Revelation 18
The Destruction/Fall/Judgment/Condemnation of Babylon the Great
The Destruction/Fall/Judgment/Condemnation of Babylon the Great is Announced:
1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
Observation: the
What did John see?
1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.
What did the angel announce?
2a And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
What are all dwells in Babylon the great?
2b and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!
Who are all dwells in Babylon the great?
3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
What do they do?
3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
Interpretation:
What time period these events in Revelation 18 happen?
Events in Rev 18:1,2a happens during the John's time as a part of this revelation to all of us.
Events in Rev 17:17 starts at the beginning of last 3.5 year period just before Jesus Christ 2nd coming to this earth.
At this time all 10 kings totally submit their authority to the beast/Antichrist because the Antichrist miraculously came back to life after their deadly attach of Antichrist and the harlot/city as referred in Rev 13:3,14; Rev 17:16-17.
Events in Rev 18:2b-3 happens during the middle of last 3.5 year period just before Jesus Christ 2nd coming back to this earth.
Now kings enjoy with the Babylon the great city by making good money.
Details about this Babylon the great city is clearly given in Rev 18:11-14, 21-24.
Events in Rev 18:4 happens at the end of last 7 year period just before Jesus Christ comes back to this earth.
Events in Rev 18:4-24 happens at the end of last 7 year period just before Jesus Christ comes back to this earth.
Who is this mighty angel?
1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.
Some believe this angel could be Jesus Himself:
(WW) It was no ordinary angel that made this announcement, for he had great power and a glory that radiated throughout the whole earth. Despite Satan's devices and the opposition of evil men, "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" (Hab. 2:14).
Here this angel has great authority and illuminated with his glory make us to think that this could be Jesus but other than that there is no any significance that confirms that this must be Jesus. Also in Rev 18:4 a voice comes out of heaven says come out of her my people. So, Jesus and God the Father are sitting in the thrown and executing this judgment starting from the bowl judgments Rev 16.
(Walvoord) “The term ‘another’ (Gr., allon) makes it clear that this angel is the same in kind as the angel of Rev 17:1.”
(Swete) This angel coming down from heaven is so “fresh” from God’s presence that he glows. “So recently has he come from the Presence (of God) that in passing he flings a broad belt of light across the dark earth.”
Rev 16:1 - Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth."
Rev 16:17 - Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"
Rev 18:4 - And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
What did the angel announce?
2a And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
This judgment is the fulfillment of prophesy given by the angels in Rev 14:8
(WW) There is a definite reference here to Jeremiah 51-52, where the prophet saw the fall of historical Babylon. But here John saw the destruction of spiritual Babylon, the world system organized by "the beast."
(WW) This announcement was anticipated in Revelation 14:8
(anticipate means 1. to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee: to anticipate pleasure. 2. to expect; look forward to; be sure of: to anticipate a favorable decision.)
Why this angel said "fallen" twice in his announcement?
(WW) The phrase "is fallen, is fallen" not only adds dramatic effect to the announcement, but suggests a dual judgment: ecclesiastical Babylon, "the harlot," in Revelation 17, and political Babylon here in Revelation 18. This thought is amplified in Revelation 18:6 when God announces that Babylon will receive "double" for her many sins.
This angel may be said fallen, fallen twice similar to how the Seraphim and the four living creatures said Holy, Holy, Holy thrice while they worship the Triune God (God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit).
Rev 4:8 - The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
Is 6:3 - 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"
What are all in Babylon the great?
2b and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!
(WW) Furthermore, John called the city "a cage of every unclean and hateful bird" (Rev. 18:2). In Christ's Parable of the Sower, He also used the birds as a picture of Satan (Matt. 13:31-32).
(Mounce) This is “A prophetic picture of absolute desolation where the proud achievements of man become the demonic haunts of unclean and horrible creatures.”
Who are all dwells in Babylon the great?
3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
(DG) Babylon’s sin is not only idolatry (referred to with the term fornication), but also pride, greed and selfishly held and wealth.
What do they do?
3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' 11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:
Revelation 18:11-14, 21-24 clearly describes in detail what do they do in this Babylon the great city.
Application:
(WW) The church, the bride of the Lamb, is the habitation of God (Eph. 2:22); Babylon, on the other hand, is the habitation of Satan (Rev. 18:2).
Final Reaping of the Believers/Righteous before God Judges/Condemns the Unbelievers/Unrighteous:
4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Observation:
Where did the voice come from?
4a And I heard another voice from heaven saying,
What did this voice say?
4b "Come out of her, my people,
What reasons God calls His people out of the unrighteous people?
4c lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Interpretation:
Whose voice is this?
4a And I heard another voice from heaven saying,
4b "Come out of her, my people,
This voice says "my" people so this voice could be either God the Father or our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What reasons God calls His people out of the unrighteous people?
4c lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
(WW) John offered two reasons for God's people separating themselves from the diabolical system.
The first is that they might avoid pollution, becoming "partakers of her sins" (Rev. 18:4).
"Neither be partaker of other men's sins" (1 Tim. 5:22). The word means "joint fellowship or partnership." There is a good partnership in the Lord (Phil. 4:13), but there is also an evil partnership that we must avoid (Eph. 5:11). True unity of the Spirit exists among believers, but we must not compromise by joining forces with that which is opposed to Christ.
The second reason is that God's people might be spared the terrible plagues He will send on Babylon.
God had patiently endured the growing sins of the evil system, but now the time had come for His wrath to be poured out. He would treat Babylon just as she treated His people.
Read How God will judge the great Harlot/Babylon the great? topic in Rev 18:8.
Does God judge righteous with unrighteous?
No, Never....
4b "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Gen18:16-33 - 16 Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. 17 And the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, 18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him." 20 And the Lord said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know." 22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 And Abraham came near and said, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? ......... 32 Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of ten." 33 So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.
Gen19:15-17;22-26 (1-26) - 1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2 And he said, "Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant's house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." And they said, "No, but we will spend the night in the open square." 3 But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. .......... 12 Then the men said to Lot, "Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city--take them out of this place! 13 For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it." 14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, "Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!" But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking. 15 When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city." 16 And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed." 18 Then Lot said to them, "Please, no, my lords! 19 Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. 20 See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live." 21 And he said to him, "See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. 22 Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. 23 The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt
(WW) This admonition parallels Jeremiah 50:8 and 51:6,45.
Jer 51:6 - 5 For Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah, By his God, the Lord of hosts, Though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel." 6 Flee from the midst of Babylon, And every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, For this is the time of the Lord's vengeance; He shall recompense her. 7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord's hand, That made all the earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; Therefore the nations are deranged.
We can see this pattern/theme in through out the book of Revelation
In Revelation God raptured/caught-up believers in Christ (Church) before the 7 year Great Tribulation starts at Rev 4:1 and we can see believers are in and around the thrown in Rev 4 & 5.
After the seal judgment during the initial 7 year of Great Tribulation we see another group of believers who accepted the Lord during the Seal judgments are in heaven as in Rev 7:9-17.
After the seal judgment during the initial 7 year of Great Tribulation 144,000 Jewish men believers in Christ are sealed and protected by God and used them as Evangelist during that time till He starts the bowl judgment called wrath of God. In Rev 14:1-5 these 144,000 are in heaven worshiping God.
Before starting His bowl judgment we see another group of believers who accepted the Lord during the Trumpet judgments are in heaven as in Rev 15:1. These people are reached out by these 144,000 Israelites men believers in Christ.
Same way here God reap/rapture(caught up)/protect His people before He judges the world Babylon the great.
Who reached out these people or new believers/converts?
These new believers are reached out by the angels who preached the Gospel/Good News as in Rev 18:6-7.
Rev 14:6-7 - 6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- 7 saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
Reaping the Earth
Rev 14:14-16 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Matt 13:24-30 - 24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' 29 But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' "
Matt 13:36-43 - 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field."37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Separating the Sheep from goats:
Matt 25:31-34,41 - 31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ............. 41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
These verses will be fulfilled only at this time.
Read How & When does God and Angel reaps this earth? topic in Rev 14:14-20
Does people get saved after this? Is salvation is possible after this?
No, after this there is no Salvation to anyone.
Matt 25:1-13 - 1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Application:
Christians(True Believers in Christ) are not of (belong) the world but Christians are in the world:
(WW) In all ages, God's true people have had to separate themselves from that which is worldly and anti-God.
When God called Abraham, He ordered him to get out of his country (Gen. 12:1).
God separated the Jewish nation from Egypt and warned the Israelites not to go back.
The church, today is commanded to separate itself from that which is ungodly (Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).
(DG) The call to depart from Babylon and the worldliness that it represents is a theme repeated frequently in the Scriptures.
Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord. (Isaiah 52:11)
Flee from the midst of Babylon, and everyone save his life! (Jeremiah 50:8)
My people, go out of the midst of her! And let everyone deliver himself from the fierce anger of the Lord. (Jeremiah 51:45)
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. (Ephesians 5:11)
Rom. 16:17-18 - 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 - 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." 17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty."
2 Cor. 7:1 - Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
1 Tim 5:22 - Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.
Eph 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
(WW) Christians in every age have had to heed the warning of 1 John 2:15-17.
How easy it is to become fascinated by the things the world has to offer. Like a person taking a sip of wine, we can soon find ourselves drinking deeply and then wanting more. The world system that opposes Christ has always been with us and we must beware of its subtle influence.
1 John 2:15-17 -15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Why Christians are not of (belong) the world but Christians are in the world?
Eph 2:6 - 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
John 17:16-19 - 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
So,.....
(WW) God's people must not delay in separating themselves from this evil system, because God's judgment will come suddenly and Babylon will be destroyed in a single day. Sometimes God's judgments work silently "as a moth" (Hosea 5:12), but at other times they are "as a lion" (Hosea 5:14) and spring suddenly, and mere is no escape. In one day the entire economic empire will collapse! But those who have their citizenship in heaven will rejoice at the judgment of God.
God Measured/Spelled out His Judgment for the Great Harlot/Babylon the Great:
5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.' 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
Observation:
Where did the sins of the great harlot/Babylon the great reach?
5a For her sins have reached to heaven, and
Did God forget the sins/iniquities of the great harlot/Babylon the great?
5b has remembered her iniquities.
What measure of Judgment did God uses to judge the great harlot/Babylon the great?
6a Render to her just as she rendered to you, and
6b repay her double according to her works;
6c in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her.
7a In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow;
7b for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'
How God will judge the great harlot/Babylon the great?
8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
Interpretation:
Where did the sins of the great harlot/Babylon the great reach?
5a For her sins have reached to heaven, and
Gen 18:20-21 - 20 And the Lord said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know."
Gen 19:13 - For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it."
(JC) The goal of the builders of the Tower of Babylon’s birthplace was to “build a tower whose top may reach unto heaven” (Genesis 11:4). In reality, the only thing that reached to heaven was their iniquity.
Did God forget the sins/iniquities of the great harlot/Babylon the great?
5b has remembered her iniquities.
Here is where seventh bowl judgment fulfills:
Rev 16:19 - 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
How God could remembers the iniquities of the great harlot/Babylon the great?
He records all the sins of unbelievers/unrighteous.
Rev 20:11-13 - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 5:8 - Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Application:
Does God remembers believers sins?
(DG) This is the destiny of the materialistic world, but towards believers, God says I will remember their sins no more. (Hebrews 8:12)
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Rom 5:1 - 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Mal 3:16 - Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.
Rev 11:18 - 15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
For detail study about future Judgment and Rewards read Believer Vs Non-Believer Judgments OR Bema Seat Vs White Throne Judgments
How God deals with believers when they continue to live in their old sinful ways? or Does God judge believers like this for their sins or forgives the believers sins?
God disciplines His Children: God is loving and His love suffers long, bears/covers our sins at the same time He is righteous God so, disciplines believers here in this earth if they continue to live in their sinful life.
Rev 3:19- As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Heb 12:5-12 - 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Jesus reveals the purpose for this chastening.
First, it is to draw them to repent of their deeds. They wouldn’t listen to Jesus before, so He has to speak “louder” through a sickbed.
Second, it is to give an example of holiness to other churches: and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.
Example: Rev 2:21-22- 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
God expect us to judge ourselves while we live hear in earth and maintain the relationship with Him:
God will discipline while the believers live in this earth. That is why Paul warns us to discipline ourselves so that we will not be get judged by our Lord.
1 Cor 11: 31 - 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
1 John 1:9-10 - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Matt 6:12-15 - 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
What measure of Judgment did God uses to judge the great harlot/Babylon the great?
6a Render to her just as she rendered to you, and
(DG) The ancient Greek word for render (apodidomi) means literally “to pay a debt” or “to give back that which is due.” God will give to commercial Babylon exactly what she deserves.
6b repay her double according to her works;
Does God follow this pattern from the beginning?
(DG) Double restitution was required in the Old Testament in cases of theft (Exodus 22:4-9). This perhaps is a commentary on how Babylon has made her wealth - through dishonest dealings.
Exodus 22:4-9 - 4 If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double. 5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard. 6 "If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the field is consumed, he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution. 7 "If a man delivers to his neighbor money or articles to keep, and it is stolen out of the man's house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8 If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges to see whether he has put his hand into his neighbor's goods. 9 "For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.
Rev 20:12,13 - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Is 61:7 - 7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
Matt 5:8-42 - 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
6c in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her.
God will punish the same way how they did the sin.
7a In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow;
God will punish the same measure how they did the sin. In fact this will be doubled.
No one can escape.
7b for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.'
She is very prideful:
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4:6 - But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
She has false hope/security:
Luke 12:16-21 - 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' 18 So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' 20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
Read topic How long did it take to destroy this city Babylon the great? in Rev 18:9,17,19;
How God will judge the great Harlot/Babylon the great?
8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
Brief summary of seventh bowl judgment lists major plagues poured out on this city the Babylon the great.
Rev 16:17-21 - 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
In Rev 18:8 some more brief summary has given.
Rev 18:8 - 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her
In Rev 18:9-24 more details has given.
Is this judgment prophesized earlier anywhere else?
This judgment is the fulfillment of prophesy in Rev 11:18; 14:8
(WW) This announcement was anticipated in Revelation 14:8
Rev 11:18c - 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
Rev 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
This is already prophesized by Isaiah 13 and Jeremiah 51 & 52 and it is literally fulfilling at the end of the last 7 year period just before Jesus Christ 2nd coming.
(WW) There is a definite reference here to Jeremiah 51-52, where the prophet saw the fall of historical Babylon. But here John saw the destruction of spiritual Babylon, the world system organized by "the beast."
Is 13:20 - 19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans' pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 It will never be inhabited, Nor will it be settled from generation to generation; Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there, Nor will the shepherds make their sheepfolds there. 21 But wild beasts of the desert will lie there, And their houses will be full of owls; Ostriches will dwell there, And wild goats will caper there. 22 The hyenas will howl in their citadels, And jackals in their pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, And her days will not be prolonged."
Jer 51:37 - Babylon shall become a heap, A dwelling place for jackals, An astonishment and a hissing, Without an inhabitant.
Jer 51:59-64 - 59 The word which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. And Seraiah was the quartermaster. 60 So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that would come upon Babylon, all these words that are written against Babylon. 61 And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, "When you arrive in Babylon and see it, and read all these words, 62 then you shall say, 'O Lord, You have spoken against this place to cut it off, so that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but it shall be desolate forever.' 63 Now it shall be, when you have finished reading this book, that you shall tie a stone to it and throw it out into the Euphrates. 64 Then you shall say, 'Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her. And they shall be weary.' " Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Why this judgment has come to the great Harlot/Babylon the great? or What their sin does to them?
(WW) This judgment has come because the Babylonian "system" has polluted the whole world. As in the judgment of "the harlot," the sin is that of "fornication" or idolatry.
The system intoxicated the people of the world with all the riches and pleasures it had to offer.
The world system satisfies the desires of the earth-dwellers who follow "the beast" and reject the Lamb. But worldly things never permanently satisfy or last.
The love of pleasures and possessions is but an insidious form of idolatry, demonic in its origin and destructive in its outcome.
It catered to those who were "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (2 Tim. 3:1).
What specific sins would God judge?
Fornication/Adultery, Idolatry, Self-indulgence (luxury), Pride, False Security, Persecuting the saints/believers in Christ.
Rev 17:4-6 - 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
(WW) We have already noted Babylon's evil influence on the nations of the world,
Seducing them with idolatry.
Another sin that will be judged is pride: "She hath glorified herself!" (Rev. 18:7; She saw herself as a queen who could never be dethroned, and this false confidence and pride could never be accepted by the Lord (see Isa. 47 for the parallel, especially vv. 7-9).
A third sin is Babylon's worship of pleasures and luxury. To "live deliciously" (Rev. 18:7) is to live proudly in luxury while others go without. It. means to make possessions and pleasures the most important things in life, and to ignore the needs of others. John summarized 'his attitude as "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16).
(DG) This passage presents a three-fold sin.
First, self-indulgence (lived luxuriously).
Second, pride (glorified herself . . . sits as a queen).
Third, avoidance of suffering (am no widow, and will not see sorrow). All these things are characteristic of worldliness and materialism.
Application:
What way this life style affects the believers in Christ now?
2 Tim. 3:2 - 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
NLT: 2 Tim. 3:2 - 1 You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that
How to become lovers of God?
Fear God
Luke 12:4-5 - 4 "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
Believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior or Born again in God's Spirit:
John 3:3-8 - 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Experience God's love by allowing God to fill with His Holy Spirit:
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
It is natural to love someone who loves us. Same way when you experience God's Love then you can love Him with all your heart, soul and mind:
Matt 22:37 - 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
How do you know that you Love God?
If you love God you will... Spend time with God:
Want to know God in a deeper way by reading the Bible:
2 Peter 1:2 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
Produce fruit of the Spirit by abiding with Him and obeying Him / applying His commandments:
1 Samuel 15:22 - So Samuel said: "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
John 15:1-7 - 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples
Praying to Him:
Heb 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
God Judges the Great Harlot/Babylon the Great:
9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' 11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?' 19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.'
Observation:
What is the reaction of the kings of the earth when God judges the Babylon the great?
9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'
What is the reaction of the merchants of the earth when God judges the Babylon the great?
11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:
What are the merchandise the merchants sell?
12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men.
How do the merchants weep and mourn?
14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all.
15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17a For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.'
What is the reaction of the shipmaster and others in the ship?
17b Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'
How do the shipmaster and others in the ship mourn?
19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.'
Interpretation:
What is the reaction of the kings of the earth when God judges the Babylon the great?
9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'
KJV: Rev 18:9-11 - 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standingafar off for the fear of her torment, saying , Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
(WW) The word translated "wail" (KJV:Rev. 18:9) means "a loud lamentation" as opposed to silent weeping. In fact, the same word is translated "weep" in Revelation 18:11.
How long did it take to destroy this city Babylon the great?
10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'
17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?' 19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.'
In one hour the city has been destroyed but it continues for one day and completely wiped out by fire.
Rev 18:8 - Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
NLT: Rev 18:8 - Therefore, the sorrows of death and mourning and famine will overtake her in a single day. She will be utterly consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty."
Is it possible to destroy this city in such a short period/time?
(JC) The entire life of the city comes to a complete, abrupt halt in the aftermath of what is most likely a nuclear exchange. To John, the destruction in a single hour of the economic capital of the world would have been unimaginable. To our culture, having seen even the infancy of nuclear warfare demonstrated at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this is completely possible.
How long did it take the Twin Towers to collapse? Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_did_it_take_the_Twin_Towers_to_collapse
The South Tower collapsed 56 minutes after being hit, and the North Tower 102 minutes after being hit. Once the buildings began to fall, each took less than 30 seconds to fully collapse. The South Tower, though hit second, collapsed first.
Parts of the South Tower reached the ground about 9 seconds after its collapse began at 9:59 AM EDT, approximately 56 minutes after being hit. The central core of the lower 40 floors caved in within 25 seconds thereafter. Debris flattened or filled the seven basement levels within a few seconds.
The TV mast and roof from the North Tower struck the ground about 11 seconds after the descent began, at 10:28 AM EDT, 102 minutes after being hit. The central core of the lower 60 floors completely collapsed within 10 to 15 seconds after being bypassed by the falling upper floors.
Most of the interior collapse was hidden by dust and debris, which also spread over the surrounding buildings and streets.
God is destroying this. This is too slow for Him.
Rev 18:8 - Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
What is the reaction of the merchants of the earth when God judges the Babylon the great?
11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:
(WW)
Note that the merchants are not feeling sorry for the city, but for themselves: they have lost valuable customers! God had brought an end to their life of luxury and wealth. Even their employees weep (Rev. 18:17-18).
The wealth of the city provides for many nations and employs many people. It is worth noting that not only do the merchants lament the fall of Babylon (Rev. 18:11), but also the kings of the earth (Rev. 18:9). Business and government are so intertwined that what affects one affects the other.
Certainly, the city of Rome was the center for world trade and government in John's day, and it was known for its extravagance and luxury. Politically and economically, the people in the Empire were dependent on Rome. Today, with the complex connections that exist between governments and businesses, and with the interrelated computer systems, it would not take long for "Babylon" to collapse and the world's economic system to be destroyed.
(DG) It is plain that the mourning is rooted in self-interest: for no one buys their merchandise anymore.
What are the merchandise the merchants sell?
12a merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls,
(JC) No one is saying, “Oh, those poor people in Babylon.” No, they’re saying, “Oh no, the world economy is wiped out.” And as the results of the destruction of Babylon are described, it feels as if we’re on a floor-by-floor tour of a huge department store like Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale’s.…
(JC) First floor: Jewelry
Jewelry Bazaar
12b fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet,
(JC) Second floor: Clothing
Apparel or Clothing Bazaar/Shopping area
12c every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble;
(JC) Third Floor: Home Furnishings
Home Furnisher Bazaar
(WW) "Thyine wood" (NKJV: citron wood) (Rev. 18:12) was valued highly by the Romans who used it for decorative cabinets and other luxury furnishings.
(DG) This long list needs little explanation, except to note these are all luxuries, not necessities.
13a and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense,
(JC) Fourth Floor: Cosmetics
Cosmetic Bazaar
(WW) Imported spices were greatly sought in that day both for foods and for personal use as perfumes.
13b wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep,
(JC) Fifth Floor: Food Court
Farmers Market or Grocery, Meats and Fresh Produce Market.
(WW) The city of Rome had to depend on imported foods, just as many nations do today. In fact, our great cities would starve were it not for trucks aid trains that daily bring in fresh produce and meats.
13c horses and chariots, and
(JC) Sixth Floor: Automotive
Automotive Bazaar
13d bodies and souls of men.
NLT: 13 She also bought cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and slaves -- yes, she even traded in human lives.
(JC) The basement: the Adult Bookstore
Slave Market.
(DG) The profits of commercial Babylon have come through cruelly using others. They sold the bodies and souls of men.
(WW) Last on the list, and most disturbing, is "slaves and the souls of men" (Rev. 18:13). It has been estimated that one third of Rome's population was enslaved; and it was not unusual for 10,000 human beings to be auctioned off in one day in the great slave markets of the Empire. There were probably over 60 million slaves throughout the Empire, people who were treated like pieces of furniture, bought and sold, used and abused.
Application:
Is bodies are sold now? How? or Is slavery is still exist now or will that return again during last 7 year period?
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of reproductive slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, or a modern-day form of slavery.
(DG) This idea has many applications, none less so than today’s widespread prostitution and pornography.
This is similar to Red light District/Area in Mumbai/Bombay (India), in Amsterdam (Netherlands),...
Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands since 1830. Until 1980 there was a law (dating from 1911), forbidding taking profit from prostitution. This was the law against people exploiting working girls. In practice the law has been rarely applied and prostitutes were actually not protected. In 1988, prostitution has been recognized as a legal profession. The new law introduced in October 2000 clearly makes prostitution legal, subjecting it to the municipal regulations about the location, organization and the practice of business. The authorities try to regulate prostitution, aiming at protecting minors, eliminating forced prostitution and combating the new phenomena of human trafficking. Any sex business must obtain from a municipality a license, certifying that it has fulfilled the legal requirements to operate.
Here prostitutes stand in the showcases,...
Now we have body shoppers or consultancy firms offers IT/IS skilled workers. Here you can contract/rent/buy skilled workers/talented employees as like walk in interviews. This concept extends to non-skilled labors/maid servants/etc.
Companies/Employers buy talented people from their competitor.
(WW) Persons are "bought and sold" (and even traded!) by athletic teams;
(WW) Is John suggesting that there will, in the end times, be a return to slavery?
Perhaps not in the ancient sense, but certainly we can see an increasing loss of freedom in our world today.
Persons are "bought and sold" (and even traded!) by athletic teams; and
our great corporations more and more seek to control the lives of their officers and workers.
As people become more enslaved to luxury, with more bills to pay, they find themselves unable to break loose from the "system."
It would take little imagination to conceive of a universal enslavement under the rule of "the beast."
We have already seen that he required his mark on everyone who would buy or sell (Rev. 13:16-17), and
he also demanded that all people worship his image.
He will promise "freedom," but put men and women in bondage (2 Peter 2:19).
He will take advantage of the people's appetites (Rev. 18:14) and use their appetites to enslave them.
Ezekiel 27 lament over the fall of Tyre. As you read that chapter, you will find a number of parallels.
What are the merchandise merchants sell in your area/city/state/country?
How bad your leaders such as President, Governors, Mayors treat you and other people?
How bad your employee treats you?
How to handle similar issues that we face in day-to-day life?
Are we slaves to our Boss/Master/Employer?
Eph 6:5-9 - 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
What to do when our Boss/Master/Employer overloads you that take away all your spiritual time (Prayer, Meditation and Fellowship with the Lord)?
When things goes out of control and comes to a point that makes to compromise your faith then stand firm in your faith with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our God Jesus will give supernatural strength to walk as per His leading. Do not compromise your walk with the Lord with any other thing. We can learn this from Daniel and his friends....
Daniel 1:8-21 - 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king." 11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king's delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants." 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Daniel 6:11-16 - 11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." 13 So they answered and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day." 14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed." 16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."
Daniel 3:7-17 - 7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up." 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
Interpretation:
How do the merchants weep and mourn?
14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all.
NLT: 14 "All the fancy things you loved so much are gone," they cry. "The luxuries and splendor that you prized so much will never be yours again. They are gone forever."
15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!
17a For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.'
What is the reaction of the shipmaster and others in the ship?
17b Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'
(JC) Babylon is the city that drives world economy, so everyone who exported from or imported to her is saying, “Oh no! How will we buy and sell now?”
Who are these?
These may be employees to these merchants
(WW) Even their (merchants) employees weep (Rev. 18:17-18).
Or they may be importers who imports the merchandise/goods from other parts of the world to this city Babylon the great.
How do the shipmaster and others in the ship mourn?
19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.'
(DG) Again, little comment needs to be made on this, other than to notice that their sorrow at commercial Babylon’s fall is selfish.
Why these kings and merchants are stand at a distance?
(JC) The utter destruction of a city like Babylon taking place in one hour would most likely be the result of a nuclear exchange—the fallout of which would help explain why the kings of the earth “stand afar off.”
(DG) So great is the heat and smoke of her burning that these kings must stand at a distance. Some think this may be an indication that nuclear weapons are used in the judgment of these commercial centers.
How could these kings, merchants and others are not get affected in this judgment?
What are all the places affected during this time?
At this time the entire city the Babylon the great is destroyed completely and as in Rev 16:17-21 all the nations are fallen due to massive earthquake as a part of seventh bowl judgment.
Rev 16:19 - 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
Where are the Beast/Antichrist, the false prophet? Are they alive?
Sure they are alive and they will appear before Jesus at His 2nd coming.
Following item explains this in detail.
How these kings and merchants escape this nationwide disaster? Where are they? From where they are looking all these things?
On the fifth bowl judgment the throne the Beast/Antichrist and his kingdom become darkened. The Antichrist Power gone/shutdown.
Rev 16:10-11 - 10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
On the sixth bowl judgment the Dragon/Satan, the Beast/Antichrist and the False Prophet are gathering these kings at the place called Armageddon to fight with Jesus Christ when he comes second time to this earth. This place Armageddon (Har Megiddo) is 135km/85 miles North of Jerusalem
Rev 16:12-16 - 12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Jerusalem, Armageddon and surrounding area are the only place God might have protected so that they can be there safely and see Jesus in heaven (Rev 6:15-17) and later in earth (Rev 19:11-21).
Rev 6:15-17 - 12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
Rev 19:11-15 - 11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Here is the judgment for the Beast/Antichrist, the false prophet, kings and others who are all in this army.
Rev 19:19-21 - 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Following map shows the possible Babylon the great (D: Rome or C: Iraq), A: Jerusalem and B: Armageddon.
Application:
What is Luxury means? or Define Luxury:
From English Dictionary
a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity:
free or habitual indulgence in or enjoyment of comforts and pleasures in addition to those necessary for a reasonable standard of well-being: a life of luxury on the French Riviera.
a means of ministering to such indulgence or enjoyment: This travel plan gives you the luxury of choosing which countries you can visit.
a pleasure out of the ordinary allowed to oneself: the luxury of an extra piece of the cake.
Need & want varies place to place...
Having a car per house hold is considered luxury or used only for pleasure in most 3rd world countries.
In America having one or two cars per house hold are not considered Luxury.
Is it wrong for the believers to live Luxuriously? (or Is Luxury, Wealth is necessary to live in this earth?)
If you say YES come up with few valid reasons.
If you say NO come up with few valid reasons.
What wealth brings?
Worldly Perspective: Pride of ownership, builds equity, income (financial support), make rich, security, satisfaction (temporary), .... eventually brings Luxury
Rev 18:3,7,15,16,19 - 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.
15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!
19 They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.'
Godly Perspective:
God owns all our wealth/property
God has given these wealth/properties to us. We are stewards to use and maintain.
If we didn't maintain and use it to glorify God then we may lose it.
If we do then we will thankful to God and glorify God.
If we focus on luxury and wealth then we become greedy, prideful, selfish and slowly forget God. There is no end or limits for the Luxury.
(Walvoord) “The combined picture is one of complete abandonment to the wealth of this world and complete disregard of the God who gave it.”
1 Tim 6:9 - 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Luke 9:13-21 - 13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14 But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" 15 And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' 18 So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' 20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
For any reason if God blessed the byou abundantly then use that for the glory. If we focus on God and His Kingdom then our heart will not be in the wealth that God provided but our hearts will desire to do the will of our God and do whatever the way God leads.
1 Tim 6:17-19 - 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
So, all the believers in Christ not focus on wealth and luxury but diligently learn how to be content with the things God has blessed us. You can do that with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 30:8,9 - 7 Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches-- Feed me with the food allotted to me; 9 Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.
1 Tim 6:6 - 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Phil 4:11 - 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The Babylon the Great has Fallen:
20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!" 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."
Observation:
What did this angel ask the people in heaven to do?
20a Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets,
Why did this angel ask the people in heaven to rejoice?
20b for God has avenged you on her!"
What did this mighty angel do?
21a Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea,
Why did this mighty angel throw a great millstone into the sea?
21b saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.
What are all the outcomes/consequences when the Babylon the great wiped out completely?
22a The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore.
22b No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore,
22c and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.
23a The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore,
23b and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore.
What are the main reasons God judged the great harlot/Babylon the great?
21b saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.
23c For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."
Interpretation:
What did this angel ask the people in heaven to do?
20a Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets,
When and how these apostles and prophets went to heaven?
Why did this angel ask the people in heaven to rejoice?
20b for God has avenged you on her!"
(WW) In contrast to the lament of the kings and merchants is the rejoicing of heaven's inhabitants that Babylon has fallen. How important it is that God's people look at events from God's point of view. In fact, we are commanded to rejoice at the overthrow of Babylon, because in this judgment God will vindicate His servants who were martyred (see Rev. 6:9-11).
Read What it means that "The temple was filled with smoke"? topic in Rev 15:8.
Read Why the believers in Christ must not take revenge against any one? topic in Rev 15:8.
Should God’s people rejoice when judgment of God comes?
(DG) Yes, but we don’t rejoice in the destruction in judgment. Rather, we rejoice in the righteous resolution God’s judgment brings.
(WW) We must not think that this voice of celebration calls us to be glad because sinners are judged. The fact of divine judgment ought always to break our hearts, knowing that lost sinners are condemned to eternal punishment. The joy in this section centers on God's righteous judgment, the fact that justice has been done. It is easy for comfortable Bible students to discuss these things in their homes. If you and I were with John on Patmos, or with the suffering saints to whom he wrote, we might have a different perspective. We must never cultivate personal revenge (Rom. 12:17-21), but we must rejoice at the righteous judgments of God.
What is the response in heaven?
Rev 19:1-4 - 1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! 2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." 3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!"
What did this mighty angel do?
21a Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea,
Why did this mighty angel throw a great millstone into the sea?
21b saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.
This mighty angel demonstrates that the violence never come back or return again.
This mighty angel demonstrates the successful completion of the Babylon the great judgment.
(DG) This is reminiscent (awakening memories of something similar) of Jeremiah’s instructions to Seraiah to bind a stone to a text of Jeremiah and cast it into the Euphrates. Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. (Jeremiah 51:61-64).
Jeremiah 51:61-64 - 61 And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, "When you arrive in Babylon and see it, and read all these words, 62 then you shall say, 'O Lord, You have spoken against this place to cut it off, so that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but it shall be desolate forever.' 63 Now it shall be, when you have finished reading this book, that you shall tie a stone to it and throw it out into the Euphrates. 64 Then you shall say, 'Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her. And they shall be weary.' " Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Believers in Christ who rule and reign with Jesus during 1000 year will see the smoke keep coming forever and ever. Looks like this one of monument for God's Righteous Judgment of God:
Rev 19:2,3 - 1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! 2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." 3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!"
See Application section....
What are all the things that has happened within the Babylon the great city that get affected due to this judgment? or What are all the outcomes/consequences when the Babylon the great wiped out completely?
21c "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.
22a The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore.
22b No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore,
22c and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.
23a The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore,
23b and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore.
(WW) Note the repeated refrain, "No more!" (NKJV: anymore) Jeremiah used a similar approach when he warned Judah of the nation's coming judgment at the hands of the Babylonians (Jer. 25:8-10). Now that same judgment comes to Babylon herself! This description of Babylon's losses indicates to us that both the luxuries and the necessities will be removed. Both music and manufacturing, work and weddings, will come to a violent end.
Jer. 25:8-10 - 8 "Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Because you have not heard My words, 9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,' says the Lord, 'and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.
NLT: Jer. 25:8-10 - I will take away your happy singing and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will no longer be heard. Your businesses will fail, and all your homes will stand silent and dark.
What are the main reasons God judged the great harlot/Babylon the great?
21b saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.
From this point onwards no more violence because Jesus Christ will rule and reign with the rod of Iron.
Rev 2:27 - 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father;
Rev 12:5 - She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
Rev 19:15 - Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
23c For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.
(DG) Sorcery is the ancient Greek word pharmakia, which means, “to prepare drugs.” The lure of commercial Babylon is like a drug addiction, fed by deceptive advertising.
Rev 19:2 - 1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! 2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her."
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."
(DG) The ultimate reason for commercial Babylon’s judgment: she has killed the prophets and saints.
God takes the persecution of His people as a personal offense. Those who attack His people really attack Him.
(WW) Revelation 18:24 should be compared with Revelation 17:6 and Matthew 23:35. Satan has used religion and business to persecute and slay the people of God. During the first half of the Tribulation, as "the beast" rises to power, ecclesiastical and political-economic Babylon will work together in opposing the Lord and His people. It will seem that God does not care: but at the right time, the Lord will vindicate His people and destroy both "the harlot" and the great city. God is patient with His enemies: but when He does begin to work, He acts suddenly and thoroughly.
Matt 23:35 - 1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.....................
34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. 37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' "
Rev 17:6 - I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
Application:
Will this fall hurt us?
(DG) Some day, this world system will pass away, like a great stone falls to the bottom of the sea.
We will only be hurt to the extent that we invest ourselves in the mentality of commercial Babylon’s materialism and worldliness.
Does this mighty angel action throwing the milestone into sea reminds anything in Jesus teachings?
(DG) ... it also reminds us of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. This applies to Babylon in Revelation 18, because she led others into sin. It is a terrible thing to sin unto yourself; it is even more terrible to lead others into sin.
Matthew 18:6 - "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Summary:
Main Characters involved during the great Tribulation Time:
Harlot/Women/The great City/great Babylon: 1,2,3-6,9,18; Rev 18; Rev 14:8;
The Beast/Antichrist: 3,7,8,10,11; Rev 11:7, Rev 13; Rev 14:9-11; Rev 16:10,13; Rev 19:20;
Kings/Ten Horns: 2,12-14,16,17; Rev 18; Rev 13:1; Rev 16:12-16
Inhabitants of the earth/Many Waters/Nations: 1,2,15; Rev 13; Rev 14:9-11; Rev 16:2;
Overview of The Antichrist (Beast), The Great City (Harlot/Babylon) and The Kings:
The Antichrist rules the world for the last 7 Year period just before the Jesus 2nd coming. The events happens during this period are divided into three groups:
First 3.5 Years
This Great Harlot is The Great City/Religious Babylon.
This great city exist from the beginning of last 7 year period just before Jesus Christ 2nd coming.
This great city explains the Rapture with the religious/scientific reasons but suppresses the absolute truth.
Introduce and promote the Antichrist to the world as a peacemaker and Conqueror
Rev 6:2 - And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Rev 17:3 - So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
The Antichrist make covenant with Israelites for 7 years. By this covenant he facilitate Jews to build the temple in Jerusalem.
Dan 9:27a - Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
This is where the Antichrist has his headquarters/capitol city/white house.
The Antichrist and Satan use this great city as a tool to promote his name and agenda.
Rev 17:7 - But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.
(WW) But the woman must not be separated from "the beast" that carries her.
This great city and the Antichrist uses these 10 kings and all people in the nations to
- build this great city further to unit the whole world,
- brings universal laws/rules and regulations that fits his agenda.
- This happens for initial 3.5 years of last 7 year period before Jesus Christ 2nd coming.
Rev 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Rev 18:3 - For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
NLT: Gen 11:4 - Then they said, "Come, let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world."
How this harlot/great city rule over these kings?
Rev 17:18 - And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth."
Similar to...
How the Jerusalem Temple High Priest rule over Herod?
How the Church rule the state/country (Rome)?
How Sharia law (Islamic law) took over many Middle East countries?
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah
Because of this during this initial 3.5 years of last 7 year period the kings and the Antichrist never get along and have internal politics. Such as power game/monopoly between the Antichrist and Kings.
Dan 2:42,43 - 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
Middle of last 7 years.
The kings build up their hatred for initial 3.5 years towards this great city and the Antichrist and at the middle of last 7 year period the kings outburst their hatred by destroying this great city and the Antichrist to gain the power.
Rev 17:16 - And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
The kings may also stab the Antichrist by sword and the Antichrist become mortally wounded
Read Who might have caused this deadly wound to this beast? topic in Rev 13:2b-3a.
This mortally wounded Antichrist will revive back to life and this make every kings and peoples to marvel at him and submit him whole heartedly.
Rev 13:3,14 - 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.
14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
Dan 7:1-8 - 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.
By this way the kings whole heartedly submit to the Antichrist. In addition to these God also put his plans in the kings heart to coordinate with the Antichrist.
Rev 17:17 - For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
God will lift the Antichrist and grant him full authority to rule this earth for remaining 3.5 years of last 7 year period.
The Antichrist Reveals his Character and break the covenant with Israelites by taking over the temple and Jerusalem.
Rev 11:1-2 - 1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
Read below Dan 9:27b;
Stops the sacrifice, offering and claims himself as God
Dan 9:27b - Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
Mat 24:15 - "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand),
Rev 17:4 - The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
2 Thes 2:3,4 - 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Rev 12;
Rev 13:14-15 - 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
Last 3.5 years.
After the revival of the Antichrist he make this great city to be prosper economically and politically so the kings, the peoples in the nations and merchants make money and live luxuriously through this city.
Rev 13:5-8 - 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Rev 17:2 - with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
This great harlot/city is wealthy so luxuriously provides her body/place for money, invest on to Kings and inhabitants of the earth.
Accepts Everyone: No Racial/Color/Religious Discrimination
All people long to be resident of this city or invest on this city.
Put all their energy to be productive and make money. May be running online business such as Amazon.com, OneWorld.com, ...
NLT: Gen 11:4 - Then they said, "Come, let's build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world."
Rev 18:3 - For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
This city is advanced/top in Medicines, Technology,...
From this city their President (the Antichrist's) come back to life from the deadly wound.
Rev 13:3 - And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.
From this city their Mayor (the false prophet, the 2nd beast in Rev 13:11) made President's (the Antichrist's) idol/image using the people and made the idol to speak.
Rev 13:15 - He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed
All residents has
freedom of speech, they can live as they like (lawlessness),
no need to marry any one can live together as long as they want which is equivalent to marriage (sexual immorality),
hate and curse the true and living God (blaspheme God).
Starts with On Demand: Flexible job timing, work if needed/wanted.
Eventually become slaves: Harlot/Prostitute seduce their party/customer and eventually rule over them.
They love their job first with all their heart so eventually they become slaves to the city.
Rev 18:3,9-11 - 3 - For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."...................... 9 "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' 11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:
Now the Antichrist and the great city focus changes to wipe out Israel or capture Jerusalem but God protected them.
Rev 12:13-17 - 13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Marks those who worship the Antichrist with 666.
Rev 13:16-18 - 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Persecute and kill the Christians who will not accept this 666 mark and drink their blood and tries to wipe out Christians completely.
Rev 13:7a - It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Rev 17:6 - I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
Rev 18:24 - And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth."
Rev 17:6a - I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
(DG) The woman not only persecutes, she revels in her persecution of the godly as a drunk revels in wine.
(WW) The woman is dressed in expensive garments, decorated with gold and precious stones. She is holding a golden cup in her hand and is drunk with the blood of the saints.. On her forehead (see Rev. 13:16: 14:1) she wears a special name.
All residents hate and blaspheme the true and living God.
They will ask "How this Loving God could pour out all these plagues?" and they define themselves that He is a mean God...and worship Satan and the Antichrist.
Rev 16:9- And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Rev 16:11- They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
Rev 16:21 - And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
God will judge this great Babylon by fire.
Rev 16:19 - Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
Rev 18:2, 5-8 - 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! ........................ 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.' 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.
What is remaining event yet to happen?
(WW) At this point in our study, the political and economic system of "the beast" has at last been destroyed.
All that remains is for Jesus Christ to come from heaven and personally meet and defeat "the beast" and his armies.
This He will do, and then establish His righteous kingdom on earth.
But the important question is: "Are we citizens of 'Babylon' or citizens of heaven?" Can you rejoice because your name is written in heaven?
If not, then the time has come for you to trust Jesus Christ and "get out of Babylon" and into the family of God.