The Second Angel's Message

In Revelation 14 the first angel is followed by a second, proclaiming, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8. The term “Babylon” is derived from “Babel,” and signifies confusion. In Scripture it designates various forms of false or apostate religion. In Revelation 17 Babylon is represented as a woman—a figure used in the Bible as the symbol of the church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church; a vile woman, an apostate church.HF 236.3

In the Bible the relation between Christ and His church is represented by marriage. The Lord declares: “I will betroth thee unto me forever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness.” “I am married unto you.” And Paul says: “I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” Hosea 2:19; Jeremiah 3:14; 2 Corinthians 11:2.HF 236.4