In chapter 18, we will see a series of events that describe the downfall and destruction of the spiritual Babylon and it’s effect on the ungodly world.

18:1-3 Babylon is fallen!
18:4-5 A warning: Separate yourselves from the apostate (fallen away) church
18:6-8 God's justice will prevail over the false, self-styled “Queen of heaven”
18:9-19 Kings and merchants mourn the passing of Babylon, but...
18:20 The church rejoices over Babylon’s fall
18:21-24 The total destruction of Babylon comes

John is much impressed by this messenger from heaven. There is nothing here to tell us that it is anything other than that this is an ordinary angel, one with great authority. His message begins and dominates our chapter: Babylon is fallen!

Everything evil, wicked, forbidden and corrupt lies within this city. It is as if this spiritual Babylon has become the basket into which every sinful egg has been placed. Now that all the eggs are in one basket, God crushes the basket, Babylon.

The great comfort of this passage and of this chapter is that this shines a spotlight on God’s promise that heaven will be a place devoid of sin. As we momentarily turn away from the carnage of God’s wrath, we look away and up to heaven -- where there will be no sin, no temptation, no tears, no fear -- in fact, we will lack nothing. That’s because in Jesus, there is nothing lacking. In Jesus there is the only path to heaven. In Jesus, we have forgiveness, rightness, righteousness, and peace.