September 23: THE MOTHER CHURCH HAS DAUGHTERS

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-10

Another aspect of the beast is found in the description of Babylon in Revelation 17:5. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. This description is in vivid contrast with the faithful ones who choose daily to look beyond this temporal world and take their stand with the Lamb . . . having His Father’s name written on their foreheads (14:1).

In Biblical prophecy, a woman symbolizes the congregation of God – as a faithful bride, betrothed to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). John was stunned by the beauty of the vision of the bride reflecting the glory of God: Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. (Revelation 12:1) This beautiful woman symbolizes God’s people through the ages. Her clothing is the righteousness of Christ. She stands firmly upon the moon, which reflected the glory of the Lord Jesus – the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) – before His first advent (Luke 24:27). This description ties the Creator with His beloved creation. Psalm 19 illustrates this precept. Take a moment to go there and be thrilled by the word picture of your Redeemer!

The commandments are a vital point of identity with God. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3-4). The person desiring to honor them is given wisdom. You, through your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies (Psalm 119:98). They are a guide for discerning spiritual light. To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20).

A desire to honor the LORD’s commandments is an invitation to the Holy Spirit, who guides toward the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-15). The Holy Spirit works in the heart of such a one to continually reveal more truth and greater light. Hear the words of your Redeemer: “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)

Another woman, who claims the title of the world’s Mother Church, is unfaithful to God. The Bible calls her a harlot, and she claims as her daughters all other churches who break one or more of God’s commandments in favor of her traditions. She shows regard for all who forsake the Holy Covenant. Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, Who dwell securely, Who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, Nor shall I know the loss of children . . . I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.” Therefore her plagues will come in one day… Isaiah 47:8; Revelation 18:7b,8a