By Dr. Phil Spears
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.’” – Revelation 18:4
Throughout the history of the Church, few biblical images have stirred more debate, warning, and conviction than the Whore of Babylon in Revelation 17 and 18. Draped in purple and scarlet, holding a golden cup full of abominations, seated on many waters—this figure is not only symbolic of spiritual harlotry, but of a system that intoxicates the nations with her false worship, political alliances, and moral compromise.
As a Bible teacher and theologian, I write today not to cast stones, but to issue a solemn and biblical warning to all believers: we must come out of Babylon—whatever form she takes in these last days. Whether that be the hierarchical religious systems that replace the Word of God with the traditions of men, or the independent churches that exchange doctrinal fidelity for worldly philosophies and compromise, the call remains the same: “Come out of her, My people.”
The Woman on the Beast: Who Is She?
Revelation 17 describes a woman “arrayed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations” (v.4). She is “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations” (v.5). She is drunk on the blood of the saints.
Let us consider:
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Purple and Scarlet: These are the official liturgical colors of some religious hierarchies, notably the vestments of cardinals and bishops in the Roman Catholic Church.
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Golden Cup: A chilling parallel exists with the chalice of the Mass, which is held up as sacred but—if not rooted in sound doctrine—can become a symbol of idolatrous ritualism (Jeremiah 51:7).
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The Seven Hills (Revelation 17:9): “The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.” Ancient Rome was famously known as the city on seven hills—a point many early Protestants saw as no coincidence when applied to the Roman Catholic Church.
But this warning is not limited to Roman Catholicism. In today’s age, Babylon has daughters. The mother of harlots has given rise to many who imitate her form: churches that preach prosperity instead of repentance, psychology instead of the cross, moralism instead of the Gospel.
Babylon in the Independent Church Movement
Let us not assume that because a church is non-denominational or independent, it is immune to Babylon’s seduction. On the contrary, many of today’s self-proclaimed “Bible churches” have drifted into:
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Doctrinal shallowness: Hebrews 5:12 rebukes those who still need milk, not solid food. How many sermons today are nothing more than pep talks, avoiding sin, hell, judgment, and repentance?
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Man-centered theology: The message of the cross is often replaced with messages of self-empowerment. The Gospel is no longer about Christ crucified, but about “your best life now.”
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Lack of biblical authority: Many churches downplay or even deny the inerrancy of Scripture. Yet Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
These are not small issues. Revelation 18:3 says that “all nations have drunk the wine of her passion,” and this influence is now global. Both tradition-bound institutions and doctrinally weak independents can fall under her spell.
What Is Babylon, Really?
Babylon represents more than just a single denomination or movement. She is a system of false worship, a fusion of religion and political power, a counterfeit church that mimics the Bride of Christ but is rooted in rebellion.
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She persecutes true believers (Revelation 17:6).
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She partners with kings and merchants (Revelation 18:3), symbolizing ungodly union with political and economic powers.
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She markets souls (Revelation 18:13), showing the commodification of spiritual things for profit.
The Call to Separation and Truth
This is not a call to sectarianism or pride—but to discernment and repentance.
“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
To all my brothers and sisters in Christ:
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If you are in a system that exalts human authority over Scripture, come out.
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If your church preaches another gospel (Galatians 1:6–9), come out.
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If the Word of God is not central, if repentance is ignored, if sin is rebranded as self-esteem—come out.
The Lord Jesus will not return for a bride who is in bed with Babylon. He is returning for a spotless bride, purified by His blood, sanctified by His truth (John 17:17).
A Final Warning
The judgment of Babylon is certain:
“For her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” – Revelation 18:5
We must ask ourselves: are we compromising with Babylon, or are we contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3)?
Let us be found faithful—not following a system, a personality, or a tradition, but the Lamb wherever He goes.
Dr. Phil Spears
Theological Watchman | Defender of the Faith
“Truth without compromise. Love without hypocrisy.”
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