Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,
having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is
fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every
foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Many people believe that the Babylon (whore) or chapter 17 and the Babylon of
chapter 18 is the same Babylon and it may look that way on the surface but if we
jump down to verse 9, we shall see that the kings of the earth are very upset at
the destruction of this Babylon because it affects their economy whereas the
kings of the earth were instrumental in destroying the previous Babylon (whore)
of chapter 17.
Here is a reminder of what was in chapter 17:
Rev 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall
hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh,
and burn her with fire.
Rev 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree,
and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be
fulfilled.
Rev 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth
over the kings of the earth.
We see the 10 kings destroy the mystery Babylon but God destroys commercial
Babylon.
Back to chapter 18:
Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and
the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her
delicacies.
As the nations committed fornication with mystery Babylon (false religion), we
see that they sin even more by selling their souls for trade and prosperity.
They get rich but for nothing. They were dependent upon this system of trade and
were very upset to see it destroyed.
Now it is not wrong to trade with foreign nations. Nations have been doing that
for years. When nations are willing to abandon all fear of God, all sense of
right and wrong and trade with an evil nation just to increase in riches when it
harms their spiritual standing with God, then it is fornication.
In previous chapters discussing the mark of the beast, we notice that no one can
buy or sell without that mark. We see then that in order to increase in riches
one has to sell their soul or give up their freedom to worship God and in turn
pledge allegiance to the beast. This is what all these kings have done. They
have forsaken the God of eternal life and holiness for temporary success and
power here on earth. In return they will see its destruction and be without
anything either in this life or in eternity. We are reminded here of the words
of Jesus:
One modern day temptation I could mention is the temptation to sell our souls
for a barrel of oil. We are much to dependant upon oil for a living.
Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and
whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose
his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
To choose to take that mark will be to choose to serve the devil and all the
evil he represents. During the tribulation there will be a price to pay for
serving God. One may have to literally give up all he has for he can not buy nor
sell without the mark. To take the mark is to deny Christ. We cannot serve God
and the riches of this world. This is why we must not be deceived into believing
the false prosperity doctrine. That doctrine is totally opposite of what Jesus
taught. Be very careful of pulling out a few pet scriptures to back up a
doctrine. Read the scriptures in context and see what else is discussed. Do that
even with scriptures I use. I am human and can make mistakes. Check out
everything.
I have heard that one prosperity preacher goes so far as to tell people not to
give to poor preachers because God is not blessing them. He said to give to the
rich ones because that is a sign that they are in God's favor. This is nonsense
and the very opposite of what Jesus taught. Jesus mostly teaches of spiritual
blessings, not material blessings.
There are martyrs throughout church history who lost their homes, possessions
and even their lives because they chose to believe in the truth of God's word
rather than please those that were in position to take away their possessions if
they would not recant what they believed.
What are the people who believed these doctrines going to do when the economy
collapses? What are the prosperity preachers going to tell them when they lose
all they have if God was to allow our stock markets to fail like they did in
1929?
After his release for prison, Jim Bakker said this about the prosperity
doctrine:
I’d always quoted 3 John 2, saying, ”Above all things God wants you to
prosper.” I loved that Scripture. It looks great on a tv screen when you’re
raising funds, and I interpreted it as God wants you to be rich. But when I got
to the words of John, I said, ”Now this don’t make sense.” So I took the word
prosper apart in the Greek and found out it’s made up of two words—the first
word means good or well and the second road. It’s a progressive word, so it’s
like a journey. So, here’s John saying, basically, ”Beloved, I want you to have
a good journey through life as your soul has a good journey to heaven.” It was a
greeting! Building theology on that is like building the church on ”Have a nice
day.”
I began to look up all the Scriptures used in prosperity teaching, such as ”Give
and it shall be given unto you.” When I put that Scripture back into its
context, I found Christ was teaching on forgiveness, not on money. He was
teaching us that by the same measure that we forgive, we will be forgiven.
I had gotten my sermons from other people. The Bible warns about the shepherds
who get their messages from each other. I think today the reason we have another
gospel and another Jesus being preached is because men have gotten their sermons
from each other and from motivational teaching. A lot of what’s being taught
today is simply motivational teaching with a few Scriptures put to it. - Source:
The Re-education of Jim Bakker, ChristianityToday.com, Dec. 7, 1998
End of Bakker's comments.
It is sort of like having someone's house burning and he goes in to get a
treasured possession and in doing so loses his life. What good did it do?
I say all these things knowing that I too may have to make these kinds of
decisions. It is time to prepare ourselves with prayer and seeking God
diligently so that we are spiritually prepared for what may lie ahead in the
near future. We must focus on God's real blessings, not on our possessions.
Luke12:23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
Luk 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have
storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the
fowls?
Luk 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
Luk 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye
thought for the rest?
Luk 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and
yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of
these.
Luk 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and
tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little
faith?
Luk 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be
ye of doubtful mind.
Luk 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your
Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be
added unto you.
Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give
you the kingdom.
Luk 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax
not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth,
neither moth corrupteth.
Luk 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
James tells us:
James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that
shall come upon you.
Jas 5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
Jas 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a
witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped
treasure together for the last days.
Jas 5:4 Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which
is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped
are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
Jas 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have
nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
Jas 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience
for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold,
the judge standeth before the door.
Jas 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of
tender mercy.
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my
people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her
plagues.
So again we see that there are still those that believe even in this late stage
of the tribulation. This shows us not that there was no rapture but that God's
spirit was actively saving people all during the tribulation for that was the
whole purpose of it. The people mentioned here is probably more Jews (Israel)
that were saved at one point during the tribulation. They were to come out of
Babylon. Perhaps it means to come out of the entrapment of loving this world's
goods and wealth so much that it hinders our walk with God. We can't love God
with all our hearts and be consumed with gaining wealth at the same time.
Perhaps the explanation though is a simple one, flee the literal latter day
rebuilt city of Babylon. Naturally we all are instructed to leave any
false religious system.
Its surely not wrong to make a living and have a good business but if it is
getting in the way of obedience to God, it is not worth it. If we have to deal
dishonestly and tell ourselves that, "Business is business," then it has become
our god instead of God.
Babylon is going to be destroyed. Whether it is a spiritual false religious
system or a great commercial system of getting rich at any cost, it is coming
down.
Judgment begins at the house of God so we who are preaching the prosperity
gospel and fleecing the flock of God, will face judgment first.
Rev 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her
iniquities.
Rev 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double
according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Rev 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much
torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am
no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Referring this Babylon to a queen would make it seem like the two Babylons are
the same thing but still we must remember that one was destroyed by the 10 kings
and one was destroyed by God. One was hated by the beast and the kings and the
other was mourned by the same kings.
Her words, " I sit a queen and am no widow and shall see no sorrow" can be
applied to any of us who continually seek to be comfortable and seek the wealth
of this life thinking that to gain is godliness.
Rev 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning,
and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord
God who judgeth her.
This destruction shall be quick and sudden like an earthquake that occurs with
no possible way to stop it.
Rev 18:9 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,
Rev 18:10 Standing afar 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.
Many think this commercial Babylon is America. This may very will be but there
are a couple of things missing. It is true that we have forsaken God and have
gotten rich but we are not in the vicinity of the Old Roman Empire where the 10
kings abide. We do see that these 10 kings look upon the destruction of Babylon
and mourn so that might indicate that it is in a different location rather than
Europe or Asia. Still America or the United States has not yet killed anyone for
their faith in Jesus Christ.
Verse 24 makes it clear that both mystery Babylon and commercial Babylon is
filled with the blood of saints.
This could not mean in a spiritual sense for if they believed the doctrine of
Babylon and forsook the Lord, they would no longer be saints. The martyr of
saints has always been literal.
Rev 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for
no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
Rev 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of
pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood,
and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood,
and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Rev 18:13 And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine,
and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and
chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Although America once had slaves, it has long since abandoned the practice of
slavery. There are nations that still practice slavery but not the United
States.
This is not to say that America will not face destruction or judgment for her
sins. None of us will get by with any sin. Many faithful preachers like David
Wilkerson and others are prophesying the destruction of America and I believe
them but unless there are some changes made in America like the introduction of
slavery and the persecution of God's true believers, I don't see America as
being this Babylon described here.
If literal Babylon is rebuilt mixing America's wealth and a religion that kills
all those that do not follow its spiritual leaders, then we may see a Babylon
described here. Our dependence upon foreign oil has been a concern of mine for
years.
The United States will trade with countries for the oil even if the countries
persecute and kill believers in Jesus Christ. We claim to be for human rights
but our merchants care not for any human rights, they want to get rich.
I'm writing all this not to say, I'm right about every statement but to say that
we need to watch out for this desire to gain at the expense of someone else. If
we desire to gain and in doing so someone else has to lose, we are not in the
right spirit. Another unscriptural latter
day teaching in the church is scary too. That teaching is that God wants the
church to have all the wealth of the ungodly people in order to spread the
gospel and it is okay to take from them and desire what they have. That is
covetousness which breaks one of the ten commandments. God doesn't need
the wealth of ungodly people to spread the gospel. I wonder what kind of gospel
is spread by those that teach such things.
Rev 18:14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee,
and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou
shalt find them no more at all.
If we abandon of sense of right and wrong to get rich, we will lose it
eventually anyway.
Rev 18:15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall
stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
Rev 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine
linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and
pearls!
Rev 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to naught. And every
shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by
sea, stood afar off,
Rev 18:18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is
like unto this great city!
America is a country, not a city is one reason I hesitate to think this is
America but still it is something to consider. Right now other countries hate
America so I can't see anyone wailing over our destruction. Then again, things
change. The United States at this present time does not fit the description of
this Babylon in chapter 18 or 17.
Here are a few things that may change that:
1. Turning against Israel - Our American presidents are always pressuring Israel
to give up more land for peace. I wish they would lay off for this could bring
God's judgment against us as a nation. If we forsake them completely, we are
history.
2. Disappearance of true bible believers and an increase in apostasy - If our
churches continue to preach prosperity and fail to preach the real gospel, it
may cause judgment to fall upon our economy and maybe upon the whole country.
Judgment begins in the house of God.
3. If our churches begin to allow sexual immorality and compromise the truth of
God's word we will lose God's favor quickly.
4. The apostate church and the government uniting against true believers and
start to persecute or kill dissenters.
5. The re-introduction of slavery. There is a chance that the slavery mentioned
may mean slaves to sin, lust, greed and things like that. However that can lead
to real slavery like they once had for it was greed that introduced slavery to
our country years ago.
A strong desire for riches and the so-called good life leads to all other sins.
Our greed causes us to forget the poor, the suffering and God. Riches can become
an idol that keeps us out of heaven.
Look what Jesus said to the rich man:
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good
thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but
one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Mat 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou
shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false
witness,
Mat 19:19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself.
Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my
youth up: what lack I yet?
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou
hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and
follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for
he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich
man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who
then can be saved?
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is
impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mat 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all,
and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have
followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of
his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or
father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall
receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
The main thing we receive from God in this life is spiritual blessings that
can't begin to compare with material blessings. God may allow some of us to have
material things and a good business but this is not given to everybody. Some of
us could not handle it and it would become an idol. To teach that material
blessings show God's favor above His favor to a poor person is a false teaching.
It is not found in the whole context of scripture. The more we have the more
temptations we have to set our heart on our possessions.
Read the warning of Jesus to the Laodicean church:
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These
things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the
creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert
cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spew thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need
of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and
blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be
rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy
nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest
see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and
repent.
Here is what Jesus said to the poor church:
Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things
saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and
I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the
synagogue of Satan.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown
of life.
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
They were poor in the riches of this world but they were rich in the things of
the spirit. Brothers and sisters, lets get out of this prosperity teaching now.
Please run from it and seek God with all our heart, soul and mind.
Rev 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing,
saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships
in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
Rev 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for
God hath avenged you on her.
Its destruction causes some to weep but the holy people of God has cause to
rejoice. God has judged the city that sought to destroy all things that were
holy and pure.
Rev 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast
it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be
thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
Rev 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and
trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of
whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a
millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Rev 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the
voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee:
for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all
nations deceived.
It appears that this revival of sorcery and witchcraft may be leading up to this
Babylon. Our eyes should never be on great men that are rich and increased with
wealth. How did they get rich? If the rich got rich have robbing the poor they
will bear God's judgment. This is even more true for those that claim to be the
Church of God but in reality are fleecing the flock of God.
I heard a preacher last week tell of prosperity preachers in Africa who
following the example of American prosperity preachers are taking every last
dime from their followers, they are driving around in expensive cars while they
allow children to live in the streets. There are preachers living in mansions
and very prosperous thinking God has blessed them while those that support them
can hardly pay their bills.
If we are to receive what we give to these guys, then why are they the only ones
prospering. Those that do the giving have nothing and they are not prospering.
Something is wrong with their teaching.
I'm not advocating taking from the rich and giving to the poor by the use of
force. That has never worked. We are never and I repeat never to envy the rich
and desire to have what they have. If we are truly in the place we ought to be
with God, we will not want their riches. Let them keep it. I surely do not want
what they have.
Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of
all that were slain upon the earth.
Here is the description that describes both Babylons pictured in chapters 17 and
18. They shed the blood of prophets, saints (all faithful believers in Jesus
Christ) and all that were killed for not going along with the worldly system
that was set in place by the anti-christ and the 10 kings. If we see one person
placed in prison for their faith in Jesus Christ or for something they preach,
look out. I'm not defending any person who abuses children, commits a crime like
stealing, murder or any other crime even if they are called prophets for we know
that there are many false prophets hiding behind even the name of Jesus. But if
someone is jailed for preaching the word of God or for his faith in Jesus, look
out. Of course they may be falsely accused of crimes to justify their
imprisonment. I'm thinking now of a man pastor named Green who was arrested for
preaching against homosexuality in Sweden and accused of a hate crime.
Watch out for some of these hate crime laws. No true child of God will be guilty
of any hate toward anyone but if a pastor begins to warn against any sin such as
living together without being married, or homosexuality, he may be accused of
preaching hate. To warn of sin and the consequences of sin surely would be the
opposite of hate but it can be twisted to make is seem like its a hate speech.
American churches as well as believers all over the world need to pray like
never before so that we know what the bible means when it says, "Come out of her
my people", in verse 4 of this chapter.
Some teach this is the Catholic Church or any denomination. I don't really buy
into that but if any of our churches are into the prosperity doctrine or any
doctrine contrary to the word of God taken in context, we need to think of
leaving. We need a return to godly holiness (not legalism) and being content
with what we have.
If coming out of her means the literal city of Babylon, the love of the world or
this world's system of seeking wealth, the love of pleasure, idolatry,
fornication both spiritual and physical, God will show us if we seek Him. If our
traditional churches begin to teach we can have God's favor and still commit
sin, we need to run. Our focus must remain on Jesus Christ. The one the bible
describes, not a substitute. Lets read His words.
Revelation 19