MEMORY VERSE: ‘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 18:4.
LESSON AIM: To study the final message that God’s people must give.
‘Of Babylon at this time it is declared, “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” [Revelation 18:5.] She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her.’ Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, page 422.
1. What urgent call must be given to God’s people remaining in Babylon? Revelation 18:4.
NOTE: ‘God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgements, these faithful ones must be called out, so that they “partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.” Hence the movement symbolised by the angel coming down from Heaven, lightening the earth with his glory, and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard, “Come out of her, My people.” As these warnings join the third angel’s message, it swells to a loud cry.’ Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, page 422.
2. Why is this call so urgent? Revelation 18:4, last part.
NOTE: ‘Thank the Lord, there are yet some of the people of God in these churches. There are yet some Christians there. But they cannot remain there much longer without becoming partakers of her sins. They cannot stay there much longer and remain Christians. They cannot stay there much longer without receiving of her plagues, and of the judgements of God upon her iniquities. Her judgement cometh and hasteth greatly. “Strong is the Lord God that judgeth her.” And it is written: “A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more at all.” Revelation 18:21.’ A. T. Jones: The American Sentinel, December 8, 1892.