The Kingdoms of the World and of Christ

The name Babylon is used as metaphor for the kingdoms of this world that are in competition with the kingdom of God. The tower of Babel is mentioned in Genesis 11:1-9. The people thought if they could build a city that reached to the heavens, they could create heaven on earth, but God confused that deception, and that effort failed. Since then, Babylon has become a metaphor for counterfeit “heavenly” kingdoms. By the way, the word “anti” as in antichrist has the meaning “instead of.” A kingdom instead of God’s kingdom that people are content to have.

The unseen king of Babylon is Satan. He promotes the exaltation of sin over holiness. He promotes a culture of death over life. He has a chip on his shoulder against God because when he tried to takeover heaven in a coup, God’s loyal angels cast him out. (See Revelation 12:7-9, 12)

The names Jerusalem and new Jerusalem are used as metaphors for the kingdom of Christ. This kingdom is made up of people from every language, tribe and nation who believe in Christ and follow Him. They, as a collective group, are also called the Church and the Bride of Christ. (See Acts 2:47, Ephesians 5:23-32, Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 7:9, 14)

Revelation 18:2 speaks of Babylon’s demise. The rationale is explained in Revelation 18:3…

“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.”

She seduced people away from God by sexual and material pleasures.

God’s people are urged to come out from this kingdom. Perhaps, they were playing with fire in the sense of straddling the fence between God and the devil. Perhaps, they were faithful people to God who were trying to save some FROM the fire. I tend to believe the latter case is true.

“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. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’” [1]

God’s holy apostles and prophets are urged to rejoice over Babylon’s fall, because He overthrew this evil empire in answer to their prayers…

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” “And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” [2]

After Babylon’s demise, John the Apostle hears a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory, honor, and power belong to the Lord our God!” “Because the Lord has judged the kingdom that corrupted the earth; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” [3]

There is another reason for rejoicing in heaven. “The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” The New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the Church is granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright. “The fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” [4]

Who is ultimately blessed?

“Then he [the angel] said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” [5]

The devil’s beast [the antichrist], and his false prophet, who deceived people to receive the mark of the beast are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. As is the devil, death, and hades (the place of the dead), and anyone whose name is not found in the Lamb’s book of life. [6]

Which kingdom are you living for? Babylon or New Jerusalem?

If it is Babylon, it is not too late to come out of her!

Just ask God to forgive your sins and believe in and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God will receive you as you come to Him based on the merits of Jesus Christ His Son. He died on the cross to remove your sins. He rose from the dead to guarantee your resurrection. No other religion proclaims God’s grace as the way of salvation. Be saved by God’s grace in Christ Jesus.

[1] Revelation 18:4-5
[2] Revelation 18:20, 24 – See also Revelation 6:9-11
[3] Revelation 19:1-2
[4] Revelation 19:7-8
[5] Revelation 19:9
[6] Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14-15