Two Cities
In the book of Revelation (Chapters 17-22), the apostle John presents a vision of two cities that symbolize two distinct destinies and ways of living. These cities are Babylon and the New Jerusalem. This concept aligns with Augustine’s description of the City of Man and the City of God. Furthermore, the two cities are represented as two women: Babylon is portrayed as a harlot, a prostitute, and a representation of wickedness. In contrast, the New Jerusalem is depicted as the bride, the wife of the Lamb.
Let’s examine the city of Babylon. Babylon is depicted as a harlot, but this imagery does not refer to sexual sin. Instead, her harlotry symbolizes spiritual adultery, the refusal to worship and submit to the Lord and the worship of false gods.
In describing Babylon as a harlot, John draws from the Old Testament, where the prophets criticize Israel for worshiping other gods instead of Yahweh, the one true Lord (cf. Jeremiah 2; Hosea 1–3). The root sin is the refusal to worship and give thanks to God, focusing on the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:18–25).
In the classic book *Mere Christianity*, C.S. Lewis discusses the concept of Pride in his chapter titled “The Great Sin.” Pride can be understood as a form of idolatry, where we end up worshiping and praising ourselves instead of God. It signifies living independently from Him, resisting His authority and claiming control over our own lives. This is the same sin that Adam and Eve committed in Genesis chapter three when the serpent deceived them into believing they could be like gods, knowing good and evil. Essentially, the serpent convinced them that they could live happy and fulfilling lives without God.
The primary sin of Babylon reflects this independent mindset, as expressed in Revelation 18:5, where it suggests that people view God as a crutch. This abandonment of God leads to a series of conflicts throughout history, often written in blood. When people turn away from God, it can result in hatred towards His followers. Consequently, the City of Man comes to despise the City of God, which leads to violence and bloodshed.
This hatred does not catch us by surprise; we have been warned. Both John and Jesus have cautioned us that just as the ancient world hated Him, the modern world will hate us as well. However, we also know that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
One of the defining characteristics of Babylon, this fallen world, is greed. Greed acts like a king that allows no rivals, pushing God off the throne. Chapter 18 gives us a vivid depiction of its destructive power; no one is immune. Captains and kings, the rich and powerful, industrialists and CEOs will trample over anyone who stands in their way. While there is nothing inherently evil about wealth and luxury—after all, heaven will be filled with them—the problem arises when riches take precedence and God is relegated to a secondary role, if he is acknowledged at all.
One day, the City of Man, like ancient Babylon and its inhabitants, like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, will be consumed by the Lake of Fire (Numbers 16:31-33).
Thankfully, our story doesn’t end here. There is a Heavenly City, and the Marriage of the Lamb—the Bride of Christ—is on the horizon (Revelation 7:13-14; 19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:14). This bride is made up of millions of penitent sinners who worship the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Bride of Christ, each believer will be adorned in a pure and radiant garment. Every believer will be a miracle, cleansed from all sin through the blood of the Lamb.
While Babylon represents the City of Man, the New Jerusalem represents the City of God yet to come. The New Jerusalem will descend from God out of heaven (21:2,10), which means that the city has a divine origin and is built by the hands of God with no human fingerprint upon it. It will be a perfect cube: Its length, width, and height all equal. These dimensions remind us of the Holy of Holies, which was also a perfect cube (I Kings 6:20).
However, the best part is not the Temple’s size or materials but the Presence of God that will abide there. He shall remove all sad memories and wipe all tears from our eyes. Although surrounded by all that is bright and beautiful, the beauty of the City of God will be God Himself. And here is the climax that will cause all heaven to break out in the Hallelujah chorus, “We shall see his face” (Revelation 22:4).
Those who love the City of Babylon may prosper in it for a little while, but a new city is coming that shall never pass away. Only those who are born again can enter that city. Are you ready!
The Best Is Yet To Be!
Dr Robert Bryant