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Chuck Smith

Commentary on Revelation 17-18

Chuck Smith explains the divine judgment on the false religious system symbolized by Babylon, revealing the spiritual deception and ultimate downfall foretold in Revelation 17-18.
In this expository sermon, Chuck Smith delves into Revelation chapters 17 and 18 to reveal the divine judgment against the false religious system symbolized by Babylon. He explores the spiritual deception that has ensnared many souls and connects biblical prophecy with historical and spiritual insights about ancient civilizations. Through this teaching, Smith warns believers to be vigilant against false prophets and reassures them of God's ultimate victory over evil.

Text

In chapter seventeen, we now have the specific judgment of God upon the false religious system that has damned the souls of so many men through deception. Jesus warned us to "beware of false prophets who will come looking like sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15). And the false religious system, which traps the souls of men and its judgment, is coming. Chapter seventeen tells us of this judgment. Babylon is used in the scripture as a symbol of confusion, because it was in Babylon where man, in rebellion against the living God, decided to build a tower whereby they could communicate with the universe. Ancient man was not as primitive and ignorant as we think him to be. They had tremendous means of communication. Perhaps even superior to ours, because there are indications that they had developed methods whereby they could communicate with other beings outside of the earth. It is interesting Stonehenge in England, one of the communication centers, it was set up to match with the zodiac. But all through North America the Indians also had miniature Stonehenges, where it was just a miniature of what was that large finding in England where they would sit in the middle and communicate with the spirits. They were set exactly in alignment as is Stonehenge with the zodiac. The large stones set on top of silicate, we know that to make a little receiver what you do is take a crystal, and by just through the crystal you can actually-Have you ever had a crystal set where you have tuned in and listened to the radio on a crystal set? When we were kids we used to always be making crystal sets and it was always exciting to hear the radio with the crystal. And with just moving the crystal a bit you could get different stations. We know that there is that communicating power within the crystal. We also know that energy is produced by the compression of crystal or silicate, and thus, these large stones were set upon crystal, compressing it and creating an energy force. Then the ability to transmit and to hear and communicate. It is also thought that that could be the purpose of the great pyramids, which again are in alignment with the zodiac. So, in Babylon, they were going to build this tower to communicate with heaven, and because they had advanced and developed so in their science and in their capacities, God said, "Look what man is seeking to do now. If we don\

Sermon Outline

  1. I
    • Introduction to the judgment of the false religious system
    • Explanation of Babylon as a symbol of confusion
    • Historical context of ancient communication methods
  2. II
    • The spiritual deception of false prophets
    • The significance of the tower of Babel
    • God's response to man's rebellion
  3. III
    • The symbolism of Babylon in Revelation
    • The coming judgment on the false system
    • The impact on souls trapped by deception
  4. IV
    • Lessons from ancient civilizations' spiritual practices
    • The warning for believers to beware of deception
    • The hope of God's ultimate victory

Key Quotes

“Jesus warned us to 'beware of false prophets who will come looking like sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves' (Matthew 7:15).” — Chuck Smith
“Babylon is used in the scripture as a symbol of confusion, because it was in Babylon where man, in rebellion against the living God, decided to build a tower whereby they could communicate with the universe.” — Chuck Smith
“God said, 'Look what man is seeking to do now.'” — Chuck Smith

Application Points

  • Be vigilant and discerning to recognize and avoid false religious teachings.
  • Trust in God's justice and ultimate judgment over deceptive systems.
  • Stay rooted in Scripture to withstand spiritual confusion and deception.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Babylon symbolize in Revelation?
Babylon symbolizes confusion and a false religious system that deceives many and faces God's judgment.
Why is the tower of Babel important in this sermon?
It illustrates mankind's rebellion and desire to communicate with heaven apart from God, leading to divine judgment.
What warning does Jesus give about false prophets?
Jesus warns that false prophets appear harmless like sheep but are inwardly dangerous wolves.
How does the sermon relate ancient structures to spiritual deception?
Ancient sites like Stonehenge and pyramids are discussed as centers of spiritual communication linked to false practices.
What is the main takeaway for believers?
Believers should be vigilant against spiritual deception and trust in God's ultimate judgment and victory.

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