Daughters of Babylon – Steps to Life

June 14 – 20, 2026

Key Text

“Indeed, everyone who quotes proverbs will use this proverb against you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ ” Ezekiel 16:44

Study Help: Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 282–287; The Great Controversy, 382–387

Introduction

“Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example.” The Great Controversy, 382. [Author’s italics.]

Sunday

1 THE PROTESTANT CHURCHES

1.a. How did the Protestant churches break their marriage vow? Hosea 2:19, 20; Jeremiah 3:14; James 4:4

Note: “In Revelation 17, Babylon is represented as a woman—a figure which is used in the Bible as the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.

“In the Bible the sacred and enduring character of the relation that exists between Christ and His church is represented by the union of marriage. …

“The unfaithfulness of the church to Christ in permitting her confidence and affection to be turned from Him, and allowing the love of worldly things to occupy the soul, is likened to the violation of the marriage vow.” The Great Controversy, 381

1.b. By following the paths of the Jewish and Roman Catholic churches, how did the Protestant churches become part of Babylon? Ezekiel 16:44; Hosea 4:6; Matthew 15:14, last part

Note: “The term ‘Babylon’ is derived from ‘Babel,’ and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion.” The Great Controversy, 381

“It was by departure from the Lord, and alliance with the heathen, that the Jewish church became a harlot; and Rome, corrupting herself in like manner by seeking the support of worldly powers, receives a like condemnation.” Ibid., 382

“Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome’s example of iniquitous connection with ‘the kings of the earth’—the state churches, by their relation to secular governments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world. And the term ‘Babylon’—confusion—may be appropriately applied to these bodies, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects, with widely conflicting creeds and theories. Besides a sinful union with the world, the churches that separated from Rome present other of her characteristics.” Ibid., 383

Monday

2 SPURIOUS REVIVALS

2.a. Explain the basic differences between

(a) genuine revivals led by the Holy Spirit: Ezekiel 33:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 7:9-11

(b) modern revivals led by another spirit: Ezekiel 33:31, 32; Matthew 15:8

Note: “Revivals brought deep heart searching and humility. They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. …

“But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the labors of God’s servants. It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless, the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before.” The Great Controversy, 462, 463

2.b. How can we know that most of the present-day revivals do not come from God? Matthew 7:20–23

Note: “In those churches which he [Satan] can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.” The Great Controversy, 464

Tuesday

3 MODERN SPIRITUALISM

3.a. How are many in modern Babylon giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils? 1 Timothy 4:1, 2

Note: “The doctrine of man’s consciousness in death, especially the belief that spirits of the dead return to minister to the living, has prepared the way for modern spiritualism. … While professing to bring the living into communication with the dead, the prince of evil exercises his bewitching influence upon their minds.

“He has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness. Many are comforted with the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying the bliss of heaven, and without suspicion of danger, they give ear ‘to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.’ ” The Great Controversy, 551, 552

3.b. What is leading more and more people to fall for Satan’s deceptions? Matthew 24:24–26

Note: “Spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.” The Great Controversy, 556

Wednesday

4 THE CULMINATION OF APOSTASY

4.a. Since most of the Protestant churches believe that the dead are in a state of consciousness, what are they ready to accept also? Isaiah 28:15

Note: “As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.” The Great Controversy, 603, 604

4.b. Why will the Protestant churches become completely fallen? 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12. What sin is very offensive to God, especially if tolerated by those who know the present truth? Jeremiah 23:14; Ephesians 5:3

Note: “The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work ‘with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;’ and they that ‘received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,’ will be left to receive ‘strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future.” The Great Controversy, 390

“The nominal churches are filled with fornication and adultery, crime and murder, the result of base, lustful passion; but these things are kept covered. Ministers in high places are guilty; yet a cloak of godliness covers their dark deeds, and they pass on from year to year in their course of hypocrisy. The sins of the nominal churches have reached unto heaven, and the honest in heart will be brought to the light and come out of them. …

“They [commandment-keeping Adventists] profess to be standing upon the elevated platform of eternal truth, keeping all of God’s commandments; therefore, if they indulge in sin, if they commit fornication and adultery, their crime is of tenfold greater magnitude than is that of the classes I have named, who do not acknowledge the law of God as binding upon them.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, 449, 451

Thursday

5 A VISIBLE, FUNDAMENTAL DISTINCTION

5.a. When the climax of their apostasy is reached, what denunciation will apply to the churches? Revelation 18:2, 5. What warning should all believers heed?

Note: “The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins than that for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those who hear the gospel invitation calling sinners to repentance, and heed it not, are more guilty before God than were the dwellers in the Vale of Siddim. And still greater sin is theirs who profess to know God and to keep His commandments, yet who deny Christ in their character and their daily life.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 165

5.b. Describe the distinction that will exist between the nominal churches and God’s remnant people. Titus 2:12–14; Revelation 14:12. What will then be fully revealed? Malachi 3:18

Note: “It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, 287

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

How can any church, regardless of its profession, degenerate into a daughter of Babylon?
What contrast is seen between true and false revivals?
By what means will Satan deceive many in the churches?
Why are believers in the three angels’ messages held more accountable for sinful practices than those in Babylon?
What is soon to become evident, and how does this involve us now?