CHAPTER 3—THE PROCLAMATION OF THE SECOND ANGEL

Time of this Proclamation - Derivation of the term Babylon -Babylon not the Wicked World - Not the City of Rome - Explanation of Symbols - The Seven Heads of the Beast - Rome the Seat of the of the Beast - Babylon not a Literal city - Meaning of the Symbol - Facts which identify Protestants as a part of this Great City

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city because she made all nations drink of the wine of wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8.TMR 36.1

THE first important inquiry relates to the time when this proclamation is to be made. As this angel follows the one who proclaims the hour of God’s Judgment, it is evident that this proclamation is the next event in order. And as it has been shown that the proclamation of the hour of God’s Judgment is addressed to those who live in the last days, it is certain that the Second Angel’s Message belongs to the same time, and that it was not fulfilled centuries in the past. And the fact that at the time when this proclamation of the fall of Babylon is made, the plagues and utter destruction of Babylon, which came under the seventh vial, are then immediately impending, is also conclusive proof that this proclamation belongs to the last days. Revelation 18:1-10; 16:17-21. 21. We conclude, therefore, that the generation that shall be alive when the plagues are poured out on Babylon, is the one to which the Second Angel’s Message is addressed.TMR 36.2

Our next inquiry relates to the meaning of the term Babylon. What is designated by the word Babylon in the book of Revelation?TMR 37.1

The word Babylon signifies confusion, and is derived from Babel, the place where God confounded the inhabitants of the earth in their impious attempt to build a tower up to heaven. Genesis 11:9, margin; 10:10, margin. The word, being the chosen term of the Holy Spirit to designate “that mighty city” which is so prominently noticed in the book of Revelation, was doubtless selected with especial reference to its signification, and to the circumstances that originated the word. That Babylon does not comprise the whole wicked world, and that it does not consist of some one literal city, but that it is composed of professed worshipers of God, we think can be clearly shown. This is not an abstract question, but is eminently practical, and is intimately connected with our duty toward God.TMR 37.2