The Mystery Babylon
From the book 'A World Deceived'
In addition to this article we invite you to read the following listed at the bottom of the ‘Recent Revelations’ page – ‘Scarlet and Purple Colour, a Golden Cup and the Seven Mountains’.
Chapter 17 in the Book of Revelation clearly explains the facts surrounding the Mystery, Babylon the Great as mentioned in Rev 17:5. All of the historical facts explained and confirmed what God had already revealed to us.
On June 3, 1991, our local paper talked about the cardinals of the Catholic Church being referred to by the Pope as "the princes of the church". In 1 Cor. 2:8 we read: which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. On May 30, 1991, it had also referred to "the cardinals as the red-hatted princes of the Roman Catholic Church".
In Revelation, chapter 17, it also talks about the woman sitting on the seven hills, referring thus to a false church. Is it not coincidence, then, that Rome is the only city that has been built on seven hills? The same chapter makes also reference to the colors "purple and scarlet". Has anyone ever noticed what the predominant color is when the hierarchy of the Catholic Church gathers? Revelation 17:4: "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness and her fornication." This, I believe is a direct reference to the false church.
Isn't it a coincidence that the words "gold and precious stones" in Revelation 17:4, were repeated in 1991 (almost 2000 years after they were written) in an article in an international magazine to describe the golden chalice presented to Pope Pius IX.
The articles on the Mystery Babylon, Christmas and Easter in the next few chapters are based on historical facts alone. To accept them as official doctrines for salvation would be wrong. Just because a person is not a member of the Catholic institution or any other so-called church, or does not celebrate Christmas or Easter, does not mean that a person is saved or Born of God.
To the believers, the chapters on The Mystery Babylon, Christmas and Easter are merely a confirmation of how deception has entered into the world, while to the unbelievers it is merely a stumbling block, as is all of the Scriptures (1 Cor 1:23; 1 Peter 2:7,8).
The next time you visit your local bookstore, for example, I suggest you visit the world history or religious section. You will be able to find there many books that reveal the history of the religions of this world. You will also be able to find many books outlining the history of the Inquisition. Many of them describe in explicit detail the history of the hundreds of years of cruelty and torture bestowed on mankind and as directed and ordered by the Vatican.
Again, books like that only describe the historical events. But to the believers they also confirm how Satan has deceived this whole world (Rev 12:9).
The Spreading of the Babylonian Cult
Babylon was the seat of the great apostasy against God after the flood. It was here that the Babylonian cult was instituted by Nimrod and his queen Semiramis (Semiramis was Nimrod's mother and later his wife – in an incestuous relationship). From the Babylonian cult is derived all types and forms of worship, carried over today into various pagan religions.
The Babylonian cult was a system claiming the highest wisdom and ability to reveal divine secrets. It was characterized by the word "mystery" because of its systems of claimed mysteries. Besides confessing to a priest at admission, one was compelled to drink of "mysterious beverages" which was a requirement for those who sought initiation into these mysteries. Once admitted into the Babylonian mystery religion, men were no longer Babylonians, Assyrians or Egyptians, but became members of a mystical brotherhood over which was placed a supreme pontiff (or high priest) whose word was final in all matters. It was therefore a supranational organization. The object of the cult was to rule the world through its dogma.
This Babylonian system was one through which Satan planned to circumvent and defeat the truth of God. From Babylon it spread to the ends of the earth until, Scripture records, Abraham was chosen of God to flee these idolatrous nations and thus preserve the truth of God. Babylon continued to be the seat of worldwide satanic activity until it was conquered by Xerxes, King of Persia, in 487 BC, when the Babylonian priesthood (the Chaldeans) were forced to move to Pergamos, which then became their headquarters.
Over the years this cult gained power to the point that the Caesars absorbed the bulk of their principles and structure into their own pagan religion. Julius Caesar was made supreme pontiff of the Etruscan order in 74 BC thus establishing Babylon as the religion of Rome.
The Roman Emperors continued to hold this office until the year 376 AD when the Emperor Gratian, through Christian motivation, banned it when he saw that Babylonianism was idolatrous by nature. Religious matters then became somewhat disorganized until those in power decided once again to reestablish this position of apostasy.
In 378 AD, Damasus, bishop of Rome, was elected the Pontifex Maximus, the official high priest of the mysteries. This was brought about through the influence of the monks of Mount Carmel, a college of the Babylonian religion founded by the priest Jezebel and, incredibly, still in existence today within the Roman church. Since Rome was considered the most important city in the world, some of those who called themselves Christians looked to the bishop of Rome as "bishop of bishops" and head of the church. By this time, and through the years that followed, the streams of paganism and Christianity flowed together, producing what is known as the Roman Catholic Church, under the headship of the Pontifex Maximus, the Pope.
So in 378 AD the Babylonian system of religion became an official part of what they called the Christian church as it was then constituted. The bishop of Rome, who later became the supreme head of the Roman church was already supreme pontiff of the Babylonian order. All the teachings of pagan Babylon and Rome were gradually absorbed into this so-called Christian religious organization. Soon after Damasus was made pontiff, the rites of Babylon began to come to the forefront.
The structure of worship of the Roman Catholic church became Babylonian and, under Damasus, heathen temples were restored and re-established. The Roman church of today is purely a human institution. Its doctrines, which stand in opposition to God's word, were never taught by Christ or the apostles. They crept in over a long period of time. I think it is clear, to anyone who examines the record, that Babylonian rites and practices were inserted into the Roman Catholic Church when the supreme pontiff of the Babylonian order became its major influence. Many of today's pagan elements within the Catholic Church were taken directly from the Babylonian religion as founded by Nimrod and Semiramis.
Pagan Rituals
- Worship of saints and the Virgin Mary.
- Private confession to a priest.
- The worship and veneration of images.
- The rosary.
- Monks and nuns.
- The sign of the cross. The sign had its origin in the mystic "Tau" of the Babylonian cult. This came from the letter T - the initial letter of Tammuz (Eze 8:14), but better known in classical writings and even today as Bacchus. Bacchus was also known as the lamented one. Actually, this was just one more name for Nimrod, the son of Cush. Even today, Bacchus lives on as "the patron saint" of such disgusting homosexual orgies as are evident during the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Just about all the outstanding festivals, such as Christmas, Easter, Lent, St. John's Day, Lady Day, etc., are Babylonian in origin and have been adopted (after application of a thin veneer of Christianity) into the Catholic church, despite the fact that they have no relation to Christ or the Bible.
Heresies
A heresy is an opinion or doctrine contrary to the dogma of the true church. Listed below is a compilation of current religious practices that stem directly from pagan sources. These various traditions have been inserted into so-called Christianity during a period of over 1800 years. Many of these practices were observed and followed over the years, but only at the times that they were officially adopted by councils and then proclaimed by the Pope did they become binding on all Catholics everywhere.
The following heresies have no part in doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ:
1. Of all human inventions taught and practiced by the Roman Catholic Church which are contrary to the Bible, the most ancient are the prayers for the dead and the sign of the cross. Both of these began about three hundred years after Christ and there is no mention of either within the Word of God.
2. Wax candles were introduced into churches about 320 AD. These votive candles supposedly help to bring about prayer requests when paid for and lit in conjunction with prayer.
3. Veneration of angels and saints began about 375 AD.
4. The mass, as a daily celebration, was adopted in 349 AD.
5. The worship of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the use of the term "Mother of God" as applied to her, originated about 381 AD. This was officially decreed in the Council of Ephasis in 431 AD.
6. Priests began to adopt distinctive costumes about 500 AD.
7. The doctrine of purgatory was first established by Pope Gregory the Great about 593 AD.
8. The Latin language, as the language of prayer and worship in the church, was imposed by Pope Gregory in 600 AD (since changed). The Bible teaches that we pray to God alone, in the name of Jesus (John 16:23). In the early church, prayers were never directed to Mary or to saints. This practice began in the Roman church about six hundred years after Christ.
9. The papacy is of pagan origin. The title of Pope (universal bishop) was first given to the bishop of Rome about 600 AD, stemming from the Babylonian Cult (as previously explained). Jesus did not appoint Peter to the headship of the apostles and, in fact, expressly forbade such a notion (Luke 22:24-26; Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18; 1 Cor 3:11).
10. The kissing of the Pope's feet began in 709 AD. It had been a pagan custom to kiss the feet of emperors. The Word of God forbids such practices (Acts 10:25-26; Rev 19:10; 22:8-9).
11. The temporal power of the Popes began in 750 AD. Jesus expressly forbade such a practice and He Himself refused any worldly kingship (Matt 4:8-10,20; 25-28; John 18:36).
12. The worship of the cross, images, and relics were authorized in 787 AD. Such practices are termed idolatry in the Bible and are severely condemned (Exodus 20:2-6; Deut 27:15; Psalm 135:15).
13. Holy water (water mixed with a pinch of salt and blessed by a priest) was authorized in 850 AD.
14. The canonization (official certification) of saints was instituted by Pope John XV in 995 AD. In the Bible, every believer and follower of Christ is called "Saint" (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2 and many more).
15. The mass was developed gradually as a sacrifice (of Christ on the cross) and was obligatory in the eleventh century. (The Bible teaches that the sacrifice of Christ was offered once and for all and is not to be repeated, but only commemorated in the Lord's Supper (Hebr 7:27; 9:26-28; 10:10-14).
16. The celibacy of the priesthood was decreed by Pope Hildebrand Gregory VII in the year 1079 AD. Jesus imposed no such rules nor did any of the apostles. On the contrary, Peter was married and Paul states that bishops were to have one wife and could have children (1 Tim 3:5,12; Matt 8:14-15).
17. The rosary (or prayer beads) was introduced by Peter the Hermit in 1090 AD. This was copied from the Hindus and Mohammedans. The counting of prayers is a pagan practice and is expressly condemned by Christ (Matt 6:5-7).
18. The inquisition (torture) of heretics (anyone disagreeing with the interpretation coming out of Rome) was introduced by the Council of Verona in 1184 AD. (Jesus never taught the use of force to spread His Gospel).
19. The sale of indulgences (generally regarded as the purchase of forgiveness – for self or for deceased relatives - and a "permit" for indulging in sin) began in 1190 AD. The Christian religion, as taught in the Bible, condemns such, and it was primarily protest against this specific abuse that brought on the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century.
20. The dogma of transubstantiation was decreed by Pope Innocent III in 1215 AD. According to this doctrine, the priest miraculously changes the communion wafer into the actual body of Christ – which he then proceeds to eat before the congregation. The Gospel condemns such superstitious absurdities. The act of Holy Communion is clearly a memorial observation of the sacrifice of Christ (Luke 22:19-20; John 6:35; 1Cor 11:26).
21. The confession of sins to a priest at least once a year was instituted by Pope Innocent III in 1215 AD. (The Bible commands us to confess our sins directly to God: Psalm 51; Isa 1:18; Luke 7:48; 15:21; 1 John 1:8-9).
22. The adoration of the wafer ("the host") was invented by Pope Honorius in 1220 AD. (The Roman Catholic institution thus worships a god made by hands. This is, by Scriptural definition, idolatry and absolutely contrary to the teachings and the spirit of the Gospel: John 4:24).
23. The Bible was labeled a forbidden book by the Catholic institution (as far as laymen were concerned), and was placed in the index of forbidden books by the Council of Toledo in 1229 AD. (Jesus and Paul commanded that the Scriptures should be read by all people: John 5:39; 2 Tim 3:15-17).
24. The scapular was invented by Simon Stock, an English monk in 1287 AD. (This is a piece of brown cloth with a picture of the Virgin sewn onto it and superstitiously believed to assure salvation, no matter the depth of one's depravity, if worn next to the skin). This is superstition and fetishism of the most degrading type.
25. The Creed was adopted by the first council of Nicene in 325 AD and was approved by the first council of Constantinople in 381 AD. In the west the Creed was first used in the mass at Toledo in 589 AD, on the occasion of the reconciliation of the Gothic Arians with the Catholic Church.
26. The 40 days to make ready for Easter was prescribed by the Nicene Council in 325 AD.
27. The Catholic Church forbade the cup (as part of Holy Communion) by instituting communion via the host alone in the Council of Constance in 1414 AD. (The Gospel commands us to celebrate Holy Communion with bread and wine: Matt 26:27; 1 Cor 11:26-29).
28. The doctrine of purgatory was proclaimed as a doctrine of faith by the Council of Florence in 1439 AD. (There isn't one word in the whole Bible suggesting that such a place as purgatory exists. Acceptance of the teachings and the blood of Jesus completely cleanses one of sin and leaves no sinful residue that must be burned off before we may enter the Kingdom: 1 John 1:7-9; 2:1-2; John 5:23; Rom 8:1).
29. The doctrine of seven sacraments was affirmed in 1439 AD. (The Gospel says that Christ instituted two sacraments - water baptism and the Lord's supper: Matt 28:19-20; 26:26-28).
30. The Council of Trent, held in 1545 AD (covering several years), declared tradition to be of equal authority with the Bible (by tradition is meant human opinions and the teaching of the same). There can never be any room for establishing traditions in opposition to Scripture. The Roman church is saying, in this doctrine, that when it chooses it can do anything it wishes in opposition to Scripture, and is in no way bound to Scripture. The Pharisees also believed this, and Jesus condemned them with no room for misunderstanding because of their position on this issue (Mark 7:7-13; Col 2:8; Rev 22:18).
31. The Immaculate Conception of the virgin Mary was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854 AD. This doctrine has nothing to do with Mary's conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. It says instead, that Mary was the only human ever born (except Adam and Jesus) without original sin. This implies therefore, that Mary did not need a Savior, and that she was divine. (The Gospel states, however, that all men (with the exception of Christ) are sinners. Mary herself states that she had need of a Savior, in that she refers to Christ as her Savior: Rom 3:23; 5:12; Psalm 51:5; Luke 1:30; 46-47).
32. In 1931, Pope Pius XI reaffirmed the doctrine that Mary is "the Mother of God" (a doctrine first decreed by the Council of Ephasus in the year 431. This is a heretical statement contrary to Mary's own words: Luke 1:46-47). The overwhelming percentage of the rites and ceremonies of the Roman church, such as temples, incense, oil lamps, votive offerings, holy water, holidays and seasons of devotions, processions, blessings of fields, homes and ships, sacerdotal vestments, the tonsures of priests, monks and nuns and images are all of pagan origin.
In Conclusion
The true church of believers (saints) is in Scripture referred to as a woman, a virgin woman, as a symbol of holiness and purity. It is, as Scripture records, without spot (Eph 5:27; 2 Peter 3:14). Its offspring is referred to as the daughter of Zion and many other names.
The head of the false church is referred to as the Mystery Babylon or the mother of harlots (Catholic Church), and any offspring is referred to as a harlot (other religions).
Any relationship with a harlot (false church) is called spiritual adultery, while the worshipping of idols and false images is often referred to as spiritual fornication. Scripture teaches us the following in 2 Cor 6:17: "Wherefore come out from among them, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you."
Also, in Revelation 18:4 it says: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
In order to receive a better understanding of the Mystery Babylon, mother of harlots, spiritual adultery and fornication, please read Revelation, chapters 17 and 18.
Spiritual Fornication (worshipping of idols): Numbers 25:1-5; 1 Cor 5:9-10, 6:9; 10:7-8
Spiritual Adultery (joined to a harlot or a false church): Jer 3:1-9; 13:27; Eze 16:15-26; Hosea 2-5; 3:3; 4:14-15; 1 Cor 6:13-16; James 4:4 and Rev 2:22..