UNDERSTANDING FORNICATION AND THE HARLOT OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
This is a short message to simply share a deeper understanding of fornication, especially in regard to the harlot of Revelation 14, 17, 18 & 19, and what spiritual fornication really is.
First consider the verses regarding fornication and Babylon:
Thoughts regarding spiritual fornication.
These verses are about the final group that will make up Babylon, but in a sense, it applies to all time. For the sake of some who may not realize it, to reject God and go with our own carnal nature is to choose the devil’s voice rather than God’s voice. And the only reason anyone ever does it, is for the same reason: the deception of alleged self benefit. There is only one God and when we choose ourselves to be our own gods or even directly choose the devil, it is committing “spiritual fornication” or “spiritual adultery.” (in physical terminology, fornication is sexual intercourse outside of marriage and adultery is sexual intercourse with someone besides one’s spouse).
We are not our own. We all belong to God. He created every one of us and for His own purposes. No one has to like it and anyone can refuse to believe it for now but it is still true. And, it is a huge mistake to think we can simply dismiss and disobey God. When we sell out integrity for the benefit of sin, we prostitute ourselves. And this is exactly what Babylon the prostitute and evil beast both do for their own benefit; they coerce people into spiritual fornication.
There is another view about this type of fornication that is also worthy of consideration. The end will not come until the Gospel is heard throughout all the earth (Matthew 24:14). Christians have always shared the Gospel but the Two Witnesses will have the testimony of Jesus Christ and their message will go out to the entire world. The false Messiah (Antichrist), his false prophet and those on the wicked side will also have their message. Anyone who will live through seeing and hearing both sides and still choose the evil side, will, in my opinion, be committing the worst spiritual fornication ever.
First consider the verses regarding fornication and Babylon:
- Revelation 14:8 And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
- Revelation 17:1-2 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
- Revelation 17:4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
- Revelation 18:3 “For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
- Revelation 18:9-10 The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, "Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come."
- Revelation 19:2 “For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her."
Thoughts regarding spiritual fornication.
These verses are about the final group that will make up Babylon, but in a sense, it applies to all time. For the sake of some who may not realize it, to reject God and go with our own carnal nature is to choose the devil’s voice rather than God’s voice. And the only reason anyone ever does it, is for the same reason: the deception of alleged self benefit. There is only one God and when we choose ourselves to be our own gods or even directly choose the devil, it is committing “spiritual fornication” or “spiritual adultery.” (in physical terminology, fornication is sexual intercourse outside of marriage and adultery is sexual intercourse with someone besides one’s spouse).
We are not our own. We all belong to God. He created every one of us and for His own purposes. No one has to like it and anyone can refuse to believe it for now but it is still true. And, it is a huge mistake to think we can simply dismiss and disobey God. When we sell out integrity for the benefit of sin, we prostitute ourselves. And this is exactly what Babylon the prostitute and evil beast both do for their own benefit; they coerce people into spiritual fornication.
There is another view about this type of fornication that is also worthy of consideration. The end will not come until the Gospel is heard throughout all the earth (Matthew 24:14). Christians have always shared the Gospel but the Two Witnesses will have the testimony of Jesus Christ and their message will go out to the entire world. The false Messiah (Antichrist), his false prophet and those on the wicked side will also have their message. Anyone who will live through seeing and hearing both sides and still choose the evil side, will, in my opinion, be committing the worst spiritual fornication ever.
ARTICLES IN THE ANTICHRIST CATEGORY
ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION BIBLE VERSES
A compilation for thought and study.
ANTICHRIST & FALSE PROPHET BIBLE VERSES
The Bible verses about the Antichrist and false prophet gathered together for thought and meditation.
ANTICHRIST REVEALED IN THREE PROPHETIC SECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE
This article shows a prophetic thread about the same antichrist in Daniel 7, Daniel 8 and Revelation 17 and in so doing shows more of who he really was and is.
SATAN IS NOT THE ANTICHRIST
This articles shows it quickly & clearly with Scripture.
THE ANTICHRIST, HIS IDENTITY AND NAME
The Bible reveals much about the Antichrist. This article explains Revelation 17 and links it with Daniel and how the Bible reveals even his name.
THE DRAGON AND THE BEASTS WITH 7 HEADS AND 10 HORNS
It is possible that the dragon of Revelation 12, the beasts of Revelation 13 and 17, as well as the four beasts of Daniel chapter 7, are the same in some manner.
THE SCARLET BEAST AND THE MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
Scripture with commentary showing much about who the beast is and its relationship with Babylon, the harlot, as well as, who she really is.
THE SECOND BEAST: THE FALSE PROPHET
This article takes a serious look at the identity and works of the second beast, the false prophet, according to Scripture.
THE TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD & SATAN
See the biblical truth that Armageddon happens at the end of the 7 years and the battle of Gog and Magog at the end of the Millennium.
TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
The first white horse that we see in the book of Revelation, is not the real Christ, but the imitation Christ. See the difference as in the Bible here.
WHAT IS THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION?
This is a clear and definitive look at what the Bible says about it.
WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR WITH THE ONE WHO HAD THE DEADLY WOUND AND STILL LIVED?
Taking a closer look at the deceiver, the first beast who will deceive the world.
WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST, THE SON OF PERDITION?
This shows how the Antichrist is both a false Messiah and against Jesus Christ at the same time, according to the Bible.
WILL THE NEW JEWISH MESSIAH BE THE ANTICHRIST OF THE CHRISTIANS?
Understanding how it is possible and the reality of it.
"GENERAL RAPTURE" ARTICLES
ANCIENT JEWISH WEDDING CUSTOMS & JESUS CHRIST, HIS BRIDE THE CHURCH
Amazing correlation such as, only the father of the groom could say "go, call the wedding" when he felt all were prepared according to him and more.
AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
Understanding this idiom, its real meaning and how it correlates with other Scripture!
AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH
What did Jesus really mean by this? It is much more than the common interpretation.
CAN THE RAPTURE HAPPEN AT ANY TIME?
When all the events line up according to prophecy, the rapture will happen. So what is left that is necessary for the Word of God to be fulfilled?
EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM
Jesus is coming for His bride. And He is not eloping. The rapture is so much bigger (and the events that surround it) than we can even know. It will be a huge event.
EVERY KNEE WILL BOW
The lost will bow to the Lord Jesus. The Father will see His Son glorified; whether they like it or not. And they will confess He is Lord.
IMPORTANT COMPONENTS TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION
An overview of some of the major components of the book of Revelation.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FOR REVELATION UNDERSTANDING
A few keys are offered here that can unlock some of the doors to understanding prophetic Scripture.
IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
This is about one of the most misquoted verses of all time. If you have not seen it yet, once you see the real meaning, it is amazing.
THE APOSTASY, THE GREAT FALLING AWAY
Many are looking for "the whole world to come to Christ" before the Lord returns. The opposite will happen. See it in God's Word and explained here.
THE BIGGER PICTURE, UNDERSTANDING GOD AND THE DEVIL IN THIS DAY AND HOUR
A timely commentary for living during these days.
THE LAST TRUMPET
There are many trumpets in the Bible. There are 7 special ones foretold of by John the Revelator. But which one happens at the rapture?
THE LORD WILL RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON
This article explains the real meaning of the verses that make this statement.
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SALVATION WILL END AT THE RAPTURE
Sadly many think they have their whole lives to decide to turn to God and for some it turns out to have been a foolish mistake. And so it is with the rapture.
THE TWO FINAL BATTLES BETWEEN GOD & SATAN
See it shown with Scripture, that Armageddon happens at the end of the 7 years and the battle of Gog and Magog at the end of the Millennium.
TWO WHITE HORSES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT RIDERS AND TIMES
This article shows how the first white horse that we see in the book of Revelation, is the imitation Christ. Jesus comes at Armageddon on His horse, not at the first seal.
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E. Cockrell, © 2018, May be copied for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
