It obvious from this passage that it much symbolism. It is not possible to be explained by literal interpretation. This woman symbolises an apostate religion. There is going to be a one-world religion. There will be one church but it is false church rather than the true church.

1 – The information regarding this lady (vs. 1-6)

The woman is called a “whore” or “prostitute”. It is about spiritual adultery. This church is committing spiritual prostitution. God is faithful but are we faithful? We should not divide our loyalties. We cannot love God and the world. See James 4:4 & 1 John 2:15.

• Her allegiance (vs. 1) – She sits upon many waters. See verse 15. This religion will hold sway over the whole world. This ecumenical church will bring all religions together and allow no divisions. This is a worldwide church that is controlled by Satan. Jesus is the rock of the true Church. This false church will be built on the gates of hell. It will be anti-Jesus and anti-salvation. Her code word is “Babylon”.
  
• Her alliance (vs. 2-3) – She has an alliance with heads of government. There will be a unification of church and state. The wall between church and state will disappear. This unity will be possible because it is demon dominated world. The Antichrist will be involved. The woman sits upon the Beast. The Antichrist will be driving things for this false religion. The Antichrist will be a genius and able to sway the world to worship him. This one-world church belongs to him.
  
• Her affluence (vs. 4-6) – Notice the outward adornment and appearance. This religion will be big business. This religion will be based on riches rather than righteousness, it will be based on gold rather than God and money rather than the Master. It is all outward trappings. You take away true religion and that is what is left! She will use her power to slaughter those who choose not to believe. She will use her power and prosperity to kill those who oppose. The righteous will be murdered by the religious! It was the religious crowd who murdered Jesus Christ. The Lord gives life and the Antichrist takes it away.
  

2. The interpretation of this woman (vs. 7-18)

The mystery is to be explained to John. The mystery here is something that has been hidden by God and is now revealed. For example the Church was hidden in the Old Testament and revealed only when Jesus came. The mystery to be revealed is what will happen between this woman and the Antichrist.

• The powerful rise of the woman (vs. 7) – The angel will explain the rise of this woman who rides on the back of this beast.
  
• The beast explained (vs. 8-14) – The woman will rise from a great kingdom. It is Rome that is surrounded by seven mountains. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece had already come and gone. The one in existence at that time was Rome. The one kingdom yet to come will be ruled by the Antichrist. (vs. 10). The Antichrist will perform a false resurrection. The Antichrist will have his false bride – this whore. The Antichrist will head up a federation of ten states. There already is a European Union which has combined themselves together economically. (Currently 27 states – Jan 2007) This federation of states will have puppet kings who serve the Antichrist. The Antichrist will be president over this federation. The Antichrist will make war with the Lamb of God (Jesus) and His followers.
  
• The destruction of the woman (vs. 15-18) – The waters upon which she sits are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues. The beast will turn on the harlot and destroy it now that it has served his purposes.

Categories: Revelation