John reports, “After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. And he called out with a mighty voice, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!’” (18:1-2) What a terrible influence she has on the nations, leading them into one degrading act after another. How heinous are her actions: “In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth” (18:24). The Lord says to his people, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues” (18:4). Do not be tempted by her gold and silver and all the worldly things she has. The wickedness of the great city will bring her destruction, and people “will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, ‘Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come’” (18:10).
For God’s people, though, trouble and despair are never the last word are they? To God’s people, the angel cries, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” (18:20).
“My people know Me,
And My voice they will obey;
So, if you are Mine, you’ll prove it
Just by doing what I say.”
Come out from among them,
Come out from among them,
Oh, do not partake of her sins;
Come out from among them,
Come out from among them,
For her judgment already begins. -- Barney Elliott Warren (early 20th century)
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