Revelations 17 is a chapter filled with symbols, prophecies and really disturbing imageries. How do we interpret this part of scripture and how does it speak to us as Christians living in the last of the last days?

Last Sunday we studied in detail the language of prophetic symbolism and the vision of what is to come through the lens of the apostle John. In Revelations chapter 17 he was shown by 7 angels a vision of things to come. An image of a Woman dressed in scarlet and purple riding a Beast with 7 heads and 10 horns coming out of the abyss. All these symbols are disturbing but what does it say to us as Christians? Here are 3 points I learned from this sermon:

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1. Scripture Interprets Scripture

Prophecies and symbols in the Bible have been misinterpreted because a lot of false prophets and even Christians have used their own personal interpretations based on their own agendas and limited knowledge that often misleads them and the people around them. The Bible however teaches us that in order to understand scripture we need to use scripture itself to interpret its meaning. Whenever we are unsure with what a certain passage in the Bible is saying, let's not label it as confusing or “too deep” instead let’s continue studying and reading on and the Holy Spirit will be faithful to reveal things to us through another passage that we will encounter as we read on. The key is to not just read through the Bible but to really study it and seek the Lord for understanding.

2. Ritualistic Religion Leads to Adultery

The meaning of the word Adultery is the “mixing of pure and impure”. This does not apply to just sexual activities but also to our spiritual,emotional and physical walk with God. When we mix unclean and worldly agendas with what the Lord has deemed pure then we are committing an act of adultery. Paganism and ritualistic religion are all man-made practices that produces adulterous fruits. God despises this that’s why this ultimately will become our opposition (The Woman). This is why in the end times we need to be more spiritually in tune with the Lord so we can avoid and disassociate ourselves from these false religions.

3. Our Goal is to be Faithful not Successful Christians

At the end of the chapter the vision proclaimed the victory of the Lamb and the Bride. The Bride symbolizes us, those whom God has called and chosen to be a part of His kingdom. In the end the Woman and Beast will wage war against the Lamb but He will reign victorious. Our focus is not to fear the end times but to stand with the Lamb  and to remain faithful to Him asHis bride. We are His bride awaiting His return, but in the meantime while we wait we are tasked to move His kingdom forward, to proclaim His name to all nations, to stand firm against the evil one and the influence of the world and to stay faithful to Him who has loved us and is coming for us.

We’ve created an infographic summary to help you recall and relearn the lesson from last week’s sermon.

God Bless and let’s all strive to remain faithful.

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