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The Crash of the Global
Economy |
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We are nearing the hour in Revelation when the Lord Jesus will return to this earth to set up His Kingdom on the earth (Rev. 19). As we shall see, the Lord Jesus will take back that which rightfully belongs to Him and will rule and reign on the earth for 1,000 glorious years. This time is what we call the Millennium. In Revelation 17-18 we see that before Christ sets up His kingdom, He will destroy the kingdoms of this world. In Revelation 17 we saw an ecumenical system represented by the great whore, the mother of harlots and Babylon. During the tribulation all the religions of the world will unite and form a world council of Churches and religions headed by the false prophet who rides on the back of the antichrist.
The antichrist will use this one-world church to rise to power. Then having gained a place of world leadership, he will turn against this ecumenical system and destroy it. We read of that destruction in Revelation 17:16, “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.” They will destroy the one-world church and religion unaware that they are actually carrying out God’s purpose and judgment. We read in Revelation 17:17, “For God hath put it in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of the God shall be fulfilled.” The actions of the antichrist and the leaders under his control are actually dictated by God and are God’s judgment upon this religious system.
The world is getting ready for a one-world church. Even today we have the World Council of Churches which unites religions and denominations of every kind all under the name of ecumenicalism. More and more we hear that the religions of the world must get along with one another and work together. The word “ecumenical,” which speaks of a worldwide Christian unity and cooperation, is tossed around regularly. The world is getting ready and the stage is being set for a one-world religion.
As we move into Revelation 18 we see Babylon not only representing an ecumenical system, but also an economic system. This is a commercial and political system controlled by the beast or antichrist. During the tribulation, the world will not only unite under one religious banner, but also be united by a global economy.
Even today we have such organizations as WTO (World Trade Organization) and the World Bank/IMF (
During the tribulation the antichrist will control the commerce of the world. We have seen in past studies that the antichrist will require a mark entitling everyone to either buy or sell. We read in Revelation 13:16-17, “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
The antichrist will become a world leader controlling the commerce of the world. In Revelation 18 Babylon represents his economic control of the world and his economic system. As we shall see in our next couple of studies, this economic system is destined for judgment just as the ecumenical system of Revelation 17. There will be a crash of this global economy, a crash that is the judgment of God upon a world system controlled by the antichrist.
What you see in Revelation 17-18 is the destruction of the kingdom of the antichrist before Christ sets up His kingdom upon the earth. After seeing the destruction of the one-world church, John sees the destruction of this one-world economy. We read in Revelation 18:1, “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven.”
The phrase “after these things” indicate that the events of chapter 18 are a different and later revelation that the one in chapter 17. Although both chapters speak of the destruction and judgment on Babylon, as I have already pointed out, Babylon represents two different things in the two chapters. Once again I remind you that in chapter 17, Babylon represents a religious system, and in chapter 18, a commercial and political system.
It would seem that as you read and study Revelation, the events of chapter 17, the time when antichrist turns on the false prophet and the one-world church and destroys them will be sometime around the middle of the tribulation. At this time he will establish himself as God and make all men worship him. The destruction and judgment on Babylon, the economic and political system of the antichrist, as seen in chapter 18, will occur at the end of the tribulation.
As the events of chapter 18 open, John sees “another angel come down from heaven.” The word “another” means “another of the same kind.” In chapter 17:1 John saw “one of the seven angels which had the seven vials.” Now he sees another one of the seven angels come down from heaven.
He describes the majesty of this angel. He speaks of this angel as ”having great power: and the earth was lightened with his glory.” The angel’s power speaks of his authority. As this angel steps onto a darkened stage, the whole earth will be illuminated with his presence.
Then John describes the message of this angel. We read in Revelation 18:2, “And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen…” The angel with authority and might announces the fall of Babylon. Back in Revelation 14:8 we saw the prediction of the fall of Babylon. Now we see that judgment carried out.
Now as you look at Babylon in chapter 18 it is referred to as a city (Vs. 10, 16, 18, 19, 21). Chapter 17 ended with the words, “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” Bible scholars have long debated as to whether or not an actual and literal city is being referred to. In all likelihood it is referring to an actual city, but a city that represents the commercial and political rule of the antichrist because it the city from which he rules.
As an actual city, there is debate as to whether it is the actual city of Babylon as we know it. Babylon, as you may know, it located in modern day Iraq, not too far from Baghdad. Originally called Babel, the city was founded by Nimrod. It was a city that we have seen in past studies was the source of all false religion and a philosophy of life that abandons God and put man front and center.
It later became known as Babylon and under Nebuchadnezzar it became a city known for its magnificence, luxury and wealth. It was a city 15 square miles in area, surrounded by a 56 miles long wall which was 350 feet high. This massive wall extended 35 feet down into the ground so as to prevent attack under the wall. This wall was 87 feet thick and around the top of the wall were 250 watchtowers spaced in strategic locations. Outside the wall was a large moat which surrounded the city and kept full of water from the Euphrates. It was a city of exquisite beauty. It was the site of the famous hanging garden, considered one of the seven wonders of the world of the ancient world.
During Saddam Hussein’s reign he began to restore and rebuilt the ancient city of Babylon. He reconstructed one of the main temples and Procession Street. In 1987 he celebrated the first Babylonian Festival. He was also in the process of rebuilding the ancient palace of Nebuchadnezzar and its 600 rooms.
Now again, whether the actual city of Babylon is the city referred to in Revelation is often been debated. Some have even suggested that it could be Rome, London, Tokyo, Jerusalem and even New York City. Which city, I am not sure. Wherever, it will be the city from which the antichrist will rule the world and a city that represents his commercial and political control of the world.
For this study I will refer to it as a city and a representation of the commercial and political system controlled by the antichrist. Let’s notice this city by first considering:
1. A CITY DEBASED WITH DEMONS
The angel describes the city in verse 2 as “the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Here is a city with a great presence of demonic activity. John speaks of this city as:
A) The Habitation of Demons
On different occasions in Revelation we have seen large numbers of demons released on the earth. It would seem that at the end of the tribulation period these demons are gathered in Babylon. It is like, as John MacArthur described, God is gathering all the rotten eggs in one basket before disposing of them.
Los Angeles is known as the city of angels, New York City as the Big Apple, and Las Vegas as sin city. Here is a city that will be known as the home of all the demons of the earth. You can imagine the wickedness and immorality of such a place. It will be a city of unprecedented evil and wickedness.
John also described the city as:
B) The Hold of Demons
He describes it in verse 2 as “the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The word “hold” and “cage” are the same and it is a word that speaks of a prison. Like grotesque carrion birds, the demons will hover over the city, controlling and enslaving the city in their evil grip.
We think about the grip Satan and his demons have on the world today. It is nothing compared to what it will be like during the tribulation and especially at the end as they dwell and dominate this city. It will be an evil control unrestrained and uninhibited.
Secondly, we not only see this city as one debased with demons, but also:
2. A CITY DEFILED WITH DRUNKENNESS
We read in verse 3, “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.” Being drunk with her wine is a frequent description of Babylon’s influence and control over the nations and leaders of the world.
In chapter 17:2 John spoke of how “the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabiters of the earth have been made drink with the wine of her fornication.” The committing of fornication carries the idea of becoming a part of the antichrist’s evil religious and commercial empire and system. Being drunk speaks of how the world and its leaders are intoxicated or possessed with this system.
John describes how the nations, kings, and merchants of the earth have become:
A) Intoxicated With the Philosophy of Babylon
Again he describes in verse 3 how they “have committed fornication with her.” The nations and leaders of the world will lust after her, passionately desiring to be a part of this system. They will be so seduced and influenced by the philosophy of the antichrist they will swallow his lies and accept his role and rule in the world. They will enter into a relationship with him allowing him to carry out his purposes through them.
They will not only be intoxicated with the philosophy of the Babylon, but they will also be:
B) Intoxicated With the Prosperity of Babylon
John describes in verse 3 how “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Controlling the commerce of the world, the antichrist will control great wealth. The world will cash in on the financial prosperity of the antichrist. Men’s god will be gold and their creed will be greed.
The world has always been intoxicated with riches, wealth and material things. The passion of this world is get all you can. More, more and then more is the passion and pursuit of a world caught up with the desire to have more. During the tribulation, men will sell their own souls to have and possess riches.
Thirdly, we not only see a city debased with demons, defiled with drunkenness, but we also see:
3. A CITY DESTINED FOR DESTRUCTION
In verse 4 John says, “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, My People, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Another angel comes with a message to God’s people. It is a call for God’s people to not have any part with such a philosophy and system. It is a call for separation and consecration.
The call and command of God has always been the same. We read in 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” God has always wanted His people to be distinct and different. One of the things that has always troubled me about this seeker-friendly mentality that is permeating our Churches is that we try to be as friendly with the world as possible in order to reach them. People have never been reached by being like them. They have always been reached when we came out from among them and showed them something that is in contrast to what they have.
The message of this angel is that God is about to judge Babylon and He does not want any of His people to be a part of that judgment. “Be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” is his message and warning. God’s people are not to be seduced or influence by this world.
Notice the judgment John describes upon Babylon. First, he speaks of how:
A) God Remembers Babylon’s Sin
We read in verse 5, “For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquity.” The word “reached” means to be “glued” or “welded together.” The idea is of piling up. Like bricks piled up on one another to form a building, their sins have piled up like the Tower of Babel and reached to heaven.
As for the believer, God said in Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am He that blotteth out they transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” However, for the sinner, and here for Babylon, God will remember their sins. God is saying, “I will not ignore your sins. I know them all and will judge them.”
We see that God not only remembers Babylon’s sins, but also:
B) God Rewards Babylon’s Sins
In verse 6 we read that God will, “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled to her double.” The word “reward” means “to pay a debt” to “give back that which is due.” God will pay Babylon back double. Double has been her sins, double will be her punishment. Her cup has overflowed with a magnitude of sin, and her judgment will be accordingly.
In verse 7 John describes what will be the attitude of the antichrist and his kingdom: “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she hath said in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.’” Instead of glorifying God, she glorifies herself. God says that He will not share His glory with another, and to the degree, to which she robbed God of His glory, so will be her torment and sorrow.
The word “deliciously” means to be “wanton, to revel.” It comes from a word that means to be “headstrong.” She has lived with the attitude, I will do what I want, as I want. She sees herself as a queen that no one can touch or harm. However, God says that to the degree you have lived, to that degree will be your torment and sorrow.
In verse 8 we see the torment and sorrow that will come upon her. We read, “Therefore shall her pagues come in one day, death and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God Who judgeth her.” Her destruction and judgment will not be progressive but swift and sudden. In the course of one day God will send death and famine producing great mourning, which will be followed by her being burned with fire. It is a judgment and destruction that is certain and sure for “strong is the Lord Who judgeth her.” God is strong. No one can frustrate His purposes and stop Him from carrying His plans and purposes.
I love Isaiah 43:13 which states, “Yea, before the day was I am He; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?” No one can stop God from doing what He desires. There will come a day when a man will rise to power and rule the world. This man, the antichrist, will have his time, but his time is marked and limited. In the end, the real Christ will manifest His power over Him and all the world, revealing that He alone is God and Christ. |
