The Catholic Church and the Mystery of Babylon: Biblical Interpretations and Historical Context

Many biblical scholars claim that the Babylon depicted in the book of Revelation symbolizes the Catholic Church. However, they often fail to provide concrete biblical interpretations to substantiate this claim. The alignment of the Catholic Church’s historical practices, such as the Inquisition and witch hunts, with biblical prophecies about Babylon has led to this interpretation. For example, Adventists interpret the four beasts of Daniel 7 and the "little horn" among the ten horns as representing the Catholic Church. The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), which draws on Adventist teachings, adopts similar interpretations. However, such interpretations raise significant questions about equating Babylon with the Catholic Church.

Understanding Babylon through the History of Israel

The key to interpreting Babylon lies in the history of Israel, as the nation of Israel from the time of David serves as a precursor to the spiritual Israel established by Jesus Christ. The physical Israel was not merely a nation but also represented the institution of Judaism. Similarly, the spiritual Israel, beginning with Jesus, does not refer to a physical nation but to the churches that believe in Him. Thus, the history of physical Israel is a shadow of the spiritual Israel, providing insights into church history.

The History of Physical Israel: From David to Babylonian Captivity

David laid the foundation for the temple of God, but its completion came through his son, Solomon. However, near the end of Solomon’s reign, his idolatry led to the division of Israel into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Israel fell to Assyria, and Judah was conquered by Babylon, resulting in the forced exile of the Israelites to Babylon for 70 years. This historical narrative provides a foundation for understanding the church’s spiritual history.

The Spiritual Israel: Church History as Fulfillment

Just as David laid the foundation for the temple, Jesus established the foundation for the church through His twelve apostles. While the Old Testament temple was a physical building, the New Testament temple is represented by believers filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, the twelve apostles symbolize the twelve stones of the temple’s foundation. After His resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, building the church through the apostles—this was the early church.

As Solomon completed the physical temple, the early church grew to fulfillment. However, just as Solomon’s idolatry caused Israel’s division, the early church split into the Eastern Church, centered in Jerusalem, and the Western Church, centered in Rome. This division was not coincidental but the fulfillment of the prophecy that Israel would split due to Solomon’s idolatry.

The Fall of the Western Church: Parallels to Israel’s History

The Western Church faced severe persecution under the Roman Empire but was officially recognized through the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. The wealth and status gained through this recognition allowed the Western Church to oppress other religions, fulfilling the prophecy of Israel’s destruction by Assyria.

Later, the Western Church absorbed and corrupted the Eastern Church by imposing unified doctrines, fulfilling the prophecy of Judah’s destruction by Babylon. Just as Israelites were exiled to Babylon and lived as captives and slaves for 70 years, the forced absorption of the Eastern Church into the Western Church led to the creation of Catholicism, a new religious institution. Many believers were killed during this transition, symbolizing the fulfillment of Babylon’s prophecy of subjugation.

The Continuing History of the Church

The history of Israel did not end with Babylon. It continued through Medo-Persia, Greece, and the four kingdoms that emerged from Greece’s division. Similarly, the spiritual history of the church does not conclude with the Catholic Church fulfilling the prophecy of spiritual Babylon. Successor churches, representing spiritual Medo-Persia, Greece, and others, will emerge in the narrative of church history.

The Purpose of Church History: Exposing Satan’s Presence

God has orchestrated this historical progression to reveal the workings of Satan within the church. Revelation 13 indicates that Satan’s influence is not limited to the Catholic Church; he will manifest through other religious organizations in the end times. This prophecy urges believers to discern the spiritual battle within the church and prepare for the ultimate conflict.