Come Out of Babylon

Revelation 18:4

Published on: October 27, 2017

Last Updated on: August 20, 2025

Photo by Ed Jarrett

Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
‘Come out of her, my people,’
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
Revelation 18:4 NIV

The 17^th and 18^th chapters of Revelation deal with the great prostitute, Babylon the Great. These two chapters describe her in detail. Theologians have debated her identity over the ages, and it is still unclear. Some have identified her with the literal cities of Rome or Jerusalem. And some have identified her with the Roman Catholic church. Personally, I am partial to Augustine’s “Two Cities” view, where Jerusalem and Babylon represent two spiritual realms that are at war with each other. Jerusalem represents those who love God. While Babylon represents those who love this world and the pleasures that it has to offer.

This chapter describes Babylon’s judgment. Including the warning in this verse for God’s people to come out of her lest we take part in her sin and her judgment. We cannot have dual citizenship in the spiritual realm. If we want to belong to Jerusalem, we need to abandon citizenship in Babylon and come out from her.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:15-17 NIV

Sermon on the Mount: Do Not Judge – Matthew 7:1-6

Jesus instruction is clear. Do not judge other people. That belongs to God alone. Yet we are to be discerning and not accept just anyone.

Gain the World and Lose Your Soul – Mark 8:36

Jesus warns us about the dangers of trying to gain the things of this world and the possibility that you could lose your soul in the process.

Greed is a Form of Idolatry – Ephesians 5:5

Many of us live in societies that glorify accumulation of stuff. The more and bigger the better. But this greed is really a form of idolatry.

When Darkness Reigns – Luke 22:52-53

Jesus came as the light of the world, but darkness still reigns over much of the world. Let his light shine through you into the world.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.