Revealing RevelationSample

The Fall of Babylon
When Christ comes, He will rule the world from the holy city. Now, however, the world is controlled by the devil, who does everything exactly the opposite of God. And here, we see that he has established his headquarters in the harlot-city Babylon. The city of Babylon was built wrongly: reaching for the heavens by man’s own effort, and not by God’s; making a name for itself, rather than for the glory of God; and disregarding God’s directive to multiply and spread across the earth. This city of Babel morphed into Babylon, a city deeply involved in astrology, sorceries, and magic.

In these next chapters, which can be confusing, John is transported away to a vision. In the wilderness, John is confronted with the vision of a woman dressed in an outfit that many would not consider “church-going clothes.” Under her is the multi-headed beast, and in her hand is a cup “full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.” She is drunk with the blood of the martyrs and the saints, an indication that she is not only in agreement with their deaths but likely had a hand in their executions. The beast she rides is the Antichrist, with seven heads and ten horns. The woman is on the waters, and the angel informs John that those waters represent multitudes of nations and languages. Under the direction of the beast, the ten kings will turn on the harlot and destroy her.

As chapter 18 opens, John sees another angel coming down to earth from heaven with the emphatic message that Babylon is fallen. These two chapters speak of a religious and economic system that is both global and godless. There will be a worldwide economic collapse.

God is calling out to the believers during that time to not compromise. The destruction of Babylon and salvation for the saints are on the way. Amid the misery there is rejoicing:

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” (Rev. 18:20).

The Return of the King
We can now look forward to the second coming of Christ. The author believes in the interpretation of a literal kingdom in which Jesus will reign from Jerusalem for 1,000 years. This period will begin at the conclusion of the tribulation when Jesus returns. At that time, God will pour out His Holy Spirit upon the Jewish nation. The Jews will recognize Jesus as their Messiah and will individually give themselves to the Lord.