Mystery Babylon: Who Is This Harlot Of Revelation?

By admin On January 8th, 2011

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Click on image credit links below each photo, for licensing names, details, and tags, etc.. Most Images cropped & reduced in size.

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MYSTERY BABYLON:

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.The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

THE HARLOT OF

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REVELATION 17

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“I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast…And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” Revelation 17:3-5

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THE TWO WOMEN OF SCRIPTURE

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Throughout Scripture there is a common thread found, beginning in Genesis, and running allhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:L%C3%A9on_Benouville_Odaliske.jpg the way through to Revelation. It is the story of two women: one good and one evil. And many people are perplexed as to just who or what these two women represent.

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Perhaps the best way to explore this subject, is merely to look at some of the various places these two women are found. And in so-doing, we might better understand just what these two women are all about.

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Jezebel – John Liston Byam Shaw – Wikipedia – Public Domain

Esther by Léon Benouville Odaliske 1844 wikipedia US public domain

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“GREAT SIGN IN HEAVEN…A WOMAN”

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And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Revelation 12:1 

.woman of Revelation 12 In Travail-www.signsofheaven.org

The Apostle John was shown a, “great wonder in heaven, a woman…”. This sign which John saw was a picture of the Church, which, by the way, God often referred to as a woman. Galatians speaks about the, “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:26.

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Paul also made this statement to the Church at Corinth… “for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 1st Corinthians 11:2.

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So this concept of a woman representing the Church (that is, the true-worshippers from both the Old & New Testaments) is a very well established Biblical concept.

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But God has likewise written this very same concept in the heavens. God said… “Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above…Hear ye now, O house of David…Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:11-14 (condensed).

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Now why did God say to ask for a sign in the depth OR in the height above? One very good reason is that this sign of a virgin with child was fulfilled down here on Earth, with Mary and Jesus. This would be that sign, “in the depth”. But what sign is given in the height above?

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer constellation – Woman of Revelation 12 In Travail (aka: Ursa Major which includes The Big Dipper) – www.signsofheaven.org

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“A SIGN OF THE LORD…IN THE HEIGHT ABOVE”

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Well, God has created a constellation sign, of a woman with child in the height above.

woman of Revelation 12 In Travail-www.signsofheaven.org .

You see, in the summer this Revelation 12 Woman Constellation (also known as Ursa Major ) appears as a woman with child.

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But this same constellation in the winter flips upside down and now appears as a fleeing woman with wings as an eagle. This woman represents the Church-Faithful. She symbolizes the five wise virgins in that famous Matthew 25 parable.

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This concept of the Church-Faithful also is picked up in Revelation Chapter 12… And there appeared a great wonder (sign) in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Revelation 12:1.

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Here God speaks of a virtuous woman in Heaven, again symbolizing the Church-Faithful. 

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Now if you would like to explore more about this Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation, just click here… “Woman of Revelation 12 (Woman in Travail)” 

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And so with this basic understanding, it is time to discuss the other woman of Revelation. The adulterous woman…

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PLEIADES: CONSTELLATION OF THE REVELATION 12 HARLOT 

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As of January, 2013, it appears that the tail of the Revelation 12 Dragon represents the Harlot of Revelation. This is the star-cluster known as the Pleiades.

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The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

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Now this cluster is actually a constellation which is roughly in the shape of this woman. The red star in her mid-section is the cup of wine spoken of in Revelation. Here is a picture of the Pleiades Constellation.

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ABOVE PHOTO: The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo).  NASA photo by Robert Gendler 

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EVE, THE 1ST ADULTEROUS WOMAN

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tizian_091.jpg.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Genesis 3:6

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Even in the garden of Eden, did this theme of an adulteress begin, when Eve decided to commit spiritual adultery by eating the forbidden fruit. Eve no longer was the virtuous woman she was created to be. And so began Man’s woes upon Earth…

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Eve Tizian_eve-wikipedia-pub-dom

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 ABRAHAM, SARAH, AND HAGAR

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The ‘two woman’ theme shows up with Sarah and Hagar in the Book of Genesis. Sarah, the legitimate wife of Abraham, and Hagar, the Egyptian hand-maid, who was thrust into a cursed relationship with Abraham.

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While Hagar may have been an innocent ‘pawn’ in this faithless scheme to produce a child for Abraham, Hagar was nevertheless an Egyptian. And Revelation 11:8 exposes Egypt as a spiritual representation of apostate Jerusalem. So Hagar is the symbol of the apostate portion of God’s people.

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This will be further discussed a little down the page. So in this story of Sarah and Hagar, the Lord is establishing this concept of the two women of Scripture.

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Hagar – Wikipedia – public domain

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SAMSON & DELILAH

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What about Delilah, who betrayed Samson? Was she a picture of the Harlot Woman of Revelation?

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Very much so. Sadly, the story of Samson has a striking parallel to the God’s people. Just as Samson loved strange women, so too, God’s people have united with the world many times and in many ways.

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“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” Revelation 2:20.

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This particular passage is just one of many which shows God’s disapproval of His Church accepting doctrines which compromise the Church with the world. As a result, the Church has lost her power, just as did Samson, after Delilah cut his hair.

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Dore Samson And Delilah from creationism.org public domain

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RUTH AND ORPHAH

.800px-Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab by William Blake, 1795 

RUTH AND ORPAH…Likewise, the story of Ruth and Orpah is a picture of a ‘virtuous woman’ and a ‘not-so-virtuous woman’. Ruth, the heroine of this story, decides to stay with Naomi (her widowed Israelite mother-in-law), and Orpah returns to her pagan people. Of course, this story has everything to do with those who choose to serve God and those who turn back from following God, to return to the idols of the world.

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Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab by William Blake, 1795 – Wikiart – Public Domain

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WHAT IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ADULTERESS & THE FAITHFUL WOMAN?

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We all sin, don’t we? Well then, why is this Adulteress any different from any Believer? Is there any one quality of this “adulterous woman” that makes her different from the true worshippers of God?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tissot_The_Harlot_of_Jericho_and_the_Two_Spies.jpg

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Here is the attitude of a child of God. Listen to Ezra here... “And [Ezra] said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.” Ezra 9:6.

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Now listen to God’s assessment of His defiant people… “and thou [God’s people] hadst a whore’s forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.” Jeremiah 3:3.

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Compare the two attitudes found here in these previous two verses. Quite a big difference between the two groups, wouldn’t you say? God’s apostate people were not ashamed of their sin. As a matter of fact, they even deny their sin, as this next verse from Proverbs declares.

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Listen to Proverbs… “Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats, and wipes her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. ” Proverbs  30:20.

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Here is the difference between the Believer and those known as “false brethren”. A true Christian may sin, but will be filled with sorrow and repentance. There will be seen a genuine consternation over the matter of failing to be Christ-like in every way.

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On the other hand, the false brethren cannot, and will not know such a sorrow for sin. There can be no careful desire to walk in holiness, within the worldly Christian’s heart. They simply have not received the “new heart” required for such heartfelt remorse over sin. 

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Tissot – The Harlot of Jericho and the Two Spies – Wikipedia – public domain

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LIVING AFTER THE FLESH

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“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:13, 14

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This above passage from Paul’s writings makes a clear distinction between the two portions of God’s http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PaulT.jpghouse: those who live after the flesh, and those who are not content to continue in the flesh, but strive to overcome the flesh.

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Now if you go into any church, there is one thing that everyone has in common: for the most part, everyone professes to love God. But Jesus exposes that there are many who claim allegiance to God, but inwardly they are far from Him.

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Listen… “This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:8

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And so, when God speaks of those who love Him, He is speaking of the kind of love, that desires to follow Him in all that they think, do and say. And those who only give lip-service to God, but refuse to forsake all, that they may truly die a deeper and deeper death-to-self, are mere pretenders…Antichrists…false brethren, and wolves in sheep’s clothing.

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Paul-the-Apostle-Artist-Valentin-de-Boulogne-or-Nicolas-Tournier-circa-1500s-wikipedia-public-domain.jpg

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JUST ASK SOLOMON ABOUT WOMEN

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King Solomon, the wisest mortal man who ever lived, also became the biggest fool who ever lived. And as you probably guessed, it was a woman who made him into that fool…actually it was a thousand women to be exact! In his younger years, Solomon wrote many proverbs: even proverbs about the Virtuous Woman and proverbs about the Adulterous Woman. And though these proverbs were instructive in the everyday world, they, like the rest of the Book of Proverbs, had a dual application concerning the Church: the faithful Church and the apostate Church.

.http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:'The_Visit_of_the_Queen_of_Sheba_to_King_Solomon',_oil_on_canvas_painting_by_Edward_Poynter,_1890,_Art_Gallery_of_New_South_Wales.jpg

If only Solomon had followed his own advice. But God did not chasten Solomon as He chastened Solomon’s father, David. God severely chastened David, time after time after time. But for some reason, Scripture makes no mention of Solomon being chastened this way. And so Solomon began multiplying wives, until he ended up with 700 wives and 300 concubines (breeders). Extremely selfish, to say the least!

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And because so many of these wives were from pagan cultures, they began to urge Solomon to accommodate their idols. And as Solomon grew old, he eventually joined in their idolatry, presenting such a bad example to his nation. And all Israel quickly joined Solomon in pagan worship

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The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon’, by Edward Poynter, 1890, Art Gallery of New South Wales US public domain

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THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN

(see Proverbs 31:10-31)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Julius_Schnorr_von_Carolsfeld-_Ruth_im_Feld_des_Boaz.jpg

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Who is the virtuous woman?

Proverbs deals heavily on the subject of the adulteress as well as the virtuous woman.

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Just listen… “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…” Proverbs 12:4. 

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Among the many proverbs which Solomon spoke, concerning women, none stands out as does Chapter 31:10-31 in which the Bible speaks of the Virtuous Woman. Proverbs 31:10-31 is devoted to a long description of just what is a virtuous woman. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…” Proverbs 31:10-31 . And this wonderful chapter goes on and on in describing this virtuous woman. (If you wish to read the entire passage, just click here… Proverbs 31:10-31) 

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Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld- Ruth in Field of Boaz-Wikipedia public domain

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QUEENS ESTHER & VASHTI

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Normand,_Ernest_-_Queen_Vashti_deposed_-_1890.jpg

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“On the seventh day, when the…king…commanded…To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the people and the princes her beauty…But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment…And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day…and so will I (Esther) go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 1:10-12, 4:16 (condensed) 

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The above passage is an extremely abbreviated description of the big problem found in Esther. Vashti disobeyed the king. Esther was chosen to replace her. And Esther went uninvited into the king’s throne room, to plead for the doomed Jews.

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Proverbs 31:10-31 dovetails nicely with the story of Esther (picture on left), the virtuous queen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:L%C3%A9on_Benouville_Odaliske.jpg

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In this same story there also was queen Vashti, being a picture of the UN-virtuous woman (picture above right). Again this story is the contrast of the Church-Faithful & the Church-Unfaithful. It is also the story of today’s Church as we are called to enter the Most Holy Place with Christ. And just as Esther fearfully (but not presumptuously) entered the king’s Throne-Room, so too must God’s Elect enter boldly, but yet with trembling, God’s Throne-Room by faith, to plead for God’s people.

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And how do we accomplish this? Well, that is what  theheavensdeclare.net is all about. For a good start in comprehending this big subject, you can go to such articles as… “The Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Way”. You may also read the article “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

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Queen Vashti deposed 1890 by Normand Ernest wikimedia US public domain

Esther by Léon Benouville Odaliske 1844 wikipedia US public domain

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THE PROPHETS SPEAK OF THESE TWO WOMEN

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In the section of the Bible, commonly referred to as the “major and minor prophets”, these two women are repeatedly spoken of. Here is a quick thumbnail of some of the two women in the “Prophets”.

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ISAIAH 

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Isaiah speaks of Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon…thy nakedness shall be uncovered….I will take vengeance…As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 47:1, 3, 4.

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One reason we know that this is speaking of the Church is, that God calls this woman a “virgin daughter”. “Virgin daughter” is code lingo for “God’s people” (This is explained farther down the page). This and other passages give overwhelming evidence that the Harlot City of Revelation is speaking of the Church-Apostate. 

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The Prophet Isaiah (Bible Card from 1904) – Wikipedia – public domain

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JEREMIAH http://christianimagesource.com/prophet_jeremiah_g341-prophet_jeremiah__image_2_p2281.html

Jeremiah also speaks of her… “How is the faithful city become an harlot” Jeremiah 1:21.

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Jeremiah speaks of Jerusalem as a harlot. And Paul revealed that the apostate Church is, “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children” (This is explained farther down the page). So we must never get the idea these Old Testament prophecies have no relevance to the Church. Otherwise Paul would have no reason to warn us with this concept.

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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EZEKIEL 

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Ezekiel speaks of two adulterous women… “Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister…Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem is Aholibah.”  Ezekiel 23:5. Here again, God compares His people to two adulterous sisters.

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HOSEA

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Hosea was told by the Lord to, “Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms…for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD.”  Hosea 1:3. This little book of Hosea, is based on God comparing His people to the harlot Hosea is commanded to marry. So the Lord is comparing this new harlot wife of Hosea to Israel.

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Jeremiah at the Potter’s House Wikigallery US public domain

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QUEEN JEZEBEL: PROPHETESS OF BAAL

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“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.” Proverbs 5:3-5 

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Of all the notorious women of the Bible, there is none that stands out with such seductive venom, as does Jezebel. The daughter of a Baalish priest, this idolatrous Temptress, Jezebel, by joining with God’s people, eventually turned all Israel into an idolatrous nation; worshipping the pleasures and attainments of this world rather than submitting themselves to their God.

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And even in today’s world, Jezebel has become the symbol of whorish beauty and naughtiness. And while much of the world admires this renowned harlot, God exclaimed His disgust for Jezebel and her wicked, wicked ways…

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“these (10 horns of the Beast) shall hate the whore…and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will…And the woman which you saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17:16-18.

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This passage is speaking of the whorish Church in Revelation, explaining how this apostate Church comes to her end.

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Jezebel John Liston Byam Shaw wikipedia public domain

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THE NEW TESTAMENT:

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THE ADULTEROUS & THE FAITHFUL WOMAN

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Now we come to the New Testament. And this theme of two women continues through the Gospels, and the epistles, and finally in the Book of Revelation. So let’s continue on in this abbreviated search…

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MARY

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http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_198785/William-Brassey-Hole/Mary-goes-into-the-hill-country-and-meets-Elizabeth

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“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”  Luke 1:46-48 

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One of the most celebrated characters in the Bible is of course, Mary. And she definitely is a picture of the Virtuous Woman. And likewise, she is a fitting symbol of Jerusalem above, the mother of us all. And she gave birth to Jesus. She definitely corresponds to the Revelation 12 Woman. And like the Revelation 12 Woman (aka Ursa Major ) in the night heavens, they both are symbols. Yes Mary actually gave birth to Jesus. But she was used by God to symbolize His Elect, and not some earthly organization, as some would have us to believe.

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Now the reason for God to give us Mary, was not so we could build monuments and images, to adore. God gave Mary to be a role-model for every women Believer, and as an encouragement to follow her example of holiness, as she obviously was. 

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Mary Meets Elizabeth by William Brassey Hole wikigallery.com US public domain

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MARY MAGDALENE

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Here is another symbol of God’s people: Mary Magdalene. An adulterous woman who eventually http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johannes_(Jan)_Vermeer_-_Christ_in_the_House_of_Martha_and_Mary_-_Google_Art_Project.jpgrepented and turned to Jesus, becoming one of His most faithful followers. She and her sister Martha both loved the Lord, yet Mary became so much closer to Jesus than her sister… “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” John 11:5. 

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Again, this Mary is also given, not only as a symbol of the Church, but as a role-model too. And she is an encouragement to all those who have lived a whorish life, but finally seek for Salvation.   

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Johannes_(Jan) Vermeer Christ in the House of Martha and Mary Google Art Project public domain

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FIVE WISE & FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS

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“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” Matthew Ch 25:1, 2 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Foolish_Virgins_(Les_vierges_folles)_-_James_Tissot.jpg

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Matthew Chapter 25, is perhaps the most striking illustration of the Virtuous & Adulterous Women to be found in Scripture. Once a person hears this story, it is never forgotten. As the above passage says, there were five wise and five foolish virgins. But the foolish had no oil in their vessels (their hearts).

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Here is a dramatic picture of the two classes of Christians. The Church-Faithful, and the Church-Unfaithful. Just like these foolish virgins, the unfaithful may enjoy hearing about the Bible while at church. Unfortunately, when they leave, they leave Jesus back at church, so to speak. And once out the door, they return to their worldly ways, and cares/pleasures-seeking.

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But alas, that Great Day comes, and only those Five Wise Virgins had hidden God’s Word in their hearts, and had attempted to purify their hearts during the peaceful years. But now comes that fearful hour of trial for the Church. The Foolish find they have no oil of Grace in their hearts, and are counseled to go to them that sell, and buy more oil.

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The bottom line to this parable is found in these words of Jesus… “And while they (the foolish) went to buy (oil), the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other (foolish) virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not’. (Then Jesus said) ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh’.” Matthew 25:10-13.

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So here we are told by Jesus Himself, that the Christian must be watchful and vigilant, in order to be numbered with the Five Wise Virgins. 

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Brooklyn Museum – The Foolish Virgins – James Tissot – US Public Domain

five wise virgins matt25 www.thebiblerevival.com public domain

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SILLY WOMEN

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“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.” 2nd Timothy 3:6-9

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Now the above passage speaks of women, but even the literalist, would probably even have to admit, that this passage must be understood metaphorically. Because, though it begins by referring to these as women, then all of a sudden, it quickly begins to refer to them as men. So here again, God is actually speaking of churches, which He refers to here as, “silly women”.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tissot_The_Harlot_of_Jericho_and_the_Two_Spies.jpg

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The following passage from Proverbs, seems to elaborate on this passage from 2nd Timothy, as it likewise speaks metaphorically of a foolish woman.

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Listen… “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of Hell.” Proverbs 9:13-18.

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Again, this parabolic metaphor refers to this foolish woman and her house, just like the above passage in 2nd Timothy. And if read in context, this passage in Proverbs is part of a long comparison between “godly prudence” against “deceitful sin”, comparing each to a woman: to a wise woman and to a foolish woman. 

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And if these two passages are further connected with the Parable of the Wise & Foolish Virgins, then the student of the Bible has connected together, three big pieces of the puzzle, as they say. Yes, these three important Bible passages really amplify one’s understanding of this subject of the Virtuous Woman and the Un-Virtuous Woman, and how it all relates to God’s people.

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Tissot The Harlot of Jericho and the Two Spies Wikipedia public domain

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PAUL FINALLY REVEALS WHAT

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THESE TWO WOMEN REPRESENT

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PaulT.jpgSo now we come to the New Testament. And Paul makes the most incredible and bold comparison of Abraham’s wife Sarah and her handmaid, Hagar to the Old and New Covenants! Paul really lays all out for us to see, comparing Sarah to the Church-Faithful, and Hagar to the Church-Apostate. Just listen carefully to the below passage…

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“Which things (Sarah & Hagar) are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”  Galatians 4:24-26 

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This is the great recurring theme in Scripture: two women, a virtuous woman and an adulterous, whorish woman. This above passage from Galatians really nails down a great concept: that Scripture presents literal historical events which God orchestrated, in order to present a spiritual concept. Paul correctly interpreted the story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar and their children as a picture of the Church, both the apostate portion and the True Worshippers of God.

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Sarah & Hagar – Foster Bible Pictures – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Paul the Apostle – cropped & brightened photo – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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JEZEBEL IS BACK AGAIN!

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“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:20, 23

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The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

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In the 2nd Chapter of Revelation, that adulterous Queen Jezebel re-emerges. The above passage makes that abundantly clear. But no longer is she a literal person, but now is an allegorical figure. Now she represents “Apostasy”. Now she represents false doctrines, and those who creep into the Church to bring such heresies in. She symbolizes the apostate portion of the Church: Antichrists. She represents false brethren.

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Listen…Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2nd Timothy 3:5-7.

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Now God is not picking on women here. He is actually speaking here of silly churches: churches which allow these wolves in sheep’s clothing to sneak into the churches, and spiritually kill God’s sheep.

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Jezebel John Liston Byam Shaw wikipedia public domain

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SHE IS LOUD & STUBBORN

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“And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart. (She [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:” Proverbs 7:10, 11

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The above passage from Proverbs reveals one great flaw in the heart of the adulterous woman: stubbornness! This woman described here is stubborn, and no doubt presumptuous and self-willed. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burgkmair_whore_babylon_color.jpgHere is one of the greatest themes of the Bible. Scripture is literally teeming with stories presenting the contrast between stubbornness and meekness. From Eve, who decided she knew better than God, to stubborn Pharaoh, to head-strong King Saul, to impudent King Nebuchadnezzar, to stiff-necked ancient-Israel, to impetuous Peter, who had to be sifted as wheat, and on and on and on it goes.

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On the other hand, the Lord contrasts these stubborn anti-heroes, with various Bible characters who were meek and lowly of heart: from easily-led Abraham, to meek-Moses, to child-like David, to obedient Daniel (& his three friends), to fiery Saul of Tarsus, who later become the selfless Apostle Paul, and Peter, who finally learned his lesson, after being sifted as wheat.

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God constantly hammers this concept about becoming meek and humble and dead to self-will. This is the great secret to becoming an overcoming and victorious Christian! There is nothing so important in the Christian life, than to become as a little child, who can be easily led by God.

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babylon color Burgkmair 1523 AD wikimedia US public domain

 

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REBELLIOUS ROLE-MODELS

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We live in a very stubborn and rebellious world today. Like never before, the nations today are over-confident, self-willed, stubborn, defiant, and just about any other word one can conjure up, to describe this, our rebellious-world-gone-away-from-God, in which we all live! The TV, the radio, the newspapers and magazines, all present various images of pride, stubbornness and self-will. Since its conception, the movie industry given us one fictional character after another, who is the epitome of self-will and headstrong defiance; these stiff-necked, yet glamorous fictional heroes, are quite often, the very gods we worship and pattern ourselves after.

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From the kindergarten of childhood, on up, we are groomed by the god of this world, that King of Rebels, to be self-willed and even disrespectful, proud and arrogant. And by the time we graduate into the school of adulthood, we have become so hardened in our self-will, that it is next to impossible to convince us to leave our stubborn ways and to begin to follow the meek and lowly Jesus, as He leads his humble sheep up that ever-ascending pathway to much, much greener pastures.

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“MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE…&… FOLLOW ME”

John 10:27

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Jesus is the Great Role-Model for the universe. And if ever there was one who could be justified in being proud and self-willed it would be God. But in spite of this, Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant, and walked this Earth as one of the lowliest and meekest of all beings! And Jesus says to each and every one of us defiant rebels…

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“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29

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To become changed into the image of lowly Jesus is the goal of the Church, God’s chosen and Elect ones; at least that’s what our goal should have been! But to a great degree, the people of God have been deceived by this defiant society, and we have traded the selfless Jesus for another, not-so-selfless Jesus.

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But God in His great mercy, still holds His outstretched hands out to us, asking us to open the door, so that he can come in and sup with us, and we with Him. We just need to put down all our pet projects, our presumptuous, self-appointed and self-willed ministries, and dogmatic and Christless prophecy-seminars, and begin to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn of this meek and lowly One.

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ABOVE STAR-CHART – Sign of the Son of Man – www.theheavensdeclare.net – Not for commercial uses

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THE REVELATION 18 HARLOT

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THAT SITS ON MANY WATERS

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In Revelation 14 the Second Angel declares, “Babylon is fallen”. Listen…

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlotsnations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8

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Babylon is a picture of God’s apostate people. There was no actual Babylon during the writing of the New Testament. But the New Testament Babylon was a symbolic city.

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Also, the Apostle Peter signs off his first epistle in this mysterious salutation… “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you…” 1st Petehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burgkmair_whore_babylon_color.jpgr 5:13. Now there is disagreement as to where Peter was, when he wrote this. Some say Rome. Some say Jerusalem. Both cities would make sense, in a spiritual context. But wherever he was, the fact remains that there was no literal Babylon (It was gone for hundreds of years) at the time he wrote this.

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In Revelation 18, the Lord describes Babylon as “a woman of ill repute”, and lists (in metaphorical language), the sins of Babylon. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (spiritual Babylon), My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto Heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”  Revelation 18:4,5 (read whole Chapter of Revelation 18).

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Now why would God be calling His people to come out of Babylon? Because Babylon here is a picture of the apostate Church, with all her worldliness and false doctrines. And though God tolerated the apostate Church for a long time, He now wishes His people to become purified in these last days.

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William_Blake_harlot_babylon-wikipedia public domain

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REVELATION 18 & JEREMIAH

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“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tissot_The_Flight_of_the_Prisoners.jpgbird… 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… 18:2, 4

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Now the eighteenth chapter of Revelation proclaims the fall of spiritual Babylon, as well as the exodus which is to take place from this fallen, spiritual city, by God’s true-worshippers. And the key to understanding just what this chapter is speaking of, is found in the Book of Jeremiah, as well as in Psalms.

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Now, the above verse from Revelation 18 speaks of Babylon (“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…Come out of her, My people”). But as we know that Babylon no longer existed at the time of the writing of Revelation. And the language used in this chapter is obviously metaphoric language. So a Bible student must do a little detective work, in order to discover just what is the true meaning to this chapter.

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James Tissot – The Flight of the Prisoners – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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CAGE OF UNCLEAN BIRDS

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The first clue is that this city has become, “a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” So what does this mean? By using a concordance, there is similar language found in Jeremiah… “For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?…The prophets prophesy falsely…and my people love to have it so…” Psalm 5:26, 27, 29, 31 (condensed).

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So now we see that Babylon is speaking about God’s people. And the cage of unclean birds refers to false prophets in this spiritual city who deceive God’s people. And while it is true that this was originally spoken to Old Testament Israel, it cannot be speaking of Old Testament Israel today, since modern-day Israel has been separated from God for nearly 2,000 years.  

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GOD’S REBUKES ARE FOR ME!

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“For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?…The prophets prophesy falsely…and my people love to have it so…” Psalm 5:26, 27, 29, 31 (condensed).

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But why does God allow His people to be lied to, as the above passage reveals? The problem is, according to this passage… and My people love to have it so…” God’s professed people love to be lied to. And so God is giving us what we desire to hear…lies.

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Listen… “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4

 

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And so, if I find that I am self-satisfied in my “comfortable religion”, then I need to repent and be willing to apply the spiritual eye-salve necessary to cure my Laodicean blindness.

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Listen to this message to the churches… “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, etc., … and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:17, 18.  

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And that eye-salve, which I need to anoint myself with, is the straight and unvarnished testimony of God toward His disobedient Church. In other words, I need to realize that God’s rebukes, found in the Old and New Testaments are for me, and not for someone else. Oh yes, God rebuked the Old Testament Jews, but those rebukes are now for all of us, who claim to be the holy nation of God, today! 

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THE BRIDE & THE BRIDEGROOM

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The next big clue is found in Revelation 18, concerning this mysterious city, Babylon, where it says… “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” Revelation 18:23, 24.

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http://thebiblerevival.com/Again, this is talking about God’s people. Just listen to similar language from Jeremiah once again… “Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate. “Jeremiah 7:34 

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Do you see the parallel language in these two passages? OK, so this passage from Jeremiah is once again speaking of God’s people, Judah & Jerusalem. And as we have learned earlier in this article, Jerusalem is actually referring to the Church, i.e., the, “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children” Galatians 4.

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Now what do these things mean? Who is the bridegroom? Well, just listen… “For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 62:5. So here it is revealed that Christ is the Bridegroom, and His people are the bride.

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US public domainfive wise virgins matt25 www.thebiblerevival.com public domain

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THE CANDLE WHICH SHINES NO MORE

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The next big clue is found in Revelation 18, concerning this mysterious city, Babylon, concerns the candle. Now http://thebiblerevival.com/just one more question: what is the candle spoken of in Revelation 18, when it says… “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee”? Revelation 18:23.

 

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OK, so listen to this… “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my http://thebiblerevival.com/darkness. Psalm 18:28″ So the candle represents the light of the Lord that shines through the darkness. 

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Here again is similar parallel language, which only further verifies that Revelation 18 is actually speaking of apostate Jerusalem, which ultimately speaks of the, “Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children”, that is, the apostate Church.

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theholyofholies-www.thebiblerevival.com-public domain

 

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SANCTUARY REFERS TO THE CHURCH

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Now this reference to a candle going out, is not just for the individual Believer. But this also is an indirect reference to the sanctuar424px-Menorah_0307-Wikipedia. Public domain-Click for link.y service.

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Now it is true, that Jeremiah was speaking to Jerusalem back in his day. And the literal Temple service was coming to an end, in his day. But when God repeats this message in Revelation 18, He is referring to New Testament Believers, both Jew and Gentile alike.

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Listen… “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.

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So here, God is revealing just what this Old Testament sanctuary service was really all about. listen again… “and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

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Menorah_0307 -Wikipedia. Public domain

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BOTTOM LINE: SALVATION TAKEN OUT… 

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Now the big problem that God is presenting, is just this: all these metaphoric symbols have to do with Salvation. The candle, the bride, the bridegroom, etc., all have to do with Jesus, and His Church, and the light of His Holy Spirit in the churches.

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And because it says in Revelation 18, that the candle has gone out (symbolizing the Holy Spirit presence in the churches), plus the voice of the bride and the bridegroom are no more heard in her (in Babylon).

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Well, the bride (the Church Elect) and the bridegroom (Christ) and the Holy Spirit have likewise all been taken away. So then, all we can conclude is, that this metaphoric city, which represents God’s people, spiritual Jerusalem, God will remove from Himself from among His disobedient people. In other words, God will vacate from the apostate churches.

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Candlesticks of the Holy Place – www.thebiblerevival.com – Public-Domain

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MYSTERY BABYLON IS THE CHURCHES

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Now many would like to think that Revelation 18 is only referring to literal Jerusalem and JudahNinth Av Stones Western Wall wikipedia public domain. But the fact is, literal Jerusalem was vacated by Christ, 2,000 years ago. This seems then, that it must be speaking of Jerusalem, “which is now, and is in bondage with her children”, that is, the apostate churches.

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The reason it seems this can only be speaking of the churches, is because Salvation only has to do with the Church, in these New Testament times. Literal Jerusalem has been void of all these things for 2,000 years, now. So it only further gives weight to the theory that it is actually speaking of the apostate churches.

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Ninth Av Stones Western Wall wikipedia public domain

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SALVATION NOW ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASISThe True Accusing Finger www.signsofheaven.org share-alike license- you may use

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Now this doesn’t mean that a Jew cannot be saved. Nor does this mean that a person in the churches cannot be saved. It simply means that the organizations which constitute the churches are no longer being used by God. We are on our own, so to speak. The churches, it would seem, are no longer of any value. It is now a one-on-one relationship with God.

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CAN THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN REPENT?

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“WOMAN WITH AN ALABASTER BOX”

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“And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” Luke 7:37, 38 

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When at the house of Simon the Leper, a woman came and sat at Jesus feet, and wiped his feet with her tears. And concerning her Salvation, Jesus said,  “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven.” Luke 7:27.

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Here is a story of an adulterous woman who repents. Again this story applies, not only on a personal level, but also to the Church in these last days. Those who choose to renounce this selfish world and begin up the Narrow Way, are in essence, anointing Jesus with the precious perfume of faith and love for our Savior, as we begin to shun earthly attainments and seek for heavenly attainments. 

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Mary Magdelene Washes Jesus Feet-Tissot-3052 US public domain

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CAN THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN EVER REPENT?

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LEVITE & HIS CONCUBINE… 

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Then there is the story of the “Levite and his Concubine” (Judges 19)

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This also is a story of an adulteress who finally repents, symbolized by her coming back to the door where the Levite was. (but dies just as she reaches the door, as seen in the picture below.)

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PARALLEL STORY TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THAT INFAMOUS-AND-WICKED-CITY-OF-OLDEN-TIMES…

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Do you remember that cryptic story in (Judges 19), of the Levite and his concubine? How she behaved woman-of-ill-repute and the Levite had to go get her? And do you remember how the girl’s father kept pressing the Levite to stay just another night to eat drink and cheer and comfort thine heart? This eating and drinking went on until the 5th day.

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But on that 5th day, the Levite finally refused the father’s pleadings to stay just another night. And so the Levite and his concubine left for home, but had to spend the night in the region of the Benjaminites. And what transpired that night paralleled what happened to Lot on his last night in “that wicked and notoriously evil city of olden times”. Just like the them, on the last night of that wicked city, the Benjaminites too, wanted to commit unnatural relations with the Levite. But this story ended with the Levite giving his concubine to the Benjaminites to abuse all night long. But here’s the part that seems to explain that bent angle on the 7 star cross… “Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her lord was, till it was light.  And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the hoe use, AND HER HANDS WERE UPON THE THRESHOLD.” Judges 19:26, 27. The language here seems to suggest this story is concerning the Church represented by this woman.

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the christian race

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It seems that this story has a striking parallel to the Church of Laodicea. Is it not true that we Christians living today are so caught up in eating and drinking and enjoying all the good things this affluent society has to offer, that we are tarrying too long at the broken cisterns of this world? When we, instead, should be, running the race set before us”? It is a fearful prospect that we are going to be caught like fish in an evil net, when that fearful Day comes upon us unawares (VERY SOON!).

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“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with consuming, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34, 35

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“Concubine Reaches Home” by Gustave Dore – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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EPISTLE OF JAMES

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“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” James 1:1

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The unique little letter of James is based largely on the topic of adultery…spiritual adultery. And one aspect of this letter, which makes it unique, is that it is largely written as though it is addressing Old Testament Jews, while at the same time speaking to New Testament Believers. And so it has a somewhat Old Testament flavor to it.

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But as to the subject of spiritual adultery, James seeks to give various examples of how Christians engage in sin and hypocrisy. And James is very bold in this letter, almost having a “John the Baptist” fire in his scathing rebukes to God’s people.

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And perhaps the climax to this Epistle is the following summation which James pronounces… “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. 

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What a statement! “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

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Now most Christians will claim that they are no friend of the world. One of the big problems for Christians is that they must function within society, for the most part. They must work at a job and earn a living, and use transportation, and buy things at stores, and talk to family and many other persons. So there is a constant mingling and inter-exchange between Christians and the people of the world. And this constant intermingling greatly obscures the line of demarcation between the children of God and the children of men.

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And so the entire Book of James is a blow-by-blow expose of the tell-tale signs which should alert a Christian, that his or her life is not right with the Lord. This is a matter which requires much prayer and Bible study and meditation on Scripture. The Christian needs to be fully armored with God’s armor, to withstand the temptations which accompany living in society and brushing elbows each day with unbelievers.

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James the Lesser by Author Artus Wolffort wikigallery.com public domain

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Saint Paul-2005-10-27 wikipedia share-alike license

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GOD’S PEOPLE TAKEN CAPTIVE

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“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), my people, that ye be not pleiades_gendler-e1358291561622partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4 

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Let’s return back to the Constellation Pleiades for a moment. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, the Pleiades is symbolic of the Mystery Harlot of Revelation, Babylon The Great. But the Constellation Pleiades is a double-entendre. It has a dual fulfillment, it seems. That is, it can also be seen as a captive angel. This Captive Angel represents God’s people who have been taken captive in spiritual Babylon. You see, God has a people in Babylon. Yes, Mystery Babylon is the Mother of Harlots. And of course, many times in Scripture, God compares His people to a harlot.

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The sketch below shows her riding this beast with 7 heads and 10 horns.

.The Pleiades: Mystery Babylon: Mother of Harlots

But in that spiritual “City of Confusion”, there are those who still love God to a certain degree. And before the final plagues are poured out upon her, God will call His people out of her… “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon), My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

.Captive Angel Constellation

And so in addition to The Pleiades appearing as the Harlot Mother, we also see this second depiction of The Pleiades as an angel, which symbolizes God’s people, walking the downward pathway to destruction. They must be called out of Babylon before it’s too late!

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This captive Angel is akin to the Levite and His Concubine story, previously spoken of in this article. She represents those who have been deceived by the Devil and his apostate churches. But before the very end, God will call His captive children out of spiritual Babylon.

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For further reading on the Levite & His Concubine, please read… “Castor and Pollux (Part 2: The Return of Christ & The Dawning of the Day)”

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ABOVE PHOTO: The Pleiades (Above constellation can be seen in colder months in mid sky, traveling east to west through the night. With the eyes alone, it would appear much smaller than this. But with binoculars, it would appear more like this photo).  NASA photo by Robert Gendler

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“THE APPROACHING STORM

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“Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, 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: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21 

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If ever there was a time for a child of God to separate as far as possible from ungodly influences, it is now. This is the present truth for this time. This is a great test for the Christian in this most solemn hour.

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Listen to this great warning concerning Mystery Babylon, the Harlot City… “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…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. 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 18:2-4 (condensed). 

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Those kings in this above passage are also speaking of us…Believers! (“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:” Revelation 5:10). 

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“HIDE THYSELF…FOR A LITTLE MOMENT

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TILL THE INDIGNATION BE OVERPAST”

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And God is commanding us to separate from those influences which corrupt our souls. Of course, there are many who will say, “Well, we cannot come out of the world!” No we can’t come completely out of the world. But we can come a good way out! And though we must work and buy and selNarrow Gate Which leads To Life Everlastingl and function in society at this point, we need to separate from any needless corrupting influences. There is a passage in Isaiah which speaks of the Day of God’s wrath. And this passage seems to go well with the above passage from Revelation. 

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Listen to Isaiah… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Isaiah 26:20.

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So the injunction from God, to, “Come out of her My people”, goes hand in hand with,“Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”

 

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And as these two sketches show, this Revelation 12 Fleeing Woman is desperately running to this chamber door called the Narrow Gate, to hide herself. And why should we Christians today also be fleeing to hide ourselves? From what indignation, as the above passage speaks of?

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Fleeing Woman Constellation

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Well, just listen as this passage continues… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, 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: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21. Oh, so there’s a Judgment coming upon the world. And of course, judgment will begin at the house of God.  

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AND WHERE DO WE HIDE OURSELVES?

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But let’s look at this next verse…Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zephaniah 2:3.

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He is here speaking to His true children. Well, who else besides His true children can be called “meek”, which “have wrought His Judgment”?

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But God here tells these meek and just ones that they must do more… “seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” Zephaniah 2:3. So God is exhorting us here to really, really strive to be more Christ-like.

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Robert Breyer Renaissance-Portal wikimedia US public domain

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AND WHEN DO WE HIDE OURSELVES?

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“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:”  Matthew 24:15-20

Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14

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Now the above passage speaks of a day in which we are to flee Jerusalem. Notice that Jesus is saying, “When YE, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation”.

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Jesus is speaking to His people here. This event is the signal for God’s people to flee Jerusalem. But just which Jerusalem is He speaking of? Literal Jerusalem? Or perhaps, that spiritual, “Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.”?

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For a more thorough exploration into this subject, just click here… “Fleeing to the Mountains-Part 2: The Abomination In Churches”

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TO THE MOLES AND TO THE BATS

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus.jpg

“In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.”  Isaiah 2:20, 21

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But just how are we to become more Christ-like? And just what chambers is the Lord speaking of here, when He says… “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers?” 

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This next passage brings one closer to the answer… “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.”  Isaiah 2:20, 21.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Close-up_of_mole.jpg

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And here is another passage… “He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16.

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And just one more passage to bring this all home… “And (God’s people) did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1st Corinthians 10:4

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Photo of mole & Wikipedia, click here for link.

Photo of bat wikipedia Wikipedia US Public Domain , click for link.

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“HE THAT…SHUTS HIS EYES FROM SEEING EVIL”

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“The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:14-16 

Isaiah 26:20 "enter thou into thy chambers...hide thyself...until the indignation be overpast.

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So as one ties these passages together, regarding hiding ourselves, they all begin to focus in on Christ. He is the Rock we are to hide in. His Word is the “munitions of rocks”, spoken of in Isaiah 33:16. And in the above sketch, you can see the doors of this storm-chamber are framed with the various components necessary for a sanctified life: unceasing prayer, meditation on God’s Word, separation (as far as possible), from evil influences, and purifying one’s heart. This is where God’s people are to hide from the approaching storm.

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Satan is untiring in his efforts to keep God’s people connected with the things of the world. Those political radio talk shows, and those vain television shows. He has invented a myriad of all sorts of worldly amusements and proud attainments. The world is now filled with high-paying careers. With high-speed travel capabilities, we can go anywhere in the world very quickly.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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TOTAL DEVOTION A MUST!

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But if we want to be hidden in that day of the Lord, we must seek an unwavering devotion to Jesus. We must begin to take God’s heavenly altar with us, wherever we go: to work, to walk, tohttp://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/collections-gallery/gallery the family altar. Let our cheerfulness and quiet submission do our talking for us. And be like a gentle breeze with our family and not a gale-force wind. We must let our Christ-like good works be our silent witness to this sin-darkened world. This is the Christian life. This is the chambers we are to hide within, “till the indignation be overpast”. And above all, we are to pray for the kind of watchfulness that will cause us to live each day as though it were the last day granted.

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For a more comprehensive look at this subject of hiding ourselves, just click here… “How To Be Hidden in the Day of Wrath”

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ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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ONE  WORD

.Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14

Obviously a rather thick book could be written on this subject, and probably there are many already written. And though we could just barely touch on these Bible villainesses and heroines, yet time still doesn’t permit to speak of Deborah, or Lydia, or Athaliah, or Bathsheba, etc..

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But the comparison has been made between these two women of Scripture. And not only does this (hopefully) clarify just who is this Harlot Woman of Revelation, but hopefully, it also clarifies just who is this Virtuous Woman of Revelation as well. But even if it doesn’t, it should begin to inspire the reader to do his or her own personal study on this critical subject. After all, the Book of Revelation gives the call to, “Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues” Revelation 18:4. 

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So this verse commands God’s people to come out of that harlot city, Babylon. But how can a Christian come out of her, while he or she remains in confusion as to just who or what this harlot city is speaking of?

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PICTURE – Constellation- Woman of Revelation 12 flees to the mountains Mark 13:14 This is not a star-chart, but merely a concept picture, but made up of real constellations (Ursa Major & Auriga, Hyades, etc…, howbeit not in their actual positions in the night-sky)

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THE END

 

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ETERNITY NOT SPENT SITTING ON CLOUD

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“Where there is no vision, the people perish” Proverbs 29:18

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In the beginning, God placed our first parents in a beautiful garden. But as a result of sin, this world lost much of its beauty. The curse has marred, to a great extent, the pristine condition of nature.

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There are perhaps many, who are under the impression, that God’s redeemed will spend all eternity sitting on a puffy little cloud, strumming a harp. Nothing could be further from the truth! “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:” Revelation 21:1

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Do we really imagine that the same God who created that incredible garden for our first parents, would then put us through all this sorrow and hardships, only to now stick us in some boring situation, for eternity? Such people don’t know God nearly well enough.

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The beauty and innocent joys of this present world, are just a faint reflection of what awaits all those who persevere on the upward pathway to that Celestial City of God.

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LET’S CATCH A VISION OF THAT PROMISED LAND

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wildpferde_Tripsdrill.jpg

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So Signs Of Heaven encourages the reader to begin to get a vision of the New Heaven and New Earth, and begin to get excited about it. When we hear the cry of a new-born baby, or the innocent laughter of little children. When we see a little forest creature having fun, or we enjoy a walk along the sand at the ocean, and hear the majestic roar of the crashing waves. These, and the many other joys of life were created by the One who has also gone to prepare an even more beautiful place for us to live. He knows our needs, and will provide a place far more wonderful home than this sin-cursed Earth.

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And when we finally cross that river, and we stand together on the shores of that world to come, we will look in amazement at what He has in store for us there. And then we will know for certain, that, “His mercy endures forever”, because “God is love”!    

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Wildpferde Tripsdrill wikimedia commons share-alike license

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A HEAVENLY HOBBY

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

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“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who hath created these things; that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:26

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ABOVE PICTURE – Starry Night at La Silla – cropped  and altered image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike license

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The above verse is a plea from God to look up at the Heavens and behold Who has created these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_york_times_square-terabass.jpgthings.

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In this busy work-a-day world, there are many very interesting things which can occupy one’s time and energy: hobbies, and careers, and entertainments and http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shoppers_on_Dundas,_near_Yonge.jpgworries, and habits, to name just a few.

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But as the child of God devotes his or her life to God, there should be a jealous guarding of one’s own heart… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

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The Christian wants nothing to get in the way of running that Christian Race.

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New York Times Square – terabass – cropped image – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Shoppers in Toronto – cropped image – Wikimedia – share-alike license

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“AND WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS…

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LOOK UP, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD”

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But having said this, there is one hobby which every ‘Noble Berean’ may take up, which only compliments the pursuit of the heavenly Prize.

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Yes, Signs Of Heaven becomes a wonderfully rewarding hobby which, unlike many less meaningful hobbies, pays off with rich, heavenly rewards. Everlasting rewards!

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And unlike the person in this photo with equipment, all you need is fairly good vision, and a dark, starry night.

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And once a person really gets to know these heavenly messengers, it will become very apparent that the message connected with these signs is truly a message to be heeded.

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Thus will the Christian be able to share this message with others. And there are perhaps many nuances and hidden biblical truths to these signs which have yet to be discovered.

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Astronomy Amateur – cropped image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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.summer w/woman & doves

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“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25

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ABOVE CHART: Summer Constellations with Doves (Sagittarius) & Woman (Ursa Major)

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FIRST FIND ORION & 7 STARS

.Orion Constellation

The very first step in finding these many constellations, should be to find the two main constellations: Orion, and the 7 Stars (aka, The Big Dipper).

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These two constellations represent Christ (Orion), and His Chur7 stars as Crossch (7 Stars).

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And just as these are the easiest constellations to find, so too, the first place to begin studying the Bible is the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

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These four books present Christ and His Church, when He walked the earth, just as Orion and the 7 Stars represent Christ and His Church, as seen up in the heavens.

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Then, once you are comfortable finding these two constellations, you can begin to locate the next closest constellations, and so on.

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ABOVE PICTURE: Orion the Soldier and the Revelation 12 Dragon (Hyades & Pleiades, etc.) – winter constellations – www.signsofheaven.org – not for commercial use

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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ANOTHER HEAVENLY HOBBY: PRAYER-WALKS

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Now if you’re fortunate enough to be able to go on nightly walks, and you live in an area where you can safely view the stars, here is another Heavenly Hobby which Signs Of Heaven endorses…

.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starry_Night_at_La_Silla.jpg

Why not combine star-watching with prayer, as you walk? What a great way to draw closer to God!

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It cannot be over-stressed, just how wonderful it is to walk under the dark canopy of Heaven, while lifting up one’s heart to our Heavenly Father! There is a closeness to God that cannot be described with words!

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(And even if you cannot safely do this, you can always do such prayer-walks in the daytime, in a safe place, such as a mall, which is every bit as effective, prayer-wise.

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And for those who are in confinement, one can view these starry signs on the Internet, or simply listen to Scripture on audio.

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Either way, all such may enjoy God’s richest blessings at this very time in which God is pouring out all Heaven’s treasures upon anyone willing to forsake all, and follow Jesus!)

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Starry Night at La Silla – cropped and latered image – Wikipedia – share-alike license

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THRICE-DAILY PRAYERS

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marines_at_Prayer_by_Alex_Raymond.jpg.

Now of course, the Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing“. The Christian is to constantly talk with our Heavenly Father throughout the day.

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But the Bible also holds up the godly life of Daniel, who, when captive in Babylon, still set aside three times daily, in which he knelt for special prayer.

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And furthermore the Bible also says… “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17.

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Even those who are bed-fast or in a prison cell can begin to imitate Daniel in this way. And if one is fortunate to be able to walk, then this thrice-daily prayer regimen can be combined with three walks daily and even nightly.

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Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – public domain

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