APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED

The four beasts mentioned in the prophecy also represent the changing states of the church, tracing its progress from its very first stages to its final end. This has been discussed previously original: "n. 316, 556, 650, 780, 781" — these numbers refer to specific sections in the larger work.. In its first state, the church possessed genuine truths and was filled with intelligence. This is symbolized by “the lion that had an eagle’s wings,” which later appeared with a “human appearance and was given a human heart.” In its final state, however, the church falls into false beliefs and evils of every kind. This is symbolized by “the fourth beast, which was terrifying; it consumed, broke things into pieces, and trampled whatever was left under its feet.” Other details regarding this beast are described in verses 23–25. [8.] The following words describe how the church that has become Babylon In this context, Babylon represents a church that has lost its spiritual integrity and seeks worldly power through religious means. will eventually be destroyed, and a new church—one that truly worships the Lord—will be established:

“I was watching... and suddenly, coming with the clouds of the heavens, was one like the Son of man. . . . And He was given authority, glory, and a kingdom, so that all peoples, nations, and languages might worship Him. His authority is an eternal authority that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. . . . Then the kingdom, the authority, and the greatness of the kingdoms under all the heavens shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and all powers shall worship and obey Him.” (verses 13, 14, 27)

The title Son of man refers to the Lord in His role as the Divine Human The "Divine Human" is a central concept here, referring to the belief that the Lord’s human nature became fully one with His divine nature. and as the Word itself. The phrase "He was given authority, glory, and a kingdom" means that the Lord will establish a new church dedicated to His worship. This new church is what is meant by the "kingdom given to the people of the saints." This transition happens when the old church has become "Babylon"—a state so spiritually devastated that no goodness or truth remains within it. At that point, it has reached its end and can no longer be called a church.

The "end of Babylon" does not mean that the physical, outward religious practices of these groups will disappear from the world. Their rituals may continue, but they will no longer function as a true church; instead, they will be seen as a form of heathenism Worship that is purely external and lacks internal spiritual life.. Consequently, after death, those who belonged to such a system will be grouped with those outside the spiritual church rather than among Christians. However, the Lord will gather a new church from those who have chosen to worship Him directly, rather than focusing their devotion on the Pope, various saints, or physical images. [9.] This spiritual corruption of "Babylonian" worship is illustrated in the Book of Daniel:

It is depicted by the massive statue that King Nebuchadnezzar erected. He commanded everyone to bow down and worship it, threatening that anyone who refused would be thrown into a blazing furnace (iii. 1–7).