In order to understand why the Bible uses strong language, such as prostitution or whoring, we need to look at the Old Testament for an explanation. There are many scriptures that connect this to instances in ancient Israel when they violated the first and second commandments by worshipping idols. This indicates that the Whore of Babylon represents a nation or a church that has pledged itself to Christ but violates the first commandments by worshipping and praying to idols. In the Ten Commandments given to Moses, Israel receives a strict command from God.

4 Thou shalt not make to thyself an idol, nor likeness of anything, whatever things are in the heaven above, and whatever are in the earth beneath, and whatever are in the waters under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them; for I am the Lord thy God, a jealous God, recompensing the sins of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation to them that hate me, 6 and bestowing mercy on them that love me to thousands of them, and on them that keep my commandments.5 Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them; for I am the Lord thy God, a jealous God, recompensing the sins of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation to them that hate me, 6 and bestowing mercy on them that love me to thousands of them, and on them that keep my commandments.

EXODUS 20:4-5 Septuagint LXX

In the Old Testament scriptures, the language used suggests that God considered Israel to be his wife, with God being the husband. When Israel turned to idol worship, it was likened to adultery and fornication by the Lord. An example of this can be found in the book of Hosea, where the Lord instructed Hosea to marry an unfaithful wife and then commanded him to forgive her and take her back when she was unfaithful. The marriage between Hosea and his wife was used as a parallel to God’s relationship with Ancient Israel. This theme appears in numerous examples throughout the Old Testament.

Here is a list of scriptures relating Idol worship to whoring:

Ezekiel 23:1-4, Leviticus 17-7, Exodus 34:15, Exodus 34:16, Leviticus 17:7, Leviticus 20:5, Leviticus 20:6, Numbers 15:39, Deuteronomy 31:16, Judges 2:17, Judges 8:27, Judges 8:33, Chronicles 1 5:25, Chronicles 2 21:13, Psalms 73:27, Psalms 106:39, Ezekiel 6:9, Ezekiel 23:30, Hosea 4:12, Hosea 9:1

So, by analysing Revelations 17, we can gather all the evidence we need to understand the prophecy. 

Criteria 1 She is dressed in the colour of red and purple (Rev 17:4)

The prophecy accurately accommodates the Roman Catholic Church. It’s important to remember that the Lord will call out everyone for their sins, and although the Roman Catholic Church may want to move on from its past, the Bible suggests that the Lord has not forgotten and will eventually deliver judgment.

According to Revelations 17:4, the woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, which are the main colours of the Cardinals’ ceremonial robes. Cardinals are often referred to as “Princes of the Church” due to their senior status and significant influence within the Church. They rank immediately below the Pope in the Church’s hierarchy. While they don’t hold direct authority over bishops unless appointed as a diocesan bishop or archbishop, their advice and influence are significant.

Being made a cardinal is an honorific recognition of a clergy member’s service to the Church. Some cardinals have direct pastoral or administrative responsibilities, while others may receive the title as a token of their lifetime of service. Cardinals serve as the Pope’s principal advisors on a wide range of issues, including theological, moral, and administrative matters. They may be appointed to various congregations, councils, and commissions within the Vatican.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in a papal conclave, where they elect the new Pope. These cardinals are often referred to as “cardinal electors.” It’s not difficult to find images of cardinals in their red and purple clothing, so this information is not a secret.

Criteria 2 Upon her forehead, it is written “Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.” (Rev 17:5)

The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is the mother church of the Roman Catholic world and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the pope. It sits on the Caelian Hill in Rome, about 5 kilometres away from Vatican City. The church was founded in 324 and is the oldest church in Rome. The reason this comes to our attention is the plaque next to the formal entrance that matches the words and description the angel gave in Revelations 17:5  The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.  On the plaque, it is written in Latin, 

“SACROS LATERAN ECCLES OMNIUM VRBIS ET ORBIS ECCLESIARVM MATER ET CAPUT”

These words translate to

“Most Holy Lateran Church, mother and head of all the churches in the city and the world.”

This is at the entrance to the head church St John’s Lateran, and the bible says that the mystery was written on the forehead of the Harlot. This is uncanny and testifies to the divine influence of the bible.

Why Is She Called The Whore Of Babylon?

Remember, when the bible talks of Babylon, it is speaking of the ruling empires, this is in reference to the Book of Zechariah chapter 5, where the sins of Israel were taken and placed in the land of Babylon. From here we get a successive chain of Empires that ruled stemming from Babylon. The bible calls these nations Babylon because Babylon was the root. The next chapter in the Septuagint Bible covers the horses and chariots, which shows you the nations that were given power as a consequence of those sins. In that context, the Roman Catholic church can be known as the Church of Babylon, as Rome was one of the 4 nations.

Criteria 3 She is finely decorated with pearls and precious stones (Rev 17:4)

The Vatican, the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church, is an independent city-state and the headquarters of the Holy See (the government of the Roman Catholic Church). The Vatican owns vast assets, including priceless art, real estate, and financial investments. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, are part of this wealth. Vatican City is renowned for its elaborate and exquisite decoration, reflecting its historical, religious, and cultural significance. As the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope, Vatican City is home to some of the world’s most famous art, architecture, and religious treasures.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Catholic Church was one of the largest landowners in Europe. Many monarchs and nobles donated vast tracts of land to the Church in exchange for spiritual favours, prayers, or to ensure their place in heaven. Monasteries, abbeys, and convents also owned extensive agricultural lands, which were worked by peasants and generated significant income.

The Church was a major patron of the arts, commissioning works from the greatest artists of the time, including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. The Church’s vast resources funded the construction of monumental cathedrals, such as Notre Dame in Paris and St. Peter’s Basilica (before Vatican City).

Pilgrimage sites such as Santiago de Compostela, Canterbury, and Rome attracted thousands of pilgrims who donated money to the Church. These donations and the economic activities around these sites were a significant source of wealth for the Church.

The Church held considerable power over both religious and secular affairs. Popes often influenced kings and emperors, and the Church’s involvement in politics further contributed to its wealth. The Papal States, which existed from around the 8th century until 1870, were a series of territories in central Italy under direct papal rule, providing significant income and resources to the Church.

Additionally, the Church received fees for performing sacraments such as baptisms, marriages, and funerals. Wealthy individuals often paid substantial amounts for these services, further increasing the Church’s income.

The sale of indulgences, which were believed to reduce the punishment for sins, was a controversial but lucrative practice that contributed to the Church’s wealth. This practice was one of the issues that led to the Protestant Reformation.

Criteria 4 The woman was a great city that rules over kings

“The woman is the great city that rules over kings of the earth”

The Roman Catholic Church had a significant impact on the rulers and kings of Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Church’s influence was both spiritual and political, granting it a crucial role in the governance of kingdoms.

The Pope, as the head of the Catholic Church, was viewed as the spiritual leader of all Christians, including kings and emperors. The Church taught that the Pope held supreme spiritual authority, allowing him to exert considerable influence over monarchs.

The Church also had the power to excommunicate individuals, including kings, which effectively severed their ties to the Church and its sacraments. This meant a loss of legitimacy in the eyes of their subjects.

Furthermore, the Church often formed alliances with powerful rulers to influence political decisions and could mediate disputes between kings and other rulers. Many high-ranking clergy served in key government positions, ensuring that the Church’s interests were represented in state affairs.

In addition, the Church controlled most of the education system in medieval Europe, with monasteries and universities serving as centres of learning. The Roman Catholic Church’s influence over kings was deeply rooted in its spiritual authority, economic power, control over education and legal systems, and the ability to wield or withhold divine legitimacy. Through religious doctrine, political alliances, and strategic use of its resources, the Church played a significant role in shaping European history, often wielding power that rivalled or exceeded that of secular rulers.

Criteria 5 She drinks the blood of the Saints.

The history of violence and death in the name of the Catholic Church is well-documented. The Bible refers to the Catholic Eucharist as the “cup” that is held in her hand and the consequence for those who refuse to participate. The scripture also mentions that the “kings of the earth committed adultery” with the church, indicating a form of intoxication with its practices.

The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478 by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy and unite Spain politically and religiously. The Church viewed heresy as a direct threat to its authority and sought to eliminate challenges to its teachings to preserve religious and social order. 

During that time, Spain had a significant population of conversos (Jews who converted to Catholicism) and Moriscos (Muslims who converted to Catholicism), many of whom were suspected of secretly practising their former religions. The Inquisition aimed to identify and punish those perceived as insincere in their conversions or practising their old faiths in secret. 

In 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella issued the Alhambra Decree, ordering the expulsion of all Jews from Spain who refused to convert to Catholicism. The Inquisition played a key role in enforcing this decree, identifying non-converts and ensuring the loyalty of those who remained. 

Economic motives were also present, as confiscation of wealth and property of heretics was incentivised. The Inquisition allowed the monarchy to gain control over the assets of wealthy conversos, Moriscos, and other accused heretics.

The Inquisition instilled fear of investigation, arrest, and punishment, exerting social control over the population to discourage dissent and enforce conformity to religious and social norms.

The Spanish Inquisition became infamous for its use of torture, secret trials, and harsh punishments. It operated for over 300 years, with its influence only beginning to wane in the late 18th century and formally ending in 1834. The Inquisition left a deep mark on Spanish society, contributing to the religious, social, and cultural dynamics of Spain and its colonies.

Any deviation from Catholicism, whether through the secret practice of Judaism, Islam, or other forms of heresy, was what the Inquisition sought to identify and eliminate.

There were also medieval and Roman inquisitions. The Medieval Inquisition involved the use of interrogation, trial, and punishment of suspected heretics. While torture was sometimes used, it was not as widespread as in later inquisitions. Penalties ranged from penance to execution, often by burning at the stake.

The Medieval Inquisition set a precedent for later inquisitions, such as the Spanish and Roman Inquisitions, and had a lasting impact on the Church’s methods of dealing with dissent and enforcing doctrinal conformity. It also contributed to the broader narrative of the Church’s role in medieval society, where it was both a spiritual authority and a powerful institution with significant influence over political and social matters.

The Protestant Reformation, which began in 1517 with Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, rapidly spread across Europe. It challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and promoted doctrines that the Church deemed heretical. The Roman Inquisition was created to combat the spread of Protestantism in Catholic territories and ensure doctrinal purity. 

Slavery

The transatlantic slave trade was significantly influenced by a series of papal bulls issued by Pope Nicholas V, particularly Dum Diversas (1452) and Romanus Pontifex (1455). These bulls granted the Portuguese crown the right to conquer non-Christian lands and to enslave their inhabitants, setting a precedent that facilitated the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade.

The increase in wealth of the country had caused them to seek ways to justify their acts of slavery by using the doctrine of Ham. Ham’s son Canaan was cursed by his father Noah and was supposed to be a servant to his brothers Shem and Japheth. This was misquoted and misused to soothe the consciences of the slavers through the use of biblical doctrine. Alton .P. Bell writes on page twelve in his book, Breaking the Chains of Mental Slavery.

“Once the coffers of the state and the church started to swell with the rewards of the slave trade, Portuguese Christians sought to develop theological arguments to justify the trade in Africans.” 

Papal Bull Dum Diversas (1452)

This bull was issued by Pope Nicholas V at the request of King Afonso V of Portugal. It authorised the Portuguese monarchy to “invade, search out, capture, vanquish, and subdue all Saracens (Arab, Turk, or other—who were Muslim) and pagans whatsoever” and to enslave them. This decree effectively gave Portugal the religious and moral justification to enslave Muslims, pagans, and other non-Catholics in Africa.

Papal Bull Romanus Pontifex (1455)

This subsequent bull reaffirmed and expanded upon the permissions granted in Dum Diversas. It granted the Portuguese a monopoly over trade and exploration in newly discovered lands along the coast of Africa. This bull not only allowed for the enslavement of non-Catholics but also sanctioned Portuguese efforts to explore and colonise Africa, leading to the capture and transportation of African slaves.

“The discovery of the Gold Coast served, indeed, yet more to enlarge the sphere of the navigation of the Portuguese than their slave trade; but it forced them also to extend themselves on the coasts; and to settle colonies in Congo, Angola, and other places, which they had till then neglected. Prince Henry’s colonies were enlarged by his successors.  King John II.  In 1492, expelled all the Jews to the island of St. Thomas, which had been discovered in 1471, and to other Portuguese settlements on the continent of Africa; and from these banished Jews, the black Portuguese, as they are called, and the Jews in Loango, who are despised by the very Negroes, are descended.”” “

Potts, James. 1784. The Hibernian Magazine, Or, Compendium of Entertaining Knowledge, p 128.

“2,000 Jewish children aged two to twelve were forcibly separated from their parents. In a chilling act of incomprehensible cruelty, João shipped them off to the uninhabited equatorial island of São Tomé off the coast of West Africa and abandoned them on shore. Later, Portuguese expeditions would reveal that only some 600 survived. Many, according to the 16th-century historian Samuel Usque, were eaten by the huge lizards indigenous to the island. “‘

 Henry Abramson. 2018. When Jews Were ‘Illegals,’ They Took Away Our Children

Criteria 6 She is a worshipper of Idols.

It is no secret that the Catholics have many idols in their churches, statues of the saints. Statues in Catholicism serve as reminders of the saints, Mary (the mother of Jesus), and Jesus himself. These visual representations help the faithful focus their thoughts and prayers. For example, a Catholic might kneel before a statue of Mary or a saint while praying, but the prayer is directed to the person the statue represents, not the statue itself.

Catholics believe in the intercession of saints, meaning they ask saints to pray to God on their behalf. When a Catholic prays in front of a statue of a saint, they are asking that saint to intercede for them with God. However, this is still in flagrant conflict with the second commandment, which clearly states, Thou shalt not make to thyself an idol, nor likeness of anything, whatever things are in the heaven above, and whatever are in the earth beneath, and whatever are in the waters under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them; for I am the Lord thy God, a jealous God.” 

This commandment comes with the threat of vengeance if and when violated.

The Catholic Church teaches that the use of images and statues is acceptable as long as they lead the faithful to a deeper relationship with God. At the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 AD, the Church condemned idolatry, which is the worship of images as gods, and clarified that images are to be venerated, not worshipped.

There is no way around this, and it may cause you to think.

Did the ancient Hebrews do the same thing by worshipping the God of their forefathers and using statues for focus, triggering God’s Jealousy and wrath?

Would you take this risk knowing how dreadful the Lord’s judgement truly is?

Can we use pictures of God to give us the focus we need to pray to him?

Can we venerate them, showing them much honour and respect but not worship them?

Has the Lord granted special permission for this practice if the images are only of him and the saints alone? Can we worship God without them?

When we assess ourselves with questions of such a nature, their answers can lead to more meaningful solutions.

Criteria 7 She sits on a nation made up of seven hills or mountains (Rev 17:9) 

Rome is famously known as the “City of Seven Hills.” This is a reference to the seven hills on which the ancient city of Rome was originally built. These hills played a significant role in the early development and defense of the city. Each hill has its own historical significance in the founding and growth of Rome.

The Seven Hills of Rome:

Located on the southern side of the city, the Aventine Hill was associated with the plebeians, the common people of Rome. It later became a residential area for Rome’s elite.

Caelian Hill (Caelius):

The Caelian Hill is to the southeast of the city center. It became a fashionable residential district during the Roman Empire and was home to several important buildings and churches.

Capitoline Hill (Capitolinus):

The Capitoline Hill is one of the most important hills in Rome. It was the religious and political heart of the city, home to the Temple of Jupiter and the Capitoline Triad. Today, it houses the Roman city hall and the Capitoline Museums.

Esquiline Hill (Esquilinus):

The largest of the seven hills, Esquiline Hill, became a popular residential area in ancient Rome, with large villas and gardens. It also housed the famous Golden House of Nero (Domus Aurea).

Palatine Hill (Palatinus):

The Palatine Hill is the most central of the seven hills and is traditionally considered the birthplace of Rome. According to legend, Romulus founded the city on the Palatine Hill. It became the site of imperial palaces during the Roman Empire.

Quirinal Hill (Quirinalis):

The Quirinal Hill, located to the north of the city, was originally a site of Sabine settlement before becoming part of Rome. Today, it is the location of the official residence of the President of Italy, the Quirinal Palace.

Viminal Hill (Viminalis):

The smallest of the seven hills, the Viminal Hill, is situated between the Quirinal and Esquiline hills. It became part of the urban landscape as Rome expanded and is now a densely populated area.

These seven hills are closely associated with the ancient city’s early development and remain central to Rome’s identity. Although modern Rome has expanded far beyond these original hills, they still hold a prominent place in the city’s history and geography.

Criteria 8 The ten kings who had committed adultery with her and had not been given a kingdom yet will attack her (Rev 17:16)

Before the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church was one of the most powerful institutions in Europe, both spiritually and politically. The Pope wielded significant influence over kings and emperors, and the Church controlled vast amounts of land and wealth. It was also the primary authority on moral and doctrinal issues for all of Western Christendom. The scripture tells you that the kings will commit fornication with the whore of Babylon so that they will be Catholic at first.

The ten kings the Bible talks about can be identified as the ten Catholic-turned-Protestant European nations that carved up Africa. The Book of Revelations chapter 13 and Daniel chapter 2 speak about them, and they are as follows:

The scripture suggests that the whore will be hated and burned with fire, referring to the Protestant Reformation. It predicts her ruin and burning, which symbolises the significant loss of power experienced by the Catholics during the Reformation. In fact, the Catholic church has never fully regained its former level of power.

The Protestant Reformation, initiated in 1517 with Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, divided the Christian Church in Western Europe. This movement gave rise to new Protestant denominations that rejected the authority of the Pope and various Catholic doctrines, significantly reducing the Catholic Church’s religious dominance in Europe. Consequently, the Church’s political influence also waned. Nations that embraced Protestantism, such as England, Germany, and Scandinavia, no longer acknowledged papal authority. Even in predominantly Catholic countries, the Church’s control over state affairs diminished as secular rulers asserted more authority. Additionally, Protestants inherited certain practices and doctrines from Catholics, including involvement in slavery.

Criteria 9 She will influence many people of different races and languages (Rev 17:15)

Many countries worldwide, including Europe, North and South America, Australia, Asia, and Africa, have huge Catholic populations. Today, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

Criteria 10 She will be part of the existing Empire that ruled in John’s time.

It is, in the name itself, Roman Catholic. The Roman Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity and the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D., which legalised Christianity, were crucial moments in the Church’s history. By the end of the 4th century, under Emperor Theodosius I, Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion, further solidifying the Church’s influence.

The Angel says the seven heads are seven kings altogether, and five kings have fallen one is, and the other is to come. The five nations that fell were:

The one that “is” is Rome, as the Roman empire existed in the time of writing the one to come is the ten kings being the 7th ruler. The beast itself is the eighth that goes along with the seven.

The eighth was a nation that existed before but was destroyed during the time of writing the Book of Revelations about 90 A.D. This nation will be resurrected and rule along with the ten colonial kings and have significant influence over them. However, this nation will also hate the whore of Babylon along with the ten kings. That nation is none other than Modern Israel.

There are many reasons why that is, and for one, modern Israel does not match the outstanding and finely detailed criteria the bible has outlined for the return of the biblical nation. As it is written many times in the bible, David will be their king, and God will be their God on their return. This means that Christ will rule over Israel upon their return. In the book of Isaiah chapter 62 the prophet says that Israel will be called by a new name and the nation will be married on it’s return. This it seems is not the case we are presented with today.