Feature 6 – Persecution in the Great Tribulation

During the Great Tribulation, a primary feature is that of persecution of true Christians.  The three primary tools of this persecution is false teaching / deception, idolatry and lawlessness in the false Christian church.  These actions result in spiritual killing (i.e., hating and silencing true Christians), which results in much division (scattering) of the true Christians.  Christians who remain in the false Christian church will essentially be captive.  Please view the video below or the Bible study that follows the video below.

Common Erroneous Beliefs

Principle Bible Verses – Persecution in the Great Tribulation

Method 1 – Killing

Killing by Famine, Evil Beasts, Sword and Pestilence

Shedding of Blood by Babylon

Method 2 – Scattering

Scattering

Scattering as a Punishment for Disobedience

Israel / Judah become Scattered Sheep

The Fulfillment of Regathering of the Scattered People

Spiritual Meaning of Scattering in the Great Tribulation

Method 3 – Captivity

Captivity

Led Away Captives…to Babylon

Spiritual Meaning of Captivity

Tool 1 – Deception / Lies

Deception – Famine

Bible Passages concerning ‘False Prophets’

Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace

Tool 2 – Idolatry

Idolatry in the New Testament

–        New Testament

–        Worshiping Idols = Worshiping Demons (Satan’s messengers) – 1 Cor 10:14-21

–        Idolatry in the New Testament

–        Baal Worship

–        The Babylon ‘cup’ connection between Jeremiah 51:7 and Revelation 17:4

Tool 3 – Lawlessness

What is Lawlessness?

Lawlessness Verses in the New Testament

 

 

Common Erroneous Beliefs

 

• Christians will be ‘raptured’ prior to the Great Tribulation
• Christians will be physically killed (martyred) during the Great Tribulation
• Christians will not be able to ‘buy or sell’ merchandise

 

Principle Bible Verses – Persecution in the Great Tribulation

 

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Mat 24:9-10)

… when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up … and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. (Dan 8:23-24)

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  (Rev 13:7)

 

Method 1 – Killing

 

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.  (Mat 24:9)

Spiritual Killing:

Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.  (1Jn 3:15)

… Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Mat 5:21-22)

• Raca = worthless

 

 

Killing by Famine, Evil Beasts, Sword and Pestilence

 

In the Bible, we find that killing a person not only can happen physically (martyrdom), but also in a spiritual sense when Christians are persecuted, hated and silenced within the church:

• Christians die daily – Mat 24:9, 2 Cor 1:9, 4:10-12, 6:9,7:3, Ro 8:35-39, James 5:6, 1 John 3:15, 1 Cor 4:9, 15:31, Mat 5:21-22, Hab 1:2-4, James 2:9-11, Ps 94:1-7, 44:22, Rev 6:9, Mk 8:35
• Christians Have Been Crucified with Christ – Gal 2:20, 5:24, 6:14, Ro 6:6
• We are dead to sin and the law – Ro 6:6,11, Ro 8:10, 2 Tim 2:11, Ro 7:2-6, Gal 2:19, Col 2:10, 3:3 w/ 3:1-11, Ro 6:2-8, Eph 4:22
• Killing by Words – Mat 5:21-22, Ro 3:13-15, Pr 11:9
• Christians are living sacrifices – Rev 6:9-11, Ro 12:1-2, 6:13, 6:16, 6:19, Heb 10:22, 1 Pet 2:5, Phil 4:18, Ro 15:16, 2 Tim 4:6, Phil 2:17, John 16:2
• Spiritual battle, not physical – Rev 6:3-4, Eph 6:11-12, 2 Tim 2;4, Col 1:13, 1 Pet 2:11, James 4:1
• Sword between members of one’s own family – Mat 10:34-36, Lk 12:51-53
• Afflicted, killed, and hated ‑ Mat 24:9, Mk 13:9, Lk 21:12
• Slain for Word of God and testimony – Rev 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 11:7-10
• Beast has war with saints – Rev 13:8, 6:3-4
• Offended, betrayed, and hated ‑ Mat 24:10, Mk 13:12‑13, Lk 21:16‑19

 

As we see in many places in the Bible, Christians are put to death when they suffer for the sake of Christ.  In essence, they die to the fleshly desires of life as they serve Christ.  In this sense the flesh has been crucified with Christ, so Christians can live in the spirit.  We also find in 1 John 3:15 that whoever hates Christians is spiritually speaking a murderer.  They essentially silence Christians by not accepting them or considering what they have to say.  In the Great Tribulation Olivet Discourse passage, we find the following ‘killing’:

• Delivered up to tribulation and killed (hated of all nations for Jesus’ sake), betrayed and hate one another – Mat 24:9-10, Mk 13:9-13, Lk 21:12-19
• Nation against nations, kingdom against kingdom – Lk 21:9-10, Mat 24:6-7, Mk 13:7-8
• Famines and pestilences – Lk 21:11

 

In Ezekiel 14, we find a prophecy regarding the desolation of the land of Judah.  This prophecy warns that even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in the land, God would still cut-off man and beast from the land due to the wickedness of the people (Eze 14:14, 16, 18, 20).  The four sore judgments on the land are:

• Famine (Eze 14:13, see also Eze 4:16 (desolation), Eze 5:16-17, Lev 26:26, Is 3:1, Jer 15:2-3, Lam 4:9-10, Mat 24:7, Lk 21:11, etc.)
  • Spiritually represents the famine of not hearing the Word of God – e.g., Amos 8:11, Mat 4:4, Deut 8:3, Is 30:20, Is 55:2-3, Is 55:10-11
• Evil Beasts (Eze 14:15, see also Eze 5:16-17, Lev 26:22, 1 Ki 20:36 (lion), 2 Ki 17:25, Jer 15:3, Eze 34:5, Hos 2:12, Ez 29:5, 33:26‑29, Jer 7:33, )
  • Spiritually represents the ministers of Satan – e.g., Rev 13:1-10, 17:6, Titus 1:12, Acts 28:4, John 10:12 (wolf among sheep either catches them or scatters them – John 10:12), 1 Pet 5:8 (lion), Is 35:9, Eze 34:5 (no shepherd, beast present – see Jer 23:1-2), Rev 13:14-15, 20:4 (image of the beast), Rev 13:16-18, 20:4 (mark of the beast), Satan as the serpent (Gen 3:1), etc.
• Sword (Eze 14:17, see also Jer 15:2-3, Eze 5:12, 5:17, Eze 221:3-4, 9-15, Eze 29:8, Lev 26:25, Jer 25:9, etc.)
  • Represents spiritual warfare (e.g., Rev 13:7, 13:15, Eph 6:17, 2 Cor 10:3-5)
  • Satan uses the Bible – Mat 4:6
  • Bible is sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) but God only reveals spiritual truth to His people (1 Cor 2:10, Mat 13:10-17) through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16)
  • Killing by words / tongue ‑ 1 John 3:15, Mat 5:21‑22, Pr 11:9, Ro 3:13‑15, Jer 9:3, 18:18, Ps 140:3, Ro 3:13, James 3:8, Pr 18:21, Ps 52:4, 57:4, 59:7, 64:3, 120:2

• • Christians die daily – Mat 24:9, 2 Cor 1:9, 4:10-12, 6:9,7:3, Ro 8:35-39, James 5:6, 1 John 3:15, 1 Cor 4:9, 15:31, Mat 5:21-22, Hab 1:2-4, James 2:9-11,  Ps 94:1-7, 44:22, Rev 6:9, Mk 8:35
  • Christians are living sacrifices – Rev 6:9-11, Ro 12:1-2, 6:13, 6:16, 6:19, Heb 10:22, 1 Pet 2:5, Phil 4:18, Ro 15:16, 2 Tim 4:6, Phil 2:17, John 16:2
  • Spiritual battle, not physical – Rev 6:3-4, Eph 6:11-12, 2 Tim 2:4, Col 1:13, 1 Pet 2:11, James 4:1
  • Sword between members of one’s own family – Mat 10:34-36, Lk 12:51-53
  • Afflicted, killed, and hated ‑ Mat 24:9, Mk 13:9, Lk 21:12
  • Slain for Word of God and testimony – Rev 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 11:7-10
  • Beast has war with saints – Rev 13:8, 6:3-4

• Offended, betrayed, and hated ‑ Mat 24:10, Mk 13:12‑13, Lk 21:16‑19

• Pestilence (Eze 14:19, see also Lev 26:14-16, Eze 5:12, Deut 28:21-22, Deut 28:59-61, Ps 91:3, 91:6, Jer 14:12, Jer 24:10, Mat 24:7, Lk 21:11)
  • Spiritually represents spiritual sickness of sin – Mat 8:17, Eze 34:4, Ps 102:4, Pr 13:12, Ps 38:2-3, Is 1:4-6, Jer 8:22, Jer 30:12, Is 53:4-5, 1 Tim 1:10, 2 Tim 1:13, 4:3, Titus 1:9,13, 2:1-2, 1 Cor 11:26-30, Jer 31:8, Ps 41:4, 103:1-4, 1 Pet 2:24, John 9:39, 12:40, Is 35:5-6, Acts 28:7, Mal 4:2)
  • Healing is Salvation ‑ Jer 31:8, John 9:39, 12:40, Is 35:5‑6, 53:3‑5, Acts 28:27, Mal 4:2, Ps 107:20, 19:22, Jer 8:22, Ps 30:2, 33:6, Job 5:18, Ex 23:25
  • Healing of the nations ‑ Ps 147:3, Is 6:10, 57:18‑19, Jer 17:14, Mal 4:2, Hos 14:4, Ez 47:8‑11, Rev 22:2
  • Healed from sickness of iniquity ‑ Is 57:19
  • Heals bruise / wound of sin ‑ Is 30:6, Jer 30:14‑17, Micah 1:9, Nah 3:19, Deut 32:39, Is 53:5
  • Heal unfaithfulness ‑ Jer 3:22
  • Heal soul from sin ‑ Ps 41:4
  • Heal iniquity, Heal diseases ‑ Ps 103:1‑4
  • Healed from transgression ‑ Is 53:5, 1 Pet 2:24
  • Heal from disease ‑ Ex 15:26
  • Heal brokenhearted ‑ Ps 147:3

 

Although the above four sore judgments physically occurred to Israel, they can also be summarized spiritually as follows as activities that occur during the Great Tribulation:

• Famine – no bread of life, no Word of God, lack of Bible teaching (replaced with other false doctrines / teaching – idol of wisdom)
• Evil Beasts – Satan’s ministers desolating the land (wolves in the midst of the sheep – John 10:12) – results in catching sheep and devouring them or scattering them
• Sword – spiritual warfare, the righteous being persecuted, divided, hated and/or silenced

Pestilence – Pestilence – The church is a sin-sick environment

Shedding of Blood by Babylon

 

• Drunk with the blood of saints and martyrs of Jesus (Rev 17:6, 18:20, 19:2)
• Shed blood of prophets, saints, servants of God and all who were slain (Rev 18:24, 19:2)

 

Although Babylon has made the inhabitants of the earth drunk with the wind of her fornication (Rev 17:2), she herself is drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus (Rev 17:6).  To be drunk means to be able to not be able to spiritually discern right from wrong.  It is the opposite of being filled with the spirit (Eph 5:18) in order to be able to distinguish true from error.  In her drunken stupor, Babylon cannot recognize that drinking the blood of the saints and martyrs is wrong.  As the Bible teaches, the life of a person is in the blood (Lev 17:17).  Babylon has spiritually taken the lives away from the saints and martyrs of Jesus.  All true Christians are saints (1 Pet 1:2, 15, 2:24, 2 Thess 2:13, Heb 13:1, Col 2:11-13, 1 Cor 1:2, etc.) and martyrs (which literally means witnesses – 2 Cor 1:12, 2 Thess 1:10, Heb 11:4, 1 John 1:2, 1 Tim 6:13, etc.).

 

It is Biblically incorrect that saints (i.e., holy ones) and martyrs (i.e., witnesses) are a higher class of Christians.  All true Christians are holy and all true Christians have been crucified with Christ, die daily and were buried with Him (Gal 2:20, 5:24, 6:14, Ro 6:1-11, 1 Pet 2:24, Col 2:12, Is 53:9, 1 Cor 15:31, 2 Cor 11:23, 2 Cor 4:10-11).  We are killed all the day long (Ro 8:36) as we are persecuted, die to self and live for Christ.   Babylon has accounted true Christians in her midst as sheep to be slaughtered (Ro 8:36).  We are made to be spectacles and fools for Christ as we stand for the truth of God.  Babylon, in her love of the worship of other gods and idols of money, riches, pleasures, worldiness, etc. seek to silence and persecute the true believers in her midst that stand with Christ, live godly and speak the truth in love.   All Christians are also referred to as servants (or slaves) of Christ (2 Tim 2:24, 1 Pet 2:16, Eph 6:5-6, Ro 6:15-23, Ja 1:1, 2 Pet 1:1, Rev 1:1, 22:6, etc.).  As slaves, Christians will practice righteousness and would not want to participate in the worldliness of activities within Babylon.  Unlike Babylon, Christians do not love the things of the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17).  However, Babylon lusts after the things of the world (Rev 18:14).

 

Finally, the reference to Babylon shedding the blood of all who were slain on the earth.  Spiritually speaking, everyone who hates his brother is a murderer (1 John 3:15). To murder other people is to not love them, but to hate them.  The greatest love we have for our brother is to desire their salvation.  The standard of Jesus is that being angry with our brother is already considered as murder and calling him a fool is murder (Mat 5:21-22).  We find in Pr 11:9 that a hypocrite, with his mouth, destroys his neighbor.  Those who preach false gospels are akin to poisonous asps and their throat is as an open grave (Ro 3:13-16).  With their tongues, they bend their bows with lies and are not valiant for the truth (Jer 9:3).  These false prophets smite with their tongues (Jer 18:18) and sharpen their tongues like a serpent and are poisonous (Ps 140:3, James 3:8).  Death and life is in the power on the tongue (Pr 18:21).  Babylon uses her tongue to slay all those who inhabit the earth with her deadly poison of the false gospel of lust, worldliness and pervert the Gospel into lasciviousness (Jude 3-4).  She brings a false gospel of a works-based, free-will salvation program (Gal 1:6-10, etc.).  Christians in the corporate Christian church, Babylon, is like being among lions who are set on fire with teeth as spears and arrows and their tongues are like a sharp sword (Ps 57:4).  Swords are in their lips (Ps 59:7, 64:3, 120:3) as we discover that our spiritual battle (Eph 6) is within the corporate church called Babylon.

 

In 1 Pet 5:13, God informs us that Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote 1 Peter while with the elect at the city of Babylon.  It is interesting to observe that the over-riding theme of the book of 1 Peter is about suffering and the book was addressed to all the elect (chosen) in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (1 Pet 1:1-2).  The following sections discuss Christian suffering as: citizens in government (2:11-17), servants to earthly masters (2:18-25), in family relationships (3:1-12), in persecution (3:13-22), striving against sin (4:1-7), in Christian service (4:8-19, 5:1-11).

 

The killing of the prophets

 

It is important to note that the church (Israel) was responsible for the killing of the Old Testament prophets (Mat 23:30, Mat 23:37, Mat 5:12, mat 21:35-36, Mat 22:6, 2 Chr 24:21-22, Neh 9:26, Jer 2:30, Jer 26:23, Mk 12:3-6, lk 20:11-14, Acts 7:5-52, 1 Thess 2:156, Rev 11:7, 1 Sam 22:18, etc.). This literal occurrence becomes a type of the spiritual martyrdom of all Christians as they live out their lives.

 

Summary:

 

In summary, the blood shed by Babylon resulting in death should not be taken literally.  To be spiritually killed means to be persecuted for one’s true Christian faith and be silences by those who teach false things about God.  In this sense, we die daily in our spiritual warfare for the cause of Christ.

 

Method 2 – Scattering

Scattering in Olivet Discourse (during Great Tribulation)

Flee to mountains…(Mat 24:16)

Come out of Babylon (Rev 17-18)

… do not partake of her sins (Rev 18:4)

Next video: begins Babylon study series of videos

Spiritual Meaning:

Scattering of the flock due to false shepherds (Jer 10:21-22, 23:1-2)

Wolf scatters the sheep (e.g., John 10:12, Acts 20:29)

Persecution of true Christians – early church example (Acts 8:1-4, 11:19)

 

Scattering

 

The second method of desolating Jerusalem and the land was to scatter the people and make them flee.  There are several examples notable examples of God scattering His people:

• Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden – Gen 3:22
• The People from the land of Shinar – Tower of Babel (a.k.a., Babylon) – Gen 11:1-9
• Exile of the Northern 10 tribes of Israel to Assyria – 2 Ki 17

However, by far, the most discussed scattering of God’s people from their land was the fall of the southern tribe of Judah / Benjamin from Jerusalem / Judah.  This is the subject of major prophetic books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Micah and Zephaniah.

 

Scattering as a Punishment for Disobedience

 

In the lengthy discourse in Leviticus 26, regarding the punishment of Israel / Judah for disobedience to the lord God, we find this passage:

 

And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it. And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

(Lev 26:32-33)

 

We find in this passage clear linkage between the scattering (dispersal) of the people and the land being made desolate in order to allow the land to enjoy her sabbaths.  This prophecy was fulfilled in the scattering of the people of Jerusalem and the land of Judah by the king of Babylon (Satan).  As we read in Pr 20:26, a wise King scatters the wicked.  As we see in the story of the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9), God caused the people to be scattered due to their pride and self-salvation plan of building the tower into heaven.

 

In the Deuteronomy passages listing the curses for disobedience (Deut 28:16-68), we find in Deut 28:64-66:

 

And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it. And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone. And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:

(Deu 28:63-66)

 

In this passage we find that the people will be taken off of the land (made desolate) and they will be scattered.  In the land that they are scattered, they will serve other gods and idols.  In this passage, the people who will be scattered, will find no rest (i.e., no salvation).

 

It is interesting to note in both the Leviticus and Deuteronomy passages that the location that the people were scattered to: the heathen (see also Eze 20:23, 22:15, Zech 7:14, Neh 1:8).  Also, a sword would be drawn out after them.  In Lam 1:3, it says that the people will not find rest amongst the heathen.  In other words, the people were driven away from God, who is the source of their salvation.  In Eze 12:14-16, we find that God would only leave a few from the sword (see also Deut 4:27).  In other words, there will only be a small remnant left from those who are scattered into the nations (see Eze 6:8).

 

In Ezekiel 5, we find the parable of Ezekiel’s beard.  In this parable, we find in Eze 5:2 and 5:12 that 1/3 of the people would be consumed by pestilence and famine within Jerusalem, 1/3 would fall by the sword and 1/3 would be scattered to the wind and the sword would be after them.  In other words, the 1/3 scattered to the wind (Eze 5:10) would also fall by the sword in the nations where they fled, but only a few would be spared.  Those who would were symbolized by a few that were to be bound into Ezekiel’s skirts (Eze 5:3) recognize the few that were left in the land, but even them would be cast into the midst of the fire (Eze 5:4).  We also find in Eze 5:5-9, 11 that the people were being punished due to their wickedness and abominations (serving other gods, idols).

 

Ezekiel chapter 6 is another example (see also Eze 36:19, Jer 31:10, Eze 30:23, Eze 5:10-12, 12:14, 22:15, Ps 44:11):

 

And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain men before your idols. And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars. In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished. And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD. Yet will I leave a remnant that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall loath themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.

(Eze 6:4-9)

 

We find similar information that the people would be scattered due to their worship of other gods and idols.  Similar to the previous passages, the people would be scattered and there will be some who would escape the sword in the nations to where they were scattered.  We find important information in the above passage.  We also find that those scattered abroad would be a witness of the judgment of the Lord because of the people’s sin and abominable practices.  The remnant that goes forward, in essence is sent to preach the Gospel.  This has strong correlation to the dispersal of the Christians from Jerusalem that caused the Gospel to spread (see Acts 8:1).  More on this below in the discussion on ‘regathering’.

 

Israel / Judah become Scattered Sheep

 

An important metaphor for the scattering of Israel / Judah is that of scattered sheep.  For example:

 

Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

(Jer 50:17)

 

The northern 10 tribes of Israel was scattered in 709 B.C. by Assyria (see 2 Ki 17) and the southern kingdom of Judah was scattered by Babylon in 586 B.C.  Interestingly, the underlying cause of the scattering was as a result of the shepherds, which were not properly concerning salvation (i.e., resting place’ and sin:

 

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

(Jer 50:6-7)

 

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

(Jer 23:1-2)

 

We find later in Jer 23, the following behaviors of the pastors of Israel / Judah:

Jer 23:11 – prophet and priest and both profane, wicked

Jer 23:13 – folly in the prophets of Samaria, prophesied in Baal and caused Israel to err

Jer 23:14 – prophets in Jerusalem commit adultery, walk in lies, strengthen hands of evil-doers, they are like the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah

Jer 23:15 – profaneness gone forth into all the land from prophets of Jerusalem

Jer 23:16 – word of prophets are vain and speak a vision from their own heart, not from the Lord

Jer 23:17 – prophets say peace to those who despise the Lord, no evil will occur for those who walk after the imagination of their own hearts

Jer 23:21 – prophets not of the Lord, yet they prophesy

Jer 23:22 – had the prophets caused people to hear, they could have turned them from their evil way

Jer 23:25-26 – prophesy lies, saying that they dreamed, prophets of lies and deceit

Jer 23:27 – cause people to forget the Lord’s name by dreams as their fathers have forgotten Lord’s name for Baal

Jer 23:30 – prophets steal words from his neighbor

Jer 23:31 – prophets use their tongues and false say that their words are from God

Jer 23:32 – false dreams, cause people to err by their lies

Jer 23:33-36 – perverted the words of God

 

Based on the above Scriptures, we find that Israel / Judah were scattered for their sins, but their shepherds (priests / prophets) are the underlying cause since they taught the people rebellious ways.

 

The Fulfillment of Regathering of the Scattered People

 

There is hope.  Concerning the regathering of the scattered sheep, we find the promise of salvation (fulfilled in Jesus Christ) that Jesus Christ would be the True Shepherd who would regather the flock of God: Zech 13:6-7, Micah 2:11-12, Mat 26:31, Eze 34:5-6, 12, Jer 31:10-11, Mat 9:36-38, Lk 15:4-6, John 10:10-12, 1 Pet 2:25, Jer 23:1-6, Is 40:11, etc.

Also, a regathering of the remnant is promised.  In Eze 11:16-17, those that were scattered would still have a little sanctuary and God would once again gather them.  The re-gathering of Israel is the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ for the entire elect spiritual Israel (which includes Gentile and Jew): Ps 106:47, Is 11:12, Is 43:5, 43:9, 56;7-8, 60:4, 66:18, Jer 29:14, 31:8, 32:37, Eze 11:17, 16:37, 20:34, 41, 28:25, 34:13, 36:34, 37:21, 38:8, 39:27, Hos 1:11 (with Ro 11:25-26), 8:10, Micah 4:6, Zeph 3:19-20, Zech 10:8-10.

Spiritual Meaning of Scattering in the Great Tribulation

 

In the Olivet discourse, we find the following:

 

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

(Mat 24:15-21, see also Mark 13:14-19, Lk 21:20-24)

 

At the time of the Great Tribulation, there will be a time of disunity and scattering.  We also find in Rev 18:4, that true Christians are to depart from Babylon so as not to partake of her sins:

 

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

(Rev 18:3-6)

 

We also find in the New Testament that the following truth is recorded:

 

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

(Luk 11:23)

 

In this passage, we find that when there is disunity in the church, there will be scattering.  As we saw from the above Old Testament passages, scattering occurs due to false shepherds over the sheep (e.g., Jer 23, especially Jer 23:1-2, see also Jer 10:21-22, 12:10-12) as well as God scattered Judah at the hand of the King of Babylon due to the grievous abominations of Judah.  In addition, in the New Testament, we find that scattering (G1287, G1289, G1290, G4650) is the result of persecution and false teachers / ministers within the church:

• Persecution of the early church – Acts 8:1, Acts 8:4, Acts 11:19
• Those scattered who were addressed by James and Peter – James 1:1, 1 Peter 1:1
• He who does not gather with Christ, scatters – Mat 12:30, Lk 11:23 (false gospels)
• Disciples scattered when Jesus Christ arrested – John 16:32
• Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered – Mat 26:312, Mk 14:27
• Israel / Judah scattered – John 11:51-52 (represents church during Great Tribulation)
• Scattering by wolves in the flock – John 10:12 (wolves are symbolic of a beast that devours from within the flock resulting in scattering of the flock – Acts 20:29, Lk 10:3, Mat 10:15-16)

 

In the Olivet Discourse of Jesus Christ (Mat 24, Mk 13, Lk 21) which discusses the Great Tribulation, we find that false teaching and the Abomination lead to scattering:

• Many false prophets / deceivers – Mat 24:11
• Abomination of Desolation – Mat 24:15, Mk 13:14
• Those in Judea (those on housetops, those in field, those are with suck), flee to the mountains – Mat 24:16-20, Mk 13:15-18, Lk 17:31, Lk 21:21-23

 

In summary, we find that in the Great Tribulation there will be a scattering of God’s people.  God’s people will be inflicted with false gospels and persecution resulting in some needing to depart from the congregations.

Method 3 – Captivity

 

Great Tribulation:

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh … And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.   (Luk 21:20-24)

‘Led’ away literally means (go to another house)

Spiritual Meaning:

True Christians are captured in churches controlled by Satan, his demons and Antichrist

… among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart … and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall loathe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.  (Eze 6:9)

 

Captivity

 

The primary example of captivity in the Old Testament is that of Babylon taking many of the people of Judah and Jerusalem captive.  In fact, we find five discrete captivities of Judah during the 70 year desolation of Jerusalem / Judah:

1. Daniel and selected youth of Israel – Dan 1:1-5 (606 B.C.)
2. King Jehoiakim and 3023 captives – Jer 52:28, 2 Chr 36:6, 2 Ki 24:1-3 (599 B.C. – 598 B.C.)
3. King Jehoiachin (including Ezekiel, all princes, mighty men (7000), craftsmen and smiths (1000), Jehoiachin and family) – 2 Chr 36:10, 2 Ki 24;12-16, Jer 29:2, 52:1-3, Eze 1:1-3 (597 B.C.)
4. Fall of Jerusalem – King Zedekiah (18th year of Nebuchadnezzar, carried away captive 832 persons (Jer 52:29), poor remnant in city, those who fell away (Jer 1:3, 39:7-9, 52:15, 2 Ki 25;7 2 Chr 36:6) – (586 B.C.).
5. 23rd year of Nebuchadnezzar, 745 Jews carried away captive – Jer 52:30 (582 B.C.)

 

When the Old Testament discusses the carrying away of people captive, the phrase ‘carry away’ is the Hebrew word galah (H1540 and H1541) which literally means to strip a person of clothes (see Lev 18:6-19, Lev 20:18-19, Ruth 3:4 for several uses of this word that clearly show that the word literally means to strip a person naked (presumably this is what happened to captives).  This word occurs approximately 195 times in the Old Testament.  The Hebrew word for captive (H7617, H7622 and H7628) literally means captive.  This word is used about 120 times in the Old Testament.

 

We know that captivity is one of the methods that was used to make a land desolate from the following passage:

 

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

(Amos 9:14)

 

The word in this passage translated as ‘waste’ is the same word used for desolation.  So, we can see that when the captivity is returned, the land is no longer desolate.

 

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

(Isa 61:1-4, quoted in Mat 3:17, Lk 4:18-19)

 

In this passage, we find that proclaiming liberty to the captives is tied to raising up the former desolations.

 

Led Away Captives…to Babylon

 

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

(Luk 21:24)

 

We find that just as Judah was led away captive into Babylon, we find a similar situation during the Great Tribulation.  In Jeremiah 24, we find the parable of the two baskets of fruit.  One basket had very good figs and the other basket had evil figs that could not be eaten (Jer 24:2-3).   In Jer 24:5-7, we find that the good figs represented those who were carried away captive to Babylon.  The people carried away to Babylon were to be those that represented God’s people that would be chastened, but later saved (see also Eph 4:8, Ps 68:18, Ps 126:1‑4, Ps 14:7, 53:6, 85:1, Jer 12:15, 23:3, 29:10, 31:23, 32:37, 32:44, 33:7, 33:11, Lam 2:14, Ez 16:53, Zeph 2:7, Eze 11:15-17, 36:24, etc.):

 

Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

(Jer 24:5-7)

 

However, the evil figs represented those who would be killed by the sword, famine and pestilence (i.e., unsaved):

 

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus says the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt: And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them. And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

(Jer 24:8-10)

 

It is important to note that Rev 17-18 provides a very detailed of Babylon, which will exist during the Great Tribulation.  The great whore, Babylon represents the apostate church which is full of whoredoms, represents the pursuit of other gods and idols (Rev 17:4-5, 18:1-3).  God’s people are commanded to come out of her and do not partake of her sins.

 

Spiritual Meaning of Captivity

 

In the Great Tribulation, we find an explicit statement that Christians will be taken captive:

 

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh…And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

(Luk 21:20, 24)

 

We find in the parallel passage to Mat 24 concerning the Abomination of Desolation that Christians will be led away (spiritually) captive into all nations and Jerusalem (the spiritual Holy Place, where Christians physically gather together – i.e., the church) shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled (i.e., Judgment Day, see Rev 11).  But, we need to look further into the New Testament regarding the nature of the captivity.

 

In the New Testament, the Babylonian captivity was referred to in Acts 17:43 and Mat 1:11, 12, 17.  In these passages the Greek word used for ‘carry away’ is metoikesia which literally means to go to ‘another house’.  In other words, the New Testament refers to the Babylonian captivity as being carried away to another house.  Christians are referred to as being sons of God and therefore, part of God’s household, which is discussed extensively in the New Testament (see Eph 2:19, 3:15, Mat 10:25, Gal 6:10, 1 John 3:1, etc.).  Therefore, when Israel / Judah was taken into captivity, there was a symbolic meaning that they are no longer physically being shepherded by a church being run by true Christians, but by the church of Babylon (which is false Christianity).  This apostate church in the Great Tribulation is ruled by the Great Whore Babylon and is inhabited by demons and all foul spirits (Re 18:1-4).  We also recall that the King of Babylon is used as a metaphor for Satan, called Lucifer (Is 14:3-14).  Therefore, as true Christians are led away captives into all nations and the Gentiles trod down Jerusalem, this will be a period of time that Christians are taken captive by Satan as they are ‘captured’ in churches controlled by Satan and his demons.

 

Other words used for being taken captive in the New Testament (G161-G164, G2221, G4812) note the following:

• Those that are not Christians:
  • Taken captive by Satan – 2 Tim 2:26
• Those that are Christians:
  • Sharing the Gospel and converting people is as ‘catching’ fish – Lk 5:10
  • Christ ascended on high and led captivity, captive – Eph 4:8 (quoted from Ps 68:18, Jud 5:12)
  • Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience to Christ – 2 Cor 10:5
  • In the flesh, still in captivity to the law of sin – Ro 7:25
  • Led away captives into the nations as Jerusalem is trodden down of the Gentiles – Lk 21:24
• False teaching:
  • Lead into captivity those laden with sins and lusts – 2 Tim 3:6 (see also 2 Pet 2:19)
  • Led away by philosophy of men – Col 2:8

He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity – Rev 13:10

Tool 1 – Deception / Lies

 

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Rev 20:3)

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish …  (2Th 2:9-10)

… false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders … if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  (Mat 24:24)

And his [little horn] power shall be mighty … And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many … (Dan 8:24-25)

Deception – Famine

 

Olivet Discourse (Great Tribulation)

There shall be famines – Mat 24:7 (see also Eze 5:6-17, Jer 34:17, etc.)

Spiritual Meaning of Famine:

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. (Deut 8:3, Mat 4:4)

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.  (Dan 12:4)

Bible Passages concerning ‘False Prophets’

 

The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

(Jer 2:8)

 

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

(Jer 2:26)

 

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

(Jer 2:30)

 

And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.

(Jer 5:13)

 

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

(Jer 5:31)

 

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

(Jer 6:13)

 

Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

(Jer 8:10)

 

Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David’s throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.

(Jer 13:13)

 

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

(Jer 14:13)

 

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

(Jer 14:14)

 

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

(Jer 14:15)

 

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

(Jer 14:18)

 

Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

(Jer 23:9)

 

For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

(Jer 23:11)

 

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

(Jer 23:13)

 

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

(Jer 23:14)

 

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

(Jer 23:15)

 

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

(Jer 23:16)

 

I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

(Jer 23:21)

 

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

(Jer 23:25)

 

How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

(Jer 23:26)

 

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

(Jer 23:28)

 

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

(Jer 23:30)

 

Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

(Jer 23:31)

 

And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

(Jer 23:33)

 

And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

(Jer 23:34)

 

Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

(Jer 23:37)

 

Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

(Jer 26:8)

 

Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.

(Jer 26:11)

 

Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

(Jer 26:16)

 

Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:

(Jer 27:9)

 

Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

(Jer 27:14)

 

For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

(Jer 27:15)

 

Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD’S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

(Jer 27:16)

 

But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

(Jer 27:18)

 

Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck, and brake it.

(Jer 28:10)

 

And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.

(Jer 28:11)

 

Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

(Jer 28:12)

 

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

(Jer 28:15)

 

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

(Jer 28:17)

 

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

(Jer 29:8)

 

The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks.

(Jer 29:26)

 

Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

(Jer 32:32)

 

Where are now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?

(Jer 37:19)

 

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

(Lam 2:14)

 

And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

(Eze 14:9)

 

If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.

(Mic 2:11)

 

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Mat 7:15)

 

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

(Mat 24:11)

 

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

(Mat 24:24)

 

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

(Mar 13:22)

 

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

(Luk 6:26)

 

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

(Act 13:6)

 

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

(2Pe 2:1)

 

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

(1Jn 4:1)

 

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

(Rev 16:13)

 

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

(Rev 19:20)

 

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

(Rev 20:10)

 

Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace

 

They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

(Jer 5:12)

 

They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

(Jer 6:14)

 

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

(Jer 8:11)

 

We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!

(Jer 8:15)

 

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

(Jer 14:13)

 

Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

(Jer 14:19)

 

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies.

(Jer 16:5)

 

They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

(Jer 23:17)

 

And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

(Jer 25:37)

 

The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

(Jer 28:9)

 

For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

(Jer 30:5)

 

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

(Lam 2:14)

 

Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.

(Eze 7:25)

 

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:

(Eze 13:10)

 

To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

(Eze 13:16)

Tool 2 – Idolatry

… go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, says the LORD … Because ye have not heard my words, Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, says the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.   (Jer 25:6-9)

 

Idolatry in the New Testament

Idolatry is an Abomination (e.g., Ro 2:22)

Idolatry – 33 Occurrences in New Testament

Mostly refer to an actual object of worship

Greediness

… and covetousness, which is idolatry (Col 3:5)

Covetousness – literally, greediness

 

Idolatry = worship of Satan and his kingdom

–         New Testament

 

In the New Testament, the word ‘abomination’ only occurs 9 times (Greek words G946, 947 and 948), but is used in a very interesting way.  First, it is used in Rev 17:4-5 as referring to what is in Babylon’s cup that the leaders and people of the world drink from.  We also find it used to refer to idolatry (Ro 2:22, Rev 21:8, 27), consistent with the Old Testament.  It is also used in Lk 16:14-15 in the parable of the unjust steward.  In this passage, the Pharisees are referred to as abominable (church rulers at the time of Jesus).  In the passage, it refers to these church leaders as being covetous and hypocritical, yet highly esteemed among men.  Notably, false teachers in the church are also referred to as being abominable (compare Titus 1:9-10 with Titus 1:16).

 

The New Testament provides the following examples of idolatry:

1. Greediness (Col 3:5)
2. Demons (works of the hands – gold, silver, brass, stone, wood, which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk) – Rev 9:20
3. Objects that are revered, but cannot speak – 1 Cor 12:2
4. Temple robber – Ro 2:22 (John 2:16, Lk 19:45-46, Mk 11:17, Mat 21:13, Jer 7:9-11 – those in the church of God who practice, in part the burning of incense unto Baal and walk after gods whom they know not)
5. Israel’s calf – Acts 7:41, 1 Cor 10:7 (with Ex 32:1-8, 17-20, Ps 106:19-21)
6. Worshiping demons (false gospels) – 1 Cor 10:19-20 (eating things offered to idols – 1 Cor 8:1, 4, 7, 10, 1 Cor 10:19, 28, Rev 2:14, Rev 2:20 as opposed to eating / drinking of the Lord’s table)

 

Relating the Old and New Testament together, we can find that abominations are the worship of other gods and idols, promoted by false leaders and teachers within the church.  These abominations culminate in the abomination of desolation which is set up in the church of God in the Great Tribulation just before the return of Christ. It should be noted that in Rev 17:4-5, Babylon’s golden cup is full of these abominations.  The worship of other gods and idols such as worldly wisdom, money, riches, materialism, sports, cars, boats, homes, philosophy, other gospels, mysticism / occult, etc., etc. is fully prevalent in the world’s corporate Babylon Christian religion.

 

–         Worshiping Idols = Worshiping Demons (Satan’s messengers) – 1 Cor 10:14-21

 

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

(1Co 10:14-21)

 

In this passage, we find God’s command for His people to flee from idolatry (1 Cor 10:14).  As Christians, God’s people have fellowship (i.e., communion) with the blood and body of Christ.  The blood, since it is by the precious blood of Jesus Christ that we are saved (1 Pet 1:17‑19, Rev 5:9, Col 1:14, John 6:48‑58, Eph 1:7, Heb 9:22).  The bread, since Christians, as a body of true believers, are nourished by the bread of life, Jesus Christ, through His word, the Bible (Mat 4:4, John 6:63, etc.).  The warning in the 1 Cor 10:14-21 passage is that Christians have no business having communion (fellowship) with idols since this fellowship is equated with worshiping demons (1 Cor 10:20).

 

In 2 Cor 6:15, God warns us that there is no agreement with worshiping idols and being part of the temple of God (the collection of true believers).  The idol, in and of itself, is of no importance because it is just an object of this world that has no spiritual substance since there is only one true God (e.g., see 1 Cor 8:4-5, Rev 9:20, Col 3:5).  However, if a Christian eats of the things offered to an idol with a conscience that he or she is actually participating in a spiritual activity, then this is indeed fellowship with demons.  The person who eats of thigs offered to idols comes to spiritual harm as their conscience is defiled (see 1 Cor 8:7-13).  However, a Christian who knows that there is no true spiritual substance to the idol can partake without any spiritual harm (1 Cor 8:9-13).

 

The practical significance for Christians today is this.  First, based on 1 Cor 10:20, eating things offered to idols can be equated to participating in fellowship with idols.  Spiritually, eating things offered to idols is the spending of time in the worship of idols.  For example, one can be trapped in the idol of sports.  If this person becomes so involved that their time and substance is consumed being a sports fan to the detriment of one’s spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ, then this becomes eating of thigs offered to idols because they are actually worshiping idols with their time and energy.  Perhaps this person becomes so knowledgeable on his or her sports team that they know all the statistics and history of their team, but perhaps they are not knowledgeable about God’s ways in the Bible.  This is idolatry.  However, there could be another Christian that occasionally watches a sports game, but never to the extent of affecting his or her walk with Christ.  This latter person can eat of things offered to idols, but not be spiritually adversely affected since the sports team is not their idol.  However, the sports fanatic who serves this idol eats of the things sacrificed to idols (i.e., follows the team extensively) and therefore is having fellowship with idols (demons), while the other can eat of things offered to idols without making the sports team their idol.

 

1 Cor 10:20 equates the worshiping of idols to worshiping of demons.  This accords with several Old Testament passages that teach the same thing (such as Lev 17:7, Deut 32:16-17, 2Ch 11:15, Ps 106:37-39, see also, 2Cor 4:4, Rev 9:20).  These Old Testament passages also note that worshiping of idols is equivalent to worshiping demons.  The Bible also teaches that demons are the messengers (or angels) of Satan (Mat 25:41, Jude 6, Rev 12:7-9). Therefore, we should see worshiping idols is actually the worship of demons, which is the worship of Satan and his kingdom.  There are no other Gods than the true God of the Bible.  Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4) and his messengers are demons (fallen angels – Mat 25:41, Rev 12:7-9, 2 Cor 11:13-15), which are active in the church of Babylon (Rev 18:2).  There are only two kingdoms: the kingdom of God (in heaven) and the kingdom of Satan in the earth (1 Cor 3:10, 2 Cor 4:4, etc.).  If one worships and serves idols, they are serving Satan’s earthly kingdom:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

(1Jn 2:15-17)

 

–         Idolatry in the New Testament

 

And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

(Act 7:41)

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

(Act 15:20)

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

(Act 15:29)

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

(Act 17:16)

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

(Act 21:25)

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

(Rom 2:22)

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

(1Co 5:10)

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

(1Co 5:11)

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

(1Co 6:9)

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

(1Co 8:1)

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

(1Co 8:4)

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

(1Co 8:7)

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

(1Co 8:10)

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

(1Co 10:7)

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

(1Co 10:14)

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

(1Co 10:19)

But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

(1Co 10:28)

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

(1Co 12:2)

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

(2Co 6:16)

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

(Gal 5:20)

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

(Eph 5:5)

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

(Col 3:5)

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

(1Th 1:9)

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

(1Pe 4:3)

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

(1Jn 5:21)

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

(Rev 2:14)

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

(Rev 2:20)

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

(Rev 9:20)

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

(Rev 21:8)

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

(Rev 22:15)

 

 

 

–         Baal Worship

 

Baal was an ancient false god primarily in the land of Canaan. Baal (Hebrew words H1166 through H1178) simply mean ‘master’. Baal worship was noted in the Old Testament to be an abomination (Jer 7:9-11, Jer 32:35, 2 Chr 33:2-3).  Baal is a title that was applied to false gods in Old Testament times (and as we will see below, is a type or reference to Satan).  The word is sometimes used to describe an owner (e.g., Ex 21:28-36, 22:11-15, Job 31:37, Pr 1:19, Ecc 5:1-13, Is 1:3, 62:4-5).  It was also used in Old Testament times to describe a husband (e.g., Ex 21:22, Deut 21:13, 22:22, Pr 31:11, 23, 28, Jer 3:20, Joel 1:8, Pr 12:4).  The feminine version of Baal (i.e., Baalah) was also used to refer to a woman in power (i.e., mistress – 1 Sam 28:7, 1 Ki 17:17, Nahum 3:4).

 

However, most of the time, Baal referred to the god of the Moabites (Num 21:28, 22:41, 25:3-5, 32:38, Deut 4:3, 1 Chr 5:8, Ps 106:28, Eze 25:9, Hos 9:10), Zidonians (1 Ki 16:31), Midianites (Judges 6:25-33, 8:33) and Ammonites (Jer 40:14).  It is the god of these Canaanites, who the Lord drove out of the land, that Israel and Judah served (see 2 Chr 33:3, 2 Ki 21:3, Jud 2:11-13, 3:7, 8:33, 10:6-10, 1 Sam 12:10, 1 Sam 7:4, 2Ki 17:16, 2 Ki 10:18, etc.).

 

There were some notable judges and kings in Israel that put away Baal worship.  For example, Gideon (a.k.a., Jerubaal) rescued Israel from Midian, who worshiped Baal.   Gideon is well known for throwing down the altar of Baal, where his father made sacrifice (see Jud 6:25-32, 7:1, 8:29-35, 9:1-2, 5, 16-28, etc). However, after the death of Gideon, Israel promptly returned to the worship of Baal (Jud 8:33).  Other kings of Israel that served Baal include Ahaziah (1 Ki 22:53), Manasseh (2 Chr 33:4) and notably King Ahab of Israel, who had married Jezebel, the daughter of the Zidonian king (1 Ki 16:31-32, 1 Ki 18:18-26, 40, 1 Ki 19:18).  Notably, Jezebel had 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherim.

 

Altars to worship Baal were also constructed.  There were altars to burn incense to Baal (Jer 7:9, 11:13-17, 32:29, Hos 11:2).  There were also altars constructed to burn sacrifices to Baal (Jud 6:25-32, 1 Ki 16:32, 18:26, 2 Ki 11:18, 21:3, 2 Chr 23:17, 33:3, 34:3, Jer 11:13).  These sacrifices included corn, oil, silver and gold (Hos 2:8).  Also, Jer 19:5, 32:35 records that there were high places for Baal worship, which included burning children as sacrifices to Baal.  Judah had forgotten the Lord’s name in deference to Baal (Jer 23:37).  They walked after Baal (Jer 19:14, 2:23, 7:8-9) and swore by Baal (Jer 12:16).

 

Beelzebub is the Key to Understand who Baal Represents:

 

In the Old Testament, we find that Baal is a god that was extensively worshipped by the nations of Canaan, Israel and Judah.  But, just who is Baal?  How may Baal be applicable to the church today?  Have altars to Baal been set up within the church today?  Thankfully, God provides more insight for who Baal is in the New Testament.   The key linkage to understand who Baal is and represents today is found in the New Testament passages concerning the accusation by the Pharisees and scribes that Jesus cast out demons by the prince of demons, who is Beelzebub: Mat 12:22-32, Lk 11:14-23, Mk 3:22-30.  We can use the passage in Matt 12:22-32 to understand who Baal represents:

 

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

(Mat 12:22-32)

 

We find in this passage (Mat 12:24, 27) that Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.  The Greek word ‘Beelzebub’ (Greek word G954) is transliterated from the Hebrew word (Baal Zebub, H1176, literally ‘Lord of the flies – 2 Ki 1:2-3, 2 Ki 1:6, 2 Ki 1:16) as a parody and literally means ‘Master of the Dung’.   The parody involves the Hebrew title literally meaning ‘Lord of the Flies, while the Greek word used in Mat 12:24, 27 is ‘Lord of the Dung’.

 

The word ‘prince’ (Greek G758, archon) of the devils literally means ‘chief’ of the ‘source’ or first power.  So, it should become apparent that the Pharisees (Mat 12:24) and scribes (see Mk 3:22) claimed that Jesus was under the control of Satan since Satan would obviously be the prince (or chief) of the demons.  Moreover, in the passage itself (see Mat 12:25-26), Jesus asserts that if ‘Satan cast out Satan’ (i.e., the casting out of demons by Beelzebub), Satan would be divided against himself and Satan’s kingdom could not stand.  Therefore, it should be clear from this passage (see also Mat 10:25) that ‘flies’ in the Old Testament represented demons and ‘Baal’ spiritually represents Satan.

 

The fact that Baal means ‘master’ accords with the Scriptural assertion that Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4) and this world is evil (Gal 1:4).  This world is a dark place that exists in a state of confusion since Satan is in control.  God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Cor 14:33).  However, when we see confusion throughout the world, in religion and in churches, we know very well that Satan is at work in Babylon (which literally means confusion).  The Christian is commanded to keep himself unspotted from this world (James 1:27) and not to be conformed to this world (Ro 12:1-2).

 

Because Satan is often understood as a hideous, ugly, dark character as portrayed in the common culture of movies, media and folklore, it is easy to be deceived as to where Satan really is focused.  We are accustomed to believe from common culture that Satan resides in haunted houses or in other dark and creepy places.  However, that is not what the Bible teaches at all:

 

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

(2Co 11:3-4)

 

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

(2Co 11:13-15)

 

The Bible that teaches that Satan is transformed into an angel (or messenger) of light.  He is the author of subtle deception (Gen 3:4-13).  His ministers (demons) are also angels of light and do Satan’s bidding.  In fact, Babylon (which represents apostate Christianity) is the habitation of devils and every foul spirit (Rev 18:2).  Additionally, we find in Rev 2:9 and Rev 3:9 that churches were infiltratd by Satan and these churches were called ‘synagogues of Satan’:

 

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  (Rev 2:9)

 

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.   (Rev 3:9)

 

We find numerous New Testament warnings concerning those who creep into the churches and bring deception (2 Cor 2:17, 4:2, Mat 24:24, Acts 20:30-31, Gal 1:6-8, 2;4, 3:1, Eph 4:14, 6:24, Col 2:4, Col 2:8, Col 2:18, 2 Thess 2:3-11, 1 Tim 1:3, 4:1-4, 2 Tim 3:1-9, 3:13, 4:3-4, Tit 1:10, Heb 13:9, 1 Pet 4:17, 1 Pet 5:8, 2 Pet 2:1-14, 3:3, 3:17, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 4:1, 2 John 7-11, 3 John 9-11, Jude 3-4, Rev 12:9).  These warnings about false and perverted gospels and deception occur in almost every book of the New Testament.

 

–         The Babylon ‘cup’ connection between Jeremiah 51:7 and Revelation 17:4

 

It is important to note that Rev 17-18 has many quotes and allusions to Jeremiah 50-51.  Jer 50-51 was a prophecy concerning Babylon at the time of Judah’s captivity in the 6^th century B.C.  Babylon, at the time of the Fall of Jerusalem and Judah in the 6^th century B.C. was a portrait for the end-time condition of the corporate, worldly Christian church.  Judah had essentially been taken captive into the Babylonian state and the faithful were just a small remnant.  Jer 50-51 was a pronounced prophecy by God (though Jeremiah) that Babylon was to be destroyed by the Medes.  As we have discussed previously, the worship of false gods and idols was endemic within the kingdom of Babylon.  Rev 17:4 concerning the golden cup in the hand of Babylon is an allusion to Babylon being the golden cup in the Lord’s hand by which the nations have become drunken.  At the end of Jer 51:7, God provides us more detail in that Jeremiah recorded that “…therefore the nations are mad”.  The Hebrew word for ‘mad’ (Hebrew, H1984, halal) occurs more than 160 times in the Old Testament and is normally translated as ‘praise’ or ‘glory’.  It literally could mean ‘to shine’.  Just a few verses previously in Jer 50:38, Jeremiah declares that Babylon’s land is full of graven images and that they are ‘mad’ upon their idols.  In other words, Bablyon is Jer 50:38 was replete with false gods and idols and were made (or better, gloried) in their idols.  In Jer 51:7, the nations who were vassals to Babylon were also drunk with the cup of Babylon’s idols and were ‘mad’ (gloried).    But, this Hebrew word (H1984) is also significantly used (and very significantly emphasized) in Jer 9:23-23 as ‘glory’:

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.   (Jer 9:23-24)

In Jer 9:23, it can be seen that man’s wisdom, might and riches can be a source of man’s glorying.  In other words, they can become his idols.  Relating Rev 17:4, Jer 9:23-24, 50:38 and 51:7, it can be seen that Babylon’s propagation of her wine cup of fornication in worshiping the false gods and idols of man’s wisdom, might and riches.  Here are some practical examples of this spiritual fornication that is in Babylon’s cup:

 

Man’s Wisdom:

• Philosophy, education, knowledge, experiences, new age philosophies, research, media / television, history, entertainment, science, religious doctrines, legalism, false doctrine, false gospels, psychology, non-Biblical counseling, superstition, animism, books, pundits, theologians, gurus, imams, teachers, etc.

 

Man’s Might:

• Politics, business, sports, guns, finance, beauty / fashion, military, social standing, cliques, social media, special skills, body-building, manipulation, family / clan, alliances, business partners, mysticism / occult / new age philosophies, authority, denominations, churches, organizational titles / positions, rank, sex, extortion, money, influence, debates, achievements, accomplishments, goals, awards, etc.

 

Man’s Riches:

• Gluttony, money, stock, bonds, precious metals, accounts, possessions, houses, cars, planes, boats, fields, collections, antiques, televisions, computers, electronics, idleness, recreation, vacations, pleasures, alcohol, drugs, etc.

 

Obviously, the above examples is not a complete list.  But, it is important that we do not try to simplify the worship of other gods and idols as limited to primitive idol worship and mythical gods.  Our god is whatever becomes the most important to us in our lives.  The examples above are not necessarily sinful, unless they become our god / idol.  Our gods and idols are what we worship with our time and energy.  For example, Col 3:5 teaches us that greed is really idolatry.  We find that we can depart from the faith by giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Tim 4:1).  By definition, Babylon is confusing; to wit, the confusion and error of many prevalent Christian doctrines.  Many false prophets and teachers have arisen to temp u to worship the demonic Babylonian religion (see Mat 24:11-12, 1 Tim 4:1, 2 Pet 2, Jude 3-4 with Rev 18:2).

 

If we dwell on the examples in the above three categories, we can begin to see that most Christian churches often promote, enjoin, support or at least tolerate most if not all of these activities.  Of course, as human beings living in a physical world, we participate in life and therefore, need to engage in these type of activities in order to function in the world.  None of the items above are sin in and of themselves.  But, when they become more important in our energy and time than God, then these things become our god and / or idol.  We must do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).  We must examine ourselves to see if we are indeed in the faith of Christ (2 Cor 13:5).  If we find any of these things more important that our relationship with Jesus Christ, woe be unto us and my God immediately correct us.

Tool 3 – Lawlessness

 

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work … and then shall that Wicked be revealed (2 Thess 2:7-8)

Iniquity, wicked = lawless

… with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved … but had pleasure in unrighteousness.  (2Th 2:10-12)

Lawlessness = no law, not bound to obedience to the Bible (against the Bible)

What is Lawlessness?

• Iniquity (Greek words G458 (anomia), G459 / G460 (anomos))
  • Gr: anomia (literally, without law)
  • ‘a’ (without) + ‘nomos’ (law)

 

Lawlessness Verses in the New Testament

 

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Mat 7:23)

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
(Mat 13:41)

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
(Mat 23:28)

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
(Mat 24:12)

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
(Mar 15:28)

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for () the things concerning me have an end.
(Luk 22:37)

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
(Act 2:23)

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(Rom 2:12)

Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
(Rom 4:7)

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:  for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
(Rom 6:19)

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
(1Co 9:21)

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
(2Co 6:14)

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth  will let, until he be taken out of the way.
(2Th 2:7)

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
(2Th 2:8)

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
(1Ti 1:9)

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(Tit 2:14)

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore  God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
(Heb 1:9)

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
(Heb 8:12)

And their sins and iniquities() will I remember no more.
(Heb 10:17)

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:   for sin is the transgression of the law.
(1Jn 3:4)

For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds
(2Pe 2:8)