The Great Prostitute and the Beast
17:1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” (ESV)
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
MMMM! How great is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen? Nothing can defeat Him.
In the verse above this it says how the people have one purpose which is to give everything, including their power and authority to the beast. This reminds me of how many people are worshipping satan, and not even realizing that they are giving everything they have to him. They are living in the world, which is where their minds and hearts are set.
On judgement day, they are to make war against our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. Everytime I read that, or think about it, I laugh because I know that they are already destined for defeat. There is nothing and no one on earth or universe who can defeat Him, and that is because Jesus Christ is God. He is all powerful, and Almighty. Amen?
God Bless!
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Amen, John! Satan has been doomed from the beginning, and he knows it, so his purpose is to take as many as he can with him. That’s why it’s so sad to see people willingly give themselves to him (v.13) or to talk about going to hell like it’s no big deal on our high school campuses today. If this final battle and defeat of those who serve Satan is really going to happen – and we know that it is – then time is running short, and we need to take advantage of every opportunity that we are given. It is also an encouragement to know without a doubt that however powerful Satan and his army are, and no matter how much it seems that there is no way to win, we serve a God who has overcome death and will one day soon overcome the powers of destruction and doom (thought I’d throw that in there) once and for all!
Amen John, God Bless you too brother in Christ! Mike, there are so many kids on my Christian campus like that, it is so sad.
17For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.
This verse was comforting to me. Even though there is a terrible thing being done (Satan’s rule on the earth) God is still ultimately in control. His perfect plan is still being lived out, and His will is always acomplished. This gives me great confidence in God’s Word, and encourages me to evangelize more so that on the day of His return I can be confident that I did all I could to save others from the comming tribulation and hell.
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Just like Mike said, theres no way God will lose to satan. He is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He said he would, so that means he will. I don’t really laugh at them like Mike said, but still, it is pretty sad. They don’t have a chance. That’s like a kindergartner going up against Rocky. I think it’s obvious who will win. And in both cases i pity the ones on the losing end. It really is intersting because it says we (His called) will be with Him. Does that mean we will fight with Him? If anyone knows please tell me.
17.) For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.
Just like Hunter said, even though death and destruction are coming about the world because of the beasts, God has given that power to them, which means He can also take it away. It really is comforting to know that the God we serve controls everything and that His perfect and pleasing will is being and will be carried out on His time. However, I’m still praying MARANATHA!!!
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Nice comments on verse 14, guys! I was struck by this verse, too. The authorities on earth in the last days will do their best to wage war against God and His people, but in the end they are the ones who will be defeated. God is omnipotent and any power given to earthly men or kingdoms is given by God and is still subject to Him. That is comforting, isn’t it? I like how God’s followers are descibed as “called, chosen and faithful.” We are saved through God’s special election of us and we are faithful to Him through the leading of the Holy Spirit within us.
I agree great comments on verse 14!! That is amazing huh?! The attempts to overcome and succeed against the Lamb will be constantly happening but there is nothing and nobody on this earth that can overcome and defeat Him!! It reminds me of Colossians 1:16 “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”
NEW BLOG BTW :)
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
I agree with everyone about verse 14 it is amazing…multitudes are going to make war against Christ, but they are pretty much going to get dominated! This is encouraging knowing that we serve a God that isn’t just a king He is the King of kings, He isn’t just our lord He is the Lord of lords! And this almighty King, this all knowing Lord calls us His children. He adopted us into His family even though we had nothing to offer, and I can’t wait for the day we get to follow Him into battle.
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1
8″……because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.”
This verse brings to mind the song we sing.
“Who was, and is, and is to come.”
Intense chapter which is how revelation usually is.
Nelson
This my first time on scripture of the day so go easy on me. The significance of this verse to me is more on a global level and although revelation 17 sounds like something out of a sci fi movie, its never been more true or imminent. The world is difinitely becoming more unified as cultures and economies merge with secular societies trying to eliminate Christ. It really gets to me sometimes but ultimately we have to realize that our creator is in charge and will vanquish the powers of darkness. We all need to be warriors for Christ especially in our schools, where they teach evolution as fact and God’s word is not allowed. Remember our faith comes from knowing our Lord and saviour (spelled correctly if you read and speak English) and trusing in his provisions for our lives. Be strong and couragous young people so when you stand before you’re creator you will hear the most beautiful words ever spoken “come in my good and faithful servant”
AMEN JOHN!!
13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Great comment Ray. To go along with that, this passage clearly points out that the world of the end times pushes to unify itself and do away with the “exclusive view” of Christianity. We have to realize that this makes our battle as Christians an uphill one. This basically says that our work is going to get harder as the world moves away from Christianity toward secularism. When the world is united under the beast, it will spell the most intense persecution of Christians ever. Yet, as everyone has pointed out in verse 14, OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!! In Him, we will triumph because the LORD is so much more powerful than any opposition. The best part is that we will be with Him as his “called, chosen and faithful followers.” What a promise!!
13They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.
MARVELOUS comment Mr. Burke :D!! this verse really stuck out at me.. like a god or an idol they worship this beast that cannot save them from eternal damnation… that is just horrendous!! It comforts me knowing that I’m going to be with my Father in heaven on this day!! Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy!! Continue to pray for the lost souls..
Great comments everyone and welcome Mr Burke!
Okay, so this chapter was written in a very analogical way, which was a bit confusing… but basically it was talking about satans rule here on earth in the end of the trib and how 10 kings will be appointed and eventually give up their power to the devil…. but what really stood out to me was
17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.
God has basically given the world over to evil and to the rule of satan. But, HE is accomplishing HIS purpose and letting things work their way out until His time comes. This is kinda cool because, the evil doers of the world are gonna think that they are in control and have the power, but it is really God who is in complete control! Its pretty awesome to know that we have to God of the Universe on our side of the battle! :)
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
I agree, nice post John! I was reading this chapter today during school, and this is the verse that caught my attention! Well, basically everyone who commented on verse 14 took the words out of my mouth :)
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
This passage is soooo encouraging!!! No matter what, the Lord will prevail, and everyone will bow down to Him and confess that He is Lord. The Lamb is the Lord of lords, he is the King of kings, and he is our Savior. Jesus Christ will not be defeated, and as Christians will be with the Father in heaven…FOREVER!!! The last part of this verse says that we will be with the Lamb, “called, chosen and faithful followers.” Adding a little to what Mr. Burke said, we will either be accepted by Christ as his good and faithful servants, or cast away to hell as Christ says “away from me you evildoer, I never knew you.”
Mike also made a great point, Satan is doomed from the beginning, and it is so sad as Mike points out that there are people who don’t care, or don’t believe, that are giving in to sin willingly. This is such a huge motivation for evangelism, and we should care for the damned.
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers
This reminds me of the verse that you are with God or you are against God there is no middle ground, the people whose names aren’t written in the Book of Life will make war with God, that seems a little stupid to me here God has already sent plagues and showed His wrath, look how powerful He is. He is the greatest, He is the only one that is good, and He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. That last part of the verse is awesome, one day God will call me chosen and faithful followers that will be the best words, just imagine, whoa! It will also be good that knowing that I will be on His side to fight a battle that is already have been won, before it begins.
17For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.
It is really comforting to see that even in these dark times, God is working through them to accomplish His plan. The Antichrist may have power for a time, but He will eventually be crushed along with Satan and sin. We need to not lose heart, even if we are being killed for being Christians as it will be in the last days, because God is coming soon and is working through everything for His will. We might not be facing persecution like that right now, but we are promised some sort of persecution, so we need to be ready and make sure that we do not let trials weaken our boldness in evangelism, because people still need to hear the Gospel now more than ever, because Christ is coming soon.
17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled
Like a few said before me….THANK GOODNESS GOD IS IN CONTROL!!! He gives power to his enemies to fufill His purpose! If he can give power….He can take it away! It is an incredible relief to know that God holds to power of EVERYTHING! It is important that we obey God considering that He is in charge.
WOOOOO I love all the comments that are on today! yay! anyways,
10They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while.
You know this verse reminded me of how detailed God has everything. I thought to myself, wow, God knows exactly what’s going to happen, what time, where, when, who. But then I thought to myself, He know’s everything that is happening now in my life and has already seen it! How incredible is that! We take all this time worrying about something that’s happening with the family or school but then it’s like, what’s the point? God is going to take care of you and any situation that you are in and He’s always there for you! This chapter really encouraged me in this way. love the comments everyone! :)
This was a very intense chapter!! I really like how everything was explained! By the way great comments everyone!!
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers
They will make war against the Lamb and once again the Lamb will overcome them!! Our God cannot be defeated, we know that we can trust in our God becuase He is an almighty, all powerful, and unchanging God. How does that even compare to the man made gods that this world has created? Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ!! But on the flip side how scary for those that have not been given His mercy and forgiveness!! We need to be spreading the word EVERY DAY!!!
That is so awesome to read this and know that the Lamb will overcome and restore His kingdom! What a great chapter, and great commments on verse 14!
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
THis is so awesome. Even though the army is going to try to wage war against God, it is already known that they are going to lose beause God is all powerful!
Man, what is there to say?
I learned a ton from this chapter just by reading the other posts.
God is in control and that is a comforting fact.
Satan will eventually lose against God because God owns Satan.
This is all good news!
If I can tell you guys how much I have heard this chapter and what it truely means, you guys would be dumb founded. My uncle knows this chapter in and out, He has told me the story of this chapter and what it means probably close to 13 times, I am not exxagerating! So if any one has questions on who the kings are and what kingdoms will be reigning and how it all fits, you can ask me or my uncle haha.
But seriosly, this chapter to me was seen before in Genesis. Babylon this city was made by man, who wanted to build a tower to the “heavens” as described in that chapter. This whole idea of building this tower was to defy God and declare man to seee everythting and to basically overcome God. But as you know God flooded the earth because of man’s rebellion.
This is what happens in the end times and the study of eschatology. This world gets bad as we see described and God decides to throw it all away and end this great city once again. The prostitute is obviously the city of babylon, and it is supposed to be the commercial center of the world at this time(the place where all the business takes place) and it is supposed to be this huge magnificent city in rebellion agianst God, just like bc babylon. This is why God calls it Babylon, because this is man defying God. But anyways, enough explanation, if you want to know more just let me know.
The application:
Just like the other books of revalation, we need to fear God, and witness witness witness!
The part that I enjoyed most in this scripture is how it talks about how all of the kings supporting the beast will go against God and his followers, but none will defeat him. 14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” This verse also teaches how even though the world can seem terrible at times, God is always at work and it is all a part of his perfect plan.
17For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.
God will allow Satan the power to rule the earth but only for a short time. I don’t know why he would allow him to rule over this already lost world but God has a reason for everything that he does. Everything in the scriptures must be fullfilled before the end and if we christians suffer through persecution now and the time to come we have the word and Christ to help us through the battle. Such an encouraging verse when going through hard times is Romans 8:28 because it reassures us that all thing work together for the good of those who love God. Revelations should give us a new passion or fire to tell others about Christ so we can save them from this horrible punishment that they will rightfully deserve if they don’t become a child of God. But we who are already saved can also see the beautiful visual of what heaven will be like from Revelation 4. How exciting to be in a place full of God’s love and mercy where we can praise and worship Him forever with our brothers and sisters in Christ!
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
I love this verse, it’s so encouraging! This chapter says that the devil will be given a tremendous amount of power. But still, that power will not even stand up to the power that God holds. He can and will overcome everything. This is part of why it’s such a great thing to know that you’re on His side :) We just need to stay His faithful followers, like it says in verse 14.
Revelation 17:1 – One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.
Here is an example of God’s punishment for sexual immorality. This is the ultimate manifestation of what we talked about this weekend: those who live across God’s line will be destroyed.
If you want to listen to the sermon from this weekend: God Calls It Love #4 just click on my name and check it out!
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
They will try to make a war against our Lord but he will overcome them and win. This is so cool our lord is so powerful. He can do anything and we can have faith and trust him in all situations. God is good MARANATHA
14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
I love the thought of this, that we will be there when Satan gets defeated! I cant wait to see that happen!!
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers
this verse is so awsome and to know that our lord is so powerful and will defeat satan!! and that our god is completely in control:)
17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.
i dont have much else to say after chris, luke, vanessa’s and everyone elses comments… great job guys! i just love meditating on how God’s will works every single thing into His plan. God is ultimately in control and if there was just one molecule that He couldn’t, He would not be God… this should lead us to praise as well as fear for who God really is!
14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
What an awesome reminder that God is sovereign over all, all lords and kings have been given authority by Him.