Babylon or the Bride (Revelation 18:1-19:10)
After John is shown the meaning of the symbolism of “the Great City” in chapter 17, we hear reports of declarations regarding the Babylon’s downfall and worship in heaven for God’s justice and holiness. Chapter 17 ends with Babylon the being made desolate by the Beast, who himself is being used by God to execute His judgement. Now, 18 opens with an angelic taunt of Babylon. She is utterly destroyed and desolate. The imagery here is striking; Babylon is a haunt of demons!
The voice of God warns His people (Revelation’s readers throughout history) to “come out” of Babylon. This is not a warning for people at the end of history to evacuate her as Sodom was evacuated by Lot before the hour of judgement. It is an instruction for God’s people to not be a part of her even while living in and amongst the world. We are not supposed to fit in the system of the world’s power, luxury, and cruelty. The imagery here is the same used in Amos 5, Ezekiel 27, and Jeremiah 50-51. It also serves nicely to describe the predominate characteristics of western culture from the days of Rome right down to our day: materialism.
We see this even better in the laments of the kings, merchants, and sailors who empowered and enriched themselves with the materialism they supplied and served. God is reminding us that we need to take heed that we not become enamored or even comfortable with this seductive evil. A reminder that far too many people who claim to be Christians have not heeded.
Finally, we close out this section with a contrast. The Bride of Christ is presented as the true luxury and beauty of the created order. It is in the family of God that we find the true culture of humanity as God intended it to be. Blessed are they that belong to this order, as opposed to the harlotry of materialism and oppression.
The voice of God warns His people (Revelation’s readers throughout history) to “come out” of Babylon. This is not a warning for people at the end of history to evacuate her as Sodom was evacuated by Lot before the hour of judgement. It is an instruction for God’s people to not be a part of her even while living in and amongst the world. We are not supposed to fit in the system of the world’s power, luxury, and cruelty. The imagery here is the same used in Amos 5, Ezekiel 27, and Jeremiah 50-51. It also serves nicely to describe the predominate characteristics of western culture from the days of Rome right down to our day: materialism.
We see this even better in the laments of the kings, merchants, and sailors who empowered and enriched themselves with the materialism they supplied and served. God is reminding us that we need to take heed that we not become enamored or even comfortable with this seductive evil. A reminder that far too many people who claim to be Christians have not heeded.
Finally, we close out this section with a contrast. The Bride of Christ is presented as the true luxury and beauty of the created order. It is in the family of God that we find the true culture of humanity as God intended it to be. Blessed are they that belong to this order, as opposed to the harlotry of materialism and oppression.
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