Sermon Central
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Revelation, Part 35 Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on May 17, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: Study of the Book of Revelation
Revelation, Part 35
Introduction
Previously we had seen the destruction of the woman who has convinced the world to be a part of her sin, and we have also watched humanity be stricken with horrible diseases and plagues that have destroyed the Earth.
The religious system of the beast has been revealed and those upon the Earth, even knowing this, continue to blaspheme God and ensure that their hearts are forever hardened.
Recap very quickly where we are in Tribulation …
Tonight we will reveal all of Chapter 18 in an effort to set ourselves up for the coming battle of our Lord and Savior.
Chapter 18 refers to the economic structure of the anti-Christ’s world – this will be his primary seat of power and authority.
Pray
Point 1 - History of Babylon
Babylon was created after Noah’s flood when mankind was one, mankind left the mountains of Ararat and moved west, then east to the plains of Shinar. Shinar has been located to current day southern Iraq, where the city of Babylon is located.
Alexander the Great died in the city of Babylon in 323 BC, while he was in the process of reconstructing the city to its former glory. Babylon as a city is only a shadow of its former glory. But if we take the scripture literally Babylon will be rebuilt and become the greatest of all cities.
At least in the second half of the tribulation it will become the seat of power for Satan as he operates through the Antichrist.
Babylon Today
Today several significant events are happening in the land formerly known as Babylon. The world as of October 25, 2003 at the Madrid conference on rebuilding Iraq has pledged 33 Billion dollars toward the effort.
We do know that Babylon will be rebuilt, we just do not know the exact location or where it will reside for Satan to set up his earthly rule.
Remember, this location he chooses will be for one purpose – to inflame God and snub his nose at God’s creation. Therefore, choosing an area around Israel (or the Middle East) is the logical decision.
Point 2 – Don’t take part in the sin!
V4 is an urging for the people to not take part of the sin – it is God calling out to the faithful so they can escape before he destroys everything.
God’s mercy continues even to the end: 2 Peter 3:9 promise …
V6-8 discusses the judgment reason: PRIDE!
Babylon’s love of self and money will be answered with death – because they will not repent and seek the Lord!
V8 – City will be burned as her punishment (Sodom and Gomorrah)
The judgment of Babylon will be the signal to this world that the end is coming and Christ will soon descend on this world
Preparation leads to Obedience because the Bridegroom returns!!
This is the blessed hope that we crave! This army that rides behind the Lord will forever reign with Him!!
Notice the verbiage for verses 11-19 – it displays the sadness of those who made a living off of Babylon and their import/export business.
This living will be destroyed and ended in one swift motion by the destruction of the city.
Babylon will be the capital of the global economy during the Tribulation.
It is because of this control in government that the anti-Christ is able to affect global control over the world.
If you watch the news lately (even as much as this week), you can see corporations jockeying for position in the world.
As one example – the President of the US visit Saudi Arabia this week in an effort to release more oil and to ease the strain on the gas prices – but even Saudi Arabia has no more “additional” oil that it can posses.
Today, we live in a world of “do it your way”; and in this end time scheme there will be little choice for the citizen of this Earth. Either work and serve a tyrant who demands obedience, or die.
However, even with the destruction on this world, there is still rejoicing in Heaven by those who trusted in Christ.
Point 3 – Rejoicing in Heaven
Read v20-24
Since Babylon is the capital and the location of the anti-Christ’s Kingdom, this city will be a sign to the world of global prosperity for those who pledge allegiance to him; and those who do not will not benefit.
And so, from the balconies of Heaven, there is rejoicing when this city is destroyed.
This verse is what allows me to believe that Heaven can see what is happening on this Earth during the Tribulation. Whether they can see us now is unknown, but if there is rejoicing in Heaven over the destruction; those who are there must be able to see it.
