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The Beast and Babylon (Part Four): Where Is the Woman of Revelation 17?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe nation of Israel is symbolically represented as a Woman in Revelation 12, clothed with the sun and moon, wearing a crown of stars, as tied to Joseph's dream in Genesis 37. This Woman, Israel, is depicted as about to give birth to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the One born to rule all nations, while facing the murderous intent of the great red dragon, satan. Israel, as the Woman, flees to a place prepared by God, yet remains unconverted throughout the early verses of the chapter. Later, in verse 17, the remnant of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus Christ, are distinguished from the nation of Israel, indicating the church's separate identity and persecution by the dragon in a different location. In Revelation 17, the Woman riding the Beast is identified as Mystery, Babylon the Great, symbolizing a city and nation, not a church, in a position of control over the Beast. This Woman represents a political, economic, and military powerhouse within the Babylonish system, distinct from the Beast yet part of the same overarching structure. Biblical examples from Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Lamentations consistently show a woman symbolizing a city or nation, often of vile character, such as Jerusalem, Samaria, or Babylon, rather than a religious entity. The Woman in Revelation 17-18 is heavily involved in politics, manufacturing, and worldwide commerce, controlling the Beast externally without engaging in its internal politics or promoting its worship, further emphasizing her identity as a dominant city and nation within the end-time Babylonish system.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Six): The Woman's Character
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost of us are living in the end-time manifestation of Babylon the Great. We can resist her influence if we understand what makes her so attractive to us.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Three): Who Is the Woman?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs the Woman depicted in Revelation 12 the church, as the church has dogmatically taught? Or is she another prophetic entity that is active today?
Symbolism, Types, and Prophecies
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must be careful about applying a biblical symbol to prophetic events too rigidly. The term 'Zion' may apply to the church, but not all the time.
Biblical Symbolism (Part Three)
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible contains many symbols for the church and individual disciples. Among them are vines, vineyards, sheep, buildings, temples, women, and others.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Gossip about us from someone we may have trusted can be painful, yet our tongue has likely been just as detrimental against someone who may have trusted us.
Elisha and the Shunammite Woman, Part I: Reviving God's Children
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughSome of Elisha's miracles read like parables. There are parallels between modern church history and the second of these miracles in II Kings 4.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Five): The Parable of the Leaven
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost commentators see this parable as a positive message of the growth of the church. However, deeper study shows that they have it exactly backward!
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
What's Wrong With 'Here Comes the Groom'?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsRadical feminism has tried to empower one gender by disabling and marginalizing the other gender, creating a pathological, dysfunctional society.