Babylon is a profoundly significant and multifaceted concept, primarily understood as a symbolic representation of Satan’s kingdom and a pervasive source of lies and deception that impacts “all nations” or churches in the end times. It is critically important for believers to understand Babylon’s true identity to escape its influence and attain salvation (Revelation 18:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12; Revelation 14:8).
The Core Identity of Babylon
Babylon is definitively identified as the kingdom of demons, a dwelling place for evil spirits, and a haunt for every unclean and detestable creature (Revelation 18:2; Isaiah 13:21; Jeremiah 51:37). The “unclean birds” in Revelation symbolize demonic spirits (Matthew 13:4, 19), and Babylon is also described as the abyss or hell (Revelation 9:1–2; Revelation 20:1–3).
Figurative Meaning vs. Literal History
Though Babylon existed as a literal kingdom and destroyed Israel (2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 39:1–10), in Revelation it is used figuratively to represent a corrupt end-time system. It acts in the same spirit as the ancient Babylon, opposing God and enslaving His people (Revelation 17:5; Revelation 18:21–24). The name “Babylon” traces back to “Babel,” meaning “confusion” (Genesis 11:9), symbolizing the mixing of truth with falsehood—a defining trait of end-time deception (1 Corinthians 14:33).
In Shincheonji’s interpretation, the “Stewardship Education Center” (SEC) is regarded as the physical reality of spiritual Babylon during the fulfillment of Revelation (Revelation 17:1–2).
Why Shincheonji Identifies Babylon as Christianity, the World, and the Sea
Shincheonji teaches that Babylon refers to the traditional Christian world because it believes Christianity has betrayed the Word, replacing revelation with man-made doctrines, commentaries, and denominational traditions. These teachings, in SCJ doctrine, are seen as the “wine of adulteries” that intoxicate all nations (Revelation 17:2; Revelation 18:3). Babylon is not merely a secular force, but a false religious system claiming to represent God while serving Satan in disguise (2 Corinthians 11:13–15; Matthew 24:24).
This false system is associated with Satan’s world, also called “the world” or “the sea.” Shincheonji interprets the “sea” in Revelation 13:1—where the beast rises from the sea—as a symbol of the world of confused doctrines and false pastors. The sea represents people and nations (Revelation 17:15) that are under Satan’s rule, much like the “kingdom of the world” that must become the kingdom of Christ (Revelation 11:15). Therefore, Babylon = Christianity corrupted by Satan = the world = the sea. In this theology, traditional churches are spiritually dead, counterfeit brides married to false shepherds (Revelation 18:23), and must be called out from (Revelation 18:4).
Thus, for Shincheonji, Babylon is not simply a metaphor for evil. It is a current, global religious system, especially institutional Christianity, that has become Satan’s throne by deceiving believers with incorrect interpretations and hiding the true fulfillment of Revelation.
Key Metaphorical Descriptions of Babylon
Babylon is depicted as the great prostitute who fornicates with the kings of the earth, representing spiritual adultery and alliances with Satan (Revelation 17:1–6; James 4:4). She is the mother of false churches, giving birth to spiritual children through the seed of lies. She rules over multitudes, nations, and languages (Revelation 17:15).
She rides a beast with seven heads and ten horns, a system of false pastors and worldly powers empowered by Satan (Revelation 13:1–7; Revelation 17:3; Daniel 7:23–25). The maddening wine of her adulteries signifies false doctrines and seductive teachings that intoxicate and corrupt (Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:2; Deuteronomy 32:32–33). The sea over which she reigns represents the chaotic world of unbelief and religious confusion (Revelation 13:1; Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 17:15).
Babylon is also portrayed as a destroying mountain that God will turn into a burned-out ruin (Jeremiah 51:25; Revelation 8:8; Revelation 18:21). Her teachings are likened to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or a wild vine that bears poisonous fruit (Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 32:32; John 15:1–2; Matthew 7:16–17). She is a spiritual grave, home to those dead in their sins (Matthew 23:27; Ezekiel 37:11–13; Revelation 11:8). Her merchandise—the doctrines, rituals, and traditions she promotes—are stolen from the truth and mixed with lies (Revelation 18:11–13; Jeremiah 23:30).
Her lamplight is Satan’s false illumination—religious authority and doctrine apart from God’s Word (Revelation 18:23; Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 11:14). Her musicians and craftsmen—symbolic of false teachers and worship—will be silenced (Revelation 18:22). The bridegroom and bride of Babylon are evil spirits and deceived believers who unite with them spiritually (Revelation 18:23; Hosea 4:12–14; 2 Corinthians 11:2–3).
Babylon’s Actions and Impact
Babylon deceives all nations by her sorceries and seductive teachings (Revelation 18:23; Revelation 17:2; Matthew 24:24; 2 Timothy 4:3–4). She captures God’s chosen people through her lies and false doctrines (Revelation 13:7–8; Revelation 17:6). Those who drink her wine of spiritual adultery die spiritually (Hosea 4:6; Romans 6:23; Revelation 14:9–11). She is drunk with the blood of saints and prophets, guilty of persecution and death (Revelation 17:6; Revelation 18:24; Matthew 23:34–35). She invades and corrupts God’s tabernacle, polluting it with false authority and teaching (Daniel 8:11–12; Revelation 13:6; Revelation 11:1–2).
In summary, Babylon represents the entire system of Satan’s deception in the Christian world, manifested through false pastors and their human-made doctrines (“maddening wine” or “commentaries”) which have corrupted and spiritually enslaved “all nations” (churches). Its historical actions of destruction and captivity are prophesied to be spiritually fulfilled at the end times, making it imperative for believers to discern its identity and “come out” to receive salvation and eternal life in God’s promised kingdom.
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Please take the time to check the Bible verses we’ve provided as references. Use them as a guide for your own understanding and discernment. It’s important to verify and confirm information with external sources, witnesses, and experts to ensure validity and transparency. Additionally, remember to pray for wisdom as you seek to identify any errors and ensure that your understanding aligns with biblical teachings.