The Fall of Babylon
Open Your Bible
Revelation 18:1-24, Isaiah 52:11, Jeremiah 51:47-50
BY Erin Davis
Theologians with far more degrees on their walls and books on their shelves than I have can continue to debate who Babylon represents in Revelation 18. I simply don’t have the brain cells to compete. But because of the wisdom granted by the Holy Spirit, I do have what it takes to read this passage and consider this question: Where is the redemptive hand of God in these verses?
The fall of Babylon, like so much of John’s revelation, is mysterious, but when we take a closer look, we see that the gospel thread is clearly present. God’s redemptive work, which stitches all of His Word together, is beautifully and unmistakably revealed throughout this book.
Consider the angel’s loud declaration, “It has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen!” (Revelation 18:2). And then compare that declaration to Christ’s quiet resolve at the crucifixion: “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).
Because of what He accomplished on the cross, all evil will crumble, every Babylon will fall, all “injustice [will shut] its mouth” (Psalm 107:42). Anything that opposes God will fall. Babylon’s sins were piled up to heaven—so were mine, so were yours—“and God remembered her crimes” (Revelation 18:5). As well He should have. But our transgressions? Our sins? He has forgotten them.
“For I will forgive their wrongdoing,
and I will never again remember their sins” (Hebrews 8:12).
I have to remind myself often that God won’t dredge my sin back up. Not now. Not ever. Babylon’s ending is not my own. My sins have been thrown into the depths of the sea. I will receive undeserved grace, but Babylon will receive deserved destruction, paid according to her works of evil, and therefore, earning a double portion of wrath.
But “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (2 Timothy 1:9). We are spared because of Christ’s work—not punished according to our own.
God certainly could have wiped me out forever. Instead, He has rebuilt my life on the precious cornerstone of His grace. And so as Christ-followers, we are to “rejoice… because God has pronounced on [Babylon] the judgment she passed” on us (Revelation 18:20).
Wicked Babylon is a picture of the enemy’s schemes. Seemingly secure in his triumph, fortified by the forces of darkness, for a fleeting moment he, too, appeared untouchable. And yet, our enemy has fallen. Call it out in a mighty voice! In a single hour he became a defeated foe (v.17). In a moment, with the flash of an angel, the stone rolled away, and evil crumbled. God’s plans for our redemption could not be stopped. Not then. Not now. Not ever.
The world may weep and mourn when evil crumbles, but heaven will always rejoice. Ours is a God who triumphs over evil. He redeems us for His glory.
22 thoughts on "The Fall of Babylon"
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Heaven will always rejoice when evil crumbles. Amen. We the redeemed will rejoice with our Lord. Hallelujah! Good news! I need to remember this when something seems so difficult. God is with me and He defeats Babylon in an hour. He is mighty and has all the resources, love and strength needed to overcome. Lord Jesus be praised.
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“But “’He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began’” (2 Timothy 1:9). We are spared because of Christ’s work—not punished according to our own.”
Truly, amazing grace…given to me (and you)! -
I am struck by the imagery of all the material possessions being destroyed along with the worldly woman. All the things that are beautiful (hello, music and trumpets!) are destroyed in one hour. And all the bystanders just stare at all being lost. It sort of made me think of the “unsinkable” Titanic. Man puts all of their trust in worldly possessions that they believe will always be there. I know I do. I admire those who have a lot and wish for more “things”. And yet, compared to our eternal salvation-who cares about the things of the world?! One day there will be trumpets, music, linens, boats, candles (who doesn’t love a yummy candle?) and all the possessions of the world will be mine to inherit because I am a daughter of the KING! We will feast in his presence and be forever able to enjoy all of his creation in the new heaven and new earth. We will have lions for pets (anyone else think of these things?) and walk around able to enjoy all of the animals God has created with no mar of sin or imperfection. He is worthy of our praise and we can hope in Him and what is to come!
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❤️
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I love this ♥️
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What a great study this has been for me! Like Churchmouse said, I get distracted, and frankly, confused, by the imagery. This study has helped me pull it together with Gods ultimate redemptive story!
And it helps me to look forward to the day that God does judge and abolish the evil of this world! Oh, what a sweet day that will be!! -
“Ours is a God who triumphs over evil.”
Hallelujah!
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Amen.
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Just imagine. Every evil crumbling and sinking out of sight. Every unkind word, every betrayal, every prideful boast, every lie, every hateful glare, every crime, every slander, every violent act, every distorted truth, every undone kindness, every disease, every unrighteousness temper, every gluttonous desire, every unholy alliance, every overlooked compassion, every wrong. Every. And just like that, gone. Never to be seen again.
Just imagine the next moment -with just the tiniest space of time in between to absorb the true and total end as the ripples from its deep and destructive sinking return to stillness— a light begins to grow on the horizon. It is he light of every kindness, every joy, ever peace, every gentleness, every patience, every hope, every tenderness, every compassion, every goodness. It is love. It is Christ.
Sisters, He has already done this for each of us who call on His name, and He will do this for the whole world at the end of this age. Let me live in your light, my Lord, and let me keep my eyes on the horizon and keep watch for your triumphant return!-
Amen!!
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Loved reading this reminder!
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Thanks be to God❤️
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Whenever I read Revelation I have to remind myself to not get distracted by all the imagery but to focus on the fulfillment of the plan and purpose of our loving God. As Erin so eloquently writes, it is the redemptive hand of God that deserves my attention. He is fair and He is just. He forgives and He forgets. He only requires that we believe. The chaos at the end of time will be calmed. A new heaven and a new earth is coming. Jesus has repeatedly told us through His Word. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus saves. Fear not. All His promises are coming true.
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Such stunning Promises to my heart ❤️
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