The Fall of Man

Ruins of Ancient Babylon

In case you thought the fall of man referred only to Adam's fall, think again. Revelation 18 describes the Fall of Babylon. While this refers to the ancient city, it includes much more. The name "Babylon" in the Bible typifies the world system in some places. In other places it typifies evil.

An angel warns people against Babylon in Revelation 18, not to share in her sins. Check out verse 10: "Woe, Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!"

As I see the world around me crumbling, these words take on specific meaning. Do you see it? People who are tied to the world's system will lose everything when it collapses--what they've worked for their whole lives--their health, wealth, possessions and retirement will be gone in an hour. Money, power and pleasure won't matter. Only what is done for God will last. Those who love and serve God will take their faith, Christian character and relationships with God and other believers into the New Heavens and New Earth where Jesus will reign.

Jesus said in Mark 8:34-36, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul."

Check out Revelation 16:15. "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed."

Do you believe Jesus is coming soon? Many things in the world today parallel prophecies in the Bible. It's not too late to confess your need of a Savior in these troubling times. Jesus stands at the door of your heart, waiting for you to invite Him into your life. He loves you with an everylasting love. He will not abandon you. Just say His name and know His lavishing care for you.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your word. Help us to prepare for the days ahead with confidence in you. You are our fortress and hiding place. You are our strength and joy. Amen.

Where is Your Treasure?

I asked a couple of young men who came to my door if they knew whether or not they were going to Heaven. They said they thought so--because they were good. I told them they could be sure because the Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." The young men reminded me of the rich young man who came to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him [the rich young man] and loved him. He had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.

"Keep the law," Jesus said. He meant the Ten Commandments.

"I've kept these since I was a boy," the young man said. But the law couldn't save him or anyone else. Jesus knew that.

He said, "One thing you lack. Go and sell everything you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven," Mark 10:21. If he did this, he would be dependent on God, not his wealth. While he thought he was good and religious, he actually failed on the first of the commandments, to love God with all his heart. His wealth was his god and he walked away sad, not willing to give up earthly treasure for eternity's gain.

"I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life."

Application
What about you? Is something keeping you from knowing the love of Jesus? Maybe it's not wealth or possessions. Maybe it's a relationship or a compulsive nature. We live in a world of sin and it will touch us one way or another. Jesus died for these things and by believing this, we inherit eternal life with God. Whatever is holding you back, you can surrender it to Jesus and experience His amazing love. I can't promise you a life on easy street. That's not something God promised. However, He promised He would always be with us, that He would never leave or forsake us. I know this to be true. Nearly twenty one years ago I surrendered myself to God and although my life hasn't been void of problems, I have found a treasure in knowing He is always with me.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am praying for those reading this post, that you would help them trust you and nothing or no one else. Amen.