July 6: SYMBOLIC BABYLON, TWICE FALLEN

The book of Daniel is a launchpad for much of the symbolism in the book of Revelation. The Old Testament prophets were mightily used by God to help prepare His end-time people for the culmination of fallen earth’s history, hence the numerous references to Babylon.

Historical Babylon fell only once, never to rise again, just as Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 13:20). But later the prophet goes on to announce: Babylon is fallen, is fallen (21:9). This prophecy goes forward to earth’s last days and refers to symbolic Babylon, which indeed will fall twice. How can this be? The answer was given to the apostle John ‘the Revelator’. Spiritual Babylon is identified as MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (Revelation 17:5). In this chapter, a fallen woman—the symbol for a church—is riding a beast—the symbol for a political power. As the rider, the woman controls the beast. The Reformers unanimously identified her as the Roman Catholic Church. They loved their mother church and hoped to bring about reform within her. But the gems of Scripture that they had discovered for themselves were in conflict with church doctrines. Rather than accept correction, the established church denounced the Reformers and labeled them as heretics. Many of them had to flee from the midst of Babylon in order to save his life (Jeremiah 51:6). Most of the daughter churches that came out of her—Protestants—did not come all the way out, and to this very day, still hold tightly to various false doctrines that came from the fallen mother church. The Mother of Harlots is fallen, and her daughters who refuse correction are also fallen. Together they comprise spiritual Babylon.

In the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-11 (often called The Last Message of Mercy to the World), only the second message—Babylon is fallen, is fallen (v.8)—is not in a loud voice. This is because the church preaching this message is currently, as a whole, asleep and lukewarm (see Matthew 25:5; Revelation 3:16). Beloved, pray for the current sleepy condition of the remnant church!

This message is later repeated by another angel, a fourth one (see 18:1-2) and this time the earth [will be] illuminated with his glory. Remember that angel means messenger and can refer to a divine being sent from the from the presence of God, and/or the pastor (spokesperson) of a church (Revelation 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14). This message coming down from heaven will be winsomely preached the world over with a loud voice, because the remnant church (12:17) will have awakened and thrown off her lukewarmness.

Then the most exciting thing happens: individuals from all over the world will hear yet another voice from heaven – the voice of Jesus speaking to their hearts, saying “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (18:4). Those who choose to respond to the voice of the Lord will be from every culture and nation, every tongue and people. Every earthly barrier, including denominations, will be penetrated by this message in fulfillment of the Savior’s words:

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:16

“We would have healed Babylon, But she is not healed. Forsake her…” Isaiah 51:9