The Revealed Fate of Babylon
Finally, in chapter 18, an angel declares with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon (a figurative name for Rome) the great!” Though John’s audience would not live to see Rome fall, they needed to know that day was coming. The city who lived like a queen, would someday experience torment and mourning. The compromisers in John’s audience needed to hear, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.” Every worldly power will someday experience the same fate. Those who give their loyalty to earthly powers will share in her sins and in her punishment. The only way to survive this fate is by following the Lamb, “wherever he goes.” (Scripture: Revelation 18:1-10)