The Spell of Religious Empire – Are You Entangled in Its Deception?

Posted 6/28/2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

(These writings are entirely my own opinion, obtained through independent study and prayerful research. I do not speak on behalf of any church or church representative.)

In the final book of the Bible, the Apostle John describes a chilling vision:

“And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Revelation 17:5, KJV).

This is not just an ancient warning. This is a prophetic blueprint of the spiritual deception in our day—a religious empire draped in the appearance of holiness, yet inwardly corrupt, seductive, and deadly. She holds a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations (Revelation 17:4), deceiving the nations with her spiritual sorcery.

A System, Not a Savior

Today, multitudes sit under the influence of this religious sorcery—entranced not by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but by the polished image of a religious system. Many institutions preach another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4), promote another gospel (Galatians 1:6), and operate with another spirit—all while using the name of Christ to validate their power.

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5, KJV).

This spell is powerful because it’s cloaked in tradition. The gold, the rituals, the high seats (Matthew 23:6), and the endless demands for tithes—all feel sacred. But Jesus exposed this deception 2,000 years ago:

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer…” (Matthew 23:14, KJV).

The Temple of God Is Within You

The religious empires build massive cathedrals, temples and declare them “the house of God.” But Jesus declared that the true temple would no longer be found in buildings:

“The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father… But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…” (John 4:21-23, KJV).

Paul reinforced this radical truth:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, KJV).

The religious empire needs your loyalty, your money, and your submission. Christ wants your heart, your freedom, and your faith.

The Love of Money Exposed

Today’s religious empires are increasingly indistinguishable from multinational corporations. They own land, banks, insurance companies, shopping malls, and investment portfolios—while the poor are told to “have more faith.” This was prophesied:

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you…” (2 Peter 2:3, KJV).

They preach sacrifice, but live in luxury. They demand tithes, but hide their financial dealings. They boast of revelation, but deny the prophetic warnings of the Word. Is this not true in the fact that they are not teaching the events of the end times? A prophet, not acting like the seer that he claims to be?

Come Out of Her

The cry of heaven in these last days is clear:

“Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4, KJV).

God is calling His people to break the spell—to stop trusting in titles, temples, or tradition, and to begin hearing His voice directly. Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27, KJV).

You don’t need a “prophet” to stand between you and God. You don’t need a church to validate your salvation. You need to be born again of the Spirit of God (John 3:3), sealed with the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 1:13), and walking in the light of His Word.

Final Warning: A Choice Between Two Kingdoms

The religious empire will grow more seductive in the end times. Revelation 13 warns of a beast and a false prophet, both empowered by Satan, performing miracles and commanding worship. This is where religion and empire unite—where deception will be so convincing that even the elect would be deceived, if it were possible (Matthew 24:24).

But there is hope. The Lamb will overcome. The true Church—the body of born-again believers—is not deceived, not marked, and not afraid. We follow the King of kings, not the kings of religion.

Break the Spell. Follow Jesus.

If you’ve felt the emptiness of ritual and the guilt-based pressure of man-made religion, you’re not alone. The spell is lifting. The remnant is awakening. The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20, KJV).

Come out of Babylon. Follow Christ. And be free. This can start right now if you will approach God and ask Him if the things written here are true. Asking God, and listening to the Holy Spirit is the answer for everything as we enter into the last-days…For you know, that this is indeed what God would have you do. TRUST HIM…and not man!