Mystery Babylon in Revelation. Who are the three main candidates?
Who, what or where is Mystery Babylon that was mentioned by St John the Divine in the Book of Revelation Prophecy nearly 2000 years ago? There are many candidates for the title of Mystery Babylon but the main three that come up time and time again and seem to stand the test of time are:
1. Rome, Italy and The Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church
2. Mecca, Saudi Arabia and Islam
3. New York or Washington DC or even maybe LA and/or the US/America.
There is a fourth which is quoted by many and that is Jerusalem and Israel, but this is not up for consideration at this time. The three that will be focused on are the three most consistently popular theories out there that are backed by scripture in various shapes or forms and to varying degrees. These three possiiblities for Mystery Babylon are very different animals indeed, that appear in vastly different locations and embracing totally different cultures. This is yet another topic that results in some extremely heated debate, but which one of these three is it and does the Book of Revelation scripture and Prophecy contain the key to narrow it down very clearly to just one candidate?
This article is a follow on from two previous articles that looked at Who or What Mystery Babylon is.The main body of the research is contained in the video from The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel which appears at the foot and end of this article.
Where Mystery Babylon appears in Scripture.
Mystery Babylon is mentioned in the Book of Revelation in Chapters 17 and 18 and the beginning of Chapter 19, so quite a large portion of Revelation Prophecy is tied up with this entity, which tends to suggest that it is of some significant importance in the Revelation timeline.
Who or What or Where is Mystery Babylon.
The scripture of Revelation makes it quite clear that Mystery Babylon is initially depicted as a woman in the form of a Harlot that rides "The Beast", and the Beast and this Harlot seem to be closely linked. The mention of Mystery Babylon and it's status as a woman is merely symbolic in the earlier stages of the relevant Chapters and is explained in greater detail as the scripture progresses. It is made quite clear that it is not a Woman or even a person, but a location and more to the point a city mentioned as a "Great City". It is also possibly an organisation, establishment or institution or something with religious connotations that is instantly recognised around the world.
The What is Mystery Babylon is the easy part of the puzzle to solve as it is mentioned quite clearly in Revelation Scripture but it is the What and Where is where things are not so clear and where the heated debate starts.
What is Mystery Babylon Bible Verses
These are the verses that clearly state WHAT Mystery Babylon is and a clue is given to where this entity is located. This city has dealings with many nations and the city is located on or near "Seven Mountains" which in some versions of the Bible is mentioned as "Seven Hills"
Rev 17.1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters
Rev 17.9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth.
Rev 17.15 And he saith unto me, The Waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues
What role does Mystery Babylon play in the End Times?
Mystery Babylon plays quite a significant role in End Times Prophecy as it has a devastating effect on Christians as mentioned in the following two verses
Rev 17:6 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.
Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
What are Christians advised to do with regard to Mystery Babylon?
It is made very clear above that Mystery Babylon is an adversary to Christians and "The Church" mentioned in the New Testament many times. So much so that anybody that is part of this Mystery Babylon in any shape or form are advised strongly to leave, otherwise you will be subjected to the same judgement as Mystery Babylon itself. This is a strong indicator that Mystery Babylon could be a False Church which would rule out Islam and Mecca as one of the candidates for Mystery Babylon. As is revealed in the video though, Mecca ticks many boxes in the prophecy contained in Revelation including some interesting cross references, so things are not so clear cut.
Rev 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
The video below from The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel doesn't claim to have the definitive answer, but it does attempt to make things clearer who this mysterious "Mystery Babylon" is? It really is narrowed down to just two candidates!
20 key Bible verses in the Book of Revelation reveal Mystery Babylon is either Rome, Mecca or the US. An in depth study to try to solve the Mystery Babylon puzzle to see who, what and where is Mystery Babylon mentioned in the Bible Prophecy contained in the Book of Revelation. What role does Mystery Babylon play in End Times Prophecy and why it is of significant importance in the Revelation Timeline.
The latest on what is happening with the North Korea (King Jom UN) and US (Trump) standoff and it's potential for World War 3. With Trump according to the media sending an Armada of warships to North Korea in response to the escalation of missile tests by the ruler of that country, things looked like they were Heading to a possible World War 3 event, the timing which would have been over the Easter weekend. With all eyes on the media and North Korea over the Easter period, the result has been an almost deafening silence from the media and anywhere else on North Korea.
Recent developments post Easter in the headlines seem to suggest that China seems to be finally acknowledging the seriousness of the potential situation and starting to take steps. Russia has been more pro-active and taking the appropriate actions in view of the escalating North Korea and US face off. Here are the latest headlines emerging over the past few days that shed some light on whether a World War 3 is in the pipeline and a brief explanation of that headline
The US Armada heading to North Korea?
Last week Donald Trump, the US president, said he had ordered an "armada" into the northwest Pacific in a show of force designed to deter North Korea from further missile and nuclear weapons test. The US defence ministry later acknowledged the ships had actually travelled into the Indian Ocean to carry out manoeuvres with Australian forces, and only began their journey north recently. Hence the quietness over Easter when the warships would have arrived.
The suspension of flights from China to North Korea
China's national airline, Air China, announced it was suspending flights from Beijing to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, from late on Friday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said. It did not say why the flights, which operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, were being suspended.
Video. Via Dahboo77
Russia starts to move military to it's borders with North Korea.
Russia has moved heavy military equipment towards its border with North Korea amid mounting fears of a military clash between Pyongyang and the United States over the North’s nuclear program. According to news sources Helicopters, Tanks and ground forces have been moved to the Russian Border with North Korea
The recent UN meeting
After a recent UN meeting, in a unanimous statement, the council demanded that North Korea "conduct no further nuclear tests" and said Pyongyang's "illegal missile activities" were "greatly increasing tension in the region and beyond".North Korea carried out a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after displaying missiles at a parade in Pyongyang. A warning that sanctions would be issued if further missile testing were to take place was issued by the UN counsel.
The recent statement from North Korea
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party, said in an editorial on Thursday: "In the case of our super-mighty preemptive strike being launched, it will completely and immediately wipe out not only US imperialists' invasion forces in South Korea and its surrounding areas but the US mainland and reduce them to ashes,".
Here's the latest updates in the last 24 hours on the North Korea and US situation and headlines that possibly clarify what is going on with North Korea and a potential World War 3 flare up.
Latest Headlines:
Putin Sends Troops, Tanks and Helicopters To North Korea Border - via @UNILAD
South Korea on heightened alert as North readies for army celebration via Reuters
Volleyball games appear to take place at North Korean nuclear test site via The Guardian
North Korea: China on 'high alert' as tensions escalate between Pyongyang and White House via The Independent
There is mention from numerous sources that 25 April 2017 would be the strongest possibility of a new missile test and flash point.
The US and North Korea conflict in Prophecy terms
What started out as a potential situation between the US and North Korea has, as anticipated escalated, sucking in other countries including the two major Super powers of China and Russia. The question that is raised is will China and Russia who are neighbouring nations that have recently forged ties be willing to support a US strike on North Korea when the US relations with both China and Russia are not exactly on the friendliest of terms? As mentioned in a previous US and North Korea article this situation in prophecy terms would tie in very closely with the Prophecy mentioned in the Book of Revelation especially the Second Seal of Revelation known as the Second Horseman of the Apocalypse
Bible Quote:
Revelation 6:3-4
3. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
US Missile Strike on Syria and it's Prophecy implications
A look at the recent headline concerning the US missile Strike on Syria and destroying an Syrian military airbase in response to the recent Chemical Weapons attack on it's own people killing at the time of writing around 100 people.
This article will take a closer look at this recent headline that emerged literally hours ago which is still developing, with further details emerging as we speak and will also look at this news headline from a Bible Prophecy perspective to see whether Iran is mentioned in Bible Prophecy and the role it has to play in the End Times if any.
Firstly the headline itself here's what is known so far.
The US has for the first time since the civil war began, targeting an airbase from where the US said this week’s chemical weapons attack on civilians was launched by Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Here’s what we know so far according to The Guardian UK
1. The airstrikes targeted al-Shayrat airbase near Homs. The US has said this is the location from where Syrian forces launched a sarin nerve gas attack on the rebel-held town of on Tuesday morning.
2. The Pentagon said 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from the warships USS Ross and Porter in the eastern Mediterranean in the early hours of Friday morning, Syria time.
3. The Syrian military said six people were killed and several wounded in the strike.
4. Officials said senior officers had evacuated the base before the airstrikes happened.
5. Russia, a Syrian ally that has been helping the Assad regime target rebel-held districts, condemned the US action.
6. Russia said Donald Trump’s move would have consequences for the relationship between the two countries.
7. The Pentagon confirmed that Russia had been told in advance of the strike through military channels?
8. The move was supported by key US allies, including the UK, Australia, Israel and Saudia Arabia.
9. Iran said it “strongly condemned” the strikes, as it condemned “all unilateral military action”. It said the action was taken under the “pretext” of the chemical strike.
Further details from the full article at The Guardian US Airstrikes on Syria Donald Trump What we know so far https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/07/us-airstrikes-on-syria-donald-trump-what-we-know-so-far
Implications of this airstrike.
1. As mentioned above this further drives a wedge between the US and Russia potentially souring relations even further which were not strained at best under the previous US Administration
2. Oil Prices have risen at about 2% but news sources state that oil supplies in the Middle East are robust so no massive rises in oil prices are anticipated at present
3. The World War 3 card has been pulled out again. It raises the prospect of such a scenario to a heightened level and could inflame tensions with neighbouring countries within the Middle East.
4. The result looks to be a hardening solidarity of Iran with Syria as a result of this airstrike
5. Syria has a very close proximity to Israel
Views on this US Missile Strike on Iran
1. The process that the US President employed to launch such an attack leap frogging the democratic decision process was in violation of the US constitution and raises alarm bells that the same tactics could be used for initiating a nuclear attack on any nation. Under current law the US President can launch a military response to a terrorist threat within the US but outside of the US is questionable.
Rand Paul a Kentucky Republican said this:
"The President needs congressional authorization for military action as required by the Constitution, and I call on him to come to Congress for a proper debate. Our prior interventions in this region have done nothing to make us safer, and Syria will be no different,"
2. The chemical attack in Syria was a terrible thing, but fighting fire with fire is not really the answer especially in these politically sensitive and unstable times and the tinderbox situation that exists in the Middle East which has been so for some time.
3. True Christian believers in such a position would have taken a different approach to the actions that were taken by the current US President who claims he is a Christian. Maybe going down some sort of constructive talks and if that failed an economic sanctions route rather than potentially initiating a World War 3 situation which in all honesty the US cannot afford to enter into with a near $20 Trillion debt pile showing no signs of waning http://usdebtclock.org
4. As a result of this attack Iran has shown solidarity with Syria on this matter, other nations in the Middle East may follow the same route and further inflame an already volatile situation.
Is this news headline prophetic in nature and is Syria and Iran mentioned in Bible Prophecy?
1. Syria
With this recent headline we draw ever closer to the Prophecy mentioned by Isaiah in the Old Testament being fulfilled. Damascus which is the capital of Syria which since it's very beginning has always been inhabited, would become a "ruinous heap" according to the words of the Major Prophet Isaiah. At present there has been massive destruction in Damascus and it is close to that statement, but that prophecy has yet to be fulfilled in totality as it is still inhabited. The current war in Syria and certainly these recent events could take us one step closer to the words of Isaiah and the "burden of Damascus" being fulfilled.
Isaiah 17:1
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
2. Iran
With the recent US missile attack headlines showing backing from US allies Saudi Arabia, UK, Israel and Australia but receiving condemnation from Russia and especially Iran who is now showing increasing solidarity with Syria, where does Iran stand in Bible Prophecy?
Iran formerly known as Persia is mentioned in End Times Prophecy Iran’s involvement in the end times will be as one of the nations involved in the battle of , which is mentioned by the Prophet Ezekiel in the Old Testament in which specifically mentions Persia as an ally of Russia. Other nations that would form and be involved in this coalition will be Sudan, Turkey, Libya, and others. This massive coalition army is predicted, will come against Israel, which at the time will be a peaceful nation and the prophecy states they will fail because they will be defeated by The Lord mentioned in Ezekiel 38:2
Ezekiel 38:2-11
2. Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
3. And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
4. And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6. Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
7. Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
8. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
9. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
10. Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
11. And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
Conclusions:
Today's headline was a monumental one not only for the media but also for Bible Prophecy as well, and is just further confirmation that we are in The Last Days mentioned in the Bible. As I always say, keep your eyes on the Middle East especially Isreal and Jerusalem and the bordering countries. Keep an eye on any developments and breaking headlines, but without a doubt we are in those Biblical times mentioned all those thousands of years ago by those Great Prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah.
When Damascus does finally fall and become a totally uninhabited pile of rubble, you will know the Biblical Prophecy events that follow will not be far behind. We are without a shadow of a doubt, that generation that will witness these events.
Mystery Babylon has revealed itself and Revelation 18 has just been fulfilled? But has it? This is a closer look at a very interesting video that I spotted just before Christmas which was left on the side to become an article for the New Year and it is an eye opener. This is part of a new way forward for this website, not just putting out my views and opinions but also taking a look at other reasonably feasible theories from elsewhere that are backed up by scripture.
The topic of Mystery Babylon was covered in a previous article and there are many theories on what Mystery Babylon actually is. The main front runners are
1. New York (or Washington DC) and America
2. The Roman Catholic Church, Vatican and Rome, Italy
3. Mecca and Saudi Arabia and Islam.
Each theory has a solid backing in terms of views and opinions and numbers of people and as I stated in order of likelihood I personally think it is Saudi Arabia, Rome the second and the least likely is the US. That´s just my opinion and scripture seems to back it up, others will disagree and some quite strongly, but I've seen little evidence to suggest otherwise, but this video does raise the odds slightly for the Catholic Church and certainly the opening picture shown above which features in the video is an eye opener.
The On Point Preparedness (OPP) You Tube Channel, a channel that I only bumped into before Christmas, which seems to be very popular and on the rise, produced this video below covering the latest meeting held with the worlds business leaders chaired by the Pope. It smacks of further implementation of the 2030 Agenda mentioned in a previous article which forms the backbone of the New world Order of one currency, one government, one religion, one world with no boundaries, one language, one ID, one financial/banking system and all the rest. This would equate to the Beast system mentioned in Revelation 13 and of course the associated mark.
The owner of this OPP Channel is apparently an ex catholic, so is in a strong position to give an insider view from the outside of the Catholic faith. I have had limited dealings with Catholicism so I'm not really qualified to comment on it, but what little I have seen, has not impressed me much at all, but my attitude is each to their own. I'm personally non-denominational these days.
Watch the Video on this meeting and more importantly the associated highlighted documentation and you will see the Pope who should be first and foremost a Religious leader step out as an emerging World Political/Government leader, something we saw hinted at way back in September 2015 when he visited the US.
NEXT watch this video on why the OPP Channel thinks the Catholic Church is Mystery Babylon. Probably one of the most convincing arguments yet with many of the jigsaw pieces fitting into place. VIDEO
What's my view on all this?
So has Mystery Babylon been revealed and part of Revelation 18 Fulfilled. It certainly is interesting and raises the profile of the Catholic Church as Mystery Babylon, but in my humble opinion the jigsaw pieces even now, a lot DO fit, but the fit is still not 100%. For Prophecy to be correct it has to be 100%, not 90% or 95% or even 99% but 100%.
The Pope is most certainly up to something, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure that one out, but for me I still think he could be the False Prophet. The Mekudeshet event last year amongst many others, would be another case in point. Let's just say I keep one eye on the Pope at all times.
Here´s a couple of lines of scripture that throw a spanner in the works of the Rome and the Catholic Church as Mystery Babylon.
Revelation 18:17-19 17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every ship master, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18. And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19. And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
1. If Rome is Mystery Babylon why are sailors, ships, ship masters, the sea mentioned so frequently. Rome is inland and is a not a seaport. Saudi Arabia is classed as a Desert in the Sea and imports most of it´s goods and is a better fit.
2. Verse 19 is particularly bizarre "And they cast dust on their heads and cried weeping and wailing". Casting dust on the head is a Middle Eastern custom that is not found in Europe or America. Why is this mentioned if Mystery Babylon is in the West such as Rome and not in the Middle East.
3. All of Revelation is focused pretty much around Israel and Jerusalem and the neighbouring Middle Eastern areas.
4. The Vatican is decked out in finery as mentioned in Revelation but is it making it's merchants rich. Certainly this recent meeting with the world business leaders would fit that description, but again Saudi Arabia by it's sheer importing power and incredible consumption has made more merchants rich?
Moving onto Revelation 19:2-3
2. For true and righteous are his judgements: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
If you cross reference Verse Rev 19:3 you come up with this:
Isaiah 34:9-10 9 It's streams will be turned into pitch, And its loose earth into brimstone, And its land will become burning pitch. 10 It will not be quenched night or day; Its smoke will go up forever. From generation to generation it will be desolate; None will pass through it forever and ever.
This prophecy has not happened yet and has not been fulfilled in Revelation either, nothing on this planet has continually burnt with smoke going on for ever and ever..........unless I've missed something?
What is Pitch. Wikipedia Definition?
Pitch is a name for any of a number of viscoelastic polymers. Pitch can be natural or manufactured, derived from petroleum, coal tar or plants. Various forms of pitch may also be called tar, bitumen or asphalt. Pitch produced from plants is also known as resin.
Italy imports 90% of it''s coal. It is not a producer of coal so that rules out Pitch derived from coal tar. Italy does have recently found oil reserves but nothing in comparison to say a country like Saudi Arabia that would burn forever and ever.
Here´s the Top 4 oil producing nations on this planet by Barrels per Day
Rank Country Oil - production (bbl/day)
1 Saudi Arabia 11,730,000
2 United States 11,110,000
3 Russia 10,440,000
4 China 4,197,000
Out of those 4 countries which is the smallest and therefore has the densest oil reserves per square km? The finger points at Saudi Arabia. What country could burn and it´s smoke would go up forever and ever, certainly the incredibly concentrated oil reserves of Saudi Arabia fit that description??
Revelation 18:11-13 11. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13. And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Revelation 18:12 could certainly apply to the Vatican with the colours Purple and Scarlet being particularly relevant. This one is often quoted by the Rome and Mystery Babylon backers. The first part of Revelation 18:13 could also apply. BUT this could also be said of Saudi Arabia who is a huge importer of such products as the country is mainly desert.
It´s in the latter part of Verse 13 where everything falls flat on it´s face with regard to Rome and the Vatican. Italy is renowned for producing it´s own Oil such as Olive Oil, it´s own wine, it grows it´s own wheat (thin durum for pasta), has it´s own farms, produces it´s own cars (chariots). Slavery maybe in the past, souls of men yes. Apply Verse 13 to a country like Saudi Arabia and the pieces fit shockingly almost perfectly, especially when you throw the Islamic religion into the equation which Mecca is the capital city of.
The Old... Revelation is in Chronological Order - Not in Chronological Order debate?
This is the debate that brings out the Bible scholars in droves who state that the Book of Revelation is in Chronological Order or it is NOT in Chronological Order. My view is it is in Chronological Order mostly with some parallels in places. There are only two entities that really know the answer to that question and that is St John the Divine who is no longer with us who received the vision and the entity that gave him the vision in the first place and that is God. It doesn't matter how many letters you have after your name, whether you have studied Revelation for centuries and written a best selling book on it, the fact remains those are the only two entities that really know..........anything else is merely just theory and mans interpretation.
Revelation 18 is an example that is almost near to the end of the Book of Revelation. It is the last event before Christ’s return in glory at Armageddon in the next chapter. It is placed after the wrath of God is poured out and before Christ’s return. To say that Revelation 18 has been fulfilled would be like saying that the Wrath of God has been poured out via the Great Tribulation which quite clearly is not the case. That's if you hold the Chronological view. Even if you don''t hold the Chronological view, things don''t quite line up?
Summary.
The three front runners for mystery Babylon remain the same New York, US...... Vatican, Rome and Mecca, Saudi Arabia. There will be others emerging in the future, to challenge these three established locations, entities. As always with Prophecy that has been written by somebody else, it is easy to arrive at certain theories, it's getting all those jigsaw pieces not only to fit together but to present you with a clear and not scrambled picture. On a final note I suggest you watch this video below which appeared in the previous article on Mystery Babylon which goes into great detail on why he thinks and myself included that Saudi Arabia is Mystery Babylon and really is the strongest argument that is backed up by scripture. The Catholic Church and Rome is still a strong candidate but just slightly less convincing even with the recent developments and meeting taken into account which is compelling evidence. The direct scripture in Revelation 18 is clos,e but when you look for confirmations via cross referencing in the Old Testament, the Rome Mystery Babylon theory comes short! As always form your own opinion.
Further Reading
“The burden against Dumah” (Isaiah 21:11)
“The burden against Arabia” (Isaiah 21:13)
“All the glory of Kedar will fail” (Isaiah 21:16).
Is Europe next after the recent US Election Results?
With Trump doing the unthinkable and winning the US Election and creating a US BREXIT sort of moment just a couple of days ago (as predicted in a previous VIDEO) and the media and social media going into a frenzy as a result. Things have escalated with American Election Result Protests and shocking scenes being shown across the US with mass demonstrations at various locations and more recently rioting and racial and gender hate related slogans AND CRIMES popping up all over the country.
Trump Tower has been the focal point as many are aware in New York and 5000 or so demonstrators have headed to that area with slogans such as "Not our President" and words to similar effect which of course is being hyped up by the media.
After listening to his Presidential Speech, it all sounded positive, inspiring and make America Great again stuff. I think they need to give this man a chance before behaving like wild animals on the streets of America, he did win fair and square via the Democratic process! Not a popular view at the moment but it´s my view.
The inauguration is on 20 January 2017 but as has been said many times a lot can happen between now and that date as we are only beginning to actually see happen before our very eyes. The establishment are not keen on this man, as he is NOT part of the establishment YET, the mainstream media definitely are not keen on him either and have painted a negative picture throughout his campaign, but as the results show, people are not stupid and not so easily fooled. Maybe he wasn´t the choice they wanted but they voted that way anyway as a tactical block vote to keep out the opposition and to put a stop to the liberal, socialism agenda which openly embraces all forms of the New World Order and the erosion of civil rights which we have seen in the last 8 years. I´m a Christian so I keep out of Politics!
The concern that this could spread?
The worrying concern are theories and rumours from it has to be said respected sources which are stating that what we are seeing in America could only be the beginning. We have seen the same thing in Venezuela (before) and it was mentioned in that blog post "Could what we are seeing in Venezuela actually happen in the US". At the time it sounded like some kooky conspiracy theory from somebody who is not in charge of their mental faculties and something that would not happen to a Superpower such as the US............never in a million years? Now we are seeing the beginnings of that kooky theory come into reality. It remains to be seen whether things will die down as they did in the UK after the BREXIT vote.
As mentioned in the above Video filmed in Piccadilly Circus in Central London, what we have seen in Venezuela and more recently in the US and has been seen in France and Greece, could this become a Europe wide phenomenon? The London Evening Standard has quoted Germany as maybe the next country to kick off, France could be another and has had track records in the past of doing so, and Italy could be another one with the General Election in that country on the horizon. A recent Evening Standard article expands on the Germany Theory
Which brings me finally and very nicely onto what this article is really all about and that is the fulfillment of Revelation 13 which strongly hints at an emerging New World Order. It´s right there in Biblical Prophecy in the Book of Revelation but for this to come about as has been said many times before, a mass global chaos situation is required which would result in martial law being introduced around the globe and then the introduction of this New World Order system to bring things back from chaos to normality. People will be begging for this system to get what they think is their lives back. Ordinarily they would be running the other way from such a totalitarian centrally controlled regime. My money is still on a financial collapse of the US, the likes this world has never seen, which everybody knows is coming sooner rather than later. That would certainly send shockwaves around the world and bring the whole world into meltdown and chaos mode. It would create the right environment for the seeding of the New World Order and all it´s components as laid out in the 2030 Agenda.
BUT with this new form of chaos emerging in the US, could we be looking at the beginnings of this spreading to Europe and maybe globally and it turns out that actually WE the people through our actions via demonstrations, riots and other such events bring about this system that nobody wants by our own actions rather than the actions by the powers that be on this planet. Only time will tell, but all eyes are on the US and on Trump but in Biblical terms there is only one Power that calls the shots in this world, it is not any Superpower here on this Earth!
More surprises, shocks, uncertainties, chaos and more are certainly on the horizon but in Biblical terms all eyes should be on the Middle East, Israel and more to the point Jerusalem!
Mystery Babylon. Where is it, what is it and the importance of this in the Book of Revelation and End Times Prophecy.
There are many theories as to what the Mystery Babylon or Mystery Babylon the Great mentioned in Revelation 17 and 18 in great detail is and what it represent. This article will narrow down what Mystery Babylon is in our modern times, why it is mentioned as a "Mystery" and the three prime candidates that fit most accurately the quite detailed description of who, what and where this place is.u
The three prime suspects are as follows:
1. Rome or more precisely The Vatican and The Roman Catholic Church.
2. America or more precisely New York
3. Saudi Arabia or more precisely Mecca and Islam
Istanbul in Turkey has been mentioned as another possibility, the original Babylon in Iraq, Europe and even London are others. These have not been looked into here but it has been mentioned many times by many people that Turkey has a role to play in the unfolding end times scenario and is always watched closely and cannot be ignored. Recent events unfolding confirm that fact. Some say it will be the seat of Satan in the End Times.
This is not a Prophetic article it´s just a demonstration that all of God´s plans are contained in the word. Only God has the whole picture. We just get the jigsaw puzzle and have to fit the pieces together via what is contained in the Bible. It´s just knowing where to look......but it is there, it just seems to reveal itself to people that have the understanding of how God works. This article ties in with The Rapture and the Tribulation article as Mystery Babylon is a key component within the forthcoming Tribulation time frame.
Everything about Mystery Babylon is contained in Revelation 17 and Revelation 18 and the detail is quite frightening in places as in it´s . If you cross reference from a hard copy KJV Bible from these two chapters you will be led to mainly two books. The Book of Isaiah and Jeremiah tie up closely with Revelation and many cross references reference those two books by these two Major Prophets from the Old Testament. Genesis also comes up on occasion especially with specific reference to Sodom and Gomorrah, which means this Mystery Babylon has similarities and will be judged accordingly. The cross references strongly suggest this!
When doing these Bible studies to see whether Rome, New York or any other city in the US and Mecca fit the bill....everything must align with the word...everything. Just having a theory and pulling out Bible Quotes to support that theory may seem convincing, BUT do ALL the jigsaw pieces fit?
The way this research was approached was via videos that each were convinced that their particular theory was correct and that it just can´t be denied. Many videos were watched and just four in my personal opinion, came up with a convincing argument that Mystery Babylon was definetly and undeniably the place that they think it is.
There are many Bible quotes in reference to Mystery Babylon but I have reduced it down to 23 verses/quotes which I think are key in identifying Mystery Babylon, some are major, some are very small details. Sometimes it´s the smaller details that really nail what and who and where this Mystery Babylon really is. Some people say the Book of Revelation is full of metaphors and symbolism and is not to be taken literally. Sometimes that is true, sometimes it isn´t. In Revelation 17 and 18 anything that is a metaphor or a symbol is quite clearly explained.
Here´s the key Bible quotes that give away the identity of Mystery Babylon and narrow things down quite convincingly to the Rome (Vatican), US (New York) and Saudi Arabia (Mecca) candidates.
Revelation 17 Relevant Bible Quotes (10)
Rev 17:1. And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
Rev 17:3. 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 17:4. 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:
Rev 17:5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Rev 17:6. 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.
Rev 17:9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
Rev 17:10. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
Rev 17:12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
Rev 17:15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Rev 17:18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Revelation 18 Relevant Bible Quotes (13)
Rev 18:2. 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.
Rev 18:3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, 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 18:7. 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.
Rev 18:8. 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 18:9. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
Rev 18:11. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
Rev 18:12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Rev 18:13. And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Rev 18:17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
Rev 18:18. And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
Rev 18:19. And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
Rev 18:23. And 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: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
Rev 18:24. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
The Rome Argument
Rome in Relation to Revelation 17
Rev 17:1 It does not sit on many waters, it is not a coastal city. The nation Italy is but the Vatican is not. Rome is inland with no access to the sea.
Rev 17:3 The wilderness referred to here is desert. There are no desert regions in Italy or near the Vatican
Rev 17:4 The Pope wears Purple, Scarlet and Gold and the Golden Cup is also a Roman Catholic identifier
Rev 17:5 No reference
Rev 17:6 The blood of Martyrs and Saint The Roman Catholic Church has been responsible for many Christian deaths via the Roman Catholic Crusades and the Roman Catholic Inquisitors
Rev 17:9 Rome is the City known as the City of Seven Hills
Rev 17:10 No reference
Rev 17:12 No reference
Rev 17:15 The Vatican is not renowned as a multicultural melting pot but the Roman Catholic Church does have many peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues
Rev 17:18 The Roman Catholic Church is a Mariana (Mary the Mother of God) based religion which would fit The Woman. Are the world leaders answerable to the Pope in finality is another question.
Rome in Relation to Revelation 18
Rev 18:2-3 The nations have drunk of the wine of her fornication could refer to the Catholic Eucharist. The Kings of te Earth have committed fornication with her just doesn´t fit. Merchants of the earth rich via her delicacies. No convincing argument there either except for materials for church idols and worship.
Rev 18:7. The Roman Catholic Church has glorfied itself and the Pope is more a Celebrity figure than other Church leaders.
Rev 18:8-11 No reference
Rev 18:12-13 Some of the merchandise listed does appear at the Vatican and in Catholic Churches around the globe but beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots. Slaves historically but not in these modern times. Souls of men you could argue is very relevant but not exactly a precise fit overall.
Rev 18:17. Rome and the Vatican has nothing to do with shipmasters, and ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea.
Rev 18:18 Why would the Vatican be burned to the ground?
Rev 18:19 "And they cast dust on their heads". This is not an Italian or even Vatican or Roman Catholic Custom
Rev 18:23 Catholicism is renowned for burning of candles in it´s Churches and weddings take place in Catholic churches with a bridegroom and a bride. The pieces do fit here.
Rev 18:24 Mention again of the Blood of Saints and Prophets which the Roman Catholic Church is guilty of in it´s past
The Rome Video
The America Argument
New York and America in Relation to Revelation 17
Rev 17:1 America sits on many waters, The Great Lakes, The Atlantic Ocean, The Pacific Ocean and The Gulf of Mexico. The Great Whore could be in reference to the Statue of Liberty which is based on the Goddess of Ishtar which is the goddess of fertility, love, war, and sex.
Rev 17:3 America has Desert but it is to the West. New York has no wilderness or desert where the Statue of Liberty is based.
Rev 17:4 The Statue of Liberty is Jade Green and is not dressed in Purple and Scarlet, she has something in her hand but it is not a Golden Cup but a Flaming Torch or representation off it.
Rev 17:5 The Statue of Liberty has no writing on her forehead
Rev 17:6 America is a predominantly Christian Nation and has not been responsible for the death of Christian Prophets, Martyrs and Saints.That´s unless it is the Secret sponsor of ISIS?
Rev 17:9 The woman sitteth on Seven Mountains. New York does not sit on Seven Mountains, America does not sit on Seven Mountains it sits on hundreds of mountains. The video following this states the Seven Mountains are Seven Continents which the US has control over. Form your own opinion.
Rev 17:10 Some say the Seven Kings are the Seven Presidents of the United States,the last being the present President in Office. Form your own opinion.
Rev 17:12 No reference
Rev 17:15 The waters are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Yes America and New York in particular is a nation/city of peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues as in multicultural.
Rev 17:18 The woman as in the Statue of Liberty the first thing you see when entering the US from the East and representation of that Nation is the current World No1 and Superpower and in effect rules over the other Kings (Presidents) via the US Dollar and superior military firepower and technology.
New York and America in Relation to Revelation 18
Rev 18:2-3 All the nations have drunk of the wine of her fornication. This could be applied o the US with it´s liberal views and Westernised society that has spread throughout the world, with Hollywood Films and Pornography dominating their respective markets along with Technology.
Rev 18:7 America has cartainly glorified itself and been proud in it´s history which is lately turning to arrogrance in it´s latter days.
Rev 18:8-11 No reference but if the US were to collapse it would cause major disruption to trade around the globe.
Rev 18:12-13 Some of the items in this merchandise list may be applicable to America but importation of food as suggested by this Bible verse just doesn´t fit whatsoever. The argument that the prophecy is an old one and these are the goods that they had in those times does not hold either. Spices could be equated to drugs but if the Bible mentions Spices....then it is Spices.
Rev 18:17 And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off. This isvery relevant to America with it´s many seaports and New York in particular is a busy Seaport.
Rev 18:18 The destruction mentioned here and mention of a Great City again ties in with New York but loosely.
Rev 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads. This is a very small detail but a major one in the Revelation prophecy. In the US (as far as I´m aware) it is not a national custom to "cast dust on their heads" in anguish. A small point but a major one and another jigsaw puzzle piece that doesn´t fit.
The America Video
The Saudi Arabia - Mecca Argument
Mecca and Islam in Relation to Revelation 17
Rev 17:1 Mecca, Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsular sits on many waters including the Persian Gulf on the northeast, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman on the east, the Arabian Sea on the southeast and south, the Gulf of Aden on the south and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Rev 17:3 Mecca and Saudi Arabia are predominantly wilderness or desert and dust.
Rev 17:4 The woman decked in scarlet and purple and decked with precious stones could represent the wealth of Saudi Arabia.
Rev 17:5 No reference
Rev 17:6 Blood of Saints and Martyrs. Recent news headlines confirm that many Christians are being killed or beheaded or persecuted by extreme and radical Islam such as ISIS
Rev 17:9 Mecca the capital of Saudi Arabia sits on seven hills
Rev 17:10 No real reference but the country of Saudi Arabia is not run by a President but by Royalty and a King
Rev 17:12 No reference
Rev 17:15 The waters are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Saudia Arabia is 90% Arabic and 10% Afro/Asian. It is not a multicultural country. It does serve multitudes of nations, tongues and peoples via it´s world leading oil production.
Rev 17:18 "Is that great city that reigneth over the Kings of the Earth" Saudi Arabia is the 2nd largest oil producer in the world with the US only recently claiming the No1 spot due to it´s newly found shale oil and gas exploration. Islam isthe worldssecond religion and rising fast only Christianity is bigger. The Islam religion and capital of the Islamic faith is Mecca
The Saudi Arabia Video 1
Mecca and Islam in Relation to Revelation 18
Rev 18:2-3 For all nations have drunk of her wine: The wine of Saudi Arabia has just got be OIL. Kings of the Earth have committed fornication: Prominent World leaders have ensured Saudi Arabia is protected because of the resources she has. The merchants of theearth are waxed rich: Saudi Arabia is a net importer of food, goods, spices, vehicles, gold etc.
Rev 18:7 Saudi Arabia has certainly glorified itself amongst the nations especially amongst it´s other Middle Eastern counterparts and proud of it´s powerful relations with the West.
Rev 18:9 "when they shall see the smoke of her burning". If Arabia was to experience agreat fire as mentioned in Revelation then there would be much burning and vast amounts of smoke due to the oil reserves that she has and the oil dependent West would sorely miss those supplies.
Rev 18:11 "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more". Saudi Arabia is a net importer of Food and Goods as it has limited means of production. It imports around 80% and produces 20% locally.
Rev 18:12-13 All the merchandise mentioned in these two verses are very relevant to Saudi Arabia. Replace Chariots with cars and slaves with cheap imported labour from Africa and Asia working in horrific conditions on building sites and other jobs that Saudi´s do not want to do and this is a best fit of the three
Rev 18:17 "And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off" Most of the trade for Saudi arabia arrives viaseaports such as Jeddah which serves Mecca.
Rev 18:18 If Saudi Arabia was to burn, it would burn for some time with much smoke due to it´s extensive oil reseves.
Rev 18:19 "And they cast dust on their heads". This custom does not fit the New York US argument or even the Rome argument. What society casts dust on their heads and what country has plenty of dust? The Middle East. It´s an old Judaism custom and a symbol of mourning and is still practiced today by Islam although not as much as in the days of old.
Rev 18:23 Can´t see any fit in relation to Mecca or Saudi Arabia. Possibly Islam with the Sorcery as Islam is a Baal Worship based religion.
Rev 18:24 See Rev 17:6. Same reasons
Extra Cross References:
In my KJV Bible there is a reference to Isaiah 34.10 and the verse before it as in 34:9 explains it further and gives in my opinion further confirmation.
9. And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
10. It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
Pitch produced from plants is also known as resin. Pitch in it´s other various forms may also be called tar, bitumen or asphalt. These are derivatives made from OIL
Saudi Arabia and Mecca Video 2
This is an extremely quick skim on how I look at the Prophecy in relation and how it fits in with our modern times. Mystery Babylon is a reference to a New Babylon that has yet to come (based at the time of the prophecy writings). Rome was around in Biblical Times but New York and America were not and the Religion Islam came after Christianity (about 600 years) which would also earn it a Mystery tag.
Each one of the four videos gives a convincing argument that makes you believe that particular theory is the best fit when viewed in isolation, but when viewed one after the other, the theories do not seem so clear cut. For me personally Mecca, Islam and Saudi Arabia tops the list, the pieces just seem to fit. New York and America a close second and Rome and The Vatican and the Catholic Church a close third. All 3 are inter connected in some way and in reality the best option is to watch all 3 closely for developments. For example the Pope visited the US for the first time on 23 September 2015 which gives strength to the Rome and US argument, but again always follow the scripture.
Finally what ultimately swayed my decision is to always remember, keep your eyes on the following areas in this order Jerusalem, Israel, and the Middle East. Most of Revelations is centred around those areas and Yes America, Russia and China are powerful but they are I think 3 of the Ten kings mentioned in Rev 17:12. The world could be divided into 10 kingdoms prior to the establishment of the New World Order One World Government.
Still not convinced Saudi Arabia is the Mystery Babylon. Watch this last video
Sodom and Gomorrah, those words whether you are Religious or not, read the Bible or not, or are a Christian or follow another Religion, those words or even just Sodom alone conjures up images in the mind. It's a historical place and event that most people are aware of. People are also aware of what Sodom and Gomorrah represents and why it was ultimately destroyed in quite spectacular and undeniable fashion by God. The question is, has the lesson been learnt, OR, is our world heading into a similar Sodom and Gomorrah scenario but with a modern day twist and what lessons can be learnt from it?
In these modern times, our Western societies are walking down the same road as the infamous times of S&G . This same trend of flaunting sin openly and publicly just like back in those Biblical days without a care is becoming increasingly prevalent in our times to the extent it's almost becoming acceptable or even "Cool".. A lot of parallels are being drawn with Western Society with America leading the way into a Sodom and Gomorrah style judgement. Not only in numerous religious circles is it a shared view that a "Judgement" is coming and that quite visible warnings as we speak are being given but just like in the Bible they are being ignored. Even in Politics, Russia the promoter of traditional society values that refuses to adopt Western Society ethics and morals has pointed the finger at America and said they are heading down the S&G road in spectacular fashion as demonstrated in the Moscow Times in 2013
Sodom and Gomorrah is mentioned not just in Christianity but also in Islam and Judaism. The cities were located in the same region as 3 other cities Admah, Zeboim and Bela. These five cities, also known as the "cities of the plain", were situated on the Jordan River plain in the southern region of the land of Canaan. The plain or region surrounded the dead sea and was of magnificent beauty and a land of super abundance and fertility, being a land well-watered, lush and green. (Genesis 14:2) and was compared to the garden of Eden[Gen.13:10]
In spite of this beautiful land and what appears to be blessings of abundance of good things in all those cities, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were also renowned for their wickedness and sinfulness and the total rejection of God in every shape and form. Rather than living by God’s instructions, “the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13).
What happened prior to the Judgement?
A straight lift from GotQuestions.org that explains in simple terms the Biblical Account of Sodom and Gomorrah that led to the judgement and the all important Bible Quotes that shed further light on what actually happened.
The biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah is recorded in Genesis chapters 18-19. Genesis chapter 18 records the Lord and two angels coming to speak with Abraham. The Lord informed Abraham that "the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous." Verses 22-33 record Abraham pleading with the Lord to have mercy on Sodom and Gomorrah because Abraham's nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom.
Genesis chapter 19 records the two angels, disguised as human men, visiting Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot met the angels in the city square and urged them to stay at his house. The angels agreed. A mob then arrived outside Lot's house. The Bible then informs us:
Gen 19:5-8: “and they called to Lot and said to him, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.’ But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, and said, ‘Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. KJV
Lot in order to direct the mobs attention away from the Angels offers his two virgin daughters as detailed in this Bible quote below
“Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, in as much as they have come under the shelter of my roof,” (Gen. 19:8).
The angels then proceed to blind all the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and urge Lot and his family to flee from the cities to escape the wrath that God was about to deliver. Lot and his family flee the city, and then "the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities..nothing survived."
To this day nothing exists or has survived in that area since, it is a desolate area where nothing grows............nothing! Further details in the video below called "Sodom and Gomorrah- proof of the supernatural"
Why did God punish or judge Sodom and Gomorrah?
God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because their sin was “very grave”
Genesis 18:20
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
They went in the face of God's statutes and commandments. It was in God’s perfect judgment that he destroyed these cities with fire and brimstone (sulfur) dumped from above.. It was done for good reason, letting them serve as sobering examples for all mankind to learn from. It was done as an example for those at the time and also burned into history for all future generations to be made aware of the danger of ignoring God's Statutes and Commandments
The five main reasons that God poured judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah
Because the people of Sodom had done the following:
1. Sodom’s society was steeped in widespread sexual immorality, including homosexual acts and vicious rapes. The residents of Sodom had become so evil that God could not find even 10 righteous people among them (Genesis 18:32).
2. The inhabitants were uncharitable and abusive to strangers, the poor, sick, and disadvantaged. In that society, a person had a very strong obligation to protect any guests in their home.
3. They wanted to humiliate their visitors by engaging in "an act of sexual degradation and male rape...These are acts of violence that are committed by parties seeking to show their hatred for those they are degrading. It is not an act of love or of caring"
4. Wanted to engage in bestiality -- having sex with members of another species such as Angels. The mob mentioned outside Lot's home where the Angels stayed may have wanted to rape the angels. Angels are not human beings; they are of a different species and in their minds was the going after of "other flesh" or "strange flesh."
5. Wanted to adsorb the power of the angels: In ancient times, sacred sex was very common. If the people of Sodom realized that angels sent by God were present in their city, the men of Sodom may have concluded that raping the angels might give them supernatural powers?
What was the real reason that God passed judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah?
The above five points are the main reasons touted that spring to mind which center around the question of immorality especially Homosexuality. Delve deeper and beyond Genesis and one of the Seven Deadly Sins, one that is not so obvious but still "grievous" none the less. (Ezek. 16:49-50) highlights the fact that God found Pride among the inhabitants of Sodom, one of the "Seven Deadly Sins and "sloth" mentioned as idleness as the other, which many cite as the real and one of the chief reasons for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and judgement by God.
Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. (Ezekiel 16:49-50)
What did Jesus and the The New Testament of the Bible have to say about Sodom and Gomorrah
Jesus Christ said that societies at the end of the age would parallel those in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). Regarding the time of Lot, Jesus said, “They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all” (verses 28-29).
Paul called the period just before Christ’s return “perilous times.” He said they would be filled with pleasure-seeking, materialism, immorality, violence, idleness and rejection of the things of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Sound familiar.
(Romans 1:20-25). As mankind went astray, men and women began to exchange the wholesome, God-ordained use of sex for vile and shameful passions (verses 26-27). Paul also listed a number of other sinful behaviors that humans began practicing as they turned from God (verses 28-31).
God spoke about moral decline in Romans 1:18-32. here's some sample verses from the middle of that Chapter
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Are Western World Leaders Responsible for the Modern Day Moral Decline?
Modern Day Western Society has democratically elected leaders. They lead and society follows. A Gay Marriage law is passed by a Government it sends out a signal that in these modern times Homesexuality is now not a sin and all the Bible quotes that state otherwise have been overidden by man........... all in the name of modernity.
Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths. (Isaiah 3:12)
For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
Is America the Modern Day Sodom?
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America is a nation that had it all, you could say was blessed by God because of it's initial adopting of God's statutes and it's embracing of Israel and it's people into it's country and also the nation Israel itself and it became a Superpower that controlled the world. The rot started to set in when corruption started to enter the White house and the Abortion Law became reality allowing the mass murder of millions of lives. Things have progressively gone down hill ever since and 9/11 was the wake up call for the nation. The nation has carried on regardless slipping further away from God and now in these modern times seemingly turning it's back on God and embracing the darker side. Warnings have come in many forms since but the Nation carries on regardless.
These quotes from the Bible I personally think sum up the situation not only in America but in the Western World today. We are living in times where evil is considered good or hip and cool, sin is to be encouraged and enjoyed and who cares about the consequences. Those that are seen to be doing right or good are "upsetting the new status quo" and are "party poopers". Christian symbols are being torn down with "The Cross" and "The Ten Commandments" and the words "In God We Trust" being particular victims in these S&G times. With churches closing or being attacked and burnt down, Materialism and Promiscuity rampant, and with an openly encouraged embracing of the Seven Deadly sins, we are in the times mentioned in Romans 1:28-32 above.
We are seeing mass shootings, rampant pornography addiction and the rise of narcism and Selfie Culture and a society obsessed more with Celebrity than with God. Rampant Government debt and spending and financial markets that bear no semblance to economic reality with "market intervention" being the buzzword in financial circles but a bubble that is waiting to pop in spectacular fashion.
The current bizarre obsession over the LGBT community and their toilet rights?? above everything else by the current US administration speaks volumes in itself. Why they are not concentrating on more pressing issues that are affecting the broader population is a head scratching mystery? We are seeing the rapid erosion of moral values and privacy and civil liberties. Mothers killing new born babies with their own hands becoming a common headline, the breakdown of the family unit, Americas back turning on Israel, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. We are living in times where "what is wrong is right and what is right is wrong" with the attitude "what's wrong with that".
Is there a Sodom and Gomorrah style judgement coming. I think it's overdue, but the problem in these modern times is that unlike Sodom and Gomorrah the problem is not local in nature and contained within two cities, it is now rampant across much of the globe with the US leading the way merrily heading it's way into oblivion. We live in an interconnected world, but if a judgement is coming it will be interesting in what shape or form it will come..............and more to the point..... who will be affected and what the final outcome will be?
Some Bible quotes to ponder over
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20
“‘Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 6:15).
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evil doers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
(Jeremiah 23:14).
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
(Ecclesiastes 8:11).
Statements and Comments from Religious Events and Conferences on the Sodom and Gomorrah effect in our modern Times
via Scottwoodward.org
We live in a season when fierce men do terrible and despicable things. We live in a season of war. We live in a season of arrogance. We live in a season of wickedness, pornography, immorality. All of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah haunt our society. Our young people have never faced a greater challenge. We have never seen more clearly the lecherous face of evil. (Ensign, Nov 2001, 4)
Boyd K. Packer (Quorum of the Twelve) Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now.
Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, even accorded legal protection.
At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now they are spread across the world, and they are among us. (Address to CES religious educators, Feb. 6, 2004, 4)
Spencer W. Kimball (President)
Because of this widespread tolerance toward promiscuity, this world is in grave danger. When evil is decried and forbidden and punished, the world still has a chance. But when toleration for sin increases, the outlook is bleak and Sodom and Gomorrah days are certain to return. (Faith Precedes the Miracle, 154)
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