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WHO IS "MYSTERY BABYLON"?
ROME IN BIBLE PROPHECY PT. 3
John Aziza
In Revelation 17-18, a harlot is portrayed riding a "beast" and given the title "Mystery Babylon". Of course, both the harlot and the beast are clearly symbolic, but who or what do they represent?
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In our previous study (Pt. 2), we identified the beast as the Vatican's papacy. Now, we turn our focus to the identity of the harlot. While the New Testament identifies the Church as the Bride of Christ, Mystery Babylon is a symbol of the apostate church, the bride of antichrist. Mystery Babylon is wedded to big power and represents the unholy merger of church and state combining to form the antichrist's political government and one-world religion of the last days—ecumenicism. In the following points, we will examine Mystery Babylon's unique role in Bible prophecy:
POINT #1. A HARLOT IS SYMBOLIC FOR AN APOSTATE NATION OR PEOPLE
The Bible uses the imagery of a harlot to symbolize a nation or people who were once devoted to God but later forsook Him in favor of idols and false gods. The best example of this is presented in Isaiah 1:21, where speaking of Jerusalem, it reads:
"How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers..." (Is. 1:21).
Like ancient Israel, the early Church gradually departed from the original teachings of Christ and the Apostles until it eventually morphed into the biggest religious and political institution in world history. Today, this colossal entity is widely recognized as the Roman Catholic Church. So could it be that the harlot described in Revelation 17 and 18 represents the church at Rome? As we explore the remaining points, the answer may become much clearer.
POINT #2. THE HARLOT "SITS UPON MANY WATERS"
"I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters..." (Rev. 17:1).
Revelation 17:1 is shrouded in mysterious symbolism. However, we don't need to worry because the full interpretation of verse 1 is revealed in verse 15 of the same chapter. Notice:
"And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" (Rev. 17:15).
According to the above passage, the "waters" represent a multitude of people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. So the whore occupies and controls a great many nations from where she is situated. This description is highly significant and demonstrates that the harlot's influence and reach is universal. It's important to note that the Roman Catholic Church has roughly 1.2 billion members worldwide and is commonly known as the universal church. In fact, the word Catholic or Catholi is derived from the Latin word for universal. So, does the Roman Catholic Church fit this description? Is it truly a universal church, comprised of people from every nation? The answer is yes.
POINT #3. THE WOMAN SITS UPON A BEAST WITH 7 HEADS AND 10 HORNS
"So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 17:3).
The beast that the harlot rides is clearly the fourth beast described in Daniel 7:7. Most Bible scholars identify Daniel's fourth beast as Rome, since it follows the third beast identified as the Greek empire within the same chapter. Additionally, the ten horns represent the ten barbarian nations of ancient Europe. When imperial Rome fell, it fragmented into ten kingdoms, each ruled by a different tribe: the Visigoths (Spain), Anglo-Saxons (England), Franks (France), Alemani (Germany), Burgundians (Switzerland), Lombards (Italy), Suevi (Portugal), Heruli (now extinct), Ostrogoths (now extinct), and Vandals (now extinct). These ten kingdoms laid the foundation for modern Europe.
Thus, the seven-headed and ten-horned beast of Revelation 17:3 clearly represents Rome. But what do the seven heads symbolize? Fortunately, Revelation 17:9 provides the answer
"And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth" (Rev. 17:9).
Did you catch that? The seven heads symbolize the seven mountains where the harlot "sits" or is located. This is an essential clue because the only city traditionally known as the "City of Seven Hills" is Rome. The seven hills upon which Rome was built are Caelian Hill, Aventine Hill, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Esquiline Hill, and Viminal Hill. So, what does this imply? Remember, according to Scripture, a harlot symbolizes a people of God who were once faithful but later fell into apostasy. The only church that has existed in Rome for nearly two millennia and fits this description of apostasy is the Roman Catholic Church. Based on the evidence, it's hard to implicate anyone other than the Catholic Church.
POINT #4. THE HARLOT IS SITTING ASTRIDE A RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL BEAST "FULL OF NAMES OF BLASPHEMY" (REV. 17:3)
This point is yet another indication that the fourth beast in Daniel 7—Rome—is the same beast mentioned in Revelation 17. After all, Daniel 7:25 did predict that Rome's little horn power, the antichrist, would speak blasphemy against the Most High. So does the Roman Catholic Church qualify? Is she full of blaspheme? One must look no further than the popes of Rome to answer this question. The popes are commonly referred to as Holy Father, His Holiness, Vicarious Filli Dei (in place of the Son of God), Pontifex Maximus (the great high priest), Vicar of Christ, etc. In my opinion, there is hardly anything more blasphemous than the Roman Catholic office of pope.
POINT #5. THE HARLOT IS "ARRAYED IN PURPLE AND SCARLET COLOR, AND DECKED WITH GOLD AND PRECIOUS STONES AND PEARLS" (REV. 17:4)
The two primary colors associated with the Roman Catholic Church are purple and scarlet. Bishops traditionally wear purple, while cardinals are distinguished by their scarlet attire. So far, we have a match. But what about the gold, pearls, and precious stones? Can these also be linked to Rome? A visit to the Vatican quickly reveals the extensive use of these lavish materials. From gilded altars to jewel-encrusted artifacts, gold and precious stones adorn countless churches and shrines within the Church’s domain. This opulence further reinforces the striking connection between the harlot and the Roman Catholic Church as described in Scripture.
Europa: The People of the Whore and their Enormous Wealth
An often overlooked feature of Revelation 17:4 is the harlot’s specific people. The Catholic Church originated in Europe and developed within the European race. After gaining political power from the Roman Emperor Constantine, the Catholic popes ruled Europe for nearly two millennia. In this way, the European people—descendants of the ancient Romans—could be identified as Mystery Babylon. Therefore, she is a European harlot, which is why all popes have historically been biologically European or white.
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When we consider the fact that Europe and her colonies (i.e., America and Canada) dominate the world politically and economically, it aligns perfectly with Bible prophecy. The Western world is predominantly made up of European people. It is “Christian” by religion (the harlot component) and possesses most of the world’s wealth, including vast amounts of gold and precious stones. This may be exactly what Revelation 18:23 is referring to when it says: "...for thy merchants were the great men of the earth."
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To further cement this connection, consider a recent development within the European Union. The latest sculptures commissioned by the EU to adorn their government headquarters contain an important clue. These sculptures depict the female deity Europa, after whom Europe was named, riding a bull fully naked. According to Greek mythology, Europa was abducted by Zeus, who took the form of a bull and raped her as he carried her away (see here). In fact, the design on the back of the Greek €2 coin also depicts the goddess Europa sitting on a bull.​
So, is there a connection here? Is Europe beginning to acknowledge its identity as the people of the harlot? Are they subtly signaling to the world their relationship to Rome and its apostate church? The symbolism of Europa—riding a bull and depicted as a goddess—seems to reinforce the idea that Europe, with its deep ties to the Roman Catholic Church, may indeed be aligning itself with the prophetic imagery found in Revelation 17 and 18. This suggests that Europe is intentionally embracing her long-standing connection to the apostasy of the harlot, Mystery Babylon, and affirming her relationship to the Roman empire, the fourth beast.
POINT #6. THE HARLOT "RULES OVER THE KINGS OF THE EARTH" (REV. 17:18)
While the harlot symbolizes the Roman Catholic Church and her supreme religious authority, the beast represents the political power of Rome. Papal Rome, which evolved from imperial Rome, has ruled Europe through the popes since the fall of the Caesars. The symbolism in Revelation 17:18 is not only historically accurate, but a perfect example of an unholy union between church and state players. Together, the harlot and beast represent a synchronistic relationship that merges the religious with the political to form a very powerful alliance. This explains how the harlot continues to rule over the "kings of the earth" even to this day.
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It's worth noting that Daniel and Revelation are closely related books with overlapping information in many places. For instance, just like Revelation 17:18 predicted that the Roman Catholic Church would eventually dominate political leaders, the same prophecy is echoed centuries earlier in Daniel 7:23. Both passages predict that Papal Rome would grow powerful enough to wield global influence. Notice: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces" (Dan. 7:23).
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However, as revealed through Daniel's prophecy, Rome’s reign will only end with the return of Jesus Christ. Daniel 7:9-11 describes this ultimate judgment: "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit... A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him... I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame."
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This prophecy highlights the reality that the Roman empire never truly disappeared. Its influence and political power have endured for millennia and will continue to persist until Christ's return, as affirmed in both Daniel and Revelation. But how does Rome maintain such power today, in the modern world? According to author F. Tupper Saucy, the Vatican advances its agenda by leveraging the military and economic strength of the United States. In his book Rulers of Evil, Saucy offers compelling evidence to demonstrate that the United States—the world’s most powerful nation—has been under Rome’s influence at its highest levels since nearly its founding. Whether openly acknowledged or not, America operates as a puppet state of the "Holy Roman Empire."
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POINT #7. THE HARLOT IS "FULL OF ABOMINATIONS AND FILTHINESS OF FORNICATION" (REV. 17:4)
Revelation 17:4 paints a disturbing picture of Mystery Babylon, describing her as being "full of abominations and filthiness of fornication." This characterization not only speaks to the immoral nature of the Roman Catholic Church but also extends to the broader influence of Europe and its colonies. These nations have played a significant role in promoting and disseminating immorality, largely through the Western entertainment industry and the internet, which have become powerful tools for spreading various forms of perversion worldwide.
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But the Catholic Church, in particular, has been at the center of numerous scandals, especially those related to sexual abuse. This apostate whore has been repeatedly implicated in cases of pedophilia and child sex abuse, more so than any other institution in the world (see here, here, and here). Reports of the creation and distribution of child pornography, as well as allegations of organized child trafficking, form a never-ending chain of accusations that have relentlessly tarnished the Church's reputation (see here and here). In addition, credible sources have estimated that a significant portion of Catholic priests are involved in homosexual practices (see here), with some estimates suggesting that up to 80% are closet homosexuals—roughly 40 times the percentage found in the general population (see here). The Catholic doctrine of celibacy, rather than curbing immorality, has contributed to this widespread problem, perpetuating both homosexuality and pedophilia in many Catholic parishes around the world.
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Note: That Hollywood is a flowing cesspool of filth and immorality is no secret. But according to author Shaun Wilcok, the Roman Catholic Jesuits are not only responsible for the creation of Hollywood's entertainment industry, but they also fully control it. Proof for this claim can be found in the book Jesuit Hollywood by Shaun Wilcok (available here).
POINT #8. THE HARLOT IS DRUNK WITH THE BLOOD OF THE SAINTS (REV. 18:24)
"And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth" (Rev. 18:24).
The following quotes will help us appreciate the immense scale of Rome’s violent persecution of Protestant Believers who refused to conform to her dogma:
John Dowling, History of Romanism (1871)
"From the birth of Popery in 606 to the present time, it is estimated by careful and credible historians, that more than fifty million of the human family have been slaughtered for the crime of heresy by popish persecutors, an average of more than forty thousand religious murders for every year of the existence of popery." (pp. 541-542)
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W. E. H. Lecky, History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe (1910)
"That the Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history . . . It is impossible to form a complete conception of the multitude of her victims, and it is quite certain that no powers of imagination can adequately realize their sufferings." (Vol. 2, p. 32)
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John Foxe, Foxe's Book of Martyrs (1563):
"The Church of Rome, from the beginning of her tyranny, hath been the bloodiest of all churches that ever was upon the earth. For she hath cruelly persecuted and slain those whom God hath delivered by His truth, and yet to this day continueth in that wickedness and persecution of the saints."
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William Tyndale, 16th Century English Reformer:
"I call God to record upon my soul, that I never altered one syllable of God’s Word against my conscience, nor would I for all the world... And the Pope, if he be not a blood-thirsty murderer, let him prove it by his actions. But he will not—he will send out all his power to slay every man that believes the truth, and he is known to be a murderer of the saints."
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J.A. Wylie, History of Protestantism (1878):
"The Roman Catholic Church has slaughtered millions of Protestants over the centuries, and yet it has never been moved to the slightest regret for its blood-soaked history. The history of the Inquisition is written in the blood of the martyrs."
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George Bancroft, History of the United States (1834):
"The persecutions of the Roman Catholic Church, in the name of God, are an eternal reproach to the religion of Christ... The Catholic Church has been the most formidable and relentless enemy to religious liberty and has caused the most bloodshed of all."
So it's abundantly clear that Rome has persecuted Christians from the very beginning of the Church age, throughout the Middle Ages, and will do so again at the end of time, if we truly believe Bible prophecy.
POINT #9. THE "MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (REV. 17:5)
In 251 AD, Cyprian of Carthage wrote: “He can no longer have God for his Father, who has not the church for his mother.”
Since the days of Cyprian, the Roman Catholic Church has been officially known as the “Mother Church”. Within this church, Mary has been elevated to a higher status than Jesus Christ. But does the Catholic Church truly venerate Mary or someone made to resemble her? Unbeknownst to many Catholics, the object of their veneration may not be Mary at all, but rather Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess and theotokos. This is made evident by the fact that the “Mary” of Roman Catholicism is officially referred to as the "Queen of Heaven." Long before Mary, Isis held the title of "Queen of Heaven" in Egyptian worship, which may explain why, in Revelation 18:7, Babylon says of herself, “I sit as a queen.”
Thus, Mariology, or the veneration of Mary, can be seen as a repackaged form of Isis worship.
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POINT #10. "THE KINGS AND MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH ARE WAXED RICH WITH HER" (REV. 18:3)
"...and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies" (Rev. 18:3).
According to the above verse, the world's businessmen have become immensely wealthy through their collaboration with the Roman Catholic Church. In other words, these businessmen are directly benefiting from the Vatican's agenda. But in case there’s any doubt about this, the following excerpt from a recent article exposes the fact that many of the wealthiest and most influential individuals in the world are actively working with Pope Francis to advance his agenda for global dominance. These figures stand to gain significantly, particularly in terms of financial prosperity. Notice:
“Pope Francis to Address Gathering of World’s Wealthiest and Most Famous” (Fortune + Time Global Forum—Working Group Solutions, ROME, Italy, September 7, 2016).
The following letter from the editors of Fortune and Time was delivered to Pope Francis on December 3, 2016:
“Your Holiness, On behalf of Fortune and Time and the distinguished delegates participating in our Global Forum, we are pleased to present to you the enclosed report. The report presented here is a result of the work of some of the world’s most prominent business and thought leaders, who have gathered for this meeting. Our goal is not only to talk about these problems but also to take specific actions to address them. The chief executive officers who have gathered with us come from companies that collectively employ more than 4.7 million people. Their supply chains—the companies they work with to produce and deliver their products and services— employ millions more. These companies operate in every country on earth with networks that range from the inner cities to the smallest villages. And so, at this Forum, top executives from some of the world’s largest companies, as well as prominent non-governmental, labor and civic leaders, have sought to answer the Holy Father’s call to action, forging a new social compact for the 21st century. Companies will support initiatives to produce digital identities for the one-fifth of global citizens who lack one, and therefore are shut out of financial systems. Digital financial technology (“fintech”) and the spread of mobile phones have been transformative in expanding financial access to hard-to-reach populations. Still, there remain obstacles to achieving the World Bank’s goal of Universal Financial Access (UFA) by 2020.”
So, there you have it. The world's top political leaders and businessmen stand to gain immensely as they begin to implement the Vatican's global agenda of Universal Financial Access by 2020. These corporations will play a pivotal role in establishing the mark of the beast financial system (fintech), in which, according to Revelation 13, no one will be able to buy or sell without the "mark" (see here).
Despite this, many remain unaware that the Vatican controls the global economy and the transactions that govern the exchange of goods and services (see here and here). Furthermore, they are often ignorant of the deep collaboration between the United States and Rome on global policy. But as mentioned before, those who have examined the well-documented evidence have good reason to believe that Rome leverages the military might and economic power of the United States to achieve its global objectives (see here and here). As a result, we can reasonably expect the United States to play a major role in the fulfillment of this global agenda in the coming days.
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POINT #11. MYSTERY BABYLON DECEIVES THE NATIONS THROUGH SORCERY (REV. 18:23b)
It’s highly noteworthy that the word "sorcery" in Revelation 18:23 is used to describe how the harlot deceives the nations. What’s even more intriguing is that the English word "pharmacy" comes from the Greek word pharmakeia, which literally means "drug sorcery" (see here). So, is it merely a coincidence that European and American pharmaceutical companies are leading the way in vaccinating the world against COVID-19 and that their CEOs are having private meetings with Pope Francis (see here)? There are numerous ways in which these vaccines could influence our thinking, creating mass deception, including through the use of specific drugs (see here, here, and here).
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Psychotropic drugs, which directly impact the mind, have been around for decades and can easily be administered through vaccines. It's no secret that pharmaceutical companies have a long history of scandals and corruption (see here, here, here, and here). So it goes without saying that they cannot be trusted. Given these factors, it’s not hard to see how the harlot, who is deeply engaged in religious deception, may also seek to deceive the nations through what is presented as "science-based" drug sorcery.
POINT #12. "BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN... FOR IN ONE HOUR IS THY JUDGEMENT COME" (REV. 18:2,10)
The entire chapter of Revelation 18 is focused on the judgment of Mystery Babylon, the harlot. Verse 2 proclaims the fall of Babylon, revealing how it becomes a desolation and the "habitation of devils." In verse 8, we are told that her plagues will include death, mourning, and famine, and that she will be utterly consumed by fire. The chapter continues to describe her total economic ruin, culminating in verse 23, which declares, "the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee." This judgment is so devastating that it is almost unimaginable.
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However, a key question arises: Is the destruction of Babylon limited only to the city of Rome (the Vatican's headquarters), or does it also encompass the wealthy, overindulgent Western world to which the harlot belongs (i.e., Europe, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.)? This question is crucial. If the Western world is to be destroyed so comprehensively, then verse 4 becomes a sharp warning to God's people: "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" (Rev. 18:4).
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So it’s possible that Christians may be required to leave the judgment zone, much like Lot was instructed to escape the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah.
CONCLUSION
Finally, there is good news. Based on the prophetic promise in Revelation 18, God's people will soon be vindicated when His wrath is poured out unmixed upon Mystery Babylon and all of her allies. The popish system of false religion enshrined in the Roman Catholic Church and her incessant persecution of true Believers will be no more. The harlot will be destroyed by fire just before Jesus Christ returns and the Saints of God with Him, and that time is approaching very quickly:
"For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fll to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her" (Rev. 18:4-8).
