Prophecy Unlocked Lessons

Bowing To Babylon

How to remain true to God and avoid dangerous pitfalls

The Lesson:

In our last study we learnt some fascinating truths about the first angel’s message found in Revelation chapter 14. This pivotal chapter in the book of Revelation reveals three incredible messages that will go to the entire world just before Jesus comes the second time. These messages stand in striking contrast to the claims of the antichrist power revealed one chapter previous.

We have already carefully identified the beast of Revelation chapter 13 as the ecclesiastical power of Rome. The essence of the teachings of the Church of Rome claim tradition above the Bible. Protestantism was born out of an understanding of the only authority being God’s Word. The phrase Sola Scriptura means the Bible only! Through this study we want to discover how we can remain faithful to God’s Word and not deviate from His plan for our lives in times of severe challenges.

Babylon Throughout the Ages

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:6-8

The first message calls us to the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. It calls us to fear God and give Him glory in our lives. It calls us to worship our Creator that made the world in six days and rested on the Sabbath. In the end of time a great call is going forth to make known the wonderful things God has done for humanity. He has made us and redeemed us, and longs for a relationship with us! This powerful call is followed by a second call warning us to come away from spiritual Babylon, for it is fallen. The message is loud and clear, but the question arises: What is Babylon? The name Babylon can be traced all the way back to the book of Genesis.

“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth… Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:1-4, 9

Not long after the flood people started to gather together with the desire to build a city. According to the Bible they wanted to make a name in the earth, but this was not the Lord’s plan. God put an end to the building of the city and its tower by confusing the languages. Prior to this time man only spoke one language. The word Babel means confusion. Man had united, not to worship the God of heaven and earth, but to worship man and their achievements. The founder of the city of Babel was called Nimrod. When he died it was believed that he incarnated into the sun, and the people started to worship the sun. The creation was worshipped and honoured instead of the Creator! Babel was the origin of sun worship which resulted in man-made traditions and ways that were placed above God and His Word. Babylon continued to exist throughout time and is characterised as being the enemy of Gods people. Babylon was a heathen nation with pagan deities as their gods and it is marked throughout time as apostate to God’s Word. Revelation uses familiar names from the Old Testament and employs them in a last day setting. Which apostate system is modern Babylon in our time pointing to?

“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Revelation 17:3-5

John is caught in vision and beholds mystery Babylon. Symbolic language is employed to picture a system that has some of the same characteristics as ancient Babylon. We are again looking at a man-made religion which results in confusion. We are looking at a system professing to worship God, but actually worshipping the creation by adopting ancient pagan rites and traditions. Mystery Babylon is represented as a woman. What does a woman symbolise in Bible prophecy?

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Paul is addressing the church and likening it unto the bride of Jesus. Throughout the Bible this picture is given. Christ is the bridegroom and His people, the Church, are His bride. But the woman in Revelation chapter 17 is clearly not the pure church of God. It is a corrupt church system that has adopted the principles of fallen Babylon! This picture is an enlarged picture of the same power dealt with in Daniel chapter 7 and Revelation chapter 13. Looking at all the characteristics of this woman we find clear identifications linking this power with the previous revelations of antichrist. Remember the principle of repeat and enlargement in Bible prophecy.

The apostate church, pictured in Revelation chapter 17, is none other than Papal Rome that has adopted the teachings of ancient Babylon. (For a more complete study, see presentation guide ‘Revelation’s Two Roads’). It is fascinating to note that there are two women in the book of Revelation. One represents the apostate church and the other represents God’s true church, which is His true bride!

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” Revelation 12:1

Here is the pure church of God represented throughout time. God’s people are pictured as the bride of Jesus in full and pure beauty. Revelation chapter 12 is a real synopsis of the great controversy that started in heaven, but has been played out here on earth. It shows the struggles, challenges and severe trials of God’s chosen people and reveals the care of God towards his faithful movement. Satan has tried to destroy the apple of God’s eye, but has not succeeded in his plan. The final generation is again the target of the wrath of Satan.

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17

God’s people in the last days will be characterised by these two plain, but powerful, identifications. They keep the commandments of God, which means all ten, including the fourth dealing with the Sabbath! And they have the testimony of Jesus Christ. These are loyal despite the pressure Satan places upon them. They uphold God’s unfaultable Word, and do not fall for the teachings of modern Babylon.

Echoes From the Past and Pictures of the Future

Satan is using mystery Babylon today just like he used ancient Babylon in the past to challenge God’s people. In the myriads of prophecies we find powerful stories providing examples for us today! Examples of how we can preserve integrity, honesty, loyalty, and courage in difficult times. We have already seen that the book of Revelation is dealing with the issue of worship. The question is who will you worship? Will you give your total allegiance to man or to Christ? According to Bible prophecy this issue will truly climax in the last days of earth’s history.

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Revelation 13:15

Those that do not worship this power will be persecuted. In Revelation chapter 13 we actually find two beasts representing two powers that unite to enforce this universal worship in the world. We will study the second beast in our next presentation. We will find out what the Mark of the Beast is and how we can avoid it. But through this study we want to focus on how we can stand tall when the world bows to Babylon! You can hardly read Revelation without hearing echoes and seeing shadows of an ancient story.

The Deliverance From the Fiery Furnace

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” Daniel 3:1-6

The rulers and statesmen of Babylon were brought together to bow down to a golden image the king of Babylon had set up. If they did not bow down and recognise the supremacy of Babylon they would be killed. Does this picture sound familiar? Turning to the twin book of Daniel—Revelation, we find interesting similarities.

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:1

“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” Revelation 13:18

The measurements of this huge image are indicated with the number 6. In the Bible this number is the symbol of man. Remember that God made man on the sixth day of creation. Antichrist carries the symbolic number 666. Remember that the number 7 is denoting perfection in the Bible. God set aside the seventh day and sanctified it as a special day. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week. We have seven churches in Revelation covering the entire Christian era. We have seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven plagues. Revelation gives us a complete picture of things in the past and things in the future. Satan always tries to counterfeit and change the purposes of God. God created in six days and sanctified the seventh day as a day of special worship and rest. Man chose the first day of the week and endorsed this day as special.

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Daniel 7:25

An attempt has been made to change times and laws! God is calling us to not bow down for man, but give our worship to Him. King Nebucahdnezzar of ancient Babylon attempted to change the purposes of God in erecting a golden image. If you remember the prophecy found in Daniel chapter 2, you will recall that the kingdom of Babylon was represented by the head of gold. Then other metals continued, representing other kingdoms. We can conclude by the story that Nebuchadnezzar was not happy with the fact that ancient Babylon would one day pass off the scene. So he commanded that an image would be made of gold and nothing else. In doing so the king was saying: I want to rule forever. Imagine the scene on the plain of Dura: All the important people of the realm are bowing to Babylon. They are accepting its pagan teachings and they are accepting its claim to be wiser than God.

But there is a problem. Of all the thousands gathered, there are three men that refuse to bow to Babylon. Who are these three men? They are called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These are the three Hebrew friends of the prophet Daniel. Daniel is not mentioned in chapter 3; he may have been on a business trip for the king. Remember that Daniel and his three friends served as political counsellors or wise men in Babylon. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remain standing when everybody else bows down to the great golden image. Can you imagine the peer pressure? Can you imagine being the one that spoils the great day of the mightiest king on earth? I’m sure they were tempted by those around them. I can imagine that someone around them might have encouraged them to just bow down this one time. They might have said: “Just follow along to spare your life. Your God will understand.” But these three servants of God would not even indicate to the slightest degree that they would worship the image. They stood for truth in the midst of trial. The Bible tells us that God is looking for a people today that will stand tall for Him.

Why did they not bow down? They did not bow down because they knew it was more important to be loyal to God than man. They remembered the second commandment.

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them…” Exodus 20:4-5

The three Hebrews were loyal to the Ten Commandments given by God, even if it meant to die. According to prophecy God is raising a generation around the world that will be loyal to His Commandments even if it means to die. God is looking for just such a people today – a people that will rather die than sin against Him, but this takes a radical commitment to Jesus. But wasn’t it a radical commitment of Jesus to come down and die for us?

Take notice what takes place as we move on in the story:

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3:13-18

Even when they got a second chance they made their commitment very plain! They had made up their minds not to disobey God. This type of commitment is always rewarded by God. With confidence the three faced death, but they had read the following scripture:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43.2

They might have had this very scripture in mind! The Hebrews were cast into the fire, but in the midst of the flames something incredible took place. God rewarded the faithfulness of his three children by preserving their lives, but more than this – He sent His own Son to be in their midst.

“And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:23-25

Jesus appeared in their midst! As the king looked into the flames he saw four men in the midst of the fire. The fourth was no doubt Jesus. This story ought to give us courage for whatever we may face. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and cast into a fiery furnace. The only thing that burnt was the ropes binding them! When we step out in faith, heeding the implicit commands of our Lord, He will protect us, provide for us, enable us, and above all stand by our side! Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Jesus will stand by you. He will provide a way for you and will not let Satan triumph over you!

But courage like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had, does not come in one day. They did not decide on the plains of Dura not to worship that image. This decision to be loyal to God had its momentum throughout their lives. Another story in the book of Daniel illustrates this crystal clear.

The Test of Appetite

In Daniel, chapter one, we read about how Daniel and his three Hebrew friends arrived in Babylon. They were captives of a foreign power that did not acknowledge their God, but they had purposed in their hearts to remain faithful to the only God of heaven and earth. The moment they arrived in Babylon they were selected to be trained to become leaders and political counsellors in Babylon. They were appointed to be trained to become members of an elite group, called wise men. With this honour they knew they would face challenges. They were facing a totally diverse paradigm of worlds, ideologies, and teachings.

“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.” Daniel 1:6-7

Daniel’s name, which means ‘God is my Judge’, was changed to Belteshazzar, which means ‘prince of Bel’. Hananiah means ‘gift of the Lord’, while Shadrach means ‘servant of Sin’ (the moon god). Mishael means ‘who is what God is’? His name was changed into Meshach, which means ‘who is what Aku (another name for moon god) is’? Azariah means ‘whom Jehova helps’, while Abednego means ‘servant of Nebo’. But though they changed the names of the Hebrews, they could not change their character! Your circumstances in life can change, but you can still stand for God! These young men did not compromise to principle. We learn that they became very successful.

“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:17-20

They passed the test ten times better! Later the prophet Daniel became the second in command of the mightiest monarchy of the world! What was their secret to success? The stories reveal some of these secrets and we want to discover them as well. By applying these secrets we can live the optimal life God wants us to live! As we face mystery Babylon we can learn how to remain standing in the midst of pressure and trial. One of the secrets to these men’s success was their diet.

“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king… But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:5, 8

Certain food and drink were provided for the Hebrews that were chosen to be trained at the court of the king. Daniel and his friends knew that some of the food that would be given to them would be harmful to their bodies. They also knew that God had given them direction as to how they were to treat their bodies. These Hebrews knew that certain food and drink could affect the mind. It could affect their spiritual walk with God which was most important in their lives. When you read Daniel chapter one, you read how they requested a healthy, vegetarian diet which was eventually granted them. This was a real step in faith because it could seem quite unthankful to make such a request as a captive chosen to be trained by the king! But again Daniel and his friends placed God above man, and a great blessing followed. The same blessing will be ours when we determine to follow the principles outlined in God’s Word. This story is an example of how the Bible teaches us that our physical being is connected with our spiritual being.

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2

God is concerned about our spiritual as well as physical being. He has always had a care for our bodies as well as our minds. His Word gives us counsel how to treat our bodies so our minds will stay clear. Remember that the first angel’s message calls us to give glory to God.

What does it mean to give glory to God? Let us look at three simple texts illustrating this point. All texts are found in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

The first text admonishes us to do all to the glory of God. This was a principle that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah determined to follow. When it came to simple practical things, like eating and drinking, they chose to bring glory to God by treating their bodies as God wanted them to. If there is a way we can eat and drink that gives glory to God, this means that there is also a way we can eat and drink that does not give glory to God. This brings us to our second text in first Corinthians.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthains 6:19-20

The Bible has something to say about our body. We are bought with a price. What was the price that was paid for us? It was the life of Jesus! This was the only price that could be paid for you and it puts a high value on us! Because Jesus paid for us with His life, He owns us and it is very fair of Him to ask us to bring glory to Him, not just in the spirit, but also in the body! Jesus purchased your body, it is not your own, but His! He knows what is best for you and has your happiness and health in mind.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthans 3:16-17

In our third and final text from first Corinthians, Paul seems surprised that those in the church of Corinth didn’t know these things. Could it be that many Christians today have forgotten these things as well? When we defile the temple, which is our body, we cannot be in harmony with God. God speaks to our minds, but when they are beclouded and benumbed by harmful substances, we cannot respond to His call nor be guided by His Word. In all the three texts that we have looked at this is made very plain! We think our body is our own. People will say: “I smoke because it is my body” and “I drink because it is my body”. We live with the delusion that it is our body, while it is not our body but it is the body of Jesus! He has paid for it with His own life, and Jesus has lent it to us so that we can use it to glorify Him!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Paul makes another powerful call to preserve our bodies to glorify God. We can have a clear mind to discern right from wrong. Can a drunken person do this? The answer is, of course, no! God calls us to abstain from all harmful substances. This may be a sacrifice, but the Bible calls it our reasonable service.

The first secret to success is living a healthy life. This will help us to remain connected with God so we can receive His strength to not bow down and follow the lifestyle and teachings of fallen Babylon.

Living a Life of Prayer and Devotion

Another amazing story in the book of Daniel reveals more secrets to success. All these stories bring out some crucial lessons that are extremely valuable as we live in the fulfilment of the prophecies. I think you are familiar with the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. We like to use it as a children’s story, but it contains powerful secrets to a successful Christian life! What happened? Darius, king of the Medes, passed a law forbidding anyone to worship anything else but him for 30 days. If you would be caught in disobedience you would be cast into a den of lions. Now the initiative for this law came from some men that wanted to get rid of the prophet.

“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” Daniel 6:4-5

They had to devise something that would cross with the religion of Daniel because they could not blame him for anything else! What an incredible testimony! Daniel lived a consistent Christian life and this was his secret to success! As we have already seen, the Bible talks about doing all to the glory of God. The prophet Daniel was a follower of Jehovah always, and not just when it fitted with the circumstances of his life. Another secret to success is that Daniel would rather die than miss his special time with God. It was his custom to kneel down and pray three times a day. His enemies knew this and were ready to report him as this was their whole plan to get rid of Daniel.

Despite this plan, which the prophet Daniel was fully aware of, he continues to devote himself to God through prayer. He continued to live a consistent and godly life and left the consequences with God. God is calling us to do what is right without thinking of the consequences. God says: “Leave that with Me!” If you follow His Commandments He will provide a way. I have had people say: “If I keep the Biblical Sabbath, I will lose my job.” God encourages such to step out in faith, for He will provide a way. Losing your job is not as bad as losing your life! And even if your life would be at stake, the incredible stories in the book of Daniel clearly reveal that God can work out circumstances to His glory. But it takes a step in faith, and we may not always see the entire picture before we step out! Was Daniel eaten by the lions?

“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” Daniel 6:22

God will send angels to us when we need them. He has a thousand ways out of a situation of which we know nothing.

Do you spend time to commune with God? Would you rather die than miss time with God? Devotions were an essential part of the life of Daniel. In the morning and evening he would seek God for wisdom in his life. His success was inevitably connected with his intricate life of devotion. Daniel had a relationship with God, and relationships are based on time. Those you have strong relations with are those you spend a lot of time with.

The question is how much time do we spend with Jesus? How much time do we invest in our relationship with God? This will determine our success in life and this will determine if we will bow or do not bow to Babylon when pressure comes our way! God wants to spend time with you every day. Besides all weekly days, God has sanctified the Sabbath as a special day for us to spend time with our Maker. God wants our relationship with him to grow and that’s why He has given us the blessing of the Sabbath! There is something to be said about retreating to take time with God. In this twenty-first century we find it hard to be alone, and many have an aversion to quietness. Remember that Jesus spent forty days alone in the wilderness and John spent much time in the wilderness too. This strengthened them for their ministry amongst the people. There is beauty in solitude and silence. It is a wonderful experience to find a quiet peaceful place in nature where you can pray and study God’s Word. We need a balance between the mountain and the multitude. It is essential for us to spend time with God so we can meet the challenges of life.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

The Bible says: “Be still and know that I am God.” Today is the time to invest into your relationship with God. Today we can live for God so we will stand for Him when challenges face us. When it comes down to it we know what is important in life. When you reach the end of your life, suddenly values and principles crystallize like never before. When we look death in the eye we really know what is important. We only have one life here on earth and the question is how will we use this life? God is asking us to commit our lives to Him on a daily basis. Live a life of success and total obedience to the One who has your happiness in mind. You will always hit the mark when you have that inner life of devotion. Your life will be marked with success and effectiveness. The most important decision you will make in your life is where you will spend eternity. Have you made the decision and commitment to follow Jesus? Have you decided to stand for Jesus though the world around you bows to Babylon? This is God’s call to you!

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:1-4

God is calling us to come out of Babylon as we are told that Babylon has fallen. The Bible clearly warns us not to partake of her sins. Jesus will give us the power as we commit to Him today. By living a consistent, healthy, Christian life of devotion, with Jesus by our side, we will be ready for whatever challenge or crisis that comes our way. Bible prophecy predicts that one day soon we will face, not ancient Babylon, but mystery Babylon. The world will bow down to this power that has changed Gods Law. The question is if we will remain faithful and follow in the footsteps of the prophet Daniel and his friends. By studying their lives of integrity, devotion, and faith we have found the essential characteristics that God is looking for in this final generation. Though we are weak in ourselves, we can claim the promises found in the Bible that will enable us to stand for Jesus and not bow to Babylon.