What Babylon’s Judgment Reveals Part 2 | Revelation 18:9-24 | Richard Caldwell

Scripture

• Revelation 18:9–24

About this sermon

Introduction: Babylon’s judgment has been declared. The antichrist’s empire, seen especially from its economic influence, is declared to be fallen — in advance — because its destruction is certain. That is what we saw in verses 1-8. Now, beginning at verse 9, that destruction is described. I. THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF BABYLON’S JUDGMENT (vs.1-8) II. THE DESCRIPTION OF BABYLON’S JUDGMENT (vs.9-24) As we see Babylon’s destruction described we meet with six characteristics belonging to God’s judgment. Six ways that God’s judgment instructs us. A. THE SOVEREIGNTY DISPLAYED BY GOD’S JUDGMENT The first thing that we see looks back to the previous eight verses, and especially the introduction of the angel. The angel, as a messenger of God, is described in a way that instructs us about God’s judgment. 1. TRANSCENDENCE The judgment is God’s alone. The angel comes from heaven, from the place where God is said to dwell. Of course, we know that God is omnipresent, but when His location is presented as the heavens, and the heaven of heavens, we are reminded of His transcendence. The verdict comes from above this world, outside this world, not confined by this world, not controlled by this world. It is a vantage point described in Psalm 115. ESV Psalm 115:3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. His transcendence points to His omnipotence. This is a great comfort to the people of God. We are finite beings. We are creatures who have always been related to time. Our perspective, apart from Scripture, is confined to a single life span, and an evaluation of history through the eyes of other creatures confined to a single life span. But God’s judgments come forth from a perspective of ETERNAL WISDOM — transcendent wisdom. When we remember this, then it is alright for us to ask, “how long”, but ONLY RIGHT for us to trust God with His timing. ESV 2 Peter 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2. AUTHORITY The angel has great authority. On what basis? He is a messenger of God. He mediates GOD’S AUTHORITY, represents GOD’S AUTHORITY. 3. GLORY His glory illuminated the earth. The angel’s glory is MEDIATED glory. It is the angel’s glory by assignment, or by creation, or by delegation. AND YET, EVEN AS THIS ANGEL REFLECTS THE GLORY OF HIS CREATOR, THE EARTH IS ILLUMINATED. God’s glory is intrinsic. God’s glory is infinite. It is God’s from all eternity. It is God’s alone. It was not created, it was not assigned, it is not REFLECTIVE of someone else’s glory. It is DIVINE GLORY BY VIRTUE OF DIVINE NATURE. ESV Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 4. POWER And this angel reflects power. He cries out with a MIGHTY VOICE. What does all of this add up to? THE ANGEL WHO ANNOUNCES THE JUDGMENT OF GOD REPRESENTS THE TRANSCENDENCE, AND THE AUTHORITY, AND MAJESTIC GLORY, AND THE POWER, OF THE ONE WHO GAVE HIM THE MESSAGE TO ANNOUNCE. God’s sovereignty — THE CREATOR AND RULER’S RIGHT TO JUDGE HIS CREATION — is one display. B. THE SWIFTNESS OF GOD’S JUDGMENT (vs.9-10)

Topics

• Bible Study
• Hell & Judgment
• Prophecy & End Times