REVELATION CHAPTER 18

 

Last week we saw the downfall of Mystery Babylon. This is the system of idolatrous worship that was instituted in the old nation of Babylon began by Nimrod. It has been kept in existence by many practices in the Catholic Church as was noted last week.

I do not say that the Catholic Church is the prostitute of chapter 17 but there is much evidence to suggest that is the case.

We found that in the early days of the Catholic Church it became wedded to the civil governments in many countries, especially and beginning with Rome.

This was a wedding or marriage that was forbidden by God. It was due to this marriage that many martyrs were made. That is why it is judged in chapter 17.

However, there is another aspect of this evil system in chapter 18. It is the political system headed by the anti-Christ.  In chapter 18 we will see the judgment of this system, two separate cities?

Are there two separate Babylon’s? Yes. Are they under the same leader? Yes. Are they two separate cities? The word of God does not say, so, I cannot say either. There are many differing opinions on this subject. We will not chase that rabbit.

There is Mystery Babylon found in chapter 17 and Babylon the great in chapter 18. One is headed by an ecclesiastical system headed by a one world religious system under the headship of the anti-Christ and the leadership of the false prophet and destroyed by the ten horns of the beast which allows her to be in charge for a time, but turns on her and destroys her (17:16).

Babylon the great here in chapter 18 is a political system set up by the anti-Christ and demands he be worshipped as God (2Thessalonians 2:3-4). The ten horns are ten kings that have given their authority to the anti-Christ. Seeing as this prostitute, or woman, sits upon many waters, showing her influence over many nations and peoples, the ten kings are the ones that destroy her.

So, the question has come up by many theologians is there to be a rebuilt Babylon in Iraq? Some say yes and some say no. There are many biblical reasons shown on both sides. There are many logical reasons on both sides. My answer is, I do not know. The bible does not sufficiently answer this question for me to take a stand. 

What we do know from scripture is that there will be a political system during the Tribulation period that will be headed by the anti-Christ that will be the commercial center of the world.

Whether it will be in Rome, rebuilt Babylon in Iraq near Baghdad or any other city we just do not know. There are many unanswered questions that no doubt will remain unanswered. Some things are known only to God.

As stated in the beginning of this study, it is not my intention to answer every question posed by this book. My goal was and is to show the horrors and judgments that is imminent and about to come on the world that rejects Christ. It is to show the utter necessity of having a burden for those that are lost and without Christ. It is to give a wake- up call for us to the righteousness and holiness of God and His rejection of all that do not come to Him. It is an appeal to live lives that are expecting His return at any time.  This lesson tonight follows that idea and is more devotional than informative.   

So, let’s go to the scriptures to see what the Lord has for us tonight.

I will use an outline from The Bible Expository Commentary by John Walvoord. In this chapter we find four different voices being heard with four separate reasons.

 1. The voice of judgment and condemnation.

Verses 1- 3 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of The earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

However here in chapter 18 we find that her destruction comes from burning which could be a result of an earthquake. It also pictures quite a different Babylon than found in chapter 17. Here we find a Babylon that is a commercial city, a city that is a merchant of all kinds of goods including the souls of men. This leads us to believe that these two are different cities altogether.

So, let’s begin and go verse by verse and see if the Lord will open some things to us.

The words “Babylon The Great is fallen, is fallen” shows three things;

1. The absolute certainty of its judgment and;

2. The judgment is two- fold; on the ecclesiastical system as well as the political and commercial aspects.

3. That the punishment would be double of what she did to her victims. 

If this be a different city or perhaps a different aspect of Babylon, then we see that this Babylon is a city of great influence throughout the world. What is pictured here is a large prosperous city, the center of political and economic life. The judgment of God makes it a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.

My first thought about this Babylon the great being the home for demons and evil spirits and unclean and hateful birds, is that when Satan and his angelic demons were cast out of heaven they found their new home in the city that began all of the false, devilish doctrines. This would be a natural home for them.

For all the nations have drunk the wine of her adulteries. All the nations of the world are partakers of her adulteries or her false religion and worship. Therefore, they also will be partakers of the wrath of God that will be poured out on her.  She is the source of fornication, or idolatry. She is the prime reason for many merchants of the world gaining wealth by her “delicacies.” They had lived luxuriously with her many delicacies and became rich through trade with her, now she is about to be judged. What will they do after she is gone? Who will they put their trust in?

Here is a question for us today. 2 Peter 3:9-11 tells us of the destruction of the earth and all that is in it. He then asks the question: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye be in all holy conversation and godliness?

She is also the holding place for all kinds of demons, foul spirits and unclean and hateful birds. What is being said here is that the idolatry of the Babylon system has influenced the nations as alcohol influences drunkards. We also can note the difference between the church or redeemed being the habitation of the Holy Spirit, this vile and wicked system or city is home to foul spirits.

In the words “all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication”, we see that this is alluding to the wrath that God has poured out on this evil system. And we see that all nations have been a party to it so they will share in her judgments.

2. The voice of separation.

Verses 4-8 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  5 For her sins have reached unto heaven and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

“And I heard another voice from heaven…” This may well have been or will be the voice of God. This voice is a warning for “my people.” Angels have no possessions especially people. However, it could be noted that this was an angel making an announcement for God.

This admonition parallels Jeremiah 50:8 and 51:6, 45. In all ages, God’s true people have had to separate themselves from that which is worldly and anti-God. When God called Abraham, He ordered him to get out of his country (Genesis 12:1). God separated the Jewish nation from Egypt and warned the Israelites not to go back. The church today is commanded to separate itself from that which is ungodly (Romans 16:17–18; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1).

What does separation from this evil system mean to you?

John offered two reasons for God’s people separating themselves from the diabolical system. The first is that they might avoid pollution, becoming “partakers of her sins” (Revelation 18:4). “Neither be partaker of other men’s sins” (1 Timothy 5:22). The word partaker means “joint fellowship or partnership.” There is a good partnership in the Lord (Philippians 4:14), but there is also an evil partnership that we must avoid (Ephesians 5:11). True unity of the Spirit exists among believers, but we must not compromise by joining forces with that which is opposed to Christ.

The second reason is that God’s people might be spared the terrible plagues He will send on Babylon. God had patiently endured the growing sins of the evil system, but now the time had come for His wrath to be poured out. He would treat Babylon just as she treated His people.

This call for his people to come out from among them could be understood as a plea for all born again people that have been seduced, deceived, and indoctrinated into the Catholic system of worship to leave it before God brings judgment on her for her sins.

Two thoughts:

1. Does God mean to come out of her partially or completely? Do we just come out of the portions that are obvious or the subtle ones also? Which ones do we hold onto and which ones do we reject? Which ones are dangerous and which ones are innocent?

2. We know that the church, or saved people are in heaven and will not be a part of her judgment but we understand that the Lord was speaking to all of His people prior to His judgments.

We are to come out from among her in our present day. This is meant for the true church and Christians, not for the Catholic followers only.

What specific sins is God going to judge this woman for?

We have already covered the sins of idolatry, blood shedding, joining with the world system and her evil influence on the world, but here in these verses we see her pride. “She hath glorified herself.”

God alone is to be glorified. He alone is worthy of praise and worship. Any other form of glorification is sin. She saw herself as a queen who could never be dethroned, and this false confidence and pride could never be accepted by the Lord. It is also worthy to note at this point of our lesson that Rome prides itself as the “Eternal City.” It is actually attempting to replace Jerusalem as the eternal city ordained by God. That is pride in the highest degree.

A second sin is Babylon’s worship of pleasures and luxury. This sin seems to have pervaded so much of our society, especially in our churches. It seems to me that only the mega-churches with million-dollar annual budgets are the ones deemed successful today.

Let me quote from the book “As It Was In the Days of Noah” by Jeff Kinley: “Many churches have become ecclesiastical superstores with a department and aisle for everyone, regardless of personal taste or preference. Like the federal government, they have programs in place to meet every need of the buying public. They have become experts at dispensing religious goods and services. They produce Broadway-style plays and Disney-like productions, all with the idea of entertainment, education, and getting more people into the building. And more people means they might be able to pay off that huge building or even building a bigger one. They have multimillion-dollar sound systems, crystal chandeliers, state –of the –art television production studios, and of course “green rooms” where the “talents’ favorite snack are provided. And if they’re really good at their Sunday production, the church may get a “tithe-tip” from the 20 percent of members who do that sort of thing, either out of obligation or sincere love for God.”  End of quote.

I realize that is not true of every large church, there are many bible-preaching, soul-winning churches that are quite successful. However, the picture painted by Brother Kinley in his book is a far cry from the first century church and many small persecuted churches in lands that is governed by the false religions of their countries.

It is very important to remember not to be overcome by life-styles that promote the very things that God is going to judge.

Here is some more food for thought; We here in America with the most awesome military might are tempted to rely on it for our safety. God has shown many times that He can overrule any military on the earth, not matter how powerful it may seem to be. We should not be putting our trust in our politicians or military. It should be in the Lord our God.

 3. The voice of lamentation vv.9-19.

Verses 9 – 19 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth heir merchandise any more; 12 The merchanise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.  15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought, And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning saying, What city is like unto this great city!

This political and commercial Babylon will have become a center of commercialism.  Certainly, the city of Rome was the center for world trade and government in John’s day, and it was known for its extravagance and luxury. Politically and economically, the people in the Empire were dependent on Rome. Today, with the complex connections that exist between governments and businesses, and with the interrelated computer systems, it would not take long for “Babylon” to collapse and the world’s economic system to be destroyed.

Whether this is the modern Rome or the rebuilt city of the ancient city of Babylon is not really important. What is important is that it is not hard to imagine the world returning to that situation.

A worldwide lament will rise from the earth dwellers as they see the smoke of Babylon’s destruction. First, monarchs “who have committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will bewail the city’s destruction. Afraid of being caught up in the same holocaust that consumed Babylon. These leaders are seen “Standing afar off for the fear of her torment."

A third cry for the great city is, “Alas, alas, that great city, Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. The kings will wring their hands and weep over the loss of the power they enjoyed by participating in Babylon’s wickedness and wealth. “They eulogize her with praise, but there is a terrible hopelessness in their anguish; they marvel at the sudden destruction of that which thy thought was guaranteed security. They mourn as if lamenting the passing of a loved one. Second, the merchants will mourn their loss, “for no man buyeth their merchandise anymore.” It would seem that doing business with Babylon will bring great riches to many people worldwide. These traders will profit enormously from doing business with Babylon.  

Note that the merchants are not feeling sorry for the city, but for themselves: they have lost valuable customers! God had brought an end to their life of luxury and wealth. Even their employees weep (Revelation 18:17–18).

Last on the list, and most disturbing, is “slaves and the souls of men” (Revelation 18:13). It has been estimated that one third of Rome’s population was enslaved; and it was not unusual for 10,000 human beings to be auctioned off in one day in the great slave markets of the Empire. There were probably over 60 million slaves throughout the Empire, people who were treated like pieces of furniture, bought and sold, used and abused. Is John suggesting that there will, in the end times, be a return to slavery? Perhaps not in the ancient sense, but certainly we can see an increasing loss of freedom in our world today.

It would take little imagination to conceive of a universal enslavement under the rule of “the beast.” We have already seen that he required his mark on everyone who would buy or sell (Revelation 13:16–17), and he also demanded that all people worship his image. He will promise “freedom,” but put men and women in bondage (2 Peter 2:19). He will take advantage of the people’s appetites (Revelation 18:14) and use their appetites to enslave them.

Some more food for thought on these verses; We in America live under the most prosperous times, but yet our government is trillion of dollars in debt. How long do you think that this can go on? We are considered the wealthiest nation in the world by money standards, but we are quickly becoming the poorest nation in the world by Spiritual standards.

One last bit of food for thought; Most of the world is using the dollar as a standard for their money system, if our dollar tanks, what happens to the monetary systems of the world? Could it be possible that they would turn to a world monetary system that would include the mark of the beast? Just something to think about.

4. The voice of celebration.

Verses 20-24 “Rejoice over, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God have avenged you on her 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, sayings, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

During the first half of the Tribulation, as “the beast” rises to power, ecclesiastical and political-economic Babylon will work together in opposing the Lord and His people. It will seem that God does not care; but at the right time, the Lord will vindicate His people and destroy both “the harlot” and the great city. God is patient with His enemies; but when He does begin to work, He acts suddenly and thoroughly.

The judgment of commercial and political Babylon is brought to its completion. It is thrown down forever and forever. It will not come as a slowly evolving process but will come with violence and in one hour.

At this point in our study, the political and economic system of “the beast” has at last been destroyed. All that remains is for Jesus Christ to come from heaven and personally meet and defeat “the beast” and his armies. This He will do, and then establish His righteous kingdom on earth.

Babylon is fallen, is fallen. What an awesome and sobering thought for the world at large. The world laments while the saints rejoice. 

22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; 23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee; for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 An in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

The words “no more” are mentioned seven times in this chapter. This is to show the utter destruction of Babylon. This will be a testimony to her total destruction, like that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I want to close this chapter by quoting Harry Ironside in his commentary on this book;

“It is the destruction of the greatest schemes and works of man to make way for that which has been in the mind of God and promised through His prophets from the beginning of the world. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and built a city after the murder of his brother Abel. This was the beginning of man’s boasted civilization. All of the arts and sciences had their origin there. There were artificers in brass and iron; trade and barter, the pursuit of the unrighteous mammon began there; and there, too, dwelt those who handled the harp and the organ. Music charmed the weary sons of Cain as they sought to make themselves happy and this world attractive apart from God.  The Lord blotted out all of this in the deluge, but it is evident that Ham, Noah’s son, had learned the same ways. In his family, the world as an ordered system of things, apart from God, had a new beginning. Nimrod built a city and a tower, as we have seen, and it became the mother city from whence others went out and built a godless and selfish civilization. That system eventually crucified the Lord of Glory, and His accusation was written above Him in Hebrew, the language of religion; Greek, the language of culture; and Latin, the language of world politics- the world, as such arrayed against God and His Christ. And this is the world that is to reach its culmination in Babylon the Great, presided over by the greatest geniuses that earth has ever produced but only to be judged by God because of enmity to everything holy and its constant rejection of His Son. Its downfall will prepare the way for the establishment of the kingdom of God and therein of righteousness and peace for which humanity has sighed so long. Man’s city must fall to give place to the city of God which shall stand forever; hence, the joy in heaven at Babylon’s destruction.”

Jesus is about to return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will reign over the world with truth and righteousness in the real Eternal City of the New Jerusalem.

The question before us tonight is which city and king do we owe our allegiance to?

Which city are we citizens of?

Which city are we looking forward to?