MANIFESTATIONS OF SATAN - PART 2

"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV)

In the first part of this message delivered last week, we saw that Satan manifests himself in the world in two main ways, namely, Mammon and Babylon. We also saw that Mammon is the spirit that influences people to amass wealth by evil means. This week, our focus is on Babylon. 

Babylon

Old Testament Point of View

In all its references in the OT, Babylon is indicated initially as an imposing city in Mesopotamia, and ultimately becomes an imposing kingdom. 

Historical Point of View 

Historically, Babylon was the capital of southern Mesopotamia (Babylonia) between 2000-1000 BC, became the capital of the Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) empire between 700-600 BC by which time it had reached its height of splendour. It was the commercial and administrative centre of Babylonia. Under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon became the largest city in the world. Ruins of Babylon are found in the modern town of Al-Hillah, Iraq. 

New Testament Concept of Babylon

From the New Testament point of view, Babylon has been understood and interpreted in two senses: literal sense and symbolic sense. 

Literal sense

By literal interpretation, Babylon refers to the Mesopotamian city. References to Babylon as a literal Mesopotamian city in the NT are found in Matthew 1:11, 12, 17; Acts 7:43. 

Symbolic sense

Some Bible scholars and early church fathers understood the NT references to Babylon in a figurative or symbolic sense, especially those in 1Peter 5:13 and the Book of Revelations. 

Jerusalem/Rome

While some believe that Babylon refers to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel and persecutor of the Apostles and early Christians, others believe that it refers to Rome, the centre of immorality, idolatry and atrocity, and persecutor of the saints as at the time the New Testament was canonized. Today, some Bible teachers believe that Babylon refers to Vatican City, home of the Roman Catholic Church. Although there are justifiable reasons to support each of these perceptions about the symbolic Babylon, there is no valid evidence to substantiate any of these perceptions. Whether Jerusalem, Rome or Vatican City, Babylon is a biblical concept that has to be understood. 

Rastafarian concept of Babylon

Rastafarians interpret Babylon as governments and institutions that are considered to be in rebellion to the will of Jah (Jehovah-God). 

What truly is Babylon?

After considering the evidences laid down in the Scriptures, this writer is of the firm conviction that Babylon is a religio-political system that will spread from a literal city across the world. The political system will align itself to the religious system, and will ride on it to pursue their common goal of wiping Christians from the earth. Satan is behind it all. Babylon denotes a manifestation of Satan in the world. 

First and foremost, Babylon is the spirit that influences people to gain power by evil means. Babylon is a religio-political spirit. At the heart of Babylon lies a desire for a religious state that has to be created, if necessary, by force. It uses religious powers to bring nations under its control. It is not only interested in spreading false religion but also, in establishing religious states across the world.

Secondly, Babylon is a religio-political system that is bent on wiping Christians from the earth. This religio-political system will ride on religion to pursue its covert political agenda of bringing the nations of the world under its control. The greatest impediment of Babylon is the church, hence, its wrath against Christians. 

Revelations of Babylon

1. Imposing city (Rev 14:8; 17:18)

Babylon is revealed to be an imposing city or a great city. This city influences the nations to be idolatrous and sexually immoral, a sign of rebellion towards God.

2. Mystery (Rev 17:5, 7)

Babylon is also revealed to be a mystery. Mystery Babylon appears in the form of a woman who is the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. 

Why the appearance of a woman

Mystery Babylon is represented as a woman because in the garden of Eden, the serpent deceived the woman to claim authority or rule that was not originally hers. Authority to make decision concerning eating or not eating the fruit belonged to Adam, not Eve. Adam was given the command not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but Eve, being deceived by the serpent, went ahead to eat it first and gave it to her husband who originally had the rule in the garden. Thus, Eve wrongly claimed authority that was not hers.  

This does not mean that women are intrinsically inferior, evil or are not meant to bear rule at all. Bible acknowledges that Deborah was a prophet, she was a wise woman, she had good sense of judgement, and she judged Israel. Likewise Priscilla, wife of Aquila, assisted her husband to take care of the church that fellowshipped in their house. The image is symbolic of false religion and false rule. Mystery Babylon influences nations and organisations to seize power by evil means. Such power becomes false since it is not originally theirs. 

Political Functions of Babylon

•Rules over the kings of the earth (Rev 17:18)

•Sits on seven mountains (Rev 17:9)

•Centre of the world's merchandise (Rev 18:3, 11-13)

•Corrupter of the nations (Rev 17:2; 18:3; 19:2)

Religious Function of Babylon

The only religious function of Babylon is to persecute Christians (Rev 17:6). Be vigilant about religio-political systems, multinational organisations and nations that have purposed to persecute Christians and to wipe them from the earth. They are being influenced by Babylon. 

Conclusion

From this message, we have seen that Babylon is a spirit that influences people to gain power by evil means. Also, Babylon is a religio-political system that is bent on wiping Christians from the earth. Furthermore, Babylon is an imposing city that influences the nations to be idolatrous and sexually immoral, a sign of rebellion towards God. Finally, Babylon is a manifestation of Satan in the world. Beware of Babylon!

#Verity Haven