Topical Bible: Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a "lewd woman" in the context of Roman apostasy is often associated with the symbolic imagery found in the Book of Revelation. This imagery is used to depict spiritual unfaithfulness and moral corruption, particularly in relation to the church's deviation from true doctrine and practice.

Biblical Imagery and Symbolism

In Revelation 17, the Apostle John describes a vision of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls, holding a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. She is identified as "Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth" (Revelation 17:5). This woman is often interpreted as a representation of a corrupt religious system that has turned away from the teachings of Christ and embraced worldly power and immorality.

Historical Context and Interpretation

Throughout history, many conservative Christian scholars have identified this "lewd woman" with the Roman Catholic Church, particularly during periods when the church was perceived to have strayed from biblical teachings. The term "Roman apostasy" refers to the belief that the church, centered in Rome, fell into apostasy by incorporating pagan practices, accumulating temporal power, and engaging in moral corruption.

The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century was, in part, a response to these perceived apostasies. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin criticized the church for its departure from scriptural authority and its indulgence in practices they deemed unbiblical. They saw the imagery in Revelation as a prophetic warning against such deviations.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The depiction of the lewd woman serves as a cautionary tale for the church and individual believers. It warns against the dangers of compromising with worldly values and the seduction of power and wealth. The call to "come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4) is a summons to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and to live a life of holiness and separation from corrupt influences.

Contemporary Relevance

In today's context, the imagery of the lewd woman continues to be relevant as a symbol of any religious or spiritual system that prioritizes human traditions and power over the truth of the Gospel. It challenges believers to examine their own faith communities and personal lives for signs of spiritual compromise and to seek a return to the purity and simplicity of the early church's devotion to Christ.

In conclusion, the "lewd woman" of the Roman apostasy serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of spiritual infidelity and the importance of remaining true to the teachings of Scripture. It is a reminder of the ongoing battle between the forces of righteousness and the allure of worldly corruption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 17:4,18
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... thou dost abhor, because by it she reproveth and condemneth thy lewd and stubborn ...
while she is under the scourge of the dragon, beast, and the woman in scarlet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm