Babylon the Great

Babylon the Great is also called "mystery" and "the mother of harlots and the abominations of the earth" (Rev 17:5). This "great harlot" in John's vision is a picture of the worldly and idolatrous system of the apostate church, whose center is Rome. "The city of seven hills" (cf. Rev 17:9) is a well-known designation of the city of Rome. In Rev 18:2-3, the satanic and global political influence of this system is described. There will be great joy and great praise in heaven when it is finally judged justly and removed (Rev 19:1-3).