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New World Order SeriesInformation Brochure No. 3The AntichristINTRODUCTIONIn our study of the great prophecies relating to the things of our day, we now come to the climax, when the end of all things is at hand. We are soon to be precipitated into unprecedented perils, and extraordinary preparations have to be made to meet the extremely hazardous times. The leisurely mode of life will change; the tempo will rise, and unique circumstances, chaos and confusion will occur. We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession, and an intensity is taking hold of the human family. QUESTION 1: (a) An angel came to John in vision. What did the angel say?"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come higher; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:" Revelation 17:1. (b) What have the kings of the Earth been doing with her?"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." Revelation 17:2. NOTE AND ANSWER:Here in verse 1 we have the climax of the prophecy brought to view, the judgment of the whore that sitteth on many waters. This is some of the strongest language ever used by a prophet in describing this system of false religion. As we have learned in previous studies, a woman represents a church, a pure woman in white equals a pure church, and an impure or scarlet colored woman depicts an impure or apostate church. This woman described as a whore represents an apostate system of religion. It is also noticed that she is sitting on, or controlling many people, waters being a symbol of people. The subject of this chapter is great Babylon. In order to give a full presentation of it, John takes us back to recount some of the facts of her history. This apostate woman, as presented in this chapter, is a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church. Between this church and the kings of the earth there has been an illicit connection. With the wine of her fornication, her deceptive false principles and policies, the inhabitants of the earth have become unstable or as described, "drunk". In Revelation 17 we see the restoration of this power has been brought about by the kings of the earth committing fornication with her. The word fornication is full of meaning, for this term implies an illicit or unlawful relationship has been taking place between her and the governments of the world. This relationship has been carried on to such an extent that the nations have become unstable through believing and applying her policies and principles in their legislative halls, educational centers, and financial institutions. Wine is a symbol of her doctrines, teachings and policies. The nations have been drinking and absorbing great amounts of what she has to offer until they have become drunk and stagger from crisis to crisis; there is little or no stability in government any more. The essence of this illicit relationship is deception, to make wrong look right, to make error appear truth, and to make rebellion and protest seem like justice and liberty. This power has disguised itself in a cloak of falsehood and thus gained the advantage. QUESTION 2: (a) How did the angel impress upon the prophet's mind the identity of this woman?"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." Revelation 17:3. (b) After being taken into the wilderness what did John see?"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour [this woman is sometimes referred to as the "scarlet woman"], and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication." Revelation 17:4. NOTE AND ANSWER:To impress upon his mind in order to be sure that John understood all the ramifications of what he was about to be told, the angel gave him an important lesson in history. By taking him in vision into the wilderness, we see this pseudoreligious power in all its hideousness, for it was during that era known as the Dark Ages that this church committed the greatest atrocities that the world has ever known. This prophecy is more definite than others applicable to the Roman power in that it distinguishes between church and state. We here have the woman, the church, seated upon a scarlet colored beast, the civil authorities (governments of Europe) by which she is upheld and which she controls and guides to her own ends, as a rider controls the animal upon which he is seated. The vesture and decorations of this woman as brought to view in verse 4, are in striking harmony with the application made of this symbol. Purple and scarlet are the chief colors in the robes of popes and cardinals, decked with gold and precious costly gems (silver is scarcely seen). From the golden cup in her hand, a symbol of purity of teaching and profession which should have contained only that which is unadulterated and pure, there came forth instead only abominable policies and teachings, and still more abominable practices. It is not always evident to the people what is being planned behind the scenes, in the echelons of power. However, in this prophecy God pulls back the curtain and we see what the great men of this world cannot see. We see a church using the governments of Europe to enforce her teachings, policies and principles upon the people. By doing so she was able to maintain her empire and keep her supremacy in the world for over one thousand years. This was the era of the "Holy Roman Empire." As we read these two verses, there is no mistaking her identity, for we see the wealth and splendor, the fashion and style involved in her worship services. In her hand is a golden cup from which the kings, rulers and governors of the world have been drinking, absorbing her policies and teachings. The principles through which she rules are regarded as abominations and filthiness for they have brought about the most wretched and demoralizing conditions the human family has ever seen. QUESTION 3: (a) What name was written on the forehead of the harlot woman?"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Revelation 17:5. (b) What other startling thing was brought to view regarding this power?"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." Revelation 17:6. NOTE AND ANSWER:As the history lesson continues we see the name "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth." Why is her title thus written? Because she is the one that represents this great system of false worship. This woman is explicitly called Babylon. Is Rome then Babylon, to the exclusion of all other religious bodies? No. She cannot be from the fact that she is called the mother of harlots, which shows that there are other independent religious organizations that constitute the apostate daughters, and belong to the same great family. She who claims to be the mother church, the one who claims to be representing God whilst working contrary to the Bible, is to commit blasphemy, especially when making the claim of being the vicar of the Son of God, and at the same time engaging in a work of persecution and murder. To teach and to seduce people implies the teaching of error as though it were the truth. This is what it means to blaspheme His name. This Babylonian system of worship is always shrouded in mystery, just as Lucifer concealed his work in heaven under a specious profession of loyalty to God. This power pretends to represent God on earth whilst it really works against Him; it is to this counterfeit system of religion that we direct the term "Babylon." We also see that the woman, the symbol of this church, is drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs. This church is seen to have blood on her hands. Listen to the description: she is dressed in brazen purple and scarlet, decked with jewels, and a golden cup in her hand full of abominations of her false doctrines, she is drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs. Again the description is of Rome. QUESTION 4: (A) After John had viewed the church in the wilderness, what was his response?"And when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration." Revelation 17:6 (last part). (b) Surprised to see John's reaction to what he had seen, what does the angel reveal to John?"And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns." Revelation 17:7. NOTE AND ANSWER:The prophet's immediate response was one of surprise and admiration. Here was a church with its magnificent cathedrals, its majestic shrines and monasteries, its great centers of education, its towering spires and lofty structures, such wealth and splendor. Her priests are dressed in such gorgeous apparel, the mystique, mystery and excitement of her ceremonies and rituals. What a sight! Here is Christianity with all of its pomp and pride. This professed Christian Church rules the world and John stands in awe. Here we have the masterpiece of deception. Satan's most successful method is that of deception. He makes wrong look right, he mixes error with truth. He has long been planning and preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. This gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power, a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne of the world to rule the earth according to his will. The heavenly guest inquires as to John's admiration, and suggests that he should reveal to him the mystery surrounding this church and the beast that she rides. It should be noted that this is the original beast with seven heads and ten horns. Why should John wonder with great admiration when he saw the woman drunken with the blood of saints? Was persecution any strange thing in his day? Had he not seen Rome launch its most fiery anathemas against the people of his day, himself being in banishment under its cruel power at the time he wrote? Why then should he be astonished as he looked forward and saw Rome still persecuting the saints? The secret of his wonder and admiration was this: all the persecution he had witnessed had been from Pagan Rome, the open enemy of Christ. It was not strange that pagans should persecute the Christian Church. But when he looked forward and saw a professed Christian church persecuting the Christians he could but stand in awe and amazement. This wild beast is a fitting symbol of Rome for it carries with it all the characteristics of this bloodthirsty empire. As the Roman Empire developed into the Papacy, she took on an even more oppressive character. As an empire she had a long and uninterrupted existence. For nearly two thousand years she ruled the world not only in the religious areas of life, but she dominated the civil powers as well. During the time of papal supremacy millions of people throughout Europe were savagely put to death for refusing to give homage to her policies and teachings. First it was pagan Rome that foresaw that should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be swept away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy the Apostolic Church. The fires of persecution were kindled. Christians were stripped of their possessions, and driven from their homes. They endured great afflictions, and great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood. Noble and slave, rich and poor, learned and ignorant were alike slain without mercy. The persecution was so great that Christians were forced to flee into the mountains of Italy as well as other parts of Europe. A small period of peace was experienced during the transition from pagan Rome to Papal Rome. However, the accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. In all it is estimated that between fifty and one hundred million people were slaughtered by the Roman Power. And so she is seen by the prophet as being drunken with the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs. The scene passing before us is the climax of the rebellion that has continued down through the ages. The same conflict, just a different time and a different place. QUESTION 5: As our divine history lesson continues, we see the mystery of the ages unfolded. What is this mystery?"The beast that thou sawest was, and is not: and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth." Revelation 17:8-9. NOTE AND ANSWER:The remainder of the chapter is the angel's interpretation of the "mystery." However we have two mysteries brought to view. a) The mystery of the woman that rides the beast. As we have noticed before, a beast represents a nation or an empire. Of the seven consecutive universal empires, as represented by the seven heads on the beast we are considering, the head that represents the Roman Empire is the sixth head. However, the construction of this verse indicates that this power passes through three different phases or three distinct periods of time, those periods of time being: 1. When it was. 2. When it is not. 3. When it shall ascend out of the bottomless pit. Thus John was carried forward in time, to our day. There he was able to look back in time to where the beast of persecution "was." In other words, he looked back in time to when the beast was still active in persecuting the Christian Church. Then we see in 1798, Rome was stripped of her civil authority. She no longer could use the governments of Europe to enforce her teachings upon the people. Here we see the three phases of the Roman Empire. During the years of her supremacy, she is referred to as the beast that "was." Then having lost her ability to use the civil powers, she enters a period of inactivity. This parallels the "is not" phase of the empire, from 1798 until our day. And then as he stood in that period of time known as the "is not," the angel revealed that persecution had ceased. After this he looked into the future and he saw the beast "about to come up out of the abyss." So we see a period of time when Rome was a persecuting power, a time when she used the governments of Europe in an attempt to destroy the Christian Church because it did not agree with her policies and principles. However, in 1798 during the French Revolution, Rome was stripped of her civil power and entered a period of inactivity, the "is not" period of time, this corresponds with the time when she received the deadly wound. However, that wound is to be healed, her power will be restored, and when this takes place, she will have ascended out of the bottomless pit. The term "bottomless pit" simply means the place of the grave. As this astonishing event begins to transpire, the inhabitants of the earth stand amazed as the Papacy returns to take up her former activities. Those that dwell on the earth wonder that such a thing could happen. They first "wonder" and then worship, that is, yield their willing support to the beast. It is now, toward the close of the twentieth century, that we look for the final phase of the prophecy to begin, a time when we shall see the Roman Church restored to power which is "the third phase," the one that is yet to come. During this phase the governments of the world will be deceived into surrendering their sovereignty. Through the United Nations Organization we see the rise of the New World Order. As the prophecy indicates, this move will undoubtedly culminate with the United States of America leading the world to unite under the papal head. The nations will be brought to their knees through accepting and embracing the policies of Rome, for they have indeed been drinking from the golden cup she is seen to have in her hand. This has brought instability to the countries. As they drink they seem to stagger from one crisis to another. Their economies are in turmoil with excessive amounts of foreign debt. The environmental movements will push for the preservation of their assets in order to pay those debts. All of these movements are being promoted via the United Nations in an effort to secure unity. They come together with one mind and one purpose--peace and security. They "give their power and strength unto the beast" --Rome. QUESTION 6: (a) Can you name the seven universal kingdoms brought to view in this prophecy?"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." Revelation 17:10. (b) Who is the eighth king, and why is he designated as such?"And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition." Revelation 17:11. NOTE AND ANSWER:Continuing our history lesson we need to establish the names of the seven consecutive universal empires. By doing this we will see more clearly how the rebellion that was begun in Heaven was transferred and developed through the nations of the earth until it became fully established during the time of the Roman Empire. This wild beast belongs to no one age, but it is a power which has risen in every age; the seven heads represent the successive culminations of this world power. In various empires this world power showed itself: in Egypt, the house of bondage; in Assyria, that exalted herself against God; in Babylon, the hammer of the whole earth; in Persia; in Greece; and in succession these kingdoms fell, only to be succeeded by another, "Rome." Five are fallen, the one referred to as being "is," was ROME, and the seventh head must be rather an aggregation of nations than a single empire. However, this confederacy of nations will gather together under one head, the seventh head, the Papacy. Few would realize that the New World Order is a child of the Papacy. As we see the nations of the earth uniting under the auspices of the United Nations, we are witnessing the restoration of her power. It is not yet evident the part that the religious element is playing, but we need to understand the progress of events in the marshalling of the nations for the final conflict, for they will unite under the one head, the Papacy, the seventh head. When we see this happen we can be sure that time will continue only for a short period. There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of evil. Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious liberty and freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, as was manifested by the Papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanism. As the prophecy indicates, the woman (the church, Romanism in the old world, Protestantism in the new) is sitting on the beast (the governments of the world). As the beast under consideration is only ever depicted as having seven heads, it is obvious that the reference to the eighth head is symbolic. The number eight is symbolic of the resurrection or of new life, thus symbolizing the restoration of Rome to her former glory. QUESTION 7: (a) Why is it said that the ten kings have received no kingdom as yet?"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." Revelation 17:12. (b) Who shall give their power to the beast?"These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Revelation 17:13. NOTE AND ANSWER:The ten kings brought to our attention here represent the political leaders and governments of the world. The number ten in prophecy is symbolic of a worldwide movement, so these ten kings are not representing ten individual nations but rather indicate that the governments of the world will unite together in some capacity, and they be given, not the power of a king in their own right, but rather they receive power as a king. In other words, they will execute the authority that has been delegated to them by some other power. It will be noticed that these kings receive power for one hour with the beast, which is controlled by the Papacy. They have formed a coalition or a confederacy with Rome for the purpose of restoring her to a position of authority. There is only one organization on the face of the earth that is capable of achieving unity on such a grand scale, that organization being the United Nations. This organization is responsible for most of the international treaties being signed between governments of the world. Further, it is said that these kings give their power and strength unto the beast. They have one mind, one purpose: they all agree to one centralized government of which each nation will become a satellite republic. The governments of the world will surrender their God-given heritage, give up certain aspects of their independence and give respect to international law. Based upon the word of God, the Bible, we can know without any doubt just who is behind the New World Order. It is the churches of Christendom brought together under the one head, the Papacy. This will bring about a time of trouble such as the world has never seen. The western world, founded on the principles of Protestantism, will be deceived into surrendering its sovereignty in favor of one centralized government under the seventh head, the Papacy. QUESTION 8: What will be the results of this confederacy of evil?"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. NOTE AND ANSWER:Having gained the ascendancy over the world, Rome is thus ready to embark upon the last great conflict. Her power is restored, once again she controls the civil authorities as the prophecies indicate, "a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast." She goes out to make war with the Lamb, a symbol of Christ and the Christian church. Faithful Christians and individuals that refuse to pay her homage will be persecuted. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. In this great struggle the sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power, all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Too late will nations realize that they have been deceived, rebellion and strife will be everywhere for "the waters which thou sawest where the whore sitteth, are people, multitudes and nations." These will all be astir. Here amidst the strife and persecution will the whore be judged, and destruction awaits her along with those that support her. The inhabitants of the earth stand in terror and amazement at the judgments descending on her. At that time God calls His people together and says, "Come my people, enter thou into thy chamber, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." Isaiah 20:20. QUESTION 9: (a) Who were some of the main beneficiaries of this confederacy of church and state?"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." Revelation 18:3. (b) As the judgments of God bring about the collapse of Rome and her associates grand design for the control of the world, what amazing confession is brought forth?"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, NOTE AND ANSWER:When God gives a message of warning to His people on earth, nothing is left to chance, no speculation is entered into in order to discover exactly who is behind the scenes giving their support and making it possible. When God draws back the curtain we gain insights into the mysteries and intrigue that is carried out behind the scenes, mysteries the casual observer can never see. God sees it all, and leaves no doubt in the minds of His people as to who was in on the schemes and plans that were designed to destroy their God-given freedom and liberty. The fate of Babylon is final (18:14). The extravagant requirements of Babylon brought wealth to those who traded in the goods she was interested in (18:19). In Chapter 17:16 it is the kings of the earth who set Babylon on fire. In Chapter 18:9 they are pictured mourning the results of that deed, perhaps in the sad realization that they must soon share Babylon's fate. These men in collaboration with the governments of the world have been drinking the wine of Babylon, that Rome and her associates have been holding out before them--for wine is a symbol of her policies and teachings. The system that endeavored to compel the souls of mankind (or the conscience) to bow in obeisance to the policies and teachings of Rome is now destroyed. What a confession comes from the lips of its supporters! Now they are to reap the whirlwind of their own scheming and deceitfulness. QUESTION 10: What are God's people called upon to do before the destructive plagues fall on Babylon?"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." Revelation 18: 4. NOTE AND ANSWER:When this voice is heard, the plagues that will destroy are apparently yet in the future (v. 8). Some of God's people are still in Babylon, although the judgment of Babylon is already pronounced and assured (v. 2). The destruction seems to be about to happen and the window of opportunity for leaving Babylon is about to close. The window of opportunity is still open, but why should anyone continue any longer to partake of Babylon's sins and risk being rewarded with the plagues that Babylon will receive? God calls His people to be fully His, and to step out of sinful systems. The voice from Heaven may be speaking to you today. 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Created: 7/17/97 Updated: 07/15/2007
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