From Fear and Fascination to Faith and Facts
My first encounter with the book of Revelation was fear. Who didn’t get a few chills running down their spine about the number 666, the
“mark of the beast,” the seven plagues and this dramatic portrayal of the endtime? That fear kept me from wanting to know more about
this book, though I was drawn to it.
Then I stumbled across a study that made an intelligent versus fanciful media-hyped approach to the book. It addressed Revelation as a codedmessage, but written to the first century church who were part of its history and time. That evidence focused on the date of the book. It raised and answered the question, was it written pre or post A.D. 70?
Thirdly, an investigation of the internal evidence and alignment with other texts as commentary overruled the temptation to rely on imagination and the media. This was one of the most enlightening and satisfying decisions in my quest to understand the message of Revelation. What follows are a few keys that were convincing to me.
What Is A Mystery?
A mystery is not something which cannot be known, but simply that which is not known until it is revealed. The seven points in this article are now a mystery, but if you read further, they will become manifest to you.
In Revelation, “Babylon” is a code word for the mystery city. The book is not about ancient Babylon nor modern day Iraq. Babylon was used as a sign to disguise in military-type code, the identity of the city. Why? It’s because this city was marked for destruction. The political climate of the day made it extremely dangerous to speak openly of destroying this city, (Acts 6:14) especially by Christians who were viewed as its chief enemies. The preaching of Jerusalem’s impending destruction led to Stephen’s martyrdom, (Acts 7).
Its connection with ancient Babylon was its moral decay and idolatry. Ancient Babylon’s fall was precipitated by their pride and disrespect for God, the persecution of God’s people and the profaning of the temple’s holy vessels . Thus Belshazzar’s feast led to the demise of his kingdom. Hence the term Mystery Babylon.
1. “The Great City, –Where The Lord Was Crucified)
Further identifying Mystery Babylon as the great city (Revelation 17:18; 18:10), leads us to clue number one. The great city of Revelation is identified as the city spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” (Revelation 11:8)
Besides the actual city, there is only one city in the Bible ever referred to as Sodom. It is Jerusalem, (Deuteronomy 32:32; Isaiah 1:10). The description, where also our Lord was crucified is strong evidence pointing to Jerusalem. Further, it could not be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem, Luke 13:33. Jerusalem was called the city of the great King. (Matthew 5:35) To the Jews it was the greatest city in the world.
2. The Golden Cup of Abominations
The imagery of the filled cup of iniquity indicates that God’s period of longsuffering had run its course. Genesis 15:16 shows why God expelled the Amorites from the land in order that Israel might inherit Canaan. The reason he did not do so immediately was because the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full. Their cup of sin yet had room for more and did not run its course until the time of the Exodus.
Jesus spoke to the people of Jerusalem warning them that they would fill up the measure of their father’s guilt in killing the prophets. See point #3. Paul says they had filled up the measure of their sins and would experience the coming wrath. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16).
3. God Would Avenge All The Righteous Blood Shed on Earth By Jerusalem.
Mystery Babylon was guilty of shedding the blood of the apostles and prophets, (Revelation 18:20). However, God avenged the blood of the apostles and prophets. Not only was their blood be avenged, but God avenged all the blood shed on the earth on Mystery Babylon, (v. 24).
Jesus predicted the same for Jerusalem. In Matthew 23:34-37, Jerusalem is charged with the blood guilt of all the righteous blood shed on the earth up to that time. Jesus would send more wise men, scribes and prophets whom he said they would scourge in their synagogues and persecute from city to city until he destroyed Jerusalem. It therefore matches perfectly with this description.
4. The “Mystery Babylon” Was Once a Queen.
This identifies the city as having a covenant relationship with God. Neither ancient Rome, nor any other modern city could appropriately be styled as God’s wife. Through the Old Covenant, God was married to Jerusalem, (Jeremiah 2:14). Because of her unfaithfulness, God threatens divorce. While Mystery Babylon claims to be a queen, she is widowed. (Revelation 18:7)
5. The Antithesis of the Two Cities
The contrast of the two cities in Revelation is a strong clue to the identity of Mystery Babylon. After the great city, Mystery Babylon is destroyed, God blesses a New Jerusalem. That implies an Old Jerusalem. This is the same antithesis running throughout the New Testament expressed in covenantal terms. (See Galatians 4:24-26; Hebrews 8:6-13; 12:18-23). The new Jerusalem however is not an earthly city but one which comes down out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, (Revelation 21:1-3).
Paul writes that the church is the bride of Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-31, Hebrews 12:22, 23). The new holy city Jerusalem, takes the position as bride while the former adulterous wife receives death by fire.
6. Come Out of Her My People
The call to God’s people to come out of Mystery Babylon” (Revelation 18:4) further aligns with the ancient city of Jerusalem. Prior to its destruction, Jesus warned that his disciples should flee the city to avoid its plagues of destruction, famine and death. (Matthew 24:15-17; Luke 21:20-22).
7. Trodden Down of the Gentiles
In Luke 21:24, Jesus remarks that Jerusalem would be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled. Unfortunately, today, many believe the Gentiles are rulers over the people of God. This is impossible as that period ended in A.D. 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem. It was the time when all things written were fulfilled, coming to pass before that generation passed away, (Luke 21:22, 32). As old Jerusalem was once called the faithful and holy city, John prophesied that it was measured for destruction, (Revelation 11:2).
Old Jerusalem Is A Perfect Match
Everything said about Jerusalem in the gospels, is symbolically described for Mystery Babylon in the book of Revelation. There are more contrasts and parallels but these should at least get one thinking.
Fanciful and colorful charts as those presented by John Hagee and others will forever fail to properly identify the Mystery Babylon as long as they are pointed in the future and toward some city or nation that has no antithesis with old Jerusalem. Further, a modern or present day Jerusalem, does not descend from heaven and can never be the holy city of Revelation 21.
The message and meaning of Revelation seems best and most easily understood when one values the shortly to come to pass, time is at hand time parameter of the message keeping it within a contemporary, historical setting of its first century hearers, (Revelation 1:1, 3. It may not frighten us as much, but it certainly encourages us with the message of faith, confidence in God’s sovereign power and victory over the forces of evil.
William Bell is the author of “The Re-Examination, a critique of futurist eschatology showing Christ’s return in the first century. Visit: http://www.allthingsfulfilled.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Bell,_Jr.
Hi Mr Bell. Very well done article on mystery babylon. Ive to search scripture puring over exact words of texts. And so much what is here Ive found to be identical almost.To identity. PLus much more you have. ____I would love ask you few questions how do i contact you via email.____And thanks again so so much. Very Very well written and presented.
EastEndwatcher, thanks for your comments here. When the text is followed, pretty much all the mystery is removed from "Mystery Babylon. Send me a link with your study. I'd like to read it to see what I might learn to help me further my studies. See "contact" tab on far right of the nav bar.
Excellent post. What about the 7 kings and the 10 rulers? The scarlet beast that she was riding will also be the 8th king and turn against her.
Mr. Bell,
Your conclusion that "Jerusalem" is Mystery Babylon excludes much more information concerning the same – such as most ALL verses concerning the same in Revelations 17 and 18, Jeremiah 51 and 52, etc.
Jerusalem in NO WAY fulfilles all the prophecies concerning Mystery Babylon –
Might I encourage you to read the Article at the following link – your response would be interesting.
Blessings
Magend
http://www.apocalypsesoon.org/xfile-6.html
The article you site ignores all the time statements found in the Book of Revelation e.g. 1:1-3, and elsewhere, in addition to other statements throughout the Bible. For this reason, America is not even a close candidate for consideration of the prophecy in time or geographic location, not to mention there is no antithesis between “old America and New Jerusalem.
America, nor New York City meets the criteria of being the city where the Lord was crucified. That alone should end the discussion. America is not the murderer of the Old Covenant prophets, Christ or those of the New Covenant era.
While the article contains some interesting comments about America’s political, military, and economic might, it fails to meet the facts of the text and must be dismissed as evidence.
What about the fact Mystery Babylon in Revelation is called an economic and military might, exporter of fine goods, delicacies, gold?
Practices scorcery (drugs) decieves and commits adultery with nations of the word, exports chariots (cars, planes?) doesnt sound a whole lot like Jerusalem to me!!! Sounds alot like the USA.
Sits on many waters!!! Sea captains wail her smoke/destruction from far away!!! Youre ignoring some GLARING descriptions here Mr. Bell!
As to the commerce of Jerusalem, see Joachin Jeremiah's book, Jerusalem in the Time sof Jesus for it's commerical importance. Regarding sea trade, Jeremiah's states. "This central position was combined with favorable sea communications through the harbours of Ascalon, Jaffa, [Joppa] Gaza and Ptolemais. One point is of particular importance: Jerusalem was more or less equidistant from all of them, and therefore lay in a central position for all." Therefore, it was situated centrally to take advantage of all the sea trade imports and exports. (p. 52)
What about the fact Mystery Babylon in Revelation is called an economic and military might, exporter of fine goods, delicacies? practices scorcery (drugs) decieves and commits adultery with nations of the word, exports chariots (cars, planes?) doesnt sound a whole lot like Jerusalem to me!!! Sounds alot like the USA.____Sits on many waters!!! Sea captains wail her destruction from far away!!! Youre ignoring some GLARING descriptions here!
Until you can read "cars and planes) in Revelation, I'll have to reject your fool-proof logic. Otherwise, Jerusalem meets all the qualfications of the text. So, unless, the apostles drove GM, Ford, Toyota and BMW's your point is completely irresponsible in handling the Biblical text. Just shows how desperate opinion gets.
I have just come across your thoughts above concerning the woman of Revelation 17 and 18. I must admit it leaves me with more questions than good answers. I have written a simple article on this concerning the woman being Rome. I would like to hear your thoughts on it at the site below.
http://www.pentecostalpioneers.org/scarletwoman.html
Side note.Are you saying christ has come already and we are in millenium?
Yes, with this correction. Christ has returned and we are now in what was the "age to come," but which is now the present age, or the new heavens and earth. The millennium ended in 70 A.D.
You know I almost gave you some credibility. You're very confused and I'm certain now more than ever you are not reading the bible of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are attempting to confuse people here. The millenium could not have possibly happened. The tribulation is a time of judgement and satan is literally loosed. You're way off base. For your theory to happen we would have to be in heaven now. Neither of which are feasible lol. Take care I will not be returning to this site at all. Try reading the King James version of the bible. The whole bible not just parts that you wish to read. All I can do is shake my head when I see how confused you must be. The rapture is imminent and the tribulation is soon to follow. Be prepared. God bless everyone.
Michael, you are correct. People are in heaven now. Hades has been destroyed. Christ has given us the victory over the law, sin, death and Hades. O death where is your sting, O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is the sin, the strength of the the sin, is the law. Since Christ has fulfilled the law and all it's prophecies, Hades is no more. Therefore, people in Christ who die are no longer held captive by it. David, Abraham, Job, etc have all now ascended into heaven and are no longer resting in Hades awaiting Christ's coming. That is the power of fulfilled eschatology. Yet, you have them yet in Hades waiting on a future fulfillment that contradicts Jesus' words that He would come before the first century generation passed.
You deserve some credibility for raising the issue, but it is you, not I who am confusing people and keeping them confused. Then you say, as people have said for hundreds of years the rapture is imminent. How can it be imminent for 20 centuries and never be fulfilled. How much sense does that make and how much credibility will such false prophesying give you. Maybe it's appropriate to read Duet. 18:19-22 again. I don't think the withholding of you vote of confidence is going to hurt my credibility very much but go ahead and try if you must. I'll see if I notice it.
What would make you think that we are in the new heaven and new earth?? I am very interested in your article, however, in Revelation 21:1 it states that "then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea". Obviously there is still sea. Just confused by your last comment.
First, because the prophets spoke of the coming of the new heavens and new earth, Isa. 65:17. Secondly, because Jesus said the Old Covenant could not pass until it was all fulfilled, (Matt. 5:17-18). And the Lord said all would be fulfilled when the Old City of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 (Luke 21:20-22). That means the new heavens and earth must have arrived or the Old Covenant is yet valid. Thirdly, because the events of Revelation were said to be imminent, i.e. at hand and shortly to come to pass (Rev. 1:1-3, 22:6,10). Fourthly, because the new heavens and earth would result in the church being married to the Lord (Isa. 62:4-5). The wedding occurs after Jerusalem is destroyed, (Matt. 22:1-6; Rev. 18 –the destruction of the harlot city where the Lord was crucified. See also Rev. 11:8. After the city that killed the prophets and apostles was destroyed, the text says she was judged and the time for the wedding had come (Rev. 19:1-8). Fifthly, the new heavens and new earth is the arrival of holy city new Jerusalem who descends from heaven as a bride, 21:1-2, who at the marriage becomes the Lord's wife, Rev. 21:9f. So the reasoning is as follows. The new heavens and new earth arrives once the old city which killed the prophets is judged and destroyed. The old city Jerusalem which killed the prophets and apostles was destroyed in 70AD. Therefore, the new heavens and new earth arrived in 70AD. These are covenantal worlds, not physical land, or water. Sea is sometimes used in the Bible to represent nations. In the new heavens and earth, there are no more distinctions between Jew and Gentile for all are one in Christ.
There is a verse regarding straining at gnats, while swallowing camels. Just a thought to keep in mind, when we imagine we comprehend all of God's word to us.
We know some, but not all. And we hold fellowship, among other reasons, that we may hear when God speaks through our brothers and sisters.
Esau sold his birthright cheaply. Those who argue out of pride do no better,
Interesting enough, that verse was applied to the Pharisees & others who resisted the covenant transformation Jesus taught in saying that "heaven and earth" i.e. the Old Covenant would pass away in 70AD.
Hi. Thanks for the article. It opens a lot of questions in my mind.
What are the events of today related to the Bible?
Do you know if the scroll in Daniel 12:4 is the NT? There’s never been a jump in people going to and fro & knowledge increasing as the Jet and computer age. What do you think all this is with Israel and the mostly Southern tribe descendent Jews being forcefully gathered to Israel. It’s also possible the Arab countries and the actual area of Babylon could take a huge economic lead as the US dollar fails. Qatar is already the richest nation on earth.
Is ATF and William the same person?
First, all prophecy has been fulfilled, so none of the events occurring today are a matter of ongoing prophecy. That’s not to say they’re unimportant or that we cannot apply principles of Scripture from our understanding to them.
Secondly, we do not live in the last days, an era which ended in 70AD. We now live in what the Bible calls the “age to come” which is an age without end or the kingdom, Lk. 1:32-33; Eph. 3:21.
Thirdly, no, I don’t know if the “scroll” of Dan. 12:4 is the N.T. However, Daniel 12:4 is quoted and referenced in several places in the N.T. particularly, Matt. 13:38-43, in the parable of tares where he describes the end of the age, the resurrection and shining as the brightness of the sun.
Fourthly, I don’t think the “running to and fro” and the “increase of knowledge” refers to anything current in our day (for the same reasons in #’s 1 & 2 above. I do believe the increase in knowledge refers to the era of Holy Spirit poured out in the first century and the gospel is the increase in the knowledge of God to which Daniel refers. That would refer to the N.T. and other information revealed to the first century church by the Holy Spirit that may not have been recorded.
Running to an fro could refer to the disciples spreading the word, i.e. preaching and evangelizing and/or the persecutions that resulted from it. But the prophecy was fulfilled in its entirety in the first century and more particularly in the events of Revelation.
Fifthly, Yes, we are the same.
Sorry but mystery babylon is Saudi Arabia. It is identified by Isaiah in chapter 21. Complete with the names of the cities wich are in Saudi Arabia.
That’s an impossibility. First, Mystery Babylon is said to be the city which killed the prophets and saints, (Rev. 18:20, 24). Jesus said it could not be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem. Which of the prophets do you know who were killed in Saudi Arabia? Further, mystery Babylon would be destroyed by the beast upon whom she “rode” politically aligned herself with in allegiance at the time. Rev. 17:18 says they would make her flesh naked and burn her with fire. This Rome did to Judaism and the temple in 70AD. Further, Mystery Babylon is the great city where also the Lord was crucified. Christ was not crucified in Saudi Arabia. See Deut. 32 for more references.