Scene 6: Babylon the Great Revelation 17-19:10 Scene 6: Babylon the Great OIF Jesse McLaughlin

The 8 Scenes of Revelation # Scenes 7 Settings Opening scene Summary Special focus Key thought 1 1:19-3:22 Church in the World Seven letters dictated John turns to see who is speaking Christ speaks to the 7 churches 7 commonalities with pointed differences. Cure for lukewarmness?Readmit the excluded Christ! p.58 2 4:1-8:1 Suffering for Church Seven seals
opened A door in heaven opens God’s power (4-5); woes in history Seals will not be opened until chapter. 6. p.66 Christ’s explanation of history makes it full of meaning. p.69 3 8:2-11:18 Warnings for World Seven trumpets sounded Angels with trumpets appear #1-4 prove God’s power; 5-7 are 3 woes No datable events but can be true at anytime. p.92 Evil must be exposed for what it is–absolute wickedness. p. 108 4 11:19-15:4 Drama of History Seven visions of cosmic conflict The temple in heaven opens Perennial spiritual conflict of history Seven visions are oddly static; an ongoing battle. p.121 Spiritual deliverance by Christ is the real Exodus! 5 15:5-16:21 Punishment for World Seven bowls poured out Tabernacle of testimony in heaven opens Babylon’s career The plagues from the bowls are total; no more time for repentance. p.144 Classic horror: Finding oneself locked in with what you fear. p.143 6 17:1-19:10 Babylon the Great 7 19:11-21:8 Drama Behind History 8 21:9-22:19 Jerusalem the Bride

A Closer Look “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute…”(Rev. 17:1) Further development of bowls 6 (Euphrates dries up) and 7 (earthquake & hail - judgement complete) John’s guide in chapter 17 is one of the angels with the 7 bowls.

The Woman Symbolic woman, “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” Extravagant dress and drunkenness John marvels at the sight of the great prostitute The history of Babylon Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-10) The Tower (Gen. 11:1-9) Instrument of judgement (Jer. 21:2-10, 25:8-11) Exile of Israel (Dan. 1:1-7) Babylon contrasted with Jerusalem and in direct opposition to the saints.

What does Babylon symbolize? Babylon stands for…world power in opposition to God – the empire where God’s people live in exile IVP Dictionary of Biblical Imagery

The Beast Tries to mimic God in order to deceive the world The seven heads of the beast are further identified as mountains and kings 10 horns are identified as kings as well The horns seem to be on the seventh head Symbolize universal power briefly given to the Beast

Destruction The Beast and his allies turn against Babylon. “They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire.” (17:16) Throughout the scene God has remained in control though Babylon and the Beast seem to have the power. For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose…until the word of God are fulfilled. (Rev. 17:17)

Babylon’s Judgement Unveiled Fall of Babylon announced Similarities between prophecies about the end of historical Babylon The nations have exchanged worship for Almighty God for economic security “I will send to Babylon winnowers, and they shall winnow her, and they shall empty her land, when they come against her from every side on the day of trouble.” Jer. 51:2

Babylon’s Judgement Unveiled Lament for Babylon “Come out of her, my people”; Isa. 52:11 The kings, merchants and seafaring men of the nations weep, wail and mourn at Babylon’s destruction The end comes quickly much like the historical city’s fall (Dan. 5) Judgement on behalf of the saints “Rejoice over her” (Rev. 18:20) Pride, Deception and Persecution of the saints

Heaven’s Response Praise for God’s Judgement The Marriage of the Lamb Great multitude Chorus of praise, “Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgements are true and just” (Rev. 19:1-2) 24 elders and 4 living creatures The Marriage of the Lamb The Bride is ready after Babylon’s judgement is carried out The invitation “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Rev. 19:9)

The 8 Scenes of Revelation # Scenes 7 Settings Opening scene Summary Special focus Key thought 1 1:19-3:22 Church in the World Seven letters
dictated John turns to see who is speaking Christ speaks to the 7 churches 7 commonalities with pointed differences. Cure for lukewarmness?Readmit the excluded Christ! p.58 2 4:1-8:1 Suffering for Church Seven seals
opened A door in heaven opens God’s power (4-5); woes in history Seals will not be opened until chapter. 6. p.66 Christ’s explanation of history makes it full of meaning. p.69 3 8:2-11:18 Warnings for World Seven trumpets
sounded Angels with trumpets appear #1-4 prove God’s power; 5-7 are 3 woes No datable events but can be true at anytime. p.92 Evil must be exposed for what it is–absolute wickedness. p. 108 4 11:19-15:4 Drama of History Seven visions of cosmic conflict The temple in heaven opens Perennial spiritual conflict of history Seven visions are oddly static; an ongoing battle. p.121 Spiritual deliverance by Christ is the real Exodus! 5 15:5-16:21 Punishment for World Seven bowls poured out Tabernacle of testimony in heaven opens Babylon’s career The plagues from the bowls are total; no more time for repentance. p.144 Classic horror: Finding oneself locked in with what you fear. p.143 6 17:1-19:10 Babylon the Great Seven words of justice Angel shows John the prostitute Babylon’s destruction Babylon’s career is brought to ruin and successor introduced. p.141 Openness to these mighty words brings us to our knees–worship. p.174 7 19:11-21:8 Drama Behind History 8 21:9-22:19 Jerusalem the Bride

Discussion Questions How strong is the pull of economic/social security in your life? What are you willing to compromise to remain “safe”? How can we appropriately “come out of Babylon” without isolating or leaving the world altogether? (1 Peter 1:1, 2:11, 5:13)

Reading Reminder This week read Revelation 19:11-21:8 to be ready for discussion of scene 7 next week!