@Susan,
On Satan;
1. I do not believe a born again Christian can be possessed by the devil or a devil the scriptures do not support that;
2. The devil very rarely messes with anyone unless they are chosen of God for a high spiritual position;
3. The devil or his principalities can have an influence on a Christian from very little to much depend on their closeness to Christ;
4. This is why we as Christians need to be doing those things which God has commanded us to do;
5. Read the King James Bible Authorized Version, belong and participate in a solid bible church, be in prayer, separate yourself from the people, things, and anything that keeps us from putting God first in our lives ( 1 Corinthians 6:14-18; Isaiah 59:1,2);
6. Place ourselves under the blood of Jesus Christ;
7. Read James 4:3-8 submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you (verse 7). We submit ourselves unto God by doing those things which he has commanded us to do and those things that please him according to his holy word. Do not fret about where the devils go, that is God�s business.
On verse 24, as a reminder that much of what is being read in the gospels before the cross is prophetic doctrine for the Jews to happen after the rapture of the body of Christ (the church). All can be used for spiritual application in this age of grace (church age). We must compare scripture with scripture to achieve absolute truth ( John 5:39; I Corinthians 2:13). In verse 23 the mountain represents spiritual obstacle that will come your way to try and interfere with getting you off the course that the lord has placed you on. But with the faith of ( Ephesians 3) and allowing Jesus to work through us by humbling ourselves before him and following the rule in James 4:1-3 and Isaiah 40:31, we will overcome any obstacles. And prayers will be answered according to needs and God's plan for our lives. Do not pray for a Rolls Royce when a Chevy will do!
God's wisdom has Fatherly instructions, corrections, admonitions, information and guidance in them. As a matter of divine fact, His Wisdom originates from a heart of love, mercy, and compassion that are beyond human comprehension. Therefore, they are meant to stir you and I, as it were, into the favours and strength of God. And because God is God, and there is none compared to Him, it means that He can't lie. Hence, it is worthwhile and wise to give concentrated attention to His Word. God's Word is His Wisdom and His wisdom are His dictates, and they are meant for the good of whoever believes ( 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16). Truthfully speaking, the fact that God does not do evil, but that He only does what is good and right, should encourage whoever cares to listen, to plunge into His truths, and also into His wisdom- and that must be through Jesus Christ, and also through the Holy Spirit, the Eternal Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5). The nuggets of truths, in this Proverbs 4, like others, are godlike precepts and instructions that are incomparable, good and right for the human soul, and for the spirit man, the hidden man of the heart, - and that mainly refers to the recreated human spirit. They are facets of biblical truths that are encouraging and also excellent for the godly type of life that many are craving and thirsting for ( Psalms 1:1-3, Psalms 37:4; Ephesians 1:17). Interestingly, depending perhaps on what background, a Christian comes from, the fact is that for the really genuine and committed type of Christian, a time will or must come that he will come into the knowledge that this God of Israel, the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ deserves to be magnified, glorified and worshipped; for there is none like Him ( John 4:23; 1 Peter 1:25). Thus, the place of wisdom, in the lives of whoever desires and dares to love and honour the Living God ( John 1:12; 3:16). He is, all that matters- and when you and I key into His love and faithfulness, He will do great wonders through us to the glory of His name. In view of these and many other things vis a vis the Word of God, wisdom dictates that we give ourselves committedly unto the LORD, and to His Word ( Matthew 6:33,34). There are challenges upon challenges that confront us, as individuals, and that is why, these truths and instructions, as contained in Proverbs, and throughout the pages of the Holy Writ, demand that we be faithfully committed to them. Remember, we have been accepted, into the family of the Beloved, and that refers to Jesus Christ ( John 17:3; Romans 8: 15; Ephesians 2:18; Galatians 4:16,1; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 4:3; 5:13). And that is where the grace of God comes on board; His grace is more than sufficient ( 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9). God has abilities no matter what task or assignment He has called you and I for. When you commit yourself to God's dictates and function in line with them, Angels will go on assignment for you ( John 15:7; James 4:16.). There are levels and degrees of encounters with God, that we can't get into except through daily obedience and practical submission to the Word of God. In fact there is nothing, as far as I know that can surpass what God has given. He has given Jesus Christ, who is referred to biblically, as the Wisdom of God, - and that is for the salvation and redemption of humanity. And when you belong to Him through the agency of the new birth, you automatically become joint heirs with Him. And with that you are sorted if you know how to walk or function in love, and then take advantage of what He has given through Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the World. The essence of these is that we should give attention to wisdom, embrace it, reflect upon it, and practice it. God's instructions and precepts demands heartfelt obedience ( Psalm 119:6; John 14:15; John 15:120; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 Peter 1:25; 1 John 5:3). It says whatever you do in word and deed, do it heartily as unto the LORD. Hence, in the things of the Spirit, and that refers to the Holy Spirit, high level of commitment should be the norm, and that is because God cannot lie, - and His Word is forever infallible ( John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4). Truly, God is forever trustworthy.
The verse is very strong, and make me want to fight the devil that lives inside me which I'm going to do because the verse clearly mentions that whatever good things you want to do, God will stand by you, therefore, I am going to start by inviting the holy spirit to be within this journey that I�m about to take, because it�s no easy but with the father God and his Son nothing is impossible for me.
This simply means by believing you own and you receive on a day and time known by God. Remember your plans are not God's plans with you, you should not ask anything to please you, but God ( James 4:3). Your child believes that he/she will receive if he/she asks parents. God is your parent. BELIEVE, OWN AND RECEIVE. God bless you.
Can you imagine having a very close friend for years and not know their name. The scriptures urge us ( James 4:8) Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. He even assures his worshipers:"I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the one saying to you, 'Do not be afraid. I myself will help you."-- Isaiah 41:13. Scriptures say there are many "gods" and many lords", there is actually to us one God the Father out of whom all things are and we for him, and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and we through him. At 2 Corinthians 4:4 it says the god of this world blinds the minds of the unbelievers that they might not see the good news of God and the Christ who is the image of God, might not shine through. So the god blinding the minds is who 'Satan', he is also mentioned at 1 John 5:19, which says "We know we originate with God , but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one" so when you pray to God the Almighty, use his name Jehovah and you will be noticed by him and you too can draw close to the only true God, and gain everlasting life which only he can give you. " John 3:16".
When we seek the truth in our walk with Christ and clearly, he tells us how we are to walk with him in truth and love. If only we all could see that God has truly opened his heart for us to see how we are to walk and talk,.. God is good to all that seek the truth.
We know we ALL have sin. So let�s move on to how we also know how not to sin, speak truth to one another love as Christ has loved you, let not sin overrule your thoughts and have God be in your heart soul and mind and he will bring peace to all even in the time when there seems no hope, God is truly God and he has made it very clear in all translations give Him your heart and love and he will stand with you and help you overcome anything that would try to separate you and your love from Him.
This one of my favorite chapter of the Bible that I quote often, because it is so true and powerful. It causes me to look at myself and judge myself. It tells me that there is somethings I have to do like cleanse my hands and purify my heart. I have to humble myself and put myself under subjection. I have to submit to God he is not going to make us, we have to love him enough to want to submit to him. Reading this passage really stirs me deep within.
When I was a doorgunner during the Viet Nam War, God appeared to me one day and told me to lay down my weapons of War, and take up my Cross. I resented Him with all my heart because He told me to do exactly the opposite that my Nation required of me. After many years, I have realized that He, not I, was correct.
"And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves." ( Luke 23:12)
What precedes wars and fightings? As Karl von Clausewitz analyzed war, his observations can be carried over into that which is beyond military combat.
His definition of war is "war therefore is an act of violence to compel our opponent to fulfill our will." He says, "War is always a serious means for a serious object."
James says, "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war,yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." ( James 4:1-3)
James speaks of lust, Clausewitz said, "Everything which appears an advantage may be the object of a combat..."
The heart manifests lust, envy, hostility, and hatred unto war.
Have quickly hostility can manifest in the heart. A close examination of one's heart could show hostility. Hostility towards a comment made, or an action committed or omitted. It may not manifest itself into an open battle, but the hostility can remain in the heart. A polarity [Clausewitz] now exists (whether hidden in the heart, or openly manifested). Enemies are made.
Now enemies (polar opposites) with hostile hearts, war is declared (whether verbal or silent). You don't like that person, that person does not like you. The hostility can burn and enflame into hatred and the desire to kill. (whether with words, actions, or the desire for supremacy).
There may be many battles; many words and actions that convey hostility.
Sometimes action in the war can be suspended, without the war ending: circumstances may dictate an inaction. [Cluasewitz] Maybe you don't want someone to see or hear your hostility so you take it underground for awhile. Maybe you decide the place or time is not advantageous for you to get the advantage so you wait for a more advantageous moment. But, the hostility is still there; it's just being put on hold.
You may feel hostility, but recognize the person has superior power that could do you harm; so you hold off attacking; but, not because the hostility is gone; but, because you access the situation is not to your advantage.
Hostility remains in the heart.
Clausewitz speaks of "reciprocal action." Also, reciprocal action of reciprocal action. One hostility begats another hostility...."Thus a continuance of action will ensue which will advance towards a climax."
If war is "a continuation of policy by other means", to have war there must be two or more opposing policies. If there are ten people sitting at a table and all ten have ten different policies (things they believe) anyone who speaks differently could be viewed hostilely. Everyone can be seeking to hold their policy, and hold their position as superior with hostility towards anyone who does not submit to their view.
Now as toward truth, we know we are to obey God (His policy). We are to speak the truth in love; but, even then, Jesus has said, "If they hated me, they will hate you." There will be those who do not want Jesus to be over them. They will not want to obey His Words (policy). They will be hostile toward Him, toward His Word, and toward His servants. They are hostile toward God, and at war with Him.
But, we who are the Lord's, if not careful, can harbor hostility in our hearts. We are admonished to "Keep thy heart with all diligence..." ( Proverbs 4:23)
We are to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled..." ( Hebrews 12:14-15)
Cain, Esau, Pharisees, scorners, etc. manifested hostile hearts.
John says, "...whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." ( I John 3:10)
Our hearts will either condemn us or commend us. If the heart manifests hostility, that hostility must be in opposition to something. If hostility remains, murder can be its climax.
Cain rose up against Abel in the field and slew him; why? because Cains works were evil and Abel's were righteous. Cain was hostile toward God and toward his brother. His hostility continued unto hatred and murder.
this is a beautiful chapter I've been going over and over it is what I need.Thank the Lord for His goodness aand many blessings to me.4:11 is very powerfullono
I am always blessed when I read my Fathers Will and Testimony for my life, but again today I saw that we must draw nearer and closer to our God and read His Word every day to get to know Him so that we know what we know is the truth and that we can give and speak out and tell our friends, family, when things go wrong and that my friends happens all over, so its for us to give freely.
IF YOU NOT COMITTED YOURSELF TO GOD JESUS CHRIST, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALY DRAIN YOURSELF TO THE evil one,SO BECAREFULL,STAY CONECTED TO JESUS,I SAY AGAIN STAY CONECTED TO GOD.
Babylon the Great as stated here is not the U.S, neither the ancient City of Babylon.BABYLON THE GREAT HERE IN REVELATION IS SYMBOLICALLY USE TO THE EMPIRE OF FALSE RELIGION.
Revelation was written at the end of the first century C.E and describes events that would reach down to our day. The city of Babylon was taken by the Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 B.C. Later Alexander the Great planned to make Babylon the capital of his eastern empire, but after his death Babylon gradually lost importance. Today the city (near Baghdad Iraq, is an uninhabited ruin.
In the symbolism of Revelation, Babylon the Great is referred to as a "great city", a "kingdom" that rules other kings.(Rev.17:18) Like city, it would have many organizations within it: and like a kingdom that includes other kings in its domain, it would be in international in scope. It is described as having relations with political rulers and contributing much to the wealth of men in commerce, while itself being a third element that "has become a dwelling place of demons" and a persecutor of "prophets and of holy ones".- Rev.18:2,9-17,24
History of ancient Babylon was outstanding noted for its religion and its defiance of Jehovah God- the God of Hebrew.(see Exodus 6:3 and Psalms 83:18)
At Gen.10:8-10, " Nimrod...displayed himself a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah...And the beginning of his kingdom came to Babel [later known as Babylon].
At Daniel 5:22,23- Belshazzar-Babylonian king exalted himself against the Lord of heavens and 'have praised mere gods of silver and of gold," etc...."that are beholding nothing or hearing nothing". but the God who gave breath and everything to Belshazzar , he have not glorified.
Ancient cuneiform inscription reads; "there are Babylon 53 temples of the chief gods,55 chapels of Marduk,300 chapels for the earthly deities, 600 for the heavenly deities, 180 altars for the goddess Ishtar, 180 for the gods Nergal and Adad and 12 other altars for different gods"- Quoted in THE BIBLE AS HISTORY (New York, 1964), W. Keller,p,301.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA AMERICANA COMMENTS: "Sumerian civilization [which was part of Babylonia] was dominated by priests; at the head of the state was the "LUGAL"(literally 'great man'), the representative of the gods."-(1977).Vol.3,p.9.
REASONABLY, therefore, BABYLON THE GREAT as referred to in REVELATION is RELIGIOUS.Being like a city and an empire, it is not limited to one religious group but includes ALL RELIGIONS that are in OPPOSITION to Jehovah, the true God.
ANCIENT BABYLONIAN RELIGIOUS CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES ARE FOUND IN RELIGIONS WORLDWIDE.
"Egypt, Persia, and Greece felt the influence of the Babylonian religion...The strong admixture of Semitic elements both in early Greek mythology and in Grecian cults is now so generally admitted by scholars as to require no further comments. These Semitic elements are to a large extent more specifically Babylonian."- THE RELIGION OF BABYLONIA AND ASSYRIA (Boston, 1898) M. Jastrow, Jr.pp699,700.
THEIR GODS: There were triads of gods, and among their divinities were those representing various forces of nature and ones that exercised special influence in certain activities of mankind. (Babylonian and Assyrian Religion, Norman, Okla.; 1963, S.H.Hooke,pp.14-40).
" The PLATONIC TRINITY, itself merley a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christian Churches... This Greek philosopher's [PLATO] conception of trinity...can be found in all the ancients [pagan] religions."- Nouvea Dictionnaire Universe (Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M.Lachatre, Vol 2,p.1467
USE OF IMAGES: [In Mesopotamian religion} the role of the image was central in the cult as well as in private worship, as the wide distribution of cheap replicas of such images shows. Fundamentally, the deity was considered present in its image if it showed certain specific features and paraphernalia and was cared for in the appropriate manner."- Ancient Mesopotamia-Portrait of a Dead Civilization ( Chicago, 1964), A.L. Oppenheim,p.184
POSITION OF THE PRIESTHOOD; "The distinction between priest and layman is characteristic of this [Bayblonian} religion."- Encyclopedia Britannica (1948),Vol 2,p.861
BELIEF REGARDING DEATH; "Neither the people nor the leaders of religious thought [in Babylon] ever faced the possibility of the total annihilation of what once was called into existence. Death was a passage to another kind of life."- The Religion of babylonia and Assyria,p.556.
PRACTICE OF ASTROLOGY,DIVINATION,MAGIC,AND SORCERY: Historian A.H. Sayce writes: " In the religion of ancient Babylonnia...every objecy of force of nature was supposed to have its "zi" or spirit, who could be controlled by the magical exorcisms of the Shaman, or sorcere-priest." "The Chaldeans{Babylonians} made great progress in the study of astrology through an effort to discover the future in the stars. This art we call 'astrology."-says The Dawn of Civilization and Life in the Ancient East.
BABYLON THE GREAT IS LIKE AN IMMORTAL HARLOT, ONE LIVING IN SHAMELESS LUXURY;
Rev.17:1-5 says, "Come hither; "I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters[means PEOPLES]:With whom the kings [means political leaders] of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. ...And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Rev. 18:7 adds that "she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury."
*It is true that the dominant religious organizations have made it a practice to consort with political rulers for power and material gain, though this has resulted in suffering for the common people? Is it not also true that their higher clergy live in luxury, even though many of the people to whom they should minister may be impoverished?
WHY CAN RELIGIONS THAT PROFESS TO BE CHRISTIAN PROPERLY BE VIEWED AS A PART OF BABYLONIAN THE GREAT HARLOT, ALONG WITH THOSE WHO KNOW NOTHING OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE?
JAMES 4:4 (please read the verse in your copy). So though they know what the Bible says about God, they make themselves enemies of God if they CHOOSE friendship with the world by imitating its ways.)
Also at 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14,15 (read in your copy) The god of this world is Satan and "Satan keeps on transforming himself into an angel of light" and so Satan's ministers also transforming themselves as ministers of righteousness... THUS< JEHOVAH"S chief adversary, Satan the Devil himself, is really being honored by all who do not worship the true God in the manner that He has appointed, even though they may claim to be Christian. See also 1 Cor.10:20 and Matthew 7:21-23
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO GET OUT OF BABYLON THE GREAT WITHOUT DELAY:
Just as Rev.18:4,21 then compare Luke 21:36, (anyone serious of worshiping God of the Bible in spirit and truth) or people of God must get out of Babylonian type worship as NOT to receive the PLAGUES for her.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE BIBLE TRUTH BUT LIVED AND DIED IN THE PAST AS PART OF BABYLON THE GREAT?
ACTS 17:30 SAYS: "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
On Satan;
1. I do not believe a born again Christian can be possessed by the devil or a devil the scriptures do not support that;
2. The devil very rarely messes with anyone unless they are chosen of God for a high spiritual position;
3. The devil or his principalities can have an influence on a Christian from very little to much depend on their closeness to Christ;
4. This is why we as Christians need to be doing those things which God has commanded us to do;
5. Read the King James Bible Authorized Version, belong and participate in a solid bible church, be in prayer, separate yourself from the people, things, and anything that keeps us from putting God first in our lives ( 1 Corinthians 6:14-18; Isaiah 59:1,2);
6. Place ourselves under the blood of Jesus Christ;
7. Read James 4:3-8 submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you (verse 7). We submit ourselves unto God by doing those things which he has commanded us to do and those things that please him according to his holy word. Do not fret about where the devils go, that is God�s business.
What precedes wars and fightings? As Karl von Clausewitz analyzed war, his observations can be carried over into that which is beyond military combat.
His definition of war is "war therefore is an act of violence to compel our opponent to fulfill our will." He says, "War is always a serious means for a serious object."
James says, "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war,yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." ( James 4:1-3)
James speaks of lust, Clausewitz said, "Everything which appears an advantage may be the object of a combat..."
The heart manifests lust, envy, hostility, and hatred unto war.
Have quickly hostility can manifest in the heart. A close examination of one's heart could show hostility. Hostility towards a comment made, or an action committed or omitted. It may not manifest itself into an open battle, but the hostility can remain in the heart. A polarity [Clausewitz] now exists (whether hidden in the heart, or openly manifested). Enemies are made.
Now enemies (polar opposites) with hostile hearts, war is declared (whether verbal or silent). You don't like that person, that person does not like you. The hostility can burn and enflame into hatred and the desire to kill. (whether with words, actions, or the desire for supremacy).
There may be many battles; many words and actions that convey hostility.
Sometimes action in the war can be suspended, without the war ending: circumstances may dictate an inaction. [Cluasewitz] Maybe you don't want someone to see or hear your hostility so you take it underground for awhile. Maybe you decide the place or time is not advantageous for you to get the advantage so you wait for a more advantageous moment. But, the hostility is still there; it's just being put on hold.
You may feel hostility, but recognize the person has superior power that could do you harm; so you hold off attacking; but, not because the hostility is gone; but, because you access the situation is not to your advantage.
Hostility remains in the heart.
Clausewitz speaks of "reciprocal action." Also, reciprocal action of reciprocal action. One hostility begats another hostility...."Thus a continuance of action will ensue which will advance towards a climax."
If war is "a continuation of policy by other means", to have war there must be two or more opposing policies. If there are ten people sitting at a table and all ten have ten different policies (things they believe) anyone who speaks differently could be viewed hostilely. Everyone can be seeking to hold their policy, and hold their position as superior with hostility towards anyone who does not submit to their view.
Now as toward truth, we know we are to obey God (His policy). We are to speak the truth in love; but, even then, Jesus has said, "If they hated me, they will hate you." There will be those who do not want Jesus to be over them. They will not want to obey His Words (policy). They will be hostile toward Him, toward His Word, and toward His servants. They are hostile toward God, and at war with Him.
But, we who are the Lord's, if not careful, can harbor hostility in our hearts. We are admonished to "Keep thy heart with all diligence..." ( Proverbs 4:23)
We are to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled..." ( Hebrews 12:14-15)
Cain, Esau, Pharisees, scorners, etc. manifested hostile hearts.
John says, "...whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." ( I John 3:10)
Our hearts will either condemn us or commend us. If the heart manifests hostility, that hostility must be in opposition to something. If hostility remains, murder can be its climax.
Cain rose up against Abel in the field and slew him; why? because Cains works were evil and Abel's were righteous. Cain was hostile toward God and toward his brother. His hostility continued unto hatred and murder.
The heart of the matter is the heart.
Revelation was written at the end of the first century C.E and describes events that would reach down to our day. The city of Babylon was taken by the Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 B.C. Later Alexander the Great planned to make Babylon the capital of his eastern empire, but after his death Babylon gradually lost importance. Today the city (near Baghdad Iraq, is an uninhabited ruin.
In the symbolism of Revelation, Babylon the Great is referred to as a "great city", a "kingdom" that rules other kings.(Rev.17:18) Like city, it would have many organizations within it: and like a kingdom that includes other kings in its domain, it would be in international in scope. It is described as having relations with political rulers and contributing much to the wealth of men in commerce, while itself being a third element that "has become a dwelling place of demons" and a persecutor of "prophets and of holy ones".- Rev.18:2,9-17,24
History of ancient Babylon was outstanding noted for its religion and its defiance of Jehovah God- the God of Hebrew.(see Exodus 6:3 and Psalms 83:18)
At Gen.10:8-10, " Nimrod...displayed himself a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah...And the beginning of his kingdom came to Babel [later known as Babylon].
At Daniel 5:22,23- Belshazzar-Babylonian king exalted himself against the Lord of heavens and 'have praised mere gods of silver and of gold," etc...."that are beholding nothing or hearing nothing". but the God who gave breath and everything to Belshazzar , he have not glorified.
Ancient cuneiform inscription reads; "there are Babylon 53 temples of the chief gods,55 chapels of Marduk,300 chapels for the earthly deities, 600 for the heavenly deities, 180 altars for the goddess Ishtar, 180 for the gods Nergal and Adad and 12 other altars for different gods"- Quoted in THE BIBLE AS HISTORY (New York, 1964), W. Keller,p,301.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA AMERICANA COMMENTS: "Sumerian civilization [which was part of Babylonia] was dominated by priests; at the head of the state was the "LUGAL"(literally 'great man'), the representative of the gods."-(1977).Vol.3,p.9.
REASONABLY, therefore, BABYLON THE GREAT as referred to in REVELATION is RELIGIOUS.Being like a city and an empire, it is not limited to one religious group but includes ALL RELIGIONS that are in OPPOSITION to Jehovah, the true God.
ANCIENT BABYLONIAN RELIGIOUS CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES ARE FOUND IN RELIGIONS WORLDWIDE.
"Egypt, Persia, and Greece felt the influence of the Babylonian religion...The strong admixture of Semitic elements both in early Greek mythology and in Grecian cults is now so generally admitted by scholars as to require no further comments. These Semitic elements are to a large extent more specifically Babylonian."- THE RELIGION OF BABYLONIA AND ASSYRIA (Boston, 1898) M. Jastrow, Jr.pp699,700.
THEIR GODS: There were triads of gods, and among their divinities were those representing various forces of nature and ones that exercised special influence in certain activities of mankind. (Babylonian and Assyrian Religion, Norman, Okla.; 1963, S.H.Hooke,pp.14-40).
" The PLATONIC TRINITY, itself merley a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christian Churches... This Greek philosopher's [PLATO] conception of trinity...can be found in all the ancients [pagan] religions."- Nouvea Dictionnaire Universe (Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M.Lachatre, Vol 2,p.1467
USE OF IMAGES: [In Mesopotamian religion} the role of the image was central in the cult as well as in private worship, as the wide distribution of cheap replicas of such images shows. Fundamentally, the deity was considered present in its image if it showed certain specific features and paraphernalia and was cared for in the appropriate manner."- Ancient Mesopotamia-Portrait of a Dead Civilization ( Chicago, 1964), A.L. Oppenheim,p.184
POSITION OF THE PRIESTHOOD; "The distinction between priest and layman is characteristic of this [Bayblonian} religion."- Encyclopedia Britannica (1948),Vol 2,p.861
BELIEF REGARDING DEATH; "Neither the people nor the leaders of religious thought [in Babylon] ever faced the possibility of the total annihilation of what once was called into existence. Death was a passage to another kind of life."- The Religion of babylonia and Assyria,p.556.
PRACTICE OF ASTROLOGY,DIVINATION,MAGIC,AND SORCERY: Historian A.H. Sayce writes: " In the religion of ancient Babylonnia...every objecy of force of nature was supposed to have its "zi" or spirit, who could be controlled by the magical exorcisms of the Shaman, or sorcere-priest." "The Chaldeans{Babylonians} made great progress in the study of astrology through an effort to discover the future in the stars. This art we call 'astrology."-says The Dawn of Civilization and Life in the Ancient East.
BABYLON THE GREAT IS LIKE AN IMMORTAL HARLOT, ONE LIVING IN SHAMELESS LUXURY;
Rev.17:1-5 says, "Come hither; "I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters[means PEOPLES]:With whom the kings [means political leaders] of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. ...And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Rev. 18:7 adds that "she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury."
*It is true that the dominant religious organizations have made it a practice to consort with political rulers for power and material gain, though this has resulted in suffering for the common people? Is it not also true that their higher clergy live in luxury, even though many of the people to whom they should minister may be impoverished?
WHY CAN RELIGIONS THAT PROFESS TO BE CHRISTIAN PROPERLY BE VIEWED AS A PART OF BABYLONIAN THE GREAT HARLOT, ALONG WITH THOSE WHO KNOW NOTHING OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE?
JAMES 4:4 (please read the verse in your copy). So though they know what the Bible says about God, they make themselves enemies of God if they CHOOSE friendship with the world by imitating its ways.)
Also at 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14,15 (read in your copy) The god of this world is Satan and "Satan keeps on transforming himself into an angel of light" and so Satan's ministers also transforming themselves as ministers of righteousness... THUS< JEHOVAH"S chief adversary, Satan the Devil himself, is really being honored by all who do not worship the true God in the manner that He has appointed, even though they may claim to be Christian. See also 1 Cor.10:20 and Matthew 7:21-23
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO GET OUT OF BABYLON THE GREAT WITHOUT DELAY:
Just as Rev.18:4,21 then compare Luke 21:36, (anyone serious of worshiping God of the Bible in spirit and truth) or people of God must get out of Babylonian type worship as NOT to receive the PLAGUES for her.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE BIBLE TRUTH BUT LIVED AND DIED IN THE PAST AS PART OF BABYLON THE GREAT?
ACTS 17:30 SAYS: "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Also read Acts 24:15 and Job 34:12.