Genesis Part 021
Babylon was an empire that would rise and fall in strength as a world power, but we also find that this “Babylonian idea” continues in the kingdoms/empires of men all the way until the return of Jesus Christ.
In Revelation 16, 17, and 18 we see the final destruction of “Babylon.” This reference depicts the end of a secular system of government, commerce, banking, religion, and ideology. The Babylonian system is opposed to God and exalts itself above God and His commands and methods of living.
In our last lesson, we explored the roots of the city of Babylon and the empire that was the result. Below are several excerpts from Revelation to help us see the culmination of what Ham/Cush/Nimrod began in their rebellion against God and what the Kingdom of God will replace forever.
Revelation 16:19-21,
“Now the great city was divided into three parts and the cities of the nation's fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 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.”
Revelation 17:1-2, 4-6,
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication’... 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. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 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.”
Revelation 18:1-3, 5
“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 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! 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... For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities."
Revelation 18:8-11, 20
“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. 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, 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.' And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore... Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!"
For more information on the final fall of the Babylonian empire, check out this Beyond Today episode: ucg.org/watch/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/fall-babylon
The return of Jesus Christ is going to put an end to the Babylonian System. Until then, there will be a powerful system in place that operates under the influence of Satan and his evil forces. It is contrary to God’s way and must be ended and replaced by the Kingdom of God on this earth. As God’s chosen people, we are preparing for roles in that governmental and religious system that will replace the Babylonian system.
Let’s keep our eye on the vision and look forward to the time described in Revelation!
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
