Fallout from Babylon’s Fall

Rev. 18:20-24

Introduction:  Babylon is the political headquarters of the Antichrist.  Chapter 17 identifies it as the city of Rome.  The apostate religious system was destroyed by the kings of the world and here we find that the political city is destroyed at God’s command.  This is at the end of the Tribulation Period and God gives specific detail to the upcoming conditions and the resulting destruction of the city.

Prior to this destruction, sin had reached an all-time high.  Demonism, paganism, amorality, and blasphemy has become the norm for the city.  Rome has not only become the way but influenced others to do the same.  The city was not embarrassed but actually was proud thinking that they could live anyway they choose for as long as they choose.  Now God steps in and brings judgment.  While the people of the city thought they could live forever in wickedness, God destroyed them in one hour.

Now the aftermath of God’s judgement is recorded for us at the end of this chapter. 

I. The violence of the fall vv. 20-21

A. The celebration v. 20

1.  The politicians, businessmen, and common people are devastated by the judgement on Babylon, but heaven is rejoicing over its destruction.

2. It is sad when mankind mourns over the death of sin, rather than rejoice over God’s victory over sin.

3. God’s will is fulfilled in His vindication of the martyrs mentioned in 6:9-11.

4. God avenged His people here, so it is time to rejoice-God sets the record straight.

5. We are to rejoice because sin is destroyed and God’s saints are vindicated for the horrible persecution they had to deal with.

6. We should rejoice every time God gets a victory-rejoice when people are saved

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”   Luke 15:7

B. The annihilation v. 21

1.  The rock which is the thrown by the angel symbolizes the complete destruction of the city.

2. As the rock is hurled into the sea, it shows the violent upheaval of the water as the weight makes impact and sinks beneath the surface.

3. You see the suddenness, violence, and completeness of the destruction.

4. God shows us that this city will be no more-a total and complete elimination as Sodom was annihilated.  Interesting as you study archaeology on Sodom and Gomorrah, they don’t know where it is formally located.  Most believe it is located on the south end of the dead sea.  If that is the case, it is most interesting that the dead sea is 34% salt.  It is nearly 10 times saltier than any body of water worldwide. 

II. The vastness of the fall vv. 22-23

A. Its extent v. 22

1.  Every aspect of life will be affected.

2. There will be no more musicians, professional people,  and common people.

3. All commercial enterprises will be wiped out.

4. Manufacturing and business will be stopped.

5. This will affect everyone regardless of vocation-there will be no buying and selling.

B. Its completeness v. 23

1.  The light will go out refers to night life and night clubs will be closed.

2. Night life will be stopped-out on the streets there is the night crowd and the day crowd-there will be no crowd.

3. Life will be so uncertain that nobody will be ready to marry at this point-there is no future generations.

4. All crafts that were yielded to the Antichrist will be taken away.

5. Demonism and sorcery will be destroyed.

 III. The validity of the fall v.24

A. The oppression

1.  In this city there was pride, presumption, and perversity of Babylon.

2. Finally, God is filled up with their sin-He is patient with His enemies to allow them to repent.

3. They have oppressed others as to relieve themselves of their guilt.

B. The object

1. Prophets who were martyred for their faithfulness to Christ.

2. Saints who were also martyred for their faithfulness to Christ.

3. The effort is to get at God’s people in attempt to get at God.

4. God wants us to remain faithful and true to His calling no matter what the consequences are.

Conclusion:  Principles

1.  God is complete in His judgement.

2. God is patient to allow men to repent.

3. God will vindicate His people in His time.

4. God will bring justice and righteousness to our world.