In my Quiz - 10 End Time Questions there were two questions that require defense and explanation (#1 and #4). I will briefly address Question 1 here and Question 4 in a few days. Eventually I intend to write studies for each question.

1. Babylon the great is fallen... For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication... Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins. Rev 18:2-4. Who or what is Babylon today?
   a. False church(es)
   b. Church of Rome
   c. Government of men
   d. The United States


This question was almost universally answered as "a. False church(es)". The answer I propose is "c. Government of men". It is more correctly "Government of Satan" but Satan operates his governments through proxy minions of men.

We have been taught for many years that Babylon, the mother of harlots represents the false church and that Jerusalem, the pure bride, represents the true church. An Internet search will produce hundreds of pages that agree and teach this. I know of no other source teaching otherwise. So, I understand your answer.

But I challenge you to find proof of this written in scriptures. You won't find it in the old testament because it is silent on "church". You won't find it in all the gospels because there are only two references to "church" (both in Matthew that we will discuss below) and the word actually used was "ekklesia". If you do find it, please share it with me.

Revelation 12 describes the woman that has traditionally been interpreted to mean the true church. But, even here it is discussing "KINGDOM" and WAR, not "church".

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the KINGDOM of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

Some interpret "keep the commandments of God" to mean "church" (obedience to religious precepts) but I contend that, instead, it is just good citizenship. Citizens of the "kingdom" are subject to the laws of their King. This isn't religion, it's government. (see Keep HIS Commandments)


Here is what we KNOW about the two women: