January 27, Revelation 17
Remember the woman in chapter 12 who seemed to represent the true Israel of God (Israel before Christ came and the church since)? Then the great prostitute here could be a false church. If the real church is the true bride of Christ and the holy city coming down out of heaven a little later on, then this adulterous woman could be the disloyal, unfaithful church who consorts with the Lamb’s enemies! This mirrors the symbolism of harlotry and adultery used by the Old Testament prophets to describe unfaithful Israel. Like the woman/church, the prostitute is in a wilderness. Is the wilderness period the time while the church is on earth? That would seem to fit.
The many interpretations, disagreements and theories about what the heads and horns mean do not invalidate the general idea of a false church being symbolized by this scarlet-clad bejeweled woman, drunk on the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus. Persecution of true Christians by a false church cooperating with godless government has brought death to many
believers through the centuries.
Apart from the mysterious and ominous parts of this vision, there are some clear and encouraging reminders for God’s people facing such opposition. First, the great prostitute cannot deceive those whose names have been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world. The earth dwellers who are not in the book will marvel at her, but not the Lamb’s people.
Second, whoever all these sinister forces may be and however powerful they may seem in their unholy alliance against the Lamb, they will all be conquered by him. The Lord of Lords and King of Kings will not be defeated by any opponent. John reminded his readers of the Lamb’s certain victory and then assured them that those who are with the Lamb are called and
chosen and faithful.
The awesome power of God that freed us from sin can preserve us from every threat. Remember, we did not procure our own salvation by deciphering the sin problem. In the same way, our preservation does not depend on unraveling every mysterious symbol of this book. Ponder it, study to enhance your understanding, but do not fret about obscure passages when your hope is grounded in extremely clear ones.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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