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This is an Israel friendly site!
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From the Rapture to the Second Coming
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Revelation 18: "One World Political & Economic System"
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Link to Printer Ready PDF Version of this document. |
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Chapter Highlights
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Chapter Aids
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Topical Index
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Chapter 17 described the destruction of Mystery Babylon's first identity as a one-world prostitute religious system. This chapter describes the destruction of Mystery Babylon's second identity as a city that is home to a one-world political and economic system. The destruction of these two entities will rid the world of a lot of its problems.
What Others are Saying:
- Tim LaHaye: What all of this means is not too difficult to grasp. The one-world government, the one-world religion, and the one-world banking system that makes possible the commerce of the world is already gathering momentum. It is just a matter of time before it decides to locate in a single spot. That spot will be Babylon. 18-1
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Revelation 18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.
After witnessing the coming destruction of the one-world prostitute religious system John received a new revelation. He saw another angel coming down from heaven that will tackle the powerful and wealthy one-world political and economic system. When this angel arrives it will not be the sun, moon, or stars that light the earth but the angel's glory. This suggests that he will come directly from the presence of God (Ezekiel 43:2).
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Revelation 18:2 With a mighty voice he shouted: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.
The angel will prophesy about the future of Babylon the Great. It will fall and become the habitat of demons, the dwelling place of all evil spirits, and the home to all unclean birds. The great and beautiful city will become a dark and loathsome place. This fulfills what the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 13:19-22; Jeremiah 50:38-40) said.
Remember This…
- Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great (Revelation 14:8).
Warning!
- Certain scholars suggest the great city described in this chapter cannot be the literal Babylon. They seem to think the current city of Babylon is too small, too remote, and more of a tourist attraction. They overlook what the Antichrist could do if several dozen nations flew in work crews and materials from around the world. A hundred nations with unlimited financing, hundreds of engineers, modern equipment, and thousands of workers could turn Babylon into a great city virtually overnight.
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Revelation 18:3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries."
This is a picture of government and business becoming obsessed with, and controlled by, a concept. Every nation on earth has delved into the idea of world government and world trade. By the time the Tribulation Period arrives they will be intoxicated with it. The idea will receive their full support, and the businessmen involved will become extremely wealthy.
Key Symbols:
What Others are Saying:
- Ed Hindson: The fall of communism has paved the way for a world economy and a world government. The global web is tightening around us every day. 18-2
- Peter and Paul Lalonde: In the fall of 1994, over 200 spiritual leaders met in Khartoum, Sudan to discuss the need for a world council of religions which would represent all faiths. Such a council would foster cooperation between the world's major religions. Those who attended not only called for peace and religious harmony between the world's religions but for a new political order as well. 18-3
Something to Ponder
- Many people ask what prophecy says about the United States. Some students of prophecy think the United States is mentioned in a general way (not by name), but that is mostly speculation and cannot be proved. Others think the United States will collapse or be destroyed because it is not specifically mentioned, but that is also impossible to prove. The United States would be wise to support Israel during the Tribulation Period, but with the Church gone it seems reasonable to conclude that it will be closely aligned with Europe and its Antichrist.
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Revelation 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
A voice from heaven will urge God's people to leave Babylon for two reasons: so they will not become involved in Babylon's sin, and so they will not fall victim to the plagues God will inflict on Babylon. Even during this terrible time of God's wrath being poured out we can see that God still cares about his people.
What Others are Saying:
- David Hocking: It is clear… that God desires to protect his people, and… punish Babylon. 18-4
- J. Vernon McGee: This verse reveals that God's people are going to be on earth to the end (it is not speaking of the Church which has already been removed before the Great Tribulation began). 18-5
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Revelation 18:5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.
In the Old Testament, God did not overlook what Babylon was doing when she tried to build a tower to heaven, and he will not overlook this. To stop construction on the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), he confused their language and scattered them around the world. In the future, to stop their sins from piling any higher, he will burn her to the ground.
What Others are Saying:
- David Jeremiah with C.C. Carlson: The sins of Babylon have piled one on another like bricks in the Tower of Babel. Each stone is an indictment about its sick condition. 18-6
- J. Vernon McGee: The judgment of God may be delayed, but it is sure. It may seem to us that the unbeliever is getting by with sin, but God's judgment is coming. 18-7
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Revelation 18:6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from her own cup.
It will seem for awhile that Babylon will be getting away with killing God's people. Her day, however, will come, and when it does, she will be severely dealt with. Those who offer no mercy will receive no mercy (Galatians 6:7). This is true justice.
Key Point
- Those who offer no mercy will receive no mercy
Related Current Events
- The People's Republic of China (PRC) calls its Holocaust Laogai (Reform through Work)… Dr. Harry Wu estimates that more than 50 million people have been imprisoned in the Laogai since 1949. The PRC, in 1984, officially admitted to 20 million. Of the 50 million, Wu estimates that half have died or will die… 18-8
Something to Ponder
- It is predicted that in 30 years there will be no Christians in the Palestinian controlled areas of Israel. Palestinian persecution is driving them out of the land where Christ was born.
Remember This…
- Babylon's cup (Revelation 17:4) will be filled with abominable things.
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Revelation 18:7 Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.'
This godless city will be filled with the proud and haughty. Her residents will declare her beauty, greatness, glory, and her reign over all the earth. They will think she is a queen, and that she is married to the kings of the earth. As such, she is not a widow but a wealthy queen who has nothing to mourn about. They will be self-deceived and will extol her around the world. Never mind the fact that God brought her down in one day during the reign of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:17-31).
The voice from heaven will say, "Let her torture and grief be in accordance with the way she glorifies herself." This will be one of God's standards of judgment when he remembers Babylon: the great grief of the godly will be turned into glory, and the glory of the godless will be turned into great grief.
What Others are Saying:
- David Hocking: The sovereign control of God in the affairs of human history is a constant theme throughout the Bible. God is not a passive observer to human events. He is working them all out for his glory. He is accomplishing His plan on His time schedule. 18-9
- J. H. Melton: When nations become wealthy, they become independent, and no longer sense the need of God. The history of the great nations in the past reveals wealth and prosperity to be responsible for their fall. 18-10
Something to Ponder
- Today, many global corporations and world leaders are making decisions for the sole purpose of producing wealth. They cannot see God's love, mercy, and grace because they are only looking for a big return on their investments. Unfortunately, their willing blindness will be no excuse when God decides that their sins are piled high enough.
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Revelation 18:8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning, and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
As the home of one-world government and global trade, Babylon will think she is very powerful. She will control powerful weapons and great armies. But compared to the Lord God who will judge her, this highly touted strength will be like a dart gun.
What no earthly army can do, God will accomplish in one day. First, the angel of death will pass over Babylon. Second, this city which just finished saying, I will never mourn will grieve bitterly. Third, this rich city will suddenly run out of food. Lastly, it will be burned to the ground.
What Others are Saying:
- Peter and Paul Lalonde: Most experts now agree that one major natural disaster, or weather catastrophe, could mean a major food crisis that would be felt worldwide. 18-11
Remember This…
- The head of a Gentile world kingdom in Egypt was a man called Pharaoh. He dreamed about seven fat cows (Genesis 41:25-37) with plenty to eat followed by seven skinny cows with very little to eat. He thought this was very significant and called in his advisors, but they could not interpret the dream. Then he called in Joseph who told him God is letting Pharaoh know that Egypt will go through seven years of good harvests with plenty to eat followed by seven years of poor harvests with very little to eat. Pharaoh believed Joseph, built storehouses for food, and located them in areas where the food could be easily distributed. The preparations paid off. Seven years of tremendous harvests came followed by seven years of worldwide famine with Egypt being severely affected, but the nation handled it well.
- After moving to the promised land, Abraham and his nephew Lot decided to separate. Lot eventually moved to the city of Sodom. It was a beautiful city, but it was full of injustice and sordid sins called sodomy (homosexuality). Because of this God decided to destroy Sodom and the equally sinful neighbor city of Gomorrah. He sent angels to tell Lot (Genesis 19:1-28) what was going to happen and to get Lot and his family out of Sodom. Lot barely escaped when fire fell from heaven and burned the cities to the ground.
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Revelation 18:9 "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her.
The destruction of Babylon will be worldwide news. Kings, dictators, politicians, and those who supported her will see the smoke billowing up into the air causing them to grieve and cry.
What Others are Saying:
- J. Vernon McGee: No one dreamed that this great city would be judged. Yet, by the time the sun goes down, Babylon is nothing but smoldering ruins. 18-12
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Revelation 18:10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: "'Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!'
The kings, dictators, and politicians will shake in fear. Panic will grip them. Their cry of woe, woe reveals deep anguish and terror because her destruction will come in one hour. A few experts suggest that one hour could mean "a short space of time" or "spread out over a few days," but most think it means suddenly or instantaneously. That will add to the panic and terror.
What Others are Saying:
- Ed Hindson: The real tragedy in all this talk of global unity is the absence of any emphasis on the spiritual roots of democracy and freedom. The gospel has been blunted in Western Europe for so long that there is little God-conscientiousness left in the European people. Without Christ, the Prince of Peace, there can be no hope for manmade orders of peace and prosperity. There will be no Millennium without the Messiah! 18-13
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Revelation 18:11 "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more:
Not only will the heads of state weep but so will the world's big businessmen. However, it will not be over the loss of life, loss of souls to hell, or even their own sins. They will weep and mourn over their loss of customers.
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Revelation 18:12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble;
Purple and scarlet was worn by royalty in John's day. Silk was so scarce at one time it was outlawed. Citron wood was also scarce and highly sought for ornamental purposes. However, during the Tribulation Period, Babylon will import these cargoes frequently. These are the goods of an affluent society. The global traders will pile them up in Babylon, but the Apostle James warned about such things when he said, Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days (James 5:1–3). It will be boom time in Babylon when the billionaires head there, but it will be bust when the ball of fire falls. God gives wealth, but he meant for it to benefit society, not to enrich a few.
What Others are Saying:
- J. Vernon McGee: These are the products of an affluent society… You will not find a cotton dress or a pair of overalls anywhere in this list. 18-14
Remember This…
- The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls (Revelation 17:4).
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Revelation 18:13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men.
Some more products large corporations of the world will deal in during the Tribulation Period are: expensive perfumes, spices, food, grain, cattle, and even human beings. This is a picture of large corporations that will sell anything for a profit. It is also a picture of businessmen crying because they have lost sales.
It seems almost unthinkable that we would have slavery in this modern world. Nevertheless, slavery is a tragic reality in Sudan and there is virtually no outcry from global leaders or human rights activists around the world. The jihad (holy war) being waged against Christians and non-Muslims in Sudan has caused the death of about 3 million people. Christian and non-Muslim villages are being burned, the men are being killed, and the women and children are being sold in open slave markets for sometimes as little as $10–15 apiece.
What Others are Saying:
- David Hocking: One is astonished to find among the items that will be lost to these merchants, the bodies and souls of men (Revelation 18:13). Human life will be cheap, and people will be sold as merchandise. One cannot help but wonder if the prostitution and pornography enterprises of our world are not indicated by these words. 18-15
- David Jeremiah with C. C. Carlson: This world system championed by the beast will dehumanize mankind, as any system without God will do. 18-16
Remember This…
- From their treasures the wise men gave the baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
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Revelation 18:14 "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.'
The global traders will acknowledge that the Babylonian dream has been destroyed. All her riches and glory will be gone forever.
What Others are Saying:
- Oliver B. Greene: Heaven is here announcing to this woman that her playhouse is wrecked forever, and she is down, never to rise again. 18-17
- David Hocking: The hunger for achievement and accumulation of wealth remains as the dominant factor of people's lifestyles and desires. The "fools" of this world are found daily in every marketplace and place of business (Luke 12:13–21). But judgment day is coming. 18-18
Remember This…
- Babylon has always been associated with wealth. It is appropriately called the Kingdom of Gold in Daniel 2. The most famous gardens the world has ever known are called "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon." They have been designated one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In order to make the mountain princess he married feel at home, King Nebuchadnezzar built terraces for gardens that were 400 feet square and went up to 75 feet high. Flowers, shrubs, and trees were planted on those terraces and slaves worked the gardens day and night.
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Revelation 18:15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn
The businessmen who prospered by brokering deals at Babylon will not go near the burned out ruins. They will cry and grieve at a distance because they are terrified at her judgment. Some may stand in their executive suites halfway around the world watching (on television), weeping, and wailing.
What Others are Saying:
- Ed Hindson: What is now more clear than ever is that we have taken a quantum leap toward the fulfillment of the Biblical prophecies of the last days. The stage is now being set for the final climatic act in the long history of human drama. 18-19
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Revelation 18:16 and cry out: "'Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls!
We have already learned that the businessmen of the world will cry because Babylon's great power will not protect her. Now we learn that they will cry because her beauty and wealth will also fail to protect her. It matters not how powerful an entity is, how beautiful or how rich, if God decides it should fall, it will surely fall.
What Others are Saying:
- Hal Lindsey: It's not often that you see grown men weeping and wailing, at least not in public, but at this time there will be no pride left in any man. Everything they have will be lost. The panic will be a hundred times greater than that which followed the U. S. stock market crash of 1929. 18-20
Something to Ponder
- Jesus said, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where, moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19, 20). Good financial planning includes much more than large bank accounts, sound investments, and a diversified portfolio. Everyone needs to think about these things, but the only permanent investments are spiritual. Giving to the Lord's work is truly sound financial planning because it becomes legal tender in heaven. That is the most careful money management of all.
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Revelation 18:17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!' "Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off.
The sudden destruction of such great wealth (Matthew 6:19-21) in a short time will be catastrophic for multitudes. First, we read that the kings, dictators, and politicians who supported Babylon will cry. Then we read that the global merchants who do business with her will cry. Now we learn that the seamen who transport her goods will cry.
Hauling the merchandise of Babylon will be big business, but in one hour her great wealth will be gone. Every sea pilot, every sea traveler to Babylon, all the sailors, and all who will be earning a living on the sea will stand back and mourn the loss of goods, jobs, and business.
What Others are Saying:
- J. Vernon McGee: How do we see the luxury of this world? Do we see it as it really is? Can we use it without getting it into our hearts? How would you feel if the luxuries in your life which you have come to consider necessities suddenly went up in smoke? 18-21
- Ed Hindson: This aspect (a world economy) of globalism is already upon us. No developed nation of any kind can survive today without networking with the global economy. There is almost no such thing as an "American" product that is not dependent on parts, trade, or investments from foreign countries. 18-22
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Revelation 18:18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?'
This cry is similar to the lament people heard when the beautiful city of Tyre was destroyed (Ezekiel 27:32) for a second time. Nebuchadnezzar wiped out the original city on the mainland, so the Phoenicians rebuilt it on an island. They made it their capital and turned it into a great trading center. Alexander the Great came along and pushed the ruins of the old city into the sea, making a causeway out to the island. His troops walked out on dry land and destroyed the rebuilt city. People compared that to the sinking of a great ship. They cried and asked, "What city is like Tyre? Who was ever silenced like Tyre?" When people see the smoke of Babylon rising in the air they will ask, Was there ever a city like this great city?
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Revelation 18:19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: "'Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!
This is the third time we are told Babylon will fall in one hour (Revelation 18:10, 17). The sudden nature of her destruction will leave the political, business, and shipping world bitterly weeping, reeling, and stunned. This is a clear sign of what the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) will do to people. When money is god, and God is gone, what is left but godless grief?
Something to Ponder
- Some think the destruction of this great city in just one hour could mean an atomic or nuclear explosion. The fact that people will not go near it is another indication of that.
- A mighty angel asked, Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll (Revelation 5:2)?
- An angel with great authority and a mighty voice shouted, Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the great (Revelation 18:1, 2).
- A mighty angel picked up a boulder, hurled it into the sea and said, With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again (Revelation 18:21).
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Revelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.'"
This is something the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 13:19-22; Jeremiah 50:38-40) prophesied, the New Testament apostles (James 5:1-6) predicted, and the Tribulation Period Saints will pray for. We should join the angels in heaven in rejoicing when God's Word is fulfilled and the prayers of God's people are answered.
Here we have a difference between God's people and the godless. One group will rejoice and sing the praises of God. The other will grieve and mourn the loss of their god (money). In the end, Babylon will have brought this judgment on herself for mistreating God's people.
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Revelation 18:21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.
This is the third time we have read about a mighty angel. Whether these will be three different angels or the same angel is not known, but the picture is that of a huge stone being violently hurled down into the sea where it will disappear forever. This symbolizes the sudden, violent, and eternal destruction of future Babylon.
Key Point
- In the end, Babylon will have brought this judgment on herself for mistreating God's people.
What Others are Saying:
- David Hocking: It will be wiped off the face of the earth with one fatal blow from the hand of Almighty God. 18-23
- J. Vernon McGee: Like a stone that makes a big splash and then disappears beneath the waves will Babylon come to an end. 18-24
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Revelation 18:22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again.
Everything from entertainment to manual labor jobs will cease. There will be no more music in Babylon, no people going to work, and no craftsmen on the job. She will be silenced forever.
What Others are Saying:
- Peter and Paul Lalonde: A truly global economy was not possible until today. Before the advent of modern communication and transportation systems, the world was little more than a collection of economic islands. However, there is no denying the fact that the same generation that saw Israel come back in her land (1948), is also seeing the world's economic focus set clearly on free trade zones, the reduction of tariffs and the building of "the new global economy." As U. S. President Bill Clinton puts it, "this new global economy is here to stay. We can't build walls around our nation. So we must provide world leadership, we must compete, not retreat." 18-25
Something to Ponder
- The ancient city of Pompeii, Italy was suddenly destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Hot ashes, cinders, poisonous gas and smoke killed about 2,000 people. Archaeologists have found shells or molds of human bodies preserved in the hardened ash. The details are so clear that even the expressions of pain and terror on their faces have been preserved.
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Revelation 18:23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
The street lights; the lights in the malls, shops, and homes will all be dark. Joyous occasions such as marriages will never been heard again. Babylon will be an utter waste.
The merchants in Babylon will be great men on earth. They will use black magic, sorcery, and demonic practices to lead people astray. The forces of darkness will reign until God turns their lights off.
What Others are Saying:
- Peter and Paul Lalonde: The religion of the ancient Babylonians was very heavily influenced by astrology, magic, fortunetelling, and occultism. In recent years our modern world has seen a remarkable increase in interest in the same types of ideologies that made up the Babylonian culture. Businessmen and politicians are having their astrological charts drawn up. Political leaders in Russia and Saudi Arabia are reported to use black magic, or consult soothsayers for their political ends. Police authorities even use psychics to provide them with clues and tips in criminal cases. In fact, it was reported in late 1995 that the CIA had been using six different psychics over a period of 20 years for intelligence missions. 18-26
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Revelation 18:24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."
Babylon has a long history as the city of Satan. The False Prophet will make his headquarters there during the last half of the Tribulation Period. He will worship the Antichrist and have no tolerance for the people of God. He will kill all those who lack the Mark of the Beast. Babylon's destruction will be well deserved.
Remember This…
- The False Prophet came with two horns like a lamb (Revelation 13:11). Lambs do not have horns, so we know he will be a fake in lamb's clothing.
- Jesus warned that false prophets will deceive many (Matthew 24:11) in the last days. The winds of deceit will reach gale force during the Tribulation Period. Beware of any religious leader who speaks ill of Jesus and opposes the scriptures. Any message that contradicts the Bible, no matter how sweet-sounding, is not from God.
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- How many nations have been defiled by Babylon?
- What will be the extent of Babylon's punishment?
- What was Babylon's magic spell and does any of it exist today?
- Whose blood will Babylon be responsible for shedding?
- What will Babylon use to lead people astray?
Go to Answers
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- An angel will come from the presence of God and declare the destruction of the great city, Babylon. (Revelation 18:1–3)
- A heavenly voice will call God's people out of Babylon so that they will not share in her crimes and judgment. (Revelation 18:4–7)
- Babylon will be destroyed by God in one hour. Her sudden destruction will leave the world wailing and weeping over the loss of money. (Revelation 18:8–19)
- Those in heaven, who suffered at Babylon's hands, will rejoice over God's judgment of her. (Revelation 18:20)
- A mighty angel will throw a boulder the size of a large millstone into the sea. This will represent the totality of Babylon's destruction; she will never rise again. (Revelation 18:21–24)
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