Revelation 17 and 18 present the symbolic fall of "Babylon," representing the world’s resistance against Christ and God’s authority. In these chapters, Babylon embodies the collective defiance and idolatry found within both religious and secular spheres. John describes a harlot sitting on a scarlet beast (v.1-3), where the harlot represents the religious system of Babylon—a global structure of spiritual apostasy and idolatry. Her role as a “harlot” reflects her seduction of powerful leaders and multitudes, persuading them to abandon God’s truth and adopt her counterfeit religion.
The scarlet beast, meanwhile, symbolizes political and economic powers aligned with Satanic influence, with scarlet red underscoring sin and Satan himself. The beast has seven heads and ten horns: symbols of its authority and power. In verse 9, these seven heads represent seven historical empires—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and an anticipated future global kingdom of the Antichrist. This future empire will stand in ultimate opposition to God, gathering worldwide support to establish a temporary, godless rule.
Verses 12-13 mention ten kings, though they do not yet possess a kingdom. They will receive authority alongside the beast, but only for a limited time (“one hour”), and will unite in purpose to fulfill the Antichrist’s agenda. Despite this formidable alliance, the final battle will be brief, as Christ triumphs as “Lord of lords and King of kings” (v.14), defeating the forces of evil effortlessly.
In verse 6, Babylon’s religious system is exposed as fiercely anti-God, embracing any ideology but becoming increasingly hostile to true followers of Christ. It will tolerate all views except those who maintain biblical convictions, even to the point of martyring believers. This intense rejection of God’s truth Babylon’s followers underscores the depth of rebellion and the need for divine justice, as God will ultimately vindicate His people.
Do we see the false religion of Babylon in our culture and the church today?
From the beginning, Satan has tempted Christ’s followers by challenging God’s truth, authority, and goodness (Genesis 3). He fuels division through political, racial, and ideological conflicts, corrupts education and culture by undermining the family, and promotes consumerism, materialism, and self-interest. Attacks on the sanctity of life appear in abortion and euthanasia, and Christian churches are portrayed as outdated and intolerant, pressuring leaders to compromise on core beliefs, values, and godly living.
In the West, tolerance is highly valued, traditionally meaning respect for others’ beliefs without needing to agree. However, “positive tolerance” now implies that all beliefs, values, and lifestyles are equally valid, with no one truth seen as superior. Under this view, claiming a particular truth, way to God, or Biblical lifestyle as exclusive creates a hierarchy, which the prevailing culture of Babylon deems intolerant.
What does all this mean for us today?
- We need to ask ourselves where in our lives are we being influenced by the religion of Babylon (1 John 2:15). Far too many Christians are living just like the world is living.
- We must commit ourselves to knowing the truth and obeying the truth of God’s Word. You must decide between the Word of God and the world.
Remember that God is in control. Revelation 17:14 says, “…the Lamb will triumph over them because HE IS LORD OF LORDS and King of Kings and with Him will be HIS CALLED, CHOSEN and faithful followers!!”