Part 19: Christians Should Not Live
For Money
In
the name of Jehovah God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.
John an inspired
writer in this chapter reveals that Babylon will be destroyed. Babylon is the name
for the evil world power and all it represents. Here the Word of God tells us
that anything that attempts to block the expressed and divine purposes of God
will come to a violent end. We will begin however with a scripture passage
taken from the 14th Chapter of Revelation.
Revelation 14:8.
"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen
that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of
her fornication."
Historically Babylon
was an evil city. As a center of immoral behavior Babylon was a wicked place of
idol worship. Babylon conquered Jerusalem and carried the people of Judah into
captivity (see II Kings 24 and II Chronicles 36). Thus the history of Israel
reveals that Babylon was one of the Jews greatest enemies.
However, in this
passage of scripture Babylon has reference to Rome. "Babylon is
fallen" is in accord with the union of church and state employed by Rome.
Rome became the
greatest enemy of the early Christians. Here it is called the "great
city" because in Rome resided both the Emperor and the Pope. "Wine of
the wrath” is a figurative phase. However it means that false teaching and
idolatry has combined. Meanwhile as long as the people are kept ignorant of the
Bible they could be made to drink of this wine.
Finally the
announcement that “Babylon is fallen," means that the union that was
formed by the religious and governmental estates was dissolved. This end to the
evil and Babylon was brought about by the Truth of the Bible made available in
their native language so they could read it for themselves. Thus removing the
need for Rome to tell them what God wants them to know. John the inspired
writer here relates Rome to Babylon and Babylon was the enemy of God's people.
Thus, these particulars are related to God's enemy for all times.
The Fall of Babylon
Revelation 18:3 -2.
"For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,
and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the
merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her
delicacies."
Before we note the
importance and further explanation of verse 33, we will back up too verse 2.
The chapter prior to 18 noted conditions prior to the revolution of the
Reformation. As this vision is extended, we will see the effects it will have
on the nations of the world and will predict the permanent end of the union of
church and state.
For the record the
Book of Revelation is a book of symbols. Thus it is not necessary to try or
make a literal application or explanation of the symbols. Babylon here means
the institution formed by the union of church and state. Since the time of
Constantine this particular union had been in control. But now it stood ready
to be dissolved by the work of the Reformation.
Again the phrase
"Babylon is fallen.” “Is fallen," refers to the dissolving of the
church and state through the influence of the Bible. Luther and his disciples
in regard to the Reformation gave the Bible to the people.
Now look as we look
at verse 1 we bring the materialistic aspects up for review. During the time of
the Roman Empire many businessmen became rich by exploiting the sinful
pleasures of society. This practice is still carried on today. For example
government and businesses are often motivated and based on greed, money and
power. Thus people that don't know God are tempted by this evil system to
enrich themselves in material possessions that society holds in high esteem.
However, Christians
are taught to stay free from the evil pleasures of the world. When you truly
come to know God, you take on Christ like attributes. These qualities are
service, giving, self sacrifice, obedience and truth.
There are several
symbolic thoughts noted in "wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Wine suggests drunkenness thus being not in control and here applied to being
influenced by false doctrine. Rome was full of false teaching. We can also
apply this to the wrath of God upon evil doers. Also, fornication refers to the
intimacy with unlawful organizations.
Finally again we see
another great lesson that applies to the blind faith as seen in the followers
of past and present false prophets. In Babylon (Rome) the leaders and business
people exploited the poor and gained great advantages for the people because
they were duped into thinking that they were to respect honor and submit to
their superiors.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net