The Wine of Babylon

Note: This is part two in a three part series on reasons to memorize Scripture all drawn from Revelation 14. For more information, check out our Crash Course. Better still, sign up for our life-changing Breakout Memory Challenge. 30+ verses in 30 days. Enrollment opens soon...

A mysterious woman riding on a beast

In Revelation 14, three angels are depicted as giving powerful messages "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (). And evidently these messages are perfectly calculated to prepare an endtime people for the final crisis, for they produce a people who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (). While the first angel gives a call to fear God, the second angel gives a stark warning about the wine of Babylon:

Revelation 14:8
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Without going into a detailed analysis of the prophetic symbolism in this passage, I'll simply say that it's generally agreed among Bible scholars that Babylon represents a corrupted form of Christianity, and the wine with which it has intoxicated leaders throughout the world, is its promulgation of distorted interpretations of the Bible. The book of Daniel, describing this same prophetic power, says "it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered" (). And historically, that is exactly what happened.

Five hundred years ago, this month, a lowly monk named Martin Luther took steps to reverse that process. Basically, he posted a treatise on the doors of Wittenburg Chapel pointing out various faulty teachings of the established church. And Europe soon convulsed into religious conflict. Groups began to splinter, and then fragmented again and again, even further. Each group headed out in pursuit of some new truth, or some new error--until we've reached the point today where there are more than 30,000 Christian denominations in the world. And each has its own distinct interpretation of the Bible! To use Paul's words, "every wind of doctrine" is blowing.

And the situation is only going to get worse. Paul describes the last days as "perilous times" and warns that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (). Countless millions are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (). And the more society drifts away from even the basics of biblical literacy, the more susceptible society will be to these deceptions.

Here's how one writer describes our day:

The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures . . . None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. (Great Controversy p. 593)

As dark as this all sounds, the Bible also makes it clear there is going to be another movement heading the opposite direction. Peter tells us Jesus will not return from heaven "until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (). The truth, so scattered among the various churches will once again be restored, and gathered together. Our destiny as believers is bright, for "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (). And that destiny is sure.

And actually, this pressing together toward biblical truth is going to lead to a great harvest. According to the prophet Micah, "many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem" (). Jesus himself said "other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (). Amidst all the confusion of Babylon, there is going to be a great final proclamation of truth.

In other words, the greater the darkness, the brighter the light. During the great apostasy of the dark ages, the prophet Daniel described a small minority in these words: "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many" (). Similarly, the prophet Isaiah described the last days in these words: "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee" ().

The second angel thus points to two opposing trends: rampant error spreading throughout the whole world, and a smaller group coming into "the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (). And it is this contrast between the two that constitutes our second reason to memorize.

The second angel is not just a call to interpret some prophetic symbol, or even to expose its identity to the world. That is certainly a part of it. But more, it is a call to get serious about fortifying our minds with the truths of the Bible. To have such a thorough understanding of Scripture we will be able to escape those deceptions soon to take the whole world captive. And perhaps to others escape them as well.

Now, more than ever, God is looking for workers willing to take their stand for truth in this last great conflict. Workmen who can rightly divide "the word of truth" (). Watchmen who will give the trumpet a certain sound (). He's looking for men and women who are able "by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" ().

The second angel's message is a call to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good (). To share it effectively in such perilous times, we must learn to "keep in memory" the teachings of the Bible (). Only then, will the Holy Spirit bring it to memory in time of crisis.

To be prepared for the deceptions soon to break upon the world, we should make a serious effort to begin memorizing Scripture, now.

Comments

How important is truth? Are you growing in your theological understanding of the Bible? And in your ability to share it? Have you made that commitment to fortify your mind with Scripture?

Can you help by sharing this article with a friend?
Use this link: http://fast.st/173/

	Posted by Dan Vis on 04/01/21 - Coach
	Sure Nora, just click the TEAMS link at the top of any page and follow the instructions to register your team. It's pretty straightforward. Reach out if you have any questions!

	Posted by Nora on 03/31/21
	This is a follow up of your suggestion to register our church plant, Living Waters to the Basic Training lessons so that we could have unlimited access. Please Help me to register and give us the monthly receipt charged to my account. Looking forward for your soon response.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/24/21 - Coach
	I too have had my thinking shifted a bit by the craziness of this past year--that verses like II Timothy 4:3-43 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. are not just talking about theological issues, but all sorts of wild ideas. I have to admit I didn't see that one coming, but now I'm thinking it's likely only going to get worse. Much worse. I also really liked this line. "Whether or not the information is true is not so much the issue as is the fact that the information serves as a distraction". So true Valerie... Definitely not trying to pound on anyone Nora! :) But it really is important, and we all need reminding of these things sometimes. And so exciting that you are getting your new church plant off the ground with a solid foundation in discipleship. So thrilling. As for accessing the lessons, just register a team. You'll have full access to all our study guides for local use. Just download at any time, and use just what you need. Let me know if you have any questions, or if there's anything else we can do to help.

	Posted by Nora on 03/22/21
	Thank you Pastor Dan for pounding to on us living in the last days to keep the Words of God written in our hearts as commanded by the Lord, and grow In the knowledge and wisdom of the God so we can live it and rightly dividing the Word of God. As I told you before we in our new church plant wanted to introduce the Basic training but not all of them could attend and counted 9 of them wanted the nine lessons.We had the old order form address and phone number here in Australia but We were not able to get a response even using the email address. How can we get 9 sets of the Basic Training set thru online so we can start it right away. Our time zone not conducive for on line class study with you .So we will make sure we have these lessons according to time most available for the group. And we have scheduled filled already until May. Thank you in advance and please send me the bill.

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 03/21/21 - Coach
	Dan, Powerful! I am struck by the gravity of this message particularly at this time because there is so much information being propelled at us from so many channels. I have dear Christian friends who send me information about various conspiracies regarding the vaccine, the government, the GC, etc., etc., etc.,! And sometimes I believe them! However, by God's grace, I have good friends who provide counsel that points me back to the Source of all Wisdom and Truth, God's Holy Word. Whether or not the information is true is not so much the issue as is the fact that the information serves as a distraction from studying the Bible and other sound spiritual books like The Desire of Ages, The Great Controversy and Steps to Christ. There are other books that give my mind good spiritual and intellectual food that is helping me to move away from the spiritual junk food that is being passed along by many. Finally, the true Guide to all truth is God's Holy Spirit, It is by His direction that I can know truth. I listened to a message by Pastor Randy Skeete about idolatry and error. It was a perfect segue into the reading this morning. That to me is more evidence of the Holy Spirit's guidance "into all truth."

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/15/21 - Coach
	Agreed Laurie. It really is a life and death issue. I always remind myself of the statement "error is never harmless". That is, there is an agenda behind every lie introduced by the enemy, so we should be careful to never trivialize any misrepresentation of Scripture. Just because we don't see the danger, doesn't mean it is not there.

	Posted by Laurie Wissink on 03/15/21 - Coach
	"...So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them, except by the holy scriptures..." Since Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy us, seeking to deceive us by his "marvelous" or miraculous works, and the only way to not be deceived by these marvelous works is by knowing what scripture says myself...this makes "truth" at least to me, a life and death issue. Barbara I love how you put into such beautiful language another reason for memorizing God's word. Truth is important, but so is that relationship with God "breathing the atmosphere of heaven" 😊 "Your words were found and I ate them and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart..." Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts..

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/01/21 - Coach
	I love your post Barbara, especially this part: "Studying God’s word is like breathing the atmosphere of heaven". It is indeed great treasure, isn't it?

	Posted by Barbara E. LaRose on 01/31/21
	I truly want my mind filled with God’s word. Jesus used it when tempted by satan in the wilderness always meeting him with a thus switch the Lord. I want that! Studying God’s word is like breathing the atmosphere of heaven. I feel closer to him. He speaks to my heart through his word! I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great treasure.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/26/20 - Coach
	Yes, so true Carla! A great deception is coming--and only a genuine love of the truth will be enough to protect us (II Thessalonians 2:10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.). Time to dig in to the Scriptures...

	Posted by Carla Phillips on 10/25/20
	Bible truth is what will prepare us for the coming tribulation. Without knowing Bible truth we wouldn't be able to recognize the counterfeit (Antichrist) that will come. We need to learn and know the scriptures so we will know and be ready

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/25/20 - Coach
	Agreed Carole! There is terrible confusion in the world. So important that we cling as tightly to the Word as we can! :)

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 10/25/20
	As never before, knowing the Word of God is so vital for ourselves and to share truth with others. I strive to read three chapters a day in the morning when I am fresh. I believe people are hungry and will listen now to the truth. Blessings, Carole

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 03/24/19
	It's vital we know the truth. Otherwise confusion takes place. This is what the world deals with.Daily being in His Word is vital. BLESSINGS Carole

	Posted by Dan Vis on 05/06/18 - Coach
	Pam, my first mission trip out of the country was to Romania, not too long after communism had fallen. And I remember hearing many incredible stories while there. The hunger for the memorization training we offered was powerful! Mad a huge impression on me. Big contrast to many back here in the US at the time... I remember a quote (not the exact wording) about how we will soon see that the Antichrist power is just as well able to work in times of information abundance, as in times of information scarcity--perhaps for the very reasons you mentioned. A great counter question in your comment!

	Posted by Pamela Kendall on 05/06/18
	I'm loving this series on the connection of the 3 Angels' Messages with scripture memory! I think I am getting more out of it the 2nd time around than the first. Thanks for pointing us back to these articles at BMC Dan ! I was reading a book yesterday called The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken. He was out interviewing Christians who had lived through persecution trying to determine if and how faith could thrive in hard places. One story he heard is worth sharing in brief here: Some pastors gathered together about 700 young people for a youth congress (the pastor's ended up going to jail for this afterward). During the conference they asked the young people to see how much of the gospels they could reproduce from memory as a team... and they were able to reproduce all 4 gospels with only 10-12 mistakes! (And they had not been told in advance they would be asked to do this). This happened in times of persecution... the author visited this country after some freedom had been given to the church for about 10 years. When he asked the young people in the "free" time how many Bible stories they knew the list was fairly short and when he asked them how many names of books of the Bible they knew they said "not very many". What made the difference? (See pages 164-165) "Under communism the church had found a way to survive and often thrive. Scripture and holy song was its lifeblood. Now in a much freer day for the church, Scripture and holy song did not seem nearly as important." (page 166). This lead me to ask an opposite question to that of the author... HOW can faith thrive in times of ease... times like ours when we have great freedom to worship God and when the Bible is freely available with multiple copies in our homes and on our phones and gadgets? The Bible is so common we often fail to recognize what a treasure it is. Like a currency decreases in value if too much money is printed... we fail to see the value of something that is freely available when there is no scarcity. If gold became as common as gravel we would start ignoring it and stop picking it up. Psalms 19:7,10The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. . . . More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. We fail to see our need for God and the word when we don't feel we are in danger. But times of freedom hold more subtle danger...we just don't recognize it because it is so subtle... Indeed "Perilous times" are upon us even now for men are more than ever before "lovers of their own selves" and "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God" "having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof." II Timothy 3:1-51 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. The devil is mixing his poisonous wine and disguising it with attractive "good sounding" thought patterns. The only way we can detect and escape the subtle dangers of our own times of ease, the only way we can detect and escape the "Babylonian" dangers yet coming is to "fortify our minds with scripture" now. God's word must be our "Lifeblood" now. We must fortify our minds with scripture NOW... and not wait for times of obvious mortal danger in the future days of persecution. Our danger is more serious now when things are easy for we are lulled to sleep and don't see our need Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: ; I Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind. GC 519:2a

	Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 11/02/17
	Merilyn - How nice to see a comment from you again. Lovely to have you here. :-) Thank you for those thoughts about fixing our minds on God's love. It does indeed simplify our lives.

	Posted by Merilyn Aveling-Rowe on 10/31/17
	Arthur THANKS for this insight. I've written out that text! And your insight on my card. I'm "into" transformational thinking - and this is great. "Since His love is constant, why would I want to discuss the evil or problems in my life, except to bring my needs and the needs of others to Him for intervention?!" It's all about being wise and setting our minds on the goodness of the LORD and His constant love. Oh that simplifies life! Setting our minds. Choosing what to think about. THANKS.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/26/17 - Coach
	Wow, what a verse Arthur! Just in time for our Psalms Breakout Challenge! I'm adding that one to my list... Aaron, glad you found this helpful! Appreciate the prayer i your comment. Such a profound and important one! You are welcome Debbie!

	Posted by Debbie Payne on 10/23/17
	Thank you for this timely message and reminder to focus on God's word and to hide His words of love in our hearts. Blessings!

	Posted by Aaron Wilson on 10/22/17
	Praise God, such a relevant memo for the times we are living in. May we truly submit to the Holy Spirit leading us to have God's Word hidden in our hearts to have a firm connection with Jesus daily! God bless all and thanks again for sharing this memo and all the encouraging comments by everyone.

	Posted by Arthur Martens on 10/21/17
	Amen to all the Work of The LORD in each of us! He brought me to tears with Psalms 107:43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. today. while reviewing it He impressed on my heart how the wise have their minds set on the Goodness of The LORD and His constant love. Since His Love is constant why would I want to discuss the evil or problems in my life except to bring my needs and the needs of others to Him for intervention?!

	Posted by Diane Castanon on 10/20/17
	Thank you for your suggestion, Dan!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/20/17 - Coach
	Jackie, Violeta, appreciate your positive testimony about the hope and help in God's Word. Thank you for your comments! Good idea Diane about doctrinal topics. At this point are plans are to focus on specific books or sections of the Bible, but we might try experimenting with other kinds of challenges as well. We'll see! In the meantime, remember we have all kinds of verse sets on various topics. You may want to try working on some of those... :)

	Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 10/19/17
	Quite right, Jackie - those who seek God early will find Him! :-) He is an anchor to our souls, Violeta. And as you say, we need an Anchor in these times. Interesting thoughts, Diane, about Topic specific Memory Challenges. This will help us fix necessary truths into our minds. What do you think, Dan? On Facebook, Nenavathu Ajay (a FAST Missions member) started a page where we can all write our verses out that we are memorizing each week. It is encouraging to do so. It is accountability. This past week, I put my two weekly verses on the page, and also two on doctrinal topics I am now focusing on as well, so that I can know what I believe. I have also felt that I need to have those verses on the tip of my tongue. It is interesting that your thoughts are running in that direction too, Diane. :-)

	Posted by Diane Castanon on 10/18/17
	You hit the nail on the head for me, Dan! Lately, though, I've been having difficulty memorizing, so the Memory Challenge is going to be of a great help to me, as well as holding me accountable. I understand the Memory Challenge will be on the book of Psalms. Will there be future Memory Challenges that cover other Bible truths, like death, 2nd coming, Revelation Prophecies, Daniel prophecies, etc, so that we will be better prepared to give an answer from the Bible?

	Posted by Violeta Buckley on 10/17/17
	Reading and memorizing scriptures really helps in my spiritual growth. I always find ways to share it to others to let them realize how perilous are the days we have now on earth and that through God's words we will find strength and comfort to stand the hardship we are facing.

	Posted by Jacqueline on 10/17/17
	There is so much hope in the word we need to commit to memorizing the word so we are not caught unaware. It is such periolous rimes. For those who believe we have an anchor Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and he is our guide. If you seen him early you shall find him.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/16/17 - Coach
	Thanks everyone! Glad you all found this memo encouraging, and love reading your testimonies! Ann, Colette, Valerie, Joyce, Carole Exciting to hear how God is working in each of you, and also through you. :)

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 10/16/17
	It is very clear to me the importance of knowing scripture. When we are tested we have only the Word of God to turn to, and its all we need. Three times a week, when I walk, I take my index cards and go over the verses I have memorized so far. They are helping me to learn His word, and then to pray it changes my life, and then, to be able to share with others. Blessings, Carole

	Posted by Joyce Augustinis on 10/16/17
	I am glad to say that all this bible memorizing has been such a benefit to me. First of all I love memorizing the verses and they will be helpful to me when I go out to follow up on bible study cards this next week. Pray that the people will still be interested in doing them and that I will have the time to meet with them. For me it is time to teach what I have learned and at the same time put more scripture in my mind to help answer questions.

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 10/16/17 - Coach
	These are very somber words. I want to hide His word in my heart. His word is our only defence.

	Posted by Colette Guthrie on 10/16/17 - Coach
	I am thankful for this reminder. On Sabbath last someone came to me at church to say he heard I could guide him on learning how to memorize. I have him this website and will be following up by email. My friend says she was benefited from the texts I learn when she was my review/accountability partner. So I am commited to keep memorizing and to sharing the techniques I learn here. His bless you Dan.

	Posted by Ann Lavenburg on 10/16/17
	This is the best Monday memo yet. The final days are upon us and we need to fortify our minds with the scriptures.

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