Jerusalem, Mother of Harlots

Jesus told his listeners, “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matt. 21:43). For many people, this verse provides the heart of “replacement theology”—the idea that the Christian Church has replaced the old physical nation of Israel as God’s chosen people and priestly nation (1 Pet. 2:9–10, et al).

Without requiring the use of the label “replacement,” this is essentially what the verse teaches. It does not mean that Jewish people can never again taste of God’s grace, it simply means that the Old Jewish way of God’s witness and work on earth—the Old Testament Temple ritual system—was being abolished. It was being abolished because it was never meant to be permanent, but only a symbol that pointed to the reality of Jesus Christ, the true Temple, the true Emanuel. Those Jews who rejected the true Temple and insisted on clinging to the Old Testament traditions were thereby committing idolatry just as grossly as any pagan ritual. The Kingdom had moved on to its greater fulfillment. Those who refused to embrace the fulfillment found themselves bereft of the true kingdom—it would be taken from them, and given to the disciples of the true and faithful people of God.

Jesus denounced the teachers of the Old tradition which led the way in opposing Him. These were the Pharisees, and Christ’s denunciation of them appears in Matthew 23 among other places. It extends to the whole of the physical city of Jerusalem of which they were representatives in disbelief. Jesus concluded with the prediction that Jerusalem would fall because she was responsible for “all the righteous blood shed upon earth” and that she was “the city that kills the prophets” (Matt. 23:35, 37).

From this sweeping condemnation we can learn that the city called “Babylon” in Revelation 17 and 18 is not the Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar, but Jerusalem called Babylon because she had corrupted herself and become like that ancient pagan Empire:

And how do we know this blasphemous Babylonian “mystery” whore is indeed Jerusalem? Because she is pronounced guilty of the exclusive crime which Jesus earlier pinned on Jerusalem:

It is not possible that two cities can both be guilty of a crime of which only one party could be guilty—killing all the prophets and all who have been slain in the earth. Jesus clearly attributed this crime to Jerusalem in Matthew 23; so we must conclude that here in Revelation, “Babylon” is a “name of mystery” because it symbolizes what Jerusalem had become.

Thus, it is highly likely that when Peter wrote his first epistle from “Babylon” (1 Pet. 5:13), he was literally writing from Jerusalem, which he had by then already condemned “in these last times” (1 Pet. 1:20) as Babylon. Peter was, after all, an apostle to the Circumcision as Paul said (Gal. 2:7).

It was not uncommon practice in that window between Christ’s ascension and Jerusalem’s destruction that the New Testament writers symbolized Jerusalem with the names of the great enemies of God’s people down through the ages. Thus, Revelation speaks of “the great city” where the “Lord was crucified”—obviously Jerusalem—“that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt” (Rev. 11:8).

Some would complain that interpreting the Great Whore of Babylon of Revelation 17 as Jerusalem is anti-Semitic. This is ad hominem nonsense. Besides, how anti-Semitic was it of John! Calling Jerusalem “Sodom” and “Egypt” instead of praying for her peace as dispensationalists demand we do. The nerve of him.

Thus it is understandable when Paul compares the false teachers creeping in the church to Pharaoh’s magicians (2 Tim. 3:8–9). Likewise, Matthew 2 presents Jesus as the New Israel fleeing from the new Pharaoh who kills all the male babies. Except the roles are reversed: Jesus’ family has to flee into Egypt in order to avoid this new Pharaoh, who is Herod; and the children killed are not Egyptian, they are Jewish. Lesson: Old Israel has become like Egypt, the persecutor of God’s people, and she shall suffer the plague of Egypt, while Jesus is the true Israel.

Keep in mind, it was Herod who then ruled Jerusalem and who had rebuilt the Temple at which the Jews then sacrificed. Once Jesus appeared on the scene as the Final Sacrifice, the sacrifices at the Temple became idolatrous and pagan. It was then rejecting God to continue that system. It was, in fact, to commit the abomination of desolation, because it was an idolatrous sacrifice in the Temple which caused God’s presence to leave that House desolate. Indeed, God’s presence would forever leave that Temple to dwell in the New Temple, His People. This occurred on the day of Pentecost. Within a generation, the idolatrous, adulterous nation—the great whore temple in Jerusalem—suffered a final blow from God. It was destroyed into oblivion.

Thus it is further understandable that the inspired writers would refer to their persecutors and false brethren in their Church as “them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9).

Modern day Christians simply do not understand that when they demand the land of Israel for the Old Jewish people so that they may rebuild a Temple and resume sacrifices, they are praying for the rankest and vilest of idolatries to occur. God destroyed that temple for that very reason in AD 70. Why would he now change and desire it to be rebuilt?

You may think that since God did this once before, sending His people into exile with their temple destroyed behind them, then He will do the same again—have them return to rebuild the temple. But this time was different. This time the True Temple came as the rebuilt (resurrected) temple. This time there would be no bricks and mortar, stones cut out with hands. The Old Jewish people were not merely exiled from their kingdom someday to return. No. This time, the kingdom was taken from them and given to the true nation.

Christ created a new bride. Why would Christ desire to return to the whore he has cast aside and divorced when He has a pristine Bride descending from heaven, uncorrupted by idolatry? He didn’t. He left that whore riding her patron, the beast of Rome. And the great mother of harlots suffered the judgment of her whoredom. She was divorced and disinherited. The inheritance now belongs to the Bride.

The OP seems to be unaware that the Great Whore has daughters. What was in Babylon moved to Jerusalem. What was in Jerusalem has moved to Rome... And Rome has her daughters too.

And the OP seems equally unaware of who the "Lo Ammi (not my people)" are, as these are a specific people. Find out who the "barren woman" is in Isaiah 54 to reveal many things.

And finally, the OP totally missed the boat on this:

From this sweeping condemnation we can learn that the city called “Babylon” in Revelation 17 and 18 is not the Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar, but Jerusalem called Babylon because she had corrupted herself and become like that ancient pagan Empire:

The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet [colors of the chief priest and the Temple; Ex. 25–28; 38–39], and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations” (Rev. 17:4–5).

What is relevant in the colors of the priests garments is the color which is missing, not the colors that are there. find out what the color blue represents, and many more things will be made very clear.

You see, this is what happens when people trust their theology more than the actual words of Scripture.

You also wrote about "this is a statute forever," yet this “forever” temple and sacrifices have been gone for 2000 years. the priesthood has been scattered and is all but unrecoverable. Israel is a nation of secularists. In fact modern Israel bears little resemblance to biblical Israel.

Peter and Paul lived in a time that no longer exists, the transition time between the old covenant and the new. The temple system was a type of Jesus Christ, temporary, decaying, and about to pass away forever (Heb. 8:13).

So how is this all “forever?” Who is twisting the words of the Bible to fit their theology?

In Hosea, we are told Yahweh divorced the House of Israel but never are we told He divorced the House of Judah. These are the Jewish people today, the House of Judah.

EXACTLY SO:

Isa 50:1 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

BUT, THERE IS MORE!!!

YHWH has sworn to remarry the House of Israel... How can he do that without abrogating His own laws? She has slept with other "gods," so He cannot take her back... The answer to this riddle is very revealing.

How many Jews keep the law? Where’s the burned animal sacrifices today?

How many Christians keep the law? (Answer: *very, very few*)

And the prophets predict the resumption of sacrifice in the Millennium. Ezekiel's Temple sacrificial system is different from the old way, and has not been implemented, even yet. And ALL men will observe at least three of YHWH's Holy Days... It is written.

The temple system was a type of Jesus Christ, temporary, decaying, and about to pass away forever (Heb. 8:13).

But then the King will sit in the eastern (Golden) gate to break His fast every morning... The Golden Gate is reserved for Him, for His coming in and going out. That has not yet occurred.

...And the Eastern Gate has no value without the Temple, hence the Temple will be rebuilt.

...And the Eastern Gate has no value without the Temple, hence the Temple will be rebuilt.

Hence? Curious that neither Jesus nor any of the Jewish writers of the NT spoke of this theory. What do you think they were missing?

If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (1 Cor. 3:17)

The new covenant temple is entirely spiritual. Jesus is seated in the midst of His true temple. There is no return to the old forms. They all decayed and passed away.

Hence? Curious that neither Jesus nor any of the Jewish writers of the NT spoke of this theory. What do you think they were missing?

I disagree. You might study on why Yeshua only fulfilled the spring Holy Days (and how they are fulfilled) for a grander view... And IF that is so, The Triumphal entry cannot have happened as Christians suppose. The Fall Holy Days have yet to find their fulfillment.

And unlike you, I believe the Old Covenant informs the New, not the other way around. For if the Prophets can be denied, then there is no proof of God... And if the Torah is not forever, then the law of God is quixotic, and subject to change.

What good is a promise by YHWH if His word can be broken?

Discard your Greek/Roman view. Understanding the Hebrew elements will be like an epiphany.

The new covenant temple is entirely spiritual. Jesus is seated in the midst of His true temple.

Here is a clue: The Old Covenant was entirely spiritual too. Do you not recall YHWH saying that the blood of beasts is a stench in His nostrils? What could it be that He wanted?

Christians can repent and seek forgiveness in an instant, the sacrifice has already been made.

How easy it for Jews to seek forgiveness when a burnt offering is required? Do they do burnt offerings in modern temples?

If the burnt offering was the efficacious element, there would be no need for Messiah... All of Israel would have been made continually saved, and corruption could not have entered in. Do you really think your statement can be true?

priesthood has been scattered and is all but unrecoverable. I

Your information is lacking. The descendants of Aaron are the most genetically identified group in the world, Each Sabbath the descendants of Aaron read first from the Torah. Twice a year hundreds of the descendants of Aaron bless throngs that gather at the Western Wall, in accordance with Numbers 6. But all that is immaterial to you. You can read the plain words of the Almighty and explain them away... You would ignore your nose on your face if it denied Supercessionism.

the transition time between the old covenant and the new.

Whatever you say. If the Bible says something don't like (such as the whole book of Acts), then you claim it was a "transition" - y'all need to stop reading from the same script. Scripture never speaks of such a time, and only an idiot would think the first disciples LACKED such basic theological insight. No, the THEOLOGY that came after the first disciples is what was wrong. Your "faith" bears no resemblance to the faith of those who first believed. You folks quote luminaries of the antenicean age because you can't cope with the plain words of the Bible.

How many Jews keep the law? Where’s the burned animal sacrifices today?

40% of Israeli Jews are observant. To NOT offer sacrifices is actually keeping the Law when there is no Tabernacle/Temple. The common misconception is that the Temple was necessary for forgiveness of sin. Only those that study the Torah think that. But all this is moot because the fact is that when the Holy Temple is rebuilt and offerings are being made (as they certainly will be), folks like Topcat54 will say it is "vile idolatry" - , imagine actually DOING what the King of the Universe decreed considered "vile" - now that is the true definition of idolatry.

Ah, efficacious in what way is the question that should be asked. The book of Hebrews was written in kal v'chomer style. It is the "how much more" logic that is missing from most people's understanding. Watch the logic here:

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify [present tense] for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Messiah who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to G-d, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living G-d? Hebrews 9:13-14

The author's point is to use the Temple system in a "greater than" format. In other words, the Temple worked (present tense, after Messiah's resurrection), SO HOW MUCH MORE does Messiah's work cleanse. Whereas the Temple provided temporary covering, Messiah give eternal. To deny the efficaciousness of the Temple (that the Almighty decreed) is to deny the efficaciousness of Messiah's work.

Interesting theory, but only a theory.

The fact remains that nowhere in the NT, not from the lips of Jesus nor from the apostolic writers, do we find the notion of a rebuilt temple with Jesus seated in a literal throne. That what the apostate Jews wanted, and why they rejected Jesus, because He had rejected their ideas of the kingdom.

Now we have whole groups of Christians today accepting the same faulty view of the kingdom that Jesus rejected.

I believe the Old Covenant informs the New, not the other way around.

Informs, but does not override. E.g., the sacrificial system with the priesthood and temple was a pointer forward to Christ. It was intended to pass away when that to which it pointed, Jesus Christ, came on the scene. The law was out tutor to point us to Christ. The law and prophets testified of Christ.

13 In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete . Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. (Heb. 8)

Obsolete. Yet some sad Christians see it as being reconstituted in the future, complete with animal sacrifice for sin. This is blasphemy.

The NT clearly interprets the Old. That's the way the writers took it anyway.

then you claim it was a "transition"

Well, what do you call the time from Christ's crucifixion/resurrection/ascension to the throne of the Father and the final destruction of the temple in AD70, the end of the age (Matt. 24:3; Heb. 9:26)?

Just look around, where is your “forever” temple and old covenant system?

This is the gist of the New Testament, that the old was a shadow, decayed and passing away (Col. 2:16,17; Heb. 8:13). Christ and His apostles attest to such. Who is the one in denial?

The descendants of Aaron are the most genetically identified group in the world,

Yes, I've read the blurbs. There is no way to genetically identify a unique descendant of Aaron in any biblical sense. Thousands of years of intermarriage have dispersed the genes among the nations. If a Jews converted to Christianity 1500 years ago his descendants would have all the right genes, yet they would be Christians.

It's a pipe dream for a desperate population. The only true hope is for people today to come to Messiah Jesus, regardless of their ethnicity. Then they can be counted among the true children of Abraham and regrafted into the covenantal root, where “there is neither Jew nor Greek.”

The God of Abraham ,Issac and Jacob does not lie .
He does not break his promises .

Zec 12:7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.
Zec 12:8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.
Zec 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Many are going to be awful surprised when that day comes .
They/you might not know it yet but the war is already won and Israel REMAINS

You and those who go against God’s WORD might not though

Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

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