In the Book of Revelation, two women symbolize two kingdoms.
One woman is called Babylon the Harlot. Harlot in the Bible is used metaphorically for an unfaithful bride of Christ. A corrupt or false church that rides (partners with) the beast or anti-Christ to persecute the true servants of God. Her days are numbered. The Lord will end her era of influence.
“Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast [the anti-Christ] that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adultery. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.” [1]
“They (sea merchants) will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: ‘Woe, woe to you, great city [Babylon], where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’ Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” [2]
The other woman is the Bride of the Lamb (Christ). She loves, adores, and praises Jesus Christ. By the power of Christ’s Spirit within her, she proclaims His promise of eternal salvation to all who listen. Her ambassadors proclaim Christ not themselves. He forgives and cleanses them from sin. His Spirit within them produces fruits of love, joy, and peace. The Bride of Christ remains true to her covenant with God to love Him by keeping His commands and by proclaiming the glories of her bridegroom: Jesus Christ. Jesus has planned a happily-ever-after for her.
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” [3]
Babylon will fall suddenly. The Bride of Christ enjoys a happily-ever-after thanks to Christ!
A hymn by Timothy Dwight comes to mind:
“I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
I love Thy Church, O God,
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye
And graven on Thy hand.
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.
Jesus, Thou Friend Divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.”
[1] Revelation 17:3-6
[2] Revelation 18:19-20
[3] Revelation 19:6-8
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