The call to depart from Babylon is the culmination of the multitudinous and resounding call of Scripture that God’s people be separate, be set apart from this world, and in some cases, actually leave the place of contaminants. In this study, we examine what Babylon is and what it represents and why our need for separation is reflected in the final call of God for the tribulation saints to leave Babylon. The implications of this call for us are these: 1) See the world for what it is, a harlot; 2) See the Devil’s ploy behind the harlot; 3) Delight yourself in the Lord; 4) Run from Babylon and run toward Jerusalem.

The bowl judgments reveal the last of the judgments of God that bring utter devastation on the earth: sores, bloody waters, fire, darkness, preparation for the Armageddon, and the fall of Babylon. Amid all these supernatural and extraordinary plagues, men refuse to repent but blaspheme the name of the God of heaven. The Lord’s message to the churches in the present age is found in verse 15, “Stay awake.” The final battle of this age is coming and He wants all who call upon His name to be on His side of the battle-line when that day comes.

The third sign in heaven introduces the bowl judgments in which the wrath of God is finished. The judgment of God is His first order of business as He establishes His kingdom on earth. When He comes who is the almighty, the all-powerful, the omnipotent, He roots out all wickedness and corruption from His world. But there is mercy to those who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb who follow Him wherever He goes. All who are overcomers in Christ find their strength and steadfastness in the Savior. Depend on Him, follow Him, obey Him, and love Him supremely.

After the sign of the dragon and his two minions, John saw a visions in heaven, midheaven, and on earth. With these, we are assured that those who underwent the pressures of the tribulation make it safely to heaven, the reprobate on the earth stubbornly proceed to their demise, and the wrath of God assuredly comes upon the world as a result. All of this challenges us to be sure that we are overcomers, those who live the converted life, who fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him who made heaven and earth.

An overcomer is the one who follows Christ and holds fast to Him to the very end. In this section of Revelation where the activity of Satan is detailed, we discover how the saints (overcomers) will resist the Devil and enter into glory. The overcomers of the church age are no different in their perseverance and faith, and we exhibit a faith no different than they.

The revelation of the future is given from the perspective of heaven. God reigns as the supreme ruler and deity who is enthroned and worshipped in heaven. What is true in heaven becomes the reality on earth as the revelation of the future unfolds. This revelation commences with Jesus breaking open the seals and shows the backdrop against which the judgments of God will come: ordinary and natural suffering in the fallen world and the persecution of Christians and their holy prayer for justice. In response to their prayer, divine wrath is poured out upon the world (with the seventh seal [8:1] and the trumpet and bowl judgments that ensue). All of this affirms the resounding biblical call to be ready for Christ. He is indeed coming quickly. May we be dressed in readiness and keep our lamps lit.

Jesus knows the future, that judgment is coming. He, therefore, prepares His elect with strong exhortations to prepare for that day. He speaks strong admonishments out of His immense love for the churches. There is no greater proof of love than to warn your beloved of an impending danger. Divine judgment is coming and Jesus wants none to perish but for all to come to repentance. May we all have ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches!

Revelation comes from the triune God who reveals the future return of Christ in blazing glory. This is John’s introduction to the riveting book of prophecy. Jesus is coming again bodily and visibly for all to see. The revelation of His return and all the events surrounding His return are given by the triune God. Christ is revealed in blazing glory with which He will come again.