3. Why is Babylon condemned? Revelation 14:8; Revelation 18:2-3.
NOTE: ‘The term “Babylon” is derived from “Babel,” and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion. In Revelation 17, Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure which is used in the Bible as the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.’ Great Controversy, page 381.
‘The ancient meaning of “Babel,” from which comes “Babylon,” was “Gate of God;” and because of the pride and exaltation of those who were of this “Babel,” confusion overtook them; and that which originally meant “Gate of God,” thenceforth meant only “confusion.” Now the church is “the body of Christ” in this world; and He says: “I am the way,” “I am the door.” The church of Christ is the Lord’s appointed agency through which He would call men unto Himself, that they may find in Him deliverance from this present evil world. The church is therefore indeed and in truth the “Gate of God” to mankind; and the faith of Jesus is that which gives access through this gate, to all the fullness of God. If, then, the church, or any part of it, should become proud and self-exalted, and thus there come a confusion of principles and relationships, it would follow that that which at first was “Gate of God” would become confusion. What, then, says the Scripture? It tells that there would come “a falling away” from the truth of the gospel; that there would come a self-exaltation in the church, through men arising, from the very midst of her trusted ones, who would speak “perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4; Acts 20:28, 30. Now the church in Rome was, in the beginning, pre-eminently a church of Christ. So entirely was this so that she was an example to the whole world; for Inspiration has declared, with thanksgiving, of her faith, that it was “spoken of throughout the whole world.” Romans 1:8. But not satisfied with the exaltation that the Lord gave, which could remain only through her own humility and purity of faith, the church grew haughty, and exalted herself. Not content with the beauty of the Lord, which He had put upon her, she prided herself upon her own beauty. Instead of trusting in Him for her beauty, she trusted in herself. Not content that God alone should be glorified in her, she “glorified herself, and lived deliciously.” And thus, instead of remaining the church of Christ in truth, manifesting to the world the mystery of God and of godliness, she became, though still professedly the church of Christ, only the manifestation to the world of the mystery of self and of selfishness, which is the very mystery of iniquity. Thus, pre-eminent in both phases of this career was the church at Rome. She was pre-eminent in faith, insomuch that her faith was “spoken of throughout the whole world.” She was also pre-eminent in apostasy, insomuch that this likewise has been spoken of throughout the whole world.’ A. T. Jones: Review & Herald, February 13, 1900.
4. What name was Babylon given? Revelation 17:5.
NOTE: ‘Babylon is said to be “the mother of harlots.” By her daughters must be symbolised churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgement, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation the people of God are called upon to come out of Babylon. According to this scripture, many of God’s people must still be in Babylon. And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith. At the time of their rise, these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and His blessing was with them. Even the unbelieving world was constrained to acknowledge the beneficent results that followed an acceptance of the principles of the gospel. In the words of the prophet to Israel: “Thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God.” But they fell by the same desire which was the curse and ruin of Israel, the desire of imitating the practices and courting the friendship of the ungodly. “Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown.” Ezekiel 16:14, 15.’ Great Controversy, page 382.