Read Revelation 17:4-6. What do these verses teach us about the nature of this evil system?

As we have seen, Revelation 17:1-18 describes an apostate religious system that introduces into Christianity many of the teachings of Old Testament Babylon.

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“In order to search for an understanding of the nature of Babylon, we need to go back to its first reference in the biblical record, in Genesis. It all began on the plain of the land of Shinar, a region in the southern part of Mesopotamia, today south Iraq, called Babylonia. It is there that the Tower of Babel was built, a symbol of human self-sufficiency, self-preservation, and independence from God ([Gen.] 11:1-4).” — Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, “The Closing of the Cosmic Conflict: Role of the Three Angels’ Messages,” unpublished paper, p. 43.

The Tower of Babel, the site of ancient Babylon, was built in direct defiance to the Word of God. The Babel builders built this monument for their own glory, and God confused their languages. The Genesis account puts it this way, “Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth” (Genesis 11:9, NKJV).

So evil is this system that it is depicted as having been “drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6, NKJV) — horrific images of just how corrupt Babylon is (see also Isaiah 49:26).

In essence, spiritual Babylon represents a religion based on human teachings, established on human ideas, and supported by human traditions. It is a form of human-made religion built by, perhaps, brilliant human religious leaders, but it stands in opposition to the power of the gospel and the church that Jesus built, a church built on love, not violence.

The book of Revelation describes these two systems of religion. The first reveals total trust in Jesus and dependence on His Word. The second reveals trust in human authority and dependence of human religious teachers. One is a Christ-centered faith with total dependence on Christ’s grace, sacrifice, and atonement for salvation. The other is a humanistic approach to faith that replaces the total dependence on Christ for salvation with a dependence on the traditions of the church.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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“Three Cosmic Messages” encourages us to 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 as we near the end of this old world’s history to witness the Second Coming of our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful hymn to give courage, dear people, and is our theme for this quarter.

 We will be noting at times throughout the quarter that “
Tis Almost Time For The Lord To Come – Hymn 212 and we should be proclaiming the message that 
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213.

As The Church is the bride, we wish to be ready for our Bridegroom: 
Hymn 459 – As The Bridegroom to His Chosen. We will then sing 
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers – Hymn 599. This, our Sabbath afternoon introduction to our week of study, encourages.

 Sunday then makes the statement there are many who have been, and still are, and will be, those who can sing 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602 as they “keep the commandments of God”.

 “Satan is enraged that the gospel will be proclaimed, so let us march forward and 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378 (Monday) as we continue being faithful: 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602.

 In opposition to the human ideas at Babylon (Tuesday), we find our firm foundation in Christ: 
Hymn 235 – Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation, 
Hymn 348 – The Church Has One Foundation and 
Hymn 509 – How Firm A Foundation. We are then able to 
Only Trust Him – Hymn 279.

 The urgent call is raised (Wednesday) 
Come, All Christians Be Committed – Hymn 634. Once again we are reminded that 
The Church Has One Foundation – Hymn 348 because 
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less – Hymn 522 where Christ is The Solid Rock.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Key Thought: The fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that have become corrupt; not only the Mother is mentioned, but also her daughters have fallen and become corrupt.
May 27, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 14:8, Revelation 17:1,2.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What solemn announcement does this angel make, and what did Babylon do to warrant such an announcement?
3. Personal Application: What’s our only protection from the negative influences from this power; mentally, physically, and spiritually? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Since ancient Babylon was destroyed hundreds of years ago, this must have a spiritual application. How does modern Babylon compare to ancient Babylon?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Revelation 17:1,2,15; Revelation 18:1-4.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How extensive is Babylon’s influence in power according to these verses?
3. Personal Application: What role do the people giving the three angel’s messages have in being used to call “God’s people” out of Babylon? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why is Satan so angry with the remnant people who give the three angel’s messages and have the testimony of Jesus and keep God’s commandments? I thought we were saved by grace. People who try to earn salvation by works are lost anyway.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Revelation 17:4-6, Matthew 16:18, Revelation 17:14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What are the characteristics or nature of this evil system?
3. Personal Application: What promises are given to His disciples regarding His church? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “So do you believe that everyone in the Catholic church or in the Protestant churches are lost or not going to heaven unless they join your church?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 50:33-38, Jeremiah 51:17,47.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2.  What was ancient Babylon’s relationship to idol worship and what was God’s response to it?
3. Personal Application: How is modern Babylon associated with idol worship? Is there a danger of any church or church member being caught up in idol worship of any kind? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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