Babylon Is Fallen

The proclamation of the second angel in Revelation 14 is an urgent message issued by a God of love. Ancient Babylon was a center of false worship.

It was a mighty kingdom. But in spite of King Nebuchadnezzar’s remarkable experience with God, his grandson, Belshazzar, was not inclined to follow his example. One night, writing appeared on the wall.

That night Babylon’s king had taken the holy worship vessels that had been stolen from the temple in Jerusalem and drank intoxicating wine from them in praise of pagan gods. It was then that Babylon fell. John borrowed imagery from this account in the book of Daniel (and other books of the Old Testament) when writing Revelation.

The fall of ancient Babylon provided a striking parallel to events that will take place in the earth’s final days. When the message of the first angel has been sounded, and the world has heard of the importance of God’s seventh-day Sabbath, then it will be announced that Babylon —representing systems of false worship infused with paganism— is fallen. Such an uncompromising message may appear to be at odds with the character of a loving God. But for six thousand years, a God of immense love has been appealing to the world to embrace His Word and His will.

Prophets came to the world to call God’s people to faithfulness. His own Son was sent from heaven, embodying the principles of heaven and revealing to all the true character of His Father. Since that time, the church has been sharing and living God’s message, and the Holy Spirit has been persistently convicting hearts.

The time is fast approaching when God will issue His final call. Those in fallen Babylon are to be invited into the full light of God’s Word.

Many today are responding. We are on the verge of a great ingathering when people the world over take a bold stand for Jesus.

Let the church be determined to live and graciously share the important message for our time.