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The Beast and Babylon (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Babylon, as a spiritual entity, is not merely a secular nation but represents a worldwide, anti-God system. Biblically, it symbolizes the worldly system opposed to God, often referred to as the world. It exists in all nations, embodying a pervasive spiritual influence without a specific physical headquarters designated in Scripture. Perceived spiritually, Babylon is the entire world, a system that began in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley and spread globally through migrations, carrying its antagonistic attitude toward God. In prophecy, especially in the New Testament, Babylon overwhelmingly signifies a nation or system against the Lord, and its influence is seen in the continuation of the same general Babylonish system through history, affecting various empires and cultures. As a spiritual entity, it reaches the height of its influence in a geographic focus, yet remains a universal presence opposing God's ways.

The Beast and Babylon (Part Eight): God, Israel, and the Bible

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Babylon, as a spiritual entity, embodies the profound unfaithfulness of end-time Israel, as depicted in Revelation 17 and 18. This spiritual identity emerges from Israel's historical covenant with God, a unique bond not shared with any Gentile nation or church, marking her as the Great Harlot. Despite God's enduring faithfulness, Israel has rebelled, embracing worldly ways to such an extent that she surpasses the Gentiles in her manner of life, earning the title Babylon the Great. This spiritual entity is characterized by immense influence and wealth, illustrated by elegant clothing, jewelry, and precious metals, signifying her power among nations. Israel, primarily represented by the Joseph tribes of America and Britain, stands as a dominant force, guiding and coercing many nations, even controlling the formidable Beast. Her spiritual harlotry is evident in her gross idolatry and rejection of God as her Ruler, choosing instead to follow the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. Babylon, as this spiritual entity, is depicted as one unified people, contrasting with the diverse, unrelated multitudes of the Beast. Her intimate association with the Beast reflects a relationship of support and strong influence, particularly through the leading tribes of Joseph. Despite her material greatness, she is spiritually corrupt, marked by immorality, confusion, and deviance from responsibility, wielding a polluted influence that only she can exert over the Beast until God's appointed time. This spiritual portrayal of Babylon underscores Israel's hypocritical stance, presenting herself as a Christian nation while conducting life as immorally as any pagan people. The blood of martyrs stains her history, with more to be added in the future, highlighting her anti-God record. Thus, Babylon as a spiritual entity encapsulates the tragic fall of Israel from her covenant relationship with God, revealing the depth of her spiritual unfaithfulness in the end times.

What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Babylon is a system, virtually irresistible to the carnal mind, appealing to ambition and self-centeredness. It is far greater than any church institution.

What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Babylon's way is the culture of the Western world, having the same religious, economic, and political systems, enslaving people to the state.

What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Because Babylon is a system, we cannot physically flee it. We have to flee by keeping our minds clean from the customs, traditions, and cultural influences.

What to Do in Babylon

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

There is nothing to be desired in the Babylonish system, but we can grow spiritually in spite of the downward pulls.

Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 1)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The demons who already inhabit the earth look upon us as interlopers. We need to monitor our thought impulses, lest we be bothered by demons.

What's So Bad About Babylon? (2003) (Part 1)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The world's political, religious, economic, and cultural systems pose a danger to God's people, but God wants us to work out His plan within the Babylonian system.

What's So Bad About Babylon? (1997)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Babylon constitutes the fountainhead of instruction that, like strong drink, impairs the ability to function properly while creating the illusion of ability.

What's So Bad About Babylon? (2003) (Part 2)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The entire Babylonian system has an enslaving, addicting, and inebriating quality, producing a pernicious unfaithfulness and Laodicean temperament.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The spirit of Babylon is one of self-determination and independence, antagonistic toward every institution of God, even something as basic as God-given gender.

The Spirit of Babylon

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Spirit of Babylon is couched in brazen outlook of the goddess Inanna/Ishtar, the femme fatale who asserted her free will to overcome the influence of Eden.

Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

All of us are influenced by the culture of the world, guided and inspired by the prince of the power of the air. Satan has deceived the whole world.

Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We are open to invisible communication from the spirit world—communication designed to conform us to the course of this world. Recognizing it is vital.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Despite Inanna's marriage to a god named Dumuzi, she still took lovers whenever she wished—she would not be constrained by the divine order of marriage.

Influence of Leavening

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Both the Old and New Testaments illustrate that sin is subtle, persuasive, and deeply rooted, prompting Almighty God to call His saints to come out of Babylon.

Where the Eagles Are Gathered

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Olivet Prophecy foretells a gathering of eagles or vultures in anticipation of God's judgment. Will they mistake us for the nearly-dead?

Prophets and Prophecy (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the 'Elijah to come.' We must apply duality of prophecy carefully and cautiously rather than indiscriminately.

Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.

Laodiceanism

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.

Globalism and the Wisdom of Men

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The disintegration of the Catholic Church and the greater church of God have eerie parallels. We must seek the wisdom of God rather than the wisdom of men.