The Fall of Babylon & The Second Coming of Christ

This present world is moving toward what the Apostle John calls in the Book of Revelation, the Fall of Babylon (Revelation 18) and the Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19).

The Second Coming of Christ is when Christ physically descends on the clouds of glory and returns to this earth. It marks the end of this present evil age.

The Fall of Babylon precedes that endpoint. It is a time of increased rebellion, the final apostasy, and God’s judgments on that rebellion and apostasy. It is called the Fall of Babylon because in the Book of Revelation, the name Babylon is used to express all that is evil and in rebellion to God (see Babylon in Revelation).

While Scripture tells us that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, it does say it occurs! There is indeed an endpoint, and there is indeed a time that precedes that endpoint.

So, what is the point of this article? It is not to speculate on the timing of things. The point is to grasp what God says about the Fall of Babylon. As the world becomes more profane and the church more apostate, it only makes sense that we gain a handle on this. We dare not push it out into the distant future as though it could never “touch” us. After all, we want to live in light of all of God’s truth, do we not?

We will look at three key figures that emerge during the Fall of Babylon.

All three are expressions of immense evil, rebellion, and satanic power. They are ultimately under God’s sovereign hand for His purposes of judgment.

However, they do not always appear evil.

So, are they identifiable?

Yes, and as we look at some of their characteristics and conduct, ask yourself if you see any similarities between what Scripture says and what we see escalating in our world today.

1. The Antichrist & His System (The Beast from the Sea)

Read Revelation 13:1-10

The Beast from the Sea is the Antichrist as well as the system headed up by the Antichrist. He is powerful and exercises his authority through satanic signs, wonders, and blasphemies against God. He is supported by ten world rulers (ten horns) who are empowered by the Beast from the Earth.

This one-world government rules intensively for 42 months. During this time, the Antichrist persecutes true saints of Jesus Christ, all while being worshiped as the “Majestic One” by the nations of the world (Revelation 13:7-10).

But do not be fooled! The Antichrist will not always come across as tyrannical.

Before the final 42 months, the Antichrist is said to “take his seat in the temple of God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). There is some discrepancy as to what this means, and Scripture does not give us a lot of details, but let me ask you this: does an outright devilish man sit in the temple of God?!

Of course not. This refers to the fact that the Antichrist establishes a position in the visible church as its leader.

What?! How can this happen? No doubt, he does not appear wicked at this time. His seemingly trustworthy persona deceptively leads the final apostasy of said church. Those who truly have the Holy Spirit indwelling them will see the deception for what it is.

So let me ask you: do you know of any prominent church leader who is ready and willing to compromise on truth, yet remains in the spotlight and has numerous followers regardless? (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) And would we be surprised if his persona changed from what it is to what it shall become (since we know that leaders are never two-faced)? (See Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?)

Scripture also tells us in Daniel 9:27 that the Antichrist will “confirm a covenant with the many.” The final 7 years (The Great Tribulation) are initiated by the Antichrist affirming some kind of agreement with the Jewish people regarding their sacrificial offerings. Again, the Antichrist probably does not appear nefarious at this time.

But in the middle of that 7 years, something changes, and he causes those offerings to cease, and an abomination is committed (Matthew 24:15). This begins the final 42 months of the Great Tribulation, the dispersion of the Jewish people, and the persecution of the saints.

During this time, God sends great judgments upon the earth (see What are the Trumpets and Bowls of Revelation?). The “Majestic Antichrist” is both feared and worshiped as the world looks to follow a leader and deliverer.

The last thing we want to discuss about this beast is its “seven heads” (Rev. 13:1). This is referring to seven kingdoms that persecute Israel/the church. Six of them are past: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The seventh is yet future – a revived Roman Empire. This Roman Empire is Babylon the Great (see The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads).

So this Beast from the Sea is both a man and a controlling system. As such, it persecutes God’s people – both the nation of Israel and the true church.

2. The False Prophet (The Beast from the Earth)

Read Revelation 13:11-18

The Beast from the Earth is the Antichrist’s right-hand man. Also named the False Prophet (Revelation 19:20), this beast has a deceptive persona. He has “two horns like a lamb but speech like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11b), which suggests he is not suspect.

The two horns probably refer to the two things he implements: the mark and the image (Revelation 13:14-17). The mark is beneficial practically and economically, and the image appears visually pleasing. Mankind is captured by them.

But they are merely the means by which this “Great Techno Wizard” persuades his “users” to submit to the first beast. Any devotion to him and the first beast ends up really being worship of Satan (the evil triumvirate). (Also see The Beast From the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet.)

This false worship is really of no surprise. If you think about it, fallen mankind already worships the fallen image (as Romans 1:18-25 states and as expressed by the number six in Revelation 13:18). Now it is just made obvious through outward expression. After all, self-worship always leads to worship of a deity other than the One True God.

Do you see any evidence that the world could be “run” by one technical economy and united by a single visualized image? Could it lead to sole allegiance of one person/system that is instantaneous in its global use to both delight and enslave the masses? So much so that it would seem that the earth is “man’s and the fullness thereof” instead of the God who created it?

3. The False World Religion (The Great Harlot)

Read Revelation 17:1-18

Scripture often uses adultery and immorality to describe the prostitution of true religion. We have the same thing with the Great Harlot – an adulterous woman who represents false religion. She is placed in direct contrast to the woman in Revelation 12, who represents true faith.

The Great Harlot “is seated on many waters,” meaning she has influence into the whole world. She is adorned outwardly with costly things like jewels and wardrobe, yet she is an abomination for all of her children (see The Great Harlot).

The Beast from the Sea is mentioned here again in chapter 17 (called the scarlet beast in verse 3 and the beast with seven heads and ten horns in verse 7). It says the woman is sitting on the beast, and the beast carries the woman. What does that mean?

It means false religion plays a significant role throughout the world during The Fall of Babylon. This should come as no surprise since false religion has always played a role in rebellious cultures/governments of our world.

It also means the Antichrist supports and uses false religion as a display of his greatness. But this mutual relationship does not last because the Antichrist will discard her in order to have the world’s full attention. This leads to the pinnacle of the Antichrist’s power, authority, and worship by the world.

Does it seem to you that religion has become a smorgasbord of subjectivity and inclusive participation by the masses? What has happened to the objective reality of worshiping the true and living God in Christ Jesus?

Concluding Remarks

Scripture makes it very clear that these three figures and their successful rise at the end of the age are really only God’s judgment upon man’s rebellion. This is clearly displayed as this world system, called Babylon, is destroyed when Jesus Christ returns on the clouds of heaven in judgment. Then He will set up His throne and rule with a rod of iron over the nations (Revelation 19 & 20).

So, at the speed with which things are progressing in our world, can you see some of these things emerging? Do you think these three figures are already in place? If you said probably, you might be right. Watch, be patient, and wait expectantly. James 5:7-8 tells us, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

For More Information:

What Are the Trumpets and Bowls of Revelation?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns
The Beast from the Sea Part 3: The Antichrist
When and Where Will the Antichrist First be Seen?
The Beast From the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet
The Beast from the Earth Part 2: The Image and Mark
Babylon in Revelation
The Great Harlot