BABYLON’S DUAL HERITAGE: THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS

“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.” (Revelation 18:4, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article explores the biblical symbol of Babylon in prophecy, representing religious apostasy and false doctrines in churches, and its relevance to modern faith, emphasizing God’s love in warnings and personal responsibilities to God and neighbors for true obedience.

SYMBOLISM UNLEASHED!

In our study of biblical prophecy, the term “Babylon” is used not only as a symbol of a fallen, corrupt city but also as a type representing a widespread apostasy in religious systems. The phrase “the mother of harlots” (Revelation 14:8, KJV) is applied to Babylon to signify that from her originate churches that have abandoned the pure teachings of God in favor of human traditions and worldly alliances. Babylon, as described in prophecy, is further characterized by what she “will also have”—namely, a legacy of false doctrine and compromised allegiance to worldly power, as expounded in the commentary (The Great Controversy, pp. 382–383). We explore the depths of this apostasy, and how it applies to our lives today, reminding ourselves that “for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, KJV) and “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). As Ellen G. White aptly states, “The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand central theme, of God’s original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption.” (Education, p. 190, 1903) and “We should study the Bible in a prayerful manner, with a humble heart, ever praying for divine enlightenment. If we come to the Scriptures with a heart emptied of self, and with a sincere desire to learn ‘what is truth,’ we shall not be disappointed. The angels of heaven will be by our side to enlighten our minds and impress our hearts.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 705, 1889). The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be rekindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant world (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 367, 1958). Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Those who choose Christ will believe in Him as a personal Saviour, and these will have a personal experience in the knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, p. 379, 1990). The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1, KJV). Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3, KJV). We know that the great controversy is ended with God’s victory, but what does it mean for us now?

FALLEN CITY FALLS!

The Bible, in Revelation 14:8 (KJV), declares, “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” This vivid proclamation presents Babylon as the archetypal symbol of religious apostasy. According to the commentary (The Great Controversy, pp. 382–383), Babylon is not only “the mother of harlots” but also possesses a distinct “birthright”—her daughters, representing churches, inherit her legacy. These churches cling to man-made doctrines and traditions while sacrificing the truth and the approval of God to form illicit alliances with the world. This is a sad picture, a heart wrenching departure from truth. We see a mirror of this in our own time, where churches seek to please the world rather than God. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5, KJV) and “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Christians, and that this people were to be lifted up to stand as a united whole upon the platform of the Bible. Satan has been seeking to make of no effect the warning and reproof that the Lord has given to correct those who are departing from the faith.” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 16, 1958) and “Many who profess to be Christians will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. They have not the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps. They have not stood firm for the truth. They have not the genuine experience that works transformation of character. They have not the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 231, 1889). We must be ever vigilant, discerning the spirits, and testing all things by the word of God, but how do prophecies in Daniel and Isaiah foretell the subversion of God’s law?

LAW CHANGERS BEWARE!

Prophecies in Daniel 7:25 and Isaiah 24:5 (KJV) foretell a period when the law of God will be subverted. Daniel 7:25 warns that the adversary “shall think to change times and laws,” while Isaiah 24:5 laments, “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” These prophecies find their fulfillment in Babylon’s embodiment in the church system that forsakes divine law in favor of human enactments. In other words, when a church chooses to trample upon God’s commandments—opting for the “mark of the beast” as its sign of allegiance—it reveals its true character (The Great Controversy, pp. 604, 464). This choice is not merely a theological debate, but a matter of eternal consequence. We must ask ourselves, where does our allegiance lie? “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4, KJV) and “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4, KJV). Sr. White states, “The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation of human law above the divine law, is in the repeating of the history of the first great deception practiced in Eden.” (Signs of the Times, January 15, 1891) and “The man of sin, who thought to change times and laws, is extolled to heaven. He opens his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle and them that dwell in heaven. He changes the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and commands the world to keep holy the first day of the week.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 134, 1923). The last great delusion is soon to open before us, but what do Babylon’s daughters symbolize in the religious bodies?

DAUGHTERS DEFILED!

Babylon’s “daughters” symbolize religious bodies that were once pure but have since become corrupt by adopting false doctrines. These institutions, as noted in the commentary (The Great Controversy, pp. 382–383), mirror Babylon by clinging to outdated traditions and compromising the truth of God’s Word. Their false allegiances are further highlighted by their pursuit of worldly approval and comfort rather than steadfast obedience to divine law. As Revelation 3:14–17 (KJV) warns Laodicea for its lukewarm condition, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked,” so too do these churches betray their heavenly mandate by prioritizing riches and creature comfort over spiritual zeal. Are we, as individuals and as a church, falling into the same trap of complacency? “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15, KJV) and “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16, KJV). Sr. White notes, “The church is the depository of the truth, but the truth is not to be buried in the earth. It is to be diffused, to be made known to all nations and kindreds and tongues and peoples.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 455, 1889) and “The church has her light from the Sun of Righteousness, and she is to reflect His rays upon the world. She is to stand forth in clear, distinct lines, showing the separation between the world and the people of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 464, 1889). The Scriptures teach that we are to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14, KJV). The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness (The Great Controversy, p. 593, 1911). The church is not to be a place of compromise, but how does a church become unmistakably Babylon?

MARK OF DOOM!

A church becomes unmistakably Babylon when it substitutes God’s law with man’s dictates. The commentary teaches that “whoever shall trample upon God’s law TO OBEY A HUMAN ENACTMENT, RECEIVES THE MARK OF THE BEAST” (The Great Controversy, pp. 604, 464). This unfaithfulness is akin to spiritual adultery—as James 4:4 (KJV) sternly rebukes: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” In such cases, even a mere profession of faith (Matthew 7:21, KJV) is insufficient; “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” True salvation requires the “robe of true righteousness,” not the superficial wealth that many boast of (Matthew 25:3, 11, 12, KJV). The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that preparation is essential. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, KJV) and “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” (Luke 13:24, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the love of the truth in their hearts, will ever be ready to point out the danger.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 690, 1889) and “Those who have yielded to worldly influences may still, through the grace of Christ, arouse to their true condition. They may see that they have been walking in the light of the enemy’s fire, that their works have not been wrought in God. They may repent of their backsliding, and go to work to recover themselves from the snare of Satan.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 232, 1889). Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God (Hebrews 3:12, KJV). You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability (2 Peter 3:17, KJV). The true church stands firm against compromise, but what aspect of Babylon’s character is revealed in her “wine” given to all nations?

WINE OF WRATH!

Another aspect of Babylon’s character is revealed in her “wine” given to all nations—a metaphor for false doctrine (Revelation 17:4, KJV). “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.” Moreover, Revelation 17:6 (KJV) describes a terrible characteristic: the intense persecution of God’s children by these fallen churches. “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” Such persecution echoes the sufferings recorded in Hebrews 11:36–38 (KJV), where faithful believers endured great tribulation. “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.” These warnings serve as a stern reminder that aligning with worldly powers inevitably leads to spiritual compromise and, ultimately, divine judgment. How easily do we forget the cost of faithfulness? Sr. White reminds us, “The world is no friend to grace. To love the world is to be at enmity with God. The friendship of the world is spiritual adultery. We cannot be loyal to Christ and yet be devoted to the world.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 230, 1889) and “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. The persecutions which Satan instigates against the followers of Christ will only result in extending the truth. The light of heaven will shine forth with greater intensity, and the glory of God will be revealed.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 550, 1911). And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold (Matthew 24:12, KJV). Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God (Hebrews 3:12, KJV). Protestant churches follow Rome’s example in mixing church and state, but what dangers do they face in prioritizing respectability and comfort?

PROTESTANTS PERIL!

In our day, the term “Babylon” can rightly be applied to many Protestant churches that follow Rome’s example of mixing church and state (The Great Controversy, p. 383). When churches prioritize respectability, comfort, and the love of worldly things over the uncompromised truth of Scripture, they become modern-day Babylon. As Revelation 3:14–17 (KJV) clearly indicates in its rebuke of Laodicea, such churches are in danger of spiritual desolation. We must, therefore, examine our affiliations and practices in the light of God’s Word, ensuring that we remain true to His commandments. We must be ever vigilant, discerning the spirits, and testing all things by the word of God. Sr. White urges, “Let all who read these lines, be careful how they receive doctrines and traditions that come clothed in a religious garb. Do not let your minds be misled. Do not become weak and pliant, subject to the control of any human being. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, with earnest prayer that God will enlighten your understanding.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 232, 1889) and “The truth of God is progressive in its nature. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. We must be continually advancing in knowledge and experience. God’s word is inexhaustible. There is in it a depth of meaning that the finite mind can never fathom.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 705, 1889). Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4, KJV). For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance (Hebrews 6:4-6, KJV). The warnings are not mere pronouncements of doom but invitations to return to Him, but how does the Babylonian concept reflect God’s love?

LOVE’S WARNINGS!

God’s love is shown through His warnings and calls to repentance. By revealing the dangers of Babylon, He seeks to protect us from spiritual destruction. The prophecies are not mere pronouncements of doom but invitations to return to Him. Even in judgment, God’s mercy shines through, offering a path to salvation for those who turn from their wicked ways. He desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This is a hard love, a refining fire, but it is love nonetheless. Sr. White eloquently states, “God’s love is not a mere impulse or emotion. It is a principle, a living power, an attribute of the divine nature. It is the foundation of His government. It is the source of His blessings to His creatures.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890) and “God’s love is not a weak sentimentality. It is as strong as death. It is the fire that consumes the dross of selfishness and sin, and purifies the soul.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 164, 1889). It is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt (Hebrews 6:4-6, KJV). For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27, KJV). We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, but how do we remain faithful to God’s commandments?

FAITHFUL TO HIM!

Our responsibilities toward God are to remain faithful to His commandments and to reject the false doctrines of Babylon. We must continually examine our hearts and actions to ensure that we are not compromising our allegiance to Him for worldly gain or approval. We need to study His Word diligently, seeking to understand and obey His will. We must also be a witness to others, sharing the truth and warning them of the dangers of apostasy. This is a daily struggle, a constant battle against the forces of evil. Sr. White advises, “We are to be Bible students, comparing scripture with scripture. We are to search the word of God with earnest prayer, that we may understand its sacred truths. We are to hide the word in our hearts, that we may not sin against God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 705, 1889) and “Our first duty toward God is to obey Him. Our obedience should be prompt, implicit, and cheerful. It should spring from a heart filled with love and gratitude for His infinite mercy and compassion.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 150, 1889). But it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them (2 Peter 2:21, KJV). Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness (2 Peter 3:17, KJV). Obedience to God brings peace and strength, but how do we share the truth of God’s Word with our neighbor?

SHARE THE LIGHT!

Our responsibilities toward our neighbor are to share the truth of God’s Word and to warn them of the dangers of spiritual deception. We must show compassion and understanding, even to those who are caught in the snares of Babylon. We should strive to live a life that reflects the love and character of Christ, so that others may see the beauty of true religion. We must be a beacon of light in a world darkened by sin and apostasy. We must seek to uplift and encourage our neighbors, pointing them to the path of salvation. Sr. White encourages, “We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This means that we are to treat him with kindness, courtesy, and respect. We are to be interested in his welfare, and to do all in our power to help him.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 151, 1889) and “We are to be missionaries for Christ, carrying the gospel to every creature. We are to warn the world of the coming judgment, and to point them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 455, 1889). They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us (1 John 2:19, KJV). But that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman (2 Chronicles 15:13, KJV). The prophetic warnings are profoundly applicable today, but what exhortation calls us to pursue true religion?

OBEY FOR ETERNITY!

The prophetic warnings concerning Babylon are not relics of an ancient past but are profoundly applicable today. We are exhorted to pursue true religion—a knowledge of God and obedience to His commandments. In the words of Sr. White, “True religion is a knowledge of God, and obedience to His commandments” (The Desire of Ages, p. 484). This reminder calls us to discern between the fleeting allure of worldly comfort and the everlasting truth found in Christ. Only by rejecting the counterfeit doctrines of Babylon can we hope to inherit the robe of true righteousness promised by our Lord. Let us ever remember that “the greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” (Education, p. 57, 1903) and “We are living in the last days of this earth’s history. The scenes of this world’s history are soon to close. The great controversy between Christ and Satan is soon to be ended. Let us be faithful to our trust, that we may receive the crown of life that fadeth not away.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 757, 1889). Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3-4, KJV). But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1, KJV).

“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” (Revelation 18:4, KJV).

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BABYLON’S DUAL HERITAGE: THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS

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