Revelation Chapters 17 & 18

In Chapter 17 we see Babylon pictured as a woman.  In Chapter 18 we see Babylon pictured as a city.  These two pictures show two different aspects of Babylon.  Chapter 17 speaks to religious Babylon, while Chapter 18 speaks to natural or worldly Babylon.  Since Babylon is derived from the word 'Babel' which means confusion, and God is not the author of confusion, we see that either picture represents a system in opposition to God.  

From this, we see how the two pictures viewed together reveal that worldliness in the church and fake religious spirituality in the world are in agreement.  This helps us understand what we see in our church and nation, and helps us understand why so much emphasis is put on simplicity and modesty in scriptures.  Further, seeing the terrible judgment on Babylon pictured in Revelation, we understand the importance of keeping well separated from either type of Babylon.

Originally preached at Oakdale Bible Baptist Church in Oakdale, Louisiana on Sunday, June 16, 2019 by Bro. Elden Mayo, pastor.