Babylon Falls

The longer I live, the more I am learning that there are many people who are genuinely part of God’s family who don’t fit my preconceived traditionalist understanding. There are also many religious people who call themselves Christian, who will NOT be present in the events of Rev. 19.

Imposters and charlatans have been present since the time the New Testament was being written. Liars, False witnesses, false prophets, false apostles, and false brothers are specifically mentioned by Paul, Peter and John.

So, what separated true Christian faith from False Religion? Both may quote verses from the Bible. Both may provide comfort and hope. Both can be found in the pews of churches across the Pentecostal to Liturgical spectrum. Determining the difference between these two requires 1) knowing the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), and 2) testing for authenticity (1 Pt 1:7). After years of following Christ, I have concluded (you may tweak my definition) that the primary goal of Biblical Orthodox Christianity is the Glory of God and the ultimate Good of His creation. [by “good” I mean God’s purpose]. False religions emphasize the comfort or happiness of humanity.

Today’s passage in Revelation exposes the collapse of False religion. But instead of thinking about them, my prayer is that each of us would think about me. Where have I been deceived into wrong beliefs?

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV:2016)

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.

Transition: if one’s “faith” or religion does not primarily seek the glory of God, consistency with all of revealed Scripture, and the purpose of God, today’s text reveals its final outcome.

The Downfall of False Religion (Rev. 17:1-6; 18-19:3)

Historic Significance of Babylon

Ancient 5,000 BC – Babel (Gen 11)

Old – King Hammurabi (1792 BC)

Middle –default language of the period [clay tablets knows as the Amarna Letters] (1385 BC)

Neo – Nebuchadnezzar II (604 BC)

Neo Babylon becomes the background for the book of Daniel and the Babylonian Captivity.

It was under this Neo-Babylonian empire that Jerusalem was seized and the people of Judah were forced to assimilate to a false religion.

Dr. John Walvoord, former President of Dallas Theological Seminary, writes, “When the teachers of the Babylonian mystery religions later moved from Pergamum to Rome, they were influential in paganizing Christianity and were the source of many so-called religious rites which have crept into ritualistic churches. Babylon then is the symbol of apostasy and blasphemous substitution of idol-worship for the worship of God in Christ. In this passage Babylon comes to its final judgment.”[i]

Adornment of the Imposter (17:4 & 18:16)

The woman of Rev 17 is dressed in purple, scarlet, gold, jewels and pearls.

Babylon (the city) is clothed in purple, scarlet, gold jewels and pears.

A religious system is neither a person, nor a city, but apocalyptic literature uses both these forms to describe an influence that is set against the people and purpose of God.

Extent of Former Influence (18:22-23)

You would not believe the extent of items that pastors are asked to endorse. In jest one time I suggested that a clerical robe could look like a NASCAR jacket or Rodeo Vest with sponsor patches. In 2004 when The Passion of the Christ appeared in Theatres and marketing people found that faith-based films could be profitable, 2 years later the Rocky Balboa movie released and there was a push to get church youth groups to discuss the characters and themes of the movie for a few weeks in hopes to drive paying theatre attendance. Multi-level insurance, cleaning solutions, jewelry and motivational materials are just a few of the products I have been asked to hawk. If you are a musician, I trust you honor God with your music. If you are a businessman, I trust you conduct business in a way that reflects your belief system. If you are an actor or athlete, I hope you glorify the Lord in all you say and do. But, something is askew when wealth and impact exceed truth and righteousness.

This week I learned of an “entrepreneur” who is hosting events under this banner. I’ve never been to one of these events, and good information may be available. I don’t doubt that some/all of the people pictured behind this logo are true Christians, but the way this is marketed and the people who make up the leadership team of this event raises many warning flags in my mind.

I listen to modern and traditional Christian Music, but CCM as an industry of its own. (v.22a) –no more

I have framed Scripture and Precious Moments figurines in my home & craft industries (v.22b) – no more

Ann and I have attended Marriage and family retreats and events, but as an economic source of conferences and products (v.23b) – no more

Christian tourism disguised as “missions” (v.23c) – no more

Notice the word sorcery. (v.23d)

Literally pharmakia (potions & spells)

Used by Soranus Medicus in ancient Greece to describe abortifacient potions.

As the false religion of sex without boundaries is promoted, this sorcery is offered to make all the consequences “go away”

Even in our country there are discussions about access to this sorcery across state lines.

Blood of the Prophets, Saints & Martyrs (17:6 & 18:24)

· When truth gets in the way of power and profits, many truthtellers are silenced by this false religion.

Transition: Not only do faith/religious systems come to an abrupt end, but we also see…

The Deception of Political Power (Rev. 17:8-17)

We’ve already been introduced to the Red Dragon, and 2 beasts (politics and religion). Now John is describing their destruction in reverse order. After false religion is destroyed, we see the outcome of political systems. Why do I name politics as the Beast in these verses?

Identity of the Beast (17:3 & 9-12)

Rome as 7 hills (17:9)

7 kingdoms (Rev. 17:10 & Daniel 2)

Babylonians (gold head)

Medes(silver chest)

Persians (bronze belly & thighs)

Greeks (iron legs)

Romans (clay feet)

Current

Revived Roman Empire (10 Kings/toes)

10 kings (17:12)

Political alliances: NATO, UN, European Union, ???

Through the current Ukrainian war and petroleum distribution we have seen the importance of alliances and treaties as the seat of power against others.

Outcome of the Beast (17:8)

Power (17:12-13)

o Just as authentic authority receives power from God (Romans 13:1), the influence of human politics will cease to exist while its source (Satan) is restrained for a season. (17:11-14a)

Pit/Prison (17:8 & 20:2-3)

Destruction (17:11 & 20:10)

Betrayal by the Beast (17:16)

Kings revoke their support of the woman (17:16)

Kings distance themselves from her destruction (18:9-10)

Merchants distance themselves from her destruction (18:11-19)

Today there is significant discussion about tax exemption for churches and clergy housing. Historically, government has realized the benefits from healthy faith communities. Active churches and charities have gone great distances into meeting the needs of people so that the demand upon government has been reduced. But when the existence of religious bodies no longer coincide with the desires of politicians, v.16 describes that religion will be discarded like a detestable nuisance.

Transition: Contrasted to the destruction of false religion and beastly politics in 17 & 18, Rev. 19 reveals the future of the people of God.

The Dignity of Christ’s Bride (Rev. 19:4-10)

Linen of Righteous Deeds (19:8)

1. Our righteousness = filthy rags (Is 64:6)

But wait, doesn’t Scripture say our righteousness us useless?

Isaiah 64:6 ESV:2016

6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

2. Granted her to clothe herself

The righteous deeds that clothe the Bride are not of her own initiative

Created for Good Works = This is why I defined “good” in the introduction as “God’s purpose!

Ephesians 2:10 ESV:2016

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Works Enabled by God = Our “goodness” is not only purposed by God, it is enabled by God!

Philippians 2:13 NET

13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God.

Attention goes to the one who chose and redeemed us (19:10)

Revelation 19:10 (ESV:2016)

“Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

· An interesting sidenote: the word hallelujah only appears in the NT 4 times, all of them in Rev 19:1-6. The God of the NT is the same as the God of the OT!

One quick give-away is that false religion seems comfortable with “God” but takes steps away from naming “Jesus”.

Conclusion:

I was listening to a call-in segment on a Christian Radio station this week and the question was, “When did you exchange ‘look what I have done’ for ‘look what God did’?”

True Christianity is not simply a set of beliefs we add to our existing values and goals. The new birth described in the Bible is when we DIE to self. We STOP relying upon our own efforts and abilities. We EXCHANGE self-importance for the glory of Christ.

New Birth as described in John 3, the Bride described in Rev 19:7 consist of those who readily admit our inadequacies, short-comings, failures and sins, and instead trust, depend upon and pursue the person and work of Christ above all else.

The repentance and trusting faith of salvation does not mean. “I’ll just add God to the goals I already have or the success I’m pursuing.” It is more than a mention in an acceptance speech, a reference on your shoes or ink tattooed on your body.

The Christianity of the Bible has been exchanged for what a sociologist from Notre Dame University calls Moralistic therapeutic deism(MTD). Ask yourself if your own belief system or that of your role models looks like this definition:

A God exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth.

1. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions. 2. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself. 3. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem. 4. Good people go to heaven when they die.

Notice MTD speaks about God & the Bible, but there is no mention of Jesus! The False Religion of Babylon will be revealed for all its short-comings, the True Bride will be revealed and honored at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Paul describes an exchange in Phil 3:8 from old pursuits to new goals:

Philippians 3:8 ESV:2016

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

The same collaboration (Holy Spirit and Apostle John) who wrote Revelation also wrote other books of the New Testament. In 1 John 2:16-17 we read:

1 John 2:16–17 ESV:2016

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

If your faith supports your flesh, desires and pride; it is time to question if it is the faith of the Bible!

The only celebrity in Heaven is the one who sits on the throne and the Lamb who was slain. V.10 concludes with a reminder about the purpose we are reading the book of Revelation: “Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”

As we move into a time of reflection and confession, it is this Jesus we remember as we share the bread and the wine.

[i] John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 971.