The Growing Reality of a One-World Religion; Revelation 17

Satan's Master Strategy: The Two-Stage Deception

Let me reveal to you the enemy's calculated plan that's already in motion. Satan has devised two distinct stages in his scheme to deceive and ultimately control humanity. This isn't mere speculation - it's revealed clearly in the Scriptures, particularly in Revelation 17.

The Transitional Harlot Religion

The first stage is what Scripture calls the harlot Babylon religion. This is a transition stage, and understanding its nature is crucial. Why does Satan need a transition? Because he knows that getting people with religious heritage - whether Christian, Muslim, or Jewish - to jump directly into demon worship would be too dramatic a leap. As Scripture warns, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).

The harlot religion will be marked by tolerance, peace, and apparent unity. "Worship any god you want!" will be its seductive call. It will appear beautiful on the surface, arrayed in purple and gold as described in "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls" (Revelation 17:4). This religion will have immense wealth, global influence, and humanitarian appeal.

The Final Antichrist Movement

The second stage is far more sinister - the Antichrist worship movement. Once people have been lured away from their religious heritage through the harlot system, once they've compromised their conscience and burned their bridges, the Antichrist will reveal his true nature. As Scripture forewarns, "He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

The Strategic Transition

The genius of this evil strategy lies in its gradual nature. People who would never directly accept Antichrist worship will be slowly conditioned through the harlot system. They'll first embrace a religion of tolerance where everything is right and everyone goes to heaven. But once fully invested in this system, they'll find themselves trapped when the Antichrist reveals his true agenda.

As Jesus warned, "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many" (Matthew 24:4-5). The deception will be so subtle that even the elect might be fooled if it were possible.

The Coming Enforcement

While the harlot religion is voluntary and seductive, the Antichrist's final movement will be mandatory and enforced under pain of death. As Scripture reveals, "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark" (Revelation 13:16-17).

A Warning to the Watchful

For those with eyes to see, these movements are already taking shape. The foundations are being laid through seemingly positive developments - interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and global unity initiatives. But remember, "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He uses all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

The hour demands believers who understand these strategies and maintain unwavering allegiance to Jesus while navigating these deceptive waters. We must be as Jesus instructed, "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16), recognizing these movements for what they truly are while still reaching out in love to those being drawn into deception.