THE FALL OF POLITICAL BABYLON

REVELATION 18

Lesson 22

Introduction: The 18^th chapter of the Revelation of Jesus Christ reveals the political and economic destruction which shall come upon this worlds system during the latter part of the great tribulation. In our last study we considered the fall of the religious system, which will take place at the midpoint of the tribulation. This event opens the door to the great tribulation for the last 3 ½ years, 42 months, before Christ glorious appearing in Revelation 19. The political and economic system will have its day unhindered by religion. The opening words of chapter 18 make it clear we have another revelation, which follows that of chapter 17. The reason for making this point is that some feel that chapter 17 and 18 are one and the same event.  Another angel is seen in this chapter and from the fact that the earth is lighted with His glory leads us to believe that His great work is unique or totally different from the chapter 17 angel.

         I.      The announcement of the angel that Babylon has fallen (Vs 1-3)

a.        Babylon has two significant uses in the Word of God.

1.        We learned from chapter 17 Babylon had a religious meaning.

a)  It represented the religiously apostate works of Satan which God in the end will destroy.

2.       It also is used with a political background from the days of  Nebuchadnezzar, king of ancient Babylon.

b.       The condition of Babylon here in chapter 18

1.        Characterized by evil

a)   Satan has used it like a tool

b)  The wealth collected by the apostate church is taken over by the political system and now exploits this accumulated wealth.

2.        It might be well to mention that wealth is not a sign of God’s favor.  In today’s society this prosperity gospel is being preached.

a)  Let us keep in mind Job, Abraham and the Laodicean church.

       II.      A warning and a charge (Vs. 4-8)

a.        A warning to God’s people to have no part of this system or its associations (Vs, 4-8)

1.       There is a two fold reason for leaving or not being a part of this system.

a)  God’s people are not to be partakers of her sin. (Jer. 50:8)

b)  They would not have the plagues inflicted upon them

1)       God still calls His own to separation today (II Cor. 6:14,18)

2.        The thought expressed in her sin reaching heaven is “glued or welded together.”

a)  This is reference to the tower of Babel which in reality began the careen of wicked Babylon.

b.       As Babylon has treated the people so God is going to treat her. (Vs. 6-8)

1.       The term implies paying back a debt and is here doubled in recognition of the enmity or hatred of the sin which Babylon has committed.

a)  The security of the rich is false and it can come apart in a day.  This is best illustrated by Belshazzer’s fall in Daniel 5.

2.       God is the one sitting in judgment and brings this to pass.

     III.      The response of the kings and merchants (Vs. 9-19)

a.        The kings bewail the smoke of burning Babylon.

1.        The extent of the wealth and burning is seen in the response of the kings.  They mourned her passing.

2.       Note they stand afar off fearful lest they have the same judgment. How sad is the hour of judgment when it is too late for mercy.

b.       The merchants weep and mourn over her (Vs. 11-19)

1.       The rich and good life is brought to an end in the fires of judgment.

a)   The precious stones and fine clothing

b)  The good building material and good food that men lust after.

c)  In one hour is all lost and all who depend on her for their existence are in mourning.

2.       The fire of judgment causes men to look with despair.

a) Illustration of barns burning from my youth

    IV.      God’s final victory and the utter destruction of Babylon. (Vs. 20-24)

a.        There is joy in heaven in contrast to grief on earth. (Vs. 20)

1.       The true riches are those laid up in heaven toward an eternal reward.

2.        Those on earth can be turned to grief in a very few moments.

a)    This judgment also brings to an end the enslavement of men to material things.

b)  No longer will there be control on the bases of possessions.

b.       Babylon cast into the sea (Vs. 21-23)

1.        In Jer. 51:61-64 we have similar instance.

a)   In both cases we have destruction of a great city.

2.       A great silence bears testimony to the devastating effect of God’s judgment.  In the end all the world will become silent before God.

c.       Also in verse 24 we see the guilt of Babylon of the blood of God’s prophets and saints which takes place during the tribulation. (Vs. 24)

1.        There blood is avenged

2.        The way is now prepared for the theme of this entire Book, the presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming and establishment of His glorious kingdom