mysteries of faith.
Ultimately, the journey of faith is marked by discipleship, where believers are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ (Matthew 28:19-20), further confirming that initiation into mysterious rites is unnecessary for true spiritual growth. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit stands as the core of the Christian experience, making any notion of initiation redundant.
Romans 10:9:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
John 3:16:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Instead, Roman Catholics submit to the authority of the pope, cardinals, and bishops, directing their prayers to mediators rather than to the one true mediator, Christ. How can humans possibly manage all these petitions?
If there are 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, and each prays 10 Hail Marys per day, that results in approximately 150,463 petitions to Mary every second! Only God possesses the power of being omnipresent.
In examining biblical prophecies, it is evident that all prophecies have been fulfilled throughout history, especially those concerning the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as significant historical events like the destruction of Jerusalem. These fulfilments provide a robust foundation for faith, showcasing the accuracy of Scripture.
Although nearly all biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled, there are significant ones that have yet to unfold, particularly concerning the rise of the Antichrist and the establishment of a one-world government. These prophecies, found primarily in the book of Revelation and other eschatological texts, point to a future time when a powerful global leader—referred to as the Antichrist—will emerge, deceiving the nations and establishing a universal government. This period is often seen as the prelude to Christ’s return and God's final judgment.
In Revelation 13, the Antichrist is described as a beast rising from the sea, who will exert global authority and demand worship from all people, setting up an oppressive regime. Revelation 17 speaks of the ultimate destruction of this power, which will be followed by the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. Before this final victory, however, the Antichrist's reign is seen as a necessary phase in God’s plan for the end times.
In the Book of Revelation, the Antichrist, often identified with the "beast," seeks to be worshipped as a god. Revelation 13:4 states,
"And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"
This indicates that the followers of the Antichrist will worship both him and the dragon (interpreted as Satan), establishing a connection between the Antichrist and a broader satanic agenda.
Furthermore, Revelation 13:15 mentions that those who refuse to worship the beast will be killed:
"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."
Much like Hitler, who was born into a Catholic family and baptized in the Catholic Church, he was responsible for the horrific slaughter of approximately 6 million Jews, all in the name of creating a so-called pure Aryan race of "god-men."
Additionally, Revelation 17 describes the concept of a "one world government" where the "great whore" rides the beast, symbolizing the merging of political power with spiritual deception. In Revelation 17:2, it says,
"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."
This imagery suggests that earthly governments will align with the Antichrist and promote a unified false religion, leading to a one-world government structure.
The overall narrative in Revelation portrays the Antichrist's ambition to unite the world under his authority through worship, culminating in a system that glorifies Satan while rejecting the true God.
So how is this occurring? It's happening through a significant amount of manipulation. We have already witnessed efforts to distort the Holy Word in an attempt to obscure the identity of the whore of Babylon.
Lets look deeper into world events.
In 1994, Catholics and Evangelicals signed a joint declaration aimed at collaborating to bring the world to Christ. This initiative marks a significant step toward the unification of various religions.
Pope Francis has made several significant trips to Muslim-majority countries, aiming to foster dialogue and build relationships between Christians and Muslims.
One notable trip was to Iraq in March 2021, where Pope Francis met with various religious leaders, including the influential Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. This historic meeting emphasized the importance of coexistence and highlighted the pope's desire to engage with the Shia community, which is a vital part of the Islamic world.
In November 2022, during his visit to Bahrain, Pope Francis described the trip as a new step in creating "fraternal alliances" between Christians and Muslims. He emphasized that these dialogues do not dilute religious identities but rather stem from a deep understanding of one's faith. This visit included meetings with Muslim leaders and a Mass attended by thousands of Catholics, reinforcing the presence of Christianity in predominantly Muslim regions.
It is deeply unsettling to witness a push for uniting different faiths, especially when reflecting on the millions of innocent lives lost during the Inquisitions, Crusades, and Holy Wars. These tragic events, fueled by religious fervor, caused immense suffering and left lasting wounds on humanity.
They don't want to bring the world to Christ but to the Roman Catholic Church.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV)
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
And those that worship him!
What I also find disturbing is paragraph 436 of the catechism. See below
436 The word "Christ" comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, which means "anointed". It became the name proper to Jesus only because he accomplished perfectly the divine mission that "Christ" signifies. In effect, in Israel those consecrated to God for a mission that he gave were anointed in his name. This was the case for kings, for priests and, in rare instances, for prophets.29 This had to be the case all the more so for the Messiah whom God would send to inaugurate his kingdom definitively.30 It was necessary that the Messiah be anointed by the Spirit of the Lord at once as king and priest, and also as prophet.31 Jesus fulfilled the messianic hope of Israel in his threefold office of priest, prophet and king.
The passage explains that the term "Christ" originates from the Greek word for "anointed one," translating the Hebrew "Messiah." It asserts that Jesus embodies this title, fulfilling the role of king, priest, and prophet.
Instead the New Testament confirms Jesus as the Messiah
Acts 2:36
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Matthew 16:16-17
"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
For those who still doubt:
If Christ had not been crucified as the redeemer for humanity's sins, we must consider how He could still be regarded as Holy, given that all humans are born into sin and under the curse resulting from the Fall. The concept of Christ's holiness is central to Christian theology, as it emphasizes His divine nature and His role as the perfect sacrifice.
In Christian belief, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, which means He was not tainted by original sin like all other humans. His perfection and holiness are intrinsic to His divine nature as the Son of God. The Holy Spirit's role in His conception does not merely make Him perfect; it underscores that He is both fully divine and fully human.
To whom does the Holy Spirit belong? To God, which makes Christ God incarnate.
Thus, it is through His divine nature that Jesus can be viewed as Holy and perfect, making Him the only suitable sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. His crucifixion serves as the culmination of this divine plan, allowing Him to bear the sins of humanity and offer salvation to all who believe in Him. Without this act of redemption, the implications of His holiness and the significance of His role as the Savior would be fundamentally altered.
Satan's promise to Eve in Genesis 3:5, that she would "be as gods, knowing good and evil," laid the foundation for a belief system centered on human self-exaltation. This was a temptation that led to humanity’s fall, fostering a belief that through knowledge and human effort, one could become like God. This idea of self-deification through works is seen not just in the story of Eden but also in the construction of the Tower of Babel, where people sought to reach heaven by their own means, symbolizing the belief that salvation could be achieved through human effort, independent of God.
Nimrod, the ruler behind the Tower of Babel, is often associated with the first symbolic "mason," someone who believed that he could build a path to heaven without needing divine grace. His actions represent arrogance and rebellion against God's sovereignty. The desire to reach God through one's works, rather than through submission to His will, became a hallmark of pagan belief systems, including the Babylonian mystery religion. These systems often embraced practices that allowed followers to indulge in pride, greed, and lust, believing they could still achieve divine status.
This mindset is reflected in the modern practices of Freemasonry, which, like the Babylonian tradition, places a heavy emphasis on "good works" and secret knowledge as a path to enlightenment or salvation. Similarly, Roman Catholicism has often been critiqued for emphasizing works as part of the salvation process, especially in light of the Protestant Reformation, which argued that salvation comes through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJB), not by human effort.
In both Freemasonry and the Roman Catholic Church’s mystery religion, the idea persists that salvation or divine status can be achieved through human deeds. However, Scripture is clear that no amount of human effort or works can lead to salvation—only faith in Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit can do that.
Whether or not Lucifer "rises again from the abyss," those who seek to reach God through their own works will ultimately discover that it is impossible to enter heaven through the “tradesman’s entrance”—salvation is through Christ alone.
In the Bible, Babylon is portrayed both as a literal city and a symbol of worldly corruption and rebellion against God. According to the Old Testament, ancient Babylon was the center of an empire that was powerful and idolatrous. However, the city’s arrogance and wickedness led to its downfall, as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah.
In Isaiah 13:19-20, it says:
"And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation."
This prophecy foretells the utter destruction of ancient Babylon, and indeed, history shows that Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian empire and gradually became desolate.
For archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire, refer to the Expedition Bible link below for further exploration.
In the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, Babylon is used symbolically to represent a future world system of corruption, luxury, and rebellion against God. This “mystery Babylon” is associated with the end times and the rise of the Antichrist’s kingdom.
Revelation 18:2 describes the future fall of Babylon:
"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
This passage speaks of the final judgment upon the symbolic Babylon, a future global system of political, economic, and religious power that will be destroyed by God. Revelation emphasizes the complete downfall of this system, as it opposes God’s will, and is a hub of idolatry, immorality, and deception.
Just a heads up: the devils that Jesus cast out of possessed people were evil spirits, as described in 1 Enoch 15, where they are said to be of both spirit and flesh. Essentially, they have the ability to take on human form
Revelation 17:5 further identifies this entity as "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth."
This future Babylon will be a center of apostasy and spiritual adultery, leading people away from God through false worship and deceit.
Revelation 18:10 reveals the lament of the nations over Babylon's destruction:
"Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come."
In summary, while the literal Babylon of ancient times was judged and destroyed for its pride and idolatry, the Bible also speaks of a future symbolic Babylon—an ungodly system that will face God’s ultimate judgment during the end times as foretold in the Book of Revelation. Both ancient and future Babylon represent rebellion against God's authority and are destined for complete ruin according to biblical prophecy.
Revelation 18:4
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
This verse is a warning to God’s people to separate themselves from "Babylon," so they do not share in its judgment and punishment.
留言