Second angel of Revelation 14:8 – The fall of Babylon
Introduction
In Revelation 14:8, the second angel of the series of three appears and proclaims a clear message: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great, which has deceived all nations with the fiery wine of her fornication.” Babylon symbolizes the mixing of the divine with the pagan and shows the entry of idolatry and false worship into the people of God.
Historical background
The text refers to the historical capital of the Babylonian empire. King Belshazzar organized a banquet at which the vessels of the temple in Jerusalem were desecrated. Daniel then interpreted the mysterious words “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Ufasin” and declared: God’s judgment falls on Belshazzar, his kingdom is divided and Babylon falls.
Babylon as a symbol of paganism
In the Bible,Babylon symbolizes the blending of the divine with pagan practices. These include nature religions, sun worship and the worship of several gods, which often found expression in festive, occult and spiritualistic practices. The angel of Revelation 14:8 refers to this mixture as fornication or idolatry.
Paganism and false worship in Israel
Paganism already influenced the people of God in biblical times. One example is the golden calf during Israel’s wilderness wanderings. The people themselves created an idol because Moses had climbed the mountain. Similarly, people tend to reinterpret pagan symbols in order to present them as divine.
Transfer to Christianity
In the 4th century, Christianity incorporated pagan elements, e.g:
- Sunday – originally the day of the sun god, became the day of Jesus’ resurrection
- Christmas – originally a celebration of the birth of the sun god
- Easter – fusion of the goddess Osterra with Pascha
- Cross – symbol of the sun becomes the most important Christian symbol
- Halloween / All Saints’ Day – reinterpretation of pagan festivals
- Mother cult, obelisks, sun symbols and pagan elements in music
This led to a new religious system that united Christianity and paganism and is regarded as a spiritual Babylon.
Warning to the people of God
The second angel ‘s message demands: “Come out of her, my people“, so that believers are not affected by the sins of Babylon. Private life and church services should remain free from pagan influences. Churches and congregations are to be vigilant so that false worship does not infiltrate their ranks.
Practical application
- Recognize paganism
- Distinguishing between divine truth and false teaching
- Avoiding false worship – personal separation and spiritual purity
- Examine traditions – recognize pagan elements in holidays, symbols and rites
- Remaining faithful to God – consistently keeping God’s commandments in daily life
Conclusion
The message of the second angel in Revelation 14:8 warns against Babylon, paganism and false worship. Believers are to separate themselves in order to maintain God’s purity. The historical and symbolic depiction shows the enduring relevance of the biblical warnings for today.
By Waldemar Laufersweiler
Related posts:
- The first angel brings about REVIVAL
- The third angel brings about SALVATION
- The cross as a religious sign: An ancient, non-biblical tradition
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Music in this video:
Title: Fallen Warrior
Artist: Patrick Hawes
Album: War And Peace 2618
Publisher: Audio Network Limited
Title: Alternate Reality
Artist: Michael Levine
Album: ANW – 2862 Time Travel
Publisher: Audio Network Limited
Title: English Elegy
Artist: Patrick Hawes
Album: English Pastoral Orchestra 2842
Publisher: Audio Network Limited
