The Fallen Pillars of Babylon

Arlette Pollard

Revelation 16:18-19

It has been said by those considered wise
Truth can not stand
Upon the injustice of a lie
Just as mercy will not flourish
If hatred lingers too long by its side
Important to salvation
Is to quickly change adverse situations
So that upon the heartstrings
A song of discord’s frustration
Is not allowed to arise.
It is in looking to Jesus Christ
And knowing that in God’s holy sight
You have received undeserved favor
As a gift from the holy Savior
In this you will realize abundant life.

The end of misery’s
Unmerciful bind
That wills to quench the fires
Of every child of “light”
Will be known as they
Call out to Christ
Having received God’s divine favor
His Spirit of truth, His holy nature
God has made a way of escape
From sorrow’s depths that seem so great
For the “rock” that is greater than all
Is a solid foundation
That will uphold God’s children so they do not fall.

Purposed in Christ
Is life divine
Purposed through God
Is His gift of love
As the world passes away
Those who stand with Christ
Know eternal life is just a breath a way
Through out eternity
They can rejoice
Having found favor
In the eyes of the blessed King.

“And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” Revelation 16:18-19

“And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground. O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.” Isaiah 21:9-10

God purposed that, at the appointed time, His chosen One, Jesus Christ, would come to the inhabitants of the earth, to extend His hand of grace and to establish them in His righteousness. From the foundation of the world it was ordained that Jesus Christ would establish God’s government without end, where mercy reigned and people understood the beauty of holiness through partaking of God’s Spirit. Even before Adam and Eve partook of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God had determined that His beloved Son would one day deliver mankind from out of the realm and region of spiritual darkness, where they stumbled in unbelief, as blind people unaware of His goodness toward them.

At God’s appointed time, the One chosen to open the eyes of those blind to God’s goodness, mercy and longsuffering toward them would walk the earth, speaking of the reality of God’s kingdom that was soon to be made available and taken hold of by those of faith.  From the foundation of the world, Jesus Christ had been purposed of God to provide a way, for mankind to walk with God, filled of His Spirit of truth and holiness, so that life took on a value and worth previously unknown.

God chose His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to provide mankind with the gift of salvation from out of the realm of darkness, through having faith in what He had accomplished upon the cross. God chose that mankind would experience His great love toward them, as they looked toward the One, purposed from the foundation of the world, and received God’s Spirit of holiness, which would flood the hearts and minds of mankind with the knowledge of God’s perfect will toward them. God chose from the foundation of the world, that His voice would shake loose the control of all unrighteous spirits that tormented the souls of mankind, through the power of the Holy Spirit, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

God chose a way of deliverance from out of the realm of spiritual captivity, where destructive thoughts torment the souls of mankind, through looking toward Jesus Christ. He chose that, through partaking of His Spirit of holiness, mankind would value their adoption into His eternal family as heirs worthy of salvation, sons and daughters of the King of righteousness. It is Christ who was chosen to redeem mankind from out of the realm of darkness, the realm of existence where mankind is blind to the goodness of God, and it is through faith in Christ, the One predestined to restore that which was lost in the garden, that mankind will once again experience the beauty of holiness.

From the foundation of the world, before man first appeared upon the earth, God knew the desires that would one day control mankind’s thoughts and actions, and He knew what it would take to deliver them from out of the unrighteous suffering of their own vain imaginations. God in His infinite wisdom had predetermined, long before the day that Adam and Eve first walked in the garden, and long before they partook of the tree of good and evil, so that their thoughts became darkened to the perfect will of the Father, that Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice would restore the relationship that existed between God and man.

“And being found in fashion a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” Philippians 2:8-10

God purposed from the foundation of the world, that the kingdom of heaven would be made available to mankind, through Christ’s obedience unto death, “even the death of the cross.” God’s heavenly Spirit has now been made available to mankind because of what Christ has accomplished on the cross. Because of Christ’s obedience, God’s Word proclaims that all things of heaven, all things in the earth, and all things under the earth now bow before Christ. There is nothing known to mankind, no place in heaven, on earth or things under the earth, that has not been made subject to the glory that has been released from heaven due to Christ’s perfect obedience unto death.

All things now bow, not only before God the creator of heaven and earth, but also before Jesus Christ, whose perfect sacrifice was chosen of God to bring forth God’s glory from His heavenly throne room on high. Because the blood of Christ was purposed to purge not the pattern of heavenly things, but the heaven’s themselves, God had determined that upon Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He would open wide the floodgates of His heavenly temple, allowing His glory to be released from on high. Upon the opening of the floodgates of God’s heavenly temple, God’s glory was released into all of existence; so that all that stands within the heavens, the earth and under the earth now bows down in honor of Jesus Christ.  All creation now declares the goodness of God’s glory, released from His throne room on high.

God chose and purposed that upon Christ’s obedience unto death, that all things in heaven, on earth and beneath the earth would be made new, as they were flooded with the glory of God’s Spirit released from His throne room on high. Because of what was purposed through Christ, all of creation, which includes the uttermost realm of heaven, the innermost and lower parts of the earth, now stands within the realm of God’s glory. All of creation has experienced the impact of what God predestined and purposed through Christ.

Though God’s glory fills all of creation, many people remain as blind men, unable to see and appreciate what God has accomplished for mankind. They dwell in the realm of their own vain imaginations which deny the majesty of Christ; they remain in darkness. Though God’s kingdom of righteousness exists for mankind through belief, where the glory that fills all creation is made known to those filled of God’s Spirit, there remains a kingdom whose dominion and reign is founded upon the darkness of unbelief. In this realm mankind continues to exalt their own self-centered thoughts above the Lord. Yet, God proclaims that theirs is a kingdom that has fallen. There is nothing within this realm of existence that stands for or represents His truth, glory or majesty. The kingdom of darkness is a kingdom that has fallen in the eyes of God. It does not represent anything of eternal value, nor does it provide spiritual insight into truths that will prosper the soul of mankind. It is the place that God declares is only fit for wild beasts to roam, as they look for prey they can kill and destroy.

Only fallen mankind, those who remain as the first Adam, having not partaken of God’s life transforming Holy Spirit, will accept what is offered to them by others whose words and actions do not portray the goodness of God. Yet, when a person turns toward Jesus in sincerity, the One purposed to bring the eternal purposes of God into their lives, then will their spiritual eyes be opened to see the glory that fills all of creation. Then will the influence of others who make up the fallen city, the kingdom of darkness, lose power to influence their lives. Then will their spiritual eyes be opened to see that the kingdom of darkness is nothing more than a fallen city that lies amongst the ruins of its own rebellious attitudes, offering nothing of eternal significance to prosper the souls of mankind.

When God’s Spirit floods the heart of a person, then they will no longer be as the first man, Adam, who fell from his position before God; instead they will be as the second Adam, who is Christ. Then will they seek to live as heirs of salvation, deserving of God’s inheritance of eternal life, having been raised up onto righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Their desire will be to seek God and His Word for instruction and purpose in life. When filled of the Spirit, so that they are able to appreciate the glory that fills all of creation, they will begin to forsake the realm of the fallen city of darkness, because the wares offered by that fallen city will begin to lose attractiveness. Having tasted of the goodness of God, they will no longer seek out ideas and activities that feed the lusts of the carnal nature. They will no longer live like the beasts of the earth, uninfluenced of God’s holiness, desirous of partaking of unrighteous fruit.

“And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.” Isaiah 13:19-22

Ancient Babylon was once a great city, where the Israelites, who had compromised in obeying God’s commandments, were held in captivity for 70 years. Babylon was an empire that was advanced in the area of sciences, aesthetics (concern for beauty) and paganism (where nature was seen as representing gods). The Babylonian empire was known throughout the centuries for their power, materialism, cruelty and devotion to the pursuit of sensual pleasure. There were many cities that made up the Babylonian empire. There were also many outlying cities that were united to Babylon because they shared the same beliefs. Idol worshipping was encouraged by the kings who ruled Babylon. The kings of Babylon looked to the heavens, the earth, and the lower part of the earth in developing their sciences, their beliefs regarding paganism (where nature was seen as representing gods) and their sense of aesthetics (concern for beauty).

The Babylonians believed that it was within these three parts of creation, the heavens, the earth and beneath the earth, that there existed gods who spoke words of instruction, wisdom and insight into spiritual matters. This belief formed and shaped their culture and society. They looked to the gods to help them establish a governmental system over the people. The people of Babylon regarded their city as the “good city,” they also referred to their city as the “Garden of Eden.”

The true prophets of God prophesied of the destruction and downfall of Ancient Babylon. Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 13:17-22) that the Medes would overpower the idolatrous kingdom of Babylon. In the year 539 B.C., Isaiah’s prophecy came to pass as the Medes did, in fact, overpower the Babylonian empire. When the Babylonian empire fell, the Israelite captives were set free.

Within the natural realm of mankind’s existence is found the truth of mankind’s spiritual condition. The spirit that fills a person’s life will be what control’s their thoughts, influencing their actions. If filled of God’s Spirit, they will desire to worship Him alone and give all honor unto His holy name. It is the power of God’s Spirit of Holiness that will reveal the depths of the Word to influence their thoughts and actions. Those who have not received God’s Holy Spirit, are said to be filled and controlled by the spirit of the world, meaning they are influenced by the desires, thoughts and actions of the world which denies what Christ has accomplished for mankind. Those influenced by the “spirit” of the world, will be led according to desires that express the nature of the kingdom of darkness, the city of unbelief that has fallen into a state of total disrepair, where nothing of eternal significance will be offered.

Through being taken up in the spirit, being shown visions, and hearing God’s voice, Apostle John was given insight into many matters regarding the impact of what type of spirit controlled a persons life. When God impressed upon Apostle John’s thoughts that Babylon had come up in remembrance before Him, the full consequences was made known of the spirit of rebellion that directed the actions of those who made up Babylon. He was shown that their spiritual condition, which controlled their thoughts and actions, had been judged of God and found guilty of not expressing His nature, desire or purposes for mankind. According to God’s perfect judgment, they were to receive “the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” To be judged guilty of God is to not experience the mercy of God, it is to not find purpose in this life, it is to not walk under the protective hand of God, and it is to be denied eternal life. It is to remain in a fallen position before God.

Yet, it is important to realize that the judgment God passed upon those who made up the natural Babylon, is the same judgment that He passes upon anyone who lives their lives influenced of the same spirit of Babylon today. Just as those who made up the natural Babylonian empire fell to their ruin, as the true prophets of God had prophesied, so too will anyone led of a Babylonian spirit, where they look apart from God for purpose in life, fall into a position of spiritual ruin. When the spirit of Babylon rises up, then so too does the Spirit of God’s holiness rise up, through a people prepared to declare that within this realm of thinking no truth or wisdom will be found to prosper the souls of mankind.

Spiritually, the people of Babylon were involved with paganism, idolatry, materialism, lust, and the worship of many gods. Their spiritual condition involved their being influenced by understandings that had their origin in the realm of darkness, which is unbelief in the One true God. Though Babylon no longer exists as an empire of great might in the natural realm, in the spiritual realm, there are many people who have the same spirit controlling their lives today as those of ancient Babylon. There are many who look away from the One true God, and place their faith in gods that they believe exist in heaven, in earth, and beneath the earth for insight and wisdom. They place their hope in idols made of silver and gold, believing that in them they will find purpose and worth for their souls. 

The spiritual condition that formed the thoughts, actions and intentions of those who made up the empire of Babylon were offensive in the eyes of God. This type of Babylonian spiritual thinking and behavior is still offensive to God. He proclaims that He alone is the One true God, and that mankind is to exalt no other gods before Him. He also proclaims that mankind is not to worship idols. Idolatry is a behavior that depicts the Babylonian mentality, but is also prominent in people today who dwell within the realm and region of darkness, the realm of unbelief where God is not honored nor sought after. 

As Jesus Christ died upon the cross, the voice of God could be heard trumpeting words that shook the heavens and the earth. His voice proclaimed that which had been ordained from the foundation of the world, had come to pass. The death of Jesus Christ would signify that all things in heaven and earth were being made new, because it would be the blood of Christ that would purge the heavens, causing God to release His glory out onto all creation. The true “Light” of the world would now establish God’s righteousness upon the earth, according to grace. A way was being made possible for mankind to be found righteous before God, through faith in Jesus Christ, so that they would be filled of God’s righteousness found in the Holy Spirit.

When a person is filled of God’s Holy Spirit, then the spirit of Babylon, which caused the person to look to the heavens, the earth, and things beneath the earth for purpose, will fall from a position of power and influence in their lives.  All things will now, be subject and judged according to the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The spiritual realm of Babylon that influences the lives of mankind has been judged according to the righteousness of Christ, and found to be guilty of not reflecting His purposes for mankind. The voice of God still thunders though out all of creation, proclaiming to those who have ears to hear, that Jesus Christ has fulfilled that which was purposed of God. God’s voice proclaims that Jesus Christ has come to set the prisoners free from their captivity to the spirit of Babylon, which promotes truths that do not represent God’s purposes for mankind.

When Apostle John was shown the “great city” Babylon, as it was divided into three parts, he was given insight into the spiritual condition that influenced the thoughts and actions of the Babylonians. The Babylonians looked to the heavens, the earth and things beneath the earth in developing the three pillars of their society, which was found in their sciences, their involvement in paganism (where nature was seen as representing gods) and their sense of aesthetics (concern for beauty). The Babylonians’ spiritual attitude caused them to believe that in their study of science, aesthetics and paganism that they would find truths to satisfy the desires of their souls. Yet the dependency on its three pillars, the sciences, aesthetics and paganism, could not continue to uphold the Babylonian empire. When it fell, then its influence on the surrounding cities fell as well. Babylon’s pillars were built up by looking to the three parts (uttermost, innermost and lower) of God’s creation. What caused them to be prosperous as an empire – for a time - was directly related to seeking guidance from the gods within these three parts of God’s creation.

Babylonians looked toward the heavens, to the earth and to things beneath the earth, in seeking guidance for building up the Babylonian empire, which was representative of the spiritual condition of those who lived in ancient Babylonian. This same spiritual condition still influences the lives of people today. It is the spirit of Babylon that causes people to look apart from God as they exalt nature, idols, materialism and false gods to a position where God should be.

Yet, for those who stand in the realm and region of spiritual Babylon, where mankind’s spirits are influenced of the same thoughts as those of natural Babylon, so that death continuously casts shadows of doubt and gloom upon their thoughts, this information will not be of any significant worth. It is only when the Spirit of God floods their lives, so that the Babylonian spirit is shaken loose from it position of influence over their lives, causing it to fall from a position of influence upon their life, that they will begin to understand what God has accomplished for them through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

Everything in heaven and earth now bows before the Lord, Jesus Christ, in submission to His authority. There is nowhere mankind can go apart from Christ and hope to find insight into truths that will prosper their souls, nor beauty that will bring joy to their hearts. There is nowhere mankind can look, nowhere in heaven, on earth, or beneath the earth, where they will not find evidence of what Jesus Christ has accomplished for mankind. His glory now fills all of creation.

God has judged Babylon and found that the understandings, teachings and actions of this spiritual mindset represents nothing of the resurrection life and power that He has made available for mankind, through Jesus Christ. May mankind be awakened by the voice of God, so that the cup of God’s wrath is taken from out of their hand. May the spirit of Babylon be shaken lose from its stronghold upon their lives.  May they be found filled of the goodness of God, so that eternally they are inspired to sing forth the praises of the One, purposed of God from the foundation of the world, to deliver them from out of the realm of darkness, into the “Light” of His mercy and grace.

“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:24-29