Topical Encyclopedia The term "Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy" is a symbolic phrase found within the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Revelation. This phrase is deeply rooted in the imagery and symbolism that characterizes the prophetic visions of John, the author of Revelation. It serves as a metaphor for the corrupting influence and spiritual intoxication associated with false teachings and idolatrous practices that lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel.Biblical Context The phrase is primarily derived from Revelation 17, where the Apostle John describes a vision of a woman, often referred to as "Babylon the Great," who is depicted as a harlot sitting on a scarlet beast. Revelation 17:4-5 states: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth." The "golden cup full of abominations" is emblematic of the seductive allure and deceptive nature of apostasy, which is the abandonment or renunciation of the faith. The "wine" in this context symbolizes the intoxicating and corrupting power of false doctrines and immoral practices that lead individuals and nations into spiritual adultery against God. Symbolism and Interpretation In biblical symbolism, wine often represents joy, celebration, and covenant blessings, as seen in the institution of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:27-29). However, in the context of Revelation, the "wine" takes on a negative connotation, representing the perversion of true worship and the embrace of idolatry and immorality. The "abominations" refer to detestable practices that are abhorrent to God, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. The imagery of the harlot and the wine of abominations serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual compromise and the allure of worldly power and wealth. It highlights the consequences of turning away from the purity of the Gospel and embracing teachings and practices that are contrary to God's revealed truth. Historical and Theological Implications Historically, the imagery of Babylon has been interpreted as a representation of various oppressive and idolatrous systems throughout history, including the Roman Empire during the time of John's writing. Theologically, it serves as a timeless warning to the Church to remain vigilant against the influences of false teachings and to uphold the truth of the Gospel in the face of cultural and spiritual pressures. The "Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy" thus serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual deception and moral decay that can infiltrate the Church and society. It calls believers to discernment, faithfulness, and a steadfast commitment to the teachings of Christ, resisting the seductive pull of apostasy and remaining true to the covenant relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 17:2With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 18:3 Library Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected The Mystery of Iniquity Aims of the Papacy. Liberty of Conscience Threatened Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. The Sixth Book Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
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