Revelation 14:8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
The second angel proclaims judgment on Babylon. This serves as an illustration of those who refuse to follow the words of the first angel who proclaims the gospel. By rejecting the gospel, people will become like Babylon. Babylon serves as an image or example of those who reject God and live in immorality. Ancient Babylon was known for its idolatry and immorality. The name was used symbolically for Rome in the first century. If Revelation is referring to the end of time in these chapters, Babylon represents at the broadest sense people who practice immorality. In a more narrow sense, it could represent a nation or city. This is implied in ch. 18 which describes its fall. This “Babylon” has not only been involved in sexual immorality but actually promotes it. Such a lifestyle will eventually lead to failure and judgment. Those who follow the beast will experience the same type of judgment as Babylon. This chapter has given two options: fear God and live in purity or reject God and follow the way of Babylon. Both choices have outcomes.
For older posts, click here.