(From The Fall of Babylon and The Final Antichrist: 2023, by Michael D. Fortner)
Chapter 1
Who is Babylon the Great?
(1) Mystery Babylon
Many prophecy experts like to say that the USA is not found in Bible prophecy. But the USA is the most powerful nation in the world today, and it literally saved the world from the Nazis and the Japanese Imperialists during WW2; so why would you not find such a nation in Bible prophecy? You would expect a mention of the world’s most powerful nation in Bible prophecy, especially if it suffers great destruction during WW3 and the Wrath of God!
In Revelation 17 and 18 we are given information about a great harlot that has the title, “Mystery Babylon the Great.” Many Bible commentaries say something like, “it is obvious that it refers to Rome.” The reason it says “MYSTERY” is because it is not obvious! That word, Mystery, tells us that her interpretation will be difficult to figure out. BTG could not have been understood until the arrival of the 20th century.
As we shall see, the harlot is not easy to understand; she sits on seven mountains, sits on many waters, nations, and languages. She has connections with rulers of nations, rides the beast, is a prostitute and is the mother of prostitutes, and makes the world’s merchants wealthy. She is also a city that rules over kingdoms, and even kills God’s prophets. Therefore, her interpretation is not simple, but very complex, and multilayered.
Some Bible teachers claim that the harlot represents the false religion of the Antichrist, which makes no sense because the beast will attack and burn Babylon the Great (BTG). Why would the Antichrist try to destroy his own religious system, which he will supposedly set up for people to worship him? This is illogical nonsense! Nowhere in Revelation 17 and 18 can you find the word “worship,” because the main interpretation of those chapters is not connected to false religion. And a “woman” does not always refer to a religion in the Bible, as some people claim, but also can represent nations such as Israel, and cities such as Tyre.
Some Bible prophecy “experts” even teach and write books saying that literal Babylon in Iraq will revive to become BTG, which is very laughable. And the Roman Empire is not going to revive; this was proven false in Book 1 (BK1).
The claim is also made that Rev. 17:18 refers to Rome: “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.” The present tense used in the statement does not require that it refer to the first century. The main focus of Revelation 17 & 18 is the final years before the return of Christ. Rome ruled over the nations of the world, and so we are looking for another country that rules over many other nations, without ruling them directly– which the USA does.
Now let’s take a look at what Revelation 17 says about this extremely wealthy harlot:
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 This title was written on her forehead: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.” (Revelation 17:1-7)
The answer to her mystery is multilayered and not easy to see right on the surface; so we must dig for more information. Notice that she wears jewels and pearls and gold, and holds a golden cup in her hand, which shows that she must be very wealthy.
The book of Jeremiah refers to an end-time Babylon that is described very much like Babylon the Great (BTG). Here is what the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary says about BTG in Revelation and its connection to Jeremiah’s call for people to come out of an end-time Babylon:
“Come out of her, my people” forms the burden of Jeremiah’s refrain concerning Babylon. . . . Even in its OT setting, this was no mere warning to leave the actual city of Babylon, much less here in Revelation. John is burdened to exhort the churches to shun the charms and ensnarements of the queen prostitute (v.7) as her qualities are manifest in the world they live in. Wherever there are idolatry, prostitution, self-glorification, self-sufficiency, pride, complacency, reliance on luxury and wealth, avoidance of suffering, violence against life (v.24) there is Babylon. Christians are to separate themselves ideologically and physically from all forms of Babylon. (Vol. 2, p. 1210)
So wherever there is excess, greed, lust, captivity, aggression, and exploitation, there is BTG. This certainly describes the wicked and evil characteristics of the USA. Babylon the Great is a city, a nation, a culture, and an economic system that is practiced by many people and nations which makes the world’s merchants wealthy. This refers to capitalism, which is why she is shown having relations with many of the world’s rulers and people.
Original Babylon was the strongest nation for hundreds of miles around. It ruled over as many other nations as it could reach, believing that other nations were better off under Babylonian rule; but it ruled them only for its own benefit. Because of its rule over others, it became rich and powerful and lifted up in pride. The same could be said of Rome. Does this sound like anyone we know? Yes, it describes the USA. The US is called a global power because it has power and influence over many other nations of the world, politically, economically, and culturally.
(2) Come Out of Her
If Babylon the Great represents the religion of the Antichrist, or anything religious, how could God’s people be a part of it, since it calls for God’s people to leave her before the destruction?
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “’Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues . . . (Rev. 18:4)
In Matthew 13 there is the parable of weeds and wheat that represent both good and bad people in the same field; likewise, in Revelation 12. In Rev. 12, the woman is given the wings of a “great eagle,” which represents Christians founding America (see BK1). As a result of American’s Christian founding, many Christians have become blind to the wickedness that has also grown inside her. Babylon the Great represents wicked America, the part of the US filled with greed and many other sins. So, the great eagle represents the good part of America, but BTG represents the bad part?? of America.
God told the Israelites that if they repented, they would live in safety and peace, but if they refused, the king of Babylon would invade and destroy them. Babylon invaded and destroyed Jerusalem and took the Israelites captive. Even the righteous people in Israel were taken captive, such as the prophet Daniel. So also today, many good people live or work in Babylon the Great; this is why we are told to come out of her or we will suffer and die along with the wicked; this refers to those areas of the nation that are rapidly becoming ever more wicked.
For example, New York changed their laws in 2019 to nearly legalize baby murder. The law says:
. . . there’s now no criminal remedy available to women for an illegal abortion. The act also removes the killing of an “unborn child with which a female has been pregnant for more than twenty-four weeks” from the definition of a homicide, meaning that the killing of a fetus in utero by anyone—not just an abortionist performing a legal procedure—is no longer actionable as a homicide. (lozierinsti tute.org/six-states-and-their-radical-approaches-to-abortion-law)
That is just one step away from infanticide, and these things always go in increments; so expect it once the nation splits. God is warning us here in Revelation, to GET OUT of those areas of the country that are certain to receive the Wrath of God! The USA is also responsible for spreading legalized abortion into many other countries.
The worst of the judgment takes place after the first Rapture, but many Christians will miss the first one (i.e., the sleeping virgins of Matt. 25). After the planes hit the towers on 9-11, many thousands of people streamed out of the towers before they collapsed, so they were not killed; but many good people, including Christians, did not make it out in time, and were killed. Likewise, people who live in wicked cities in America must leave those cities which are destined for destruction in WW3, and finally also the Wrath of God at the end of the GT.
Therefore, this passage is not saying to leave America, but is merely telling Christians to leave the areas that are the most wicked. However, God may indeed lead some people to leave the country. There are prophets who claim that all of the USA is Babylon the Great, and will ALL be totally destroyed; but they do not understand that Babylon only represents wicked America.
There are dozens of Islamic terrorist cells already in America; most of their targets will be large cities. So, if you live in a particularly wicked place like southern California, or Las Vegas, I would suggest moving, seriously. Remember the command to come out of her. We are now in the last days, actually, the GT and Muslims have already taken bites out of our flesh with several terrorist attacks.
There have been 10 successful attacks on the US since 9-11, such as the Boston marathon bombs; the Christmas party shooting in December 2015 by a Pakistani woman and her husband in San Bernardino; and the killing of 49 people at an Orlando, Fla. night club in June of 2016.
There are also, reportedly, many Communist sleeper agents waiting to help the invading armies from Russia and China. They will set off bombs, shoot down passenger planes, etc.
Flee from Babylon! Run for your lives! Do not be destroyed because of her sins. (Jer. 51:6)
Don’t complain to God if you are living near Las Vegas and it is hit by a nuclear missile. Many Christians will not leave BTG because they do not want to leave their big nice home, or their lucrative career. Money and the things they own will hold them like a chain.
One or more US cities could be destroyed by nuclear bombs even before the nuclear exchange that destroys many US cities. According to Joseph Farah’s G2 Intelligence Bulletin, 12-70 nukes have already been smuggled into the US by terrorists. Captured al-Qaida members and documents say the plan is called the “American Hiroshima,” which is to detonate nuclear bombs in several US cites at the same time. The terrorists paid the Mexican gang MS-13 to smuggle the bombs and terrorists across the Mexican / US border:
Al-Qaida has obtained at least 40 nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union, including suitcase nukes, nuclear mines, artillery shells and even some missile warheads. In addition, documents captured in Afghanistan show al-Qaida had plans to assemble its own nuclear weapons with fissile material it purchased on the black market. . . .
In addition to detonating its own nuclear weapons already planted in the U.S., military sources also say there is evidence to suggest al-Qaida is paying former Russian special forces Spetznaz to assist the terrorist group in locating nuclear weapons formerly concealed inside the U.S. by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Osama bin Laden’s group is also paying nuclear scientists from Russia and Pakistan to maintain its existing nuclear arsenal and assemble additional weapons with the materials it has invested hundreds of millions in procuring over a period of 10 years. . . . the attacks will take place simultaneously in major cities throughout the country, including New York, Boston, Washington, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles. (AL-QAIDA NUKES ALREADY IN U.S., www.wnd.com/2005/07/31232/)
(3) The Merchants
The most significant description of the harlot is the large amount of global trade she engages in, seen here:
3 “The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.” . . .11 “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more–12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men.” (Rev. 18:3, 11-13)
The above verses describe international trade on a massive scale. This list of goods is not a definitive list of goods, but only a representative list. It means BTG will trade in all kinds of goods from all over the world. This detailed list of trade goods is given for a reason. Apostle Paul told us that the love of money, or greed, is the root of all evil, and what is the most widespread form of the pursuit of money in our modern world? Capitalism and international trade. Paul also told us that greed is a form of idolatry.
Greed rules over the modern world through the pursuit of wealth; it dominates the thoughts, plans, and the goals of both governments and corporations. But if one applies the description of BTG to only one nation, it fits America better than any other single nation; if to only one city, it is New York City. On this point, many commentators, preachers, and prophets agree, including the late David Wilkerson. Greed has even infected American Christianity, as preachers teach that righteous men will become wealthy. It is no longer a blessing to have enough food, clothing, and shelter; now Christians expect and want to get rich, and believe that it is God’s will for them to be rich.
The USA. is the most dominant capitalist nation on Earth. I believe BTG refers to both global capitalism and the United States of America, because when America falls, capitalism will fall: “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more . . .”
I believe America is the greatest nation in the history of the world, and I also believe that capitalism has given us the greatest amount of material goods and prosperity the world has ever known; but they are both imperfect, with many flaws. I could present a history of capitalism showing its many abuses, but that is not the point of this book.
We recently saw an example of the greed and excess of Babylon the Great in the economic crisis of 2007-2009 that included a mortgage loan scam that was organized by Wall Street traders and bankers. Many people lost their homes or their life savings because of this greed.
The product list includes “horses and carriages” (v13). The usual word for chariot in the N.T. is “harma” (Acts 8:28, 29, 38; Rev. 9:9). It was a two-wheeled chariot. But here, the Greek for “carriages” is (ῥέδα) rheda (4480): Thayer’s Dictionary says it means: “a chariot, a type of vehicle having four wheels.” Not many chariots of the first century had four wheels, but this prophecy refers to the modern era. Do we use 4-wheeled transport today? Yes, of course, the automobile.
The claim is even made that BTG refers to Jerusalem. So let’s take a look at a verse in Rev. 17 and the last verse of Rev. 18:
I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. (Rev. 17:6)
“In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.” (Rev. 18:24)
The argument is made that it must refer to Jerusalem because it refers to killing God’s prophets, and America has never persecuted or killed Christians or Jews. But a very important point is being overlooked, which is that at least part of the USA will yet be taken over by radical atheists/Communists who will indeed persecute many Christians and Jews.
That being said, how could any system, organization, philosophy, or city, be responsible for the death of every righteous person who has ever been unjustly killed, “all who have been slaughtered on the earth,” and also be responsible for making the world’s merchants wealthy?
The Bible says that greed is the root of all evil; greed for power and wealth caused Rome to invade her neighbors and capture and sell some of them as slaves, and plunder and tax the survivors. Several nations of Europe and Asia have done the same thing in past centuries, but the most widespread form of greed today is seen in capitalism. I will present some examples of Capitalist greed in the next chapter, which results in much death and suffering.
(4) Sits on Many Waters
The entire chapter of Revelation 18 describes the fall of Babylon the Great, and gives us information we can use to identify her:
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “’Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.
3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.” 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “’Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. (Revelation 18:1-5)
Jeremiah prophesied about Babylon in Jer. 50-51, but part of those chapters must refer to prophetic end-time Babylon, not literal Babylon, because, for example, ocean waves cannot reach old Babylon that was located many miles inland; yet it says, “The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her” (Jer. 51:42). So, it has not and will not ever be covered with water, as prophesied by Jeremiah. However, it has been pointed out that an invading army is sometimes referred to as rushing waves of water by the prophets, but for that to be the case in Jer. 50, it would be mixing metaphors, which would be very confusing. I do not believe that the Bible would speak of being dried up (Jer. 50) and covered with water if the water is an army. So, would this mean that being dried up is the lack of an army? See how it would cause confusion?
As you can see in the image below, New York City is surrounded by many waters. The World Trade Center stood just about two blocks from the water’s edge. And Manhattan is literally an island.
Ancient Babylon did not sit on many waters, but only on the Euphrates River. It is also 150-200 miles away from the Persian Gulf.
On the left of the island of Manhattan is the Hudson River, and on the right is the East River. East of the Bronx is Long Island Sound. The Statue of Liberty is located in Upper New York Bay. Lower New York Bay is between Staten Island and Brooklyn. To the south is the Atlantic Ocean.
And the city of Rome does not sit on the coast of Italy, but is located on the Tiber River, 15 miles (24 km) inland, and as high as 456 feet above sea level. So, it could still be hit by a powerful tsunami, but the elevation will diminish most of it. New York, on the other hand, actually sits on the shore at sea level.
(5) A Double Portion
Take careful notice of the wealth, power, and international trade that is described in Revelation 18:
6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from her own cup. 7 Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.’8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. (Rev. 18:6-8)
Rev. 18 can only describe a city or nation of global power and wealth whose fall will be seen and felt around the world. It is very possible that the fall of the twin towers of the World Trade Center on 9-11 was a prophetic picture of what will happen to the whole of BTG, and may actually be seen here in Rev. 18.
9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: “’Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!’
On 9-11, the south tower literally fell one hour and two minutes after being struck by a plane, and the north tower fell about 1.75 hours after being struck. Notice the last verse. In most translations, it says, “in one hour your judgment has come.” The Greek word for “judgment” is “krisis” (2920) which is the root of the English word “crisis.” “Crisis” is used frequently in connection with the stock market and the economy. Since 2008, there have been numerous crises such as the European “debt crisis” and the “home loan crisis.” Is it just a coincidence that this word is used here? It is used two of the four times the word “judgment” appears in Rev.; the other two times the word “krima” (2917) is used.
Rev. 18:11-13 was given earlier; so we continue with verse 14:
14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out: “’Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ “Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ (Rev. 18:14-18)
Why will they “stand far off, terrified at her torment”? Could it be because they are afraid of being exposed to nuclear radiation? Was there ever a nation as rich and powerful as America? American companies dominate the world; American culture dominates the world; American politics dominates the world; American inventions dominate the world; so when America falls, the world will morn, “Woe! Woe, O great city.”
The World Trade Center housed companies that were engaged in all sorts of business ventures, especially world trade, or aided it in some way. The north tower housed companies such as the Bank of Taiwan, China Resource Products USA, American Bureau of Shipping, and Baltic Oil Corporation. The south tower tenants were companies like the New York Stock Exchange, Candia Shipping, and Hua Nan Commercial Bank.
19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: “’Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin! 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.’” (Rev. 18:19-20)
Babylon the Great does NOT appear to refer to false religion; how could merchants worldwide grow rich because of false religion? Of course, there are preachers and churches that take in billions of dollars during their lifetimes, but it is actually a small amount compared to global business that does billions every day.
Notice, we are told again that the destruction will take place in one hour; also notice the double “woe.” The smoke of the burning towers was seen for many miles out to sea, and there were people from many different countries who died, causing great mourning in many of the world’s nations. It will be far worse when many cities in the US receive destruction. People the world over will be wailing the loss of such a great country.
Yet, while some people are crying woe, others will be rejoicing. Millions of people in Muslim countries literally danced in the streets when the towers collapsed.
Ultimately, the reference to “one hour” speaks of the future destruction of some parts of America by nuclear missiles. When New York gets nuked, one or two nuclear missiles will land within a few seconds or minutes of each other. It is probable that all the nuclear missiles that hit America, will hit within one hour.
New York City is officially called the Big Apple, and apples are known for their deep red color (that is, most apples). The official flag of New York State shows two women, each with a scarlet-colored cloak. In the center are a mountain and two ships on the sea. Above it all is a globe, signifying a global reach.
Verse 7 states, “I sit as queen.” One of the boroughs of New York City is called Queens. Verse 7 does not say that she is a queen, but that she calls herself a queen.
(6) Babylon Will Never Be Rebuilt
21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. 22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. (Rev. 18:21-22)
What about the statement that says Babylon the Great will never be rebuilt and no one will ever live or work there again? During World War 2, two cities in Japan were turned into ash by nuclear bombs, but those cities were rebuilt. Many other cities also were burned and bombed, and they were rebuilt. What great city or nation could be destroyed today and never rebuilt? The bombs that were dropped in Japan were small, with low radioactive output, which is how people can live there now. But modern nukes are very large with high radioactive output. Yet the bombs will not continue putting out radiation like a nuclear power plant will. Many of our large cities are near nuclear power plants that will meltdown and will continue emitting radiation until such time that someone can go in and secure the fuel rods or remove them, which means never. So, it is very dangerous to live anywhere near a nuclear power plant.
However, NYC, being on the coast, and being made up of islands, may well never be rebuilt because it may actually sink into the ocean from the massive earthquakes that will hit the planet (Rev. 16). But rather than being limited to one city, it refers to all large cities in the US that have become very wicked, and which God will make sure get destroyed, either with nuclear missiles or an invading army, or earthquakes and other natural disasters. After the war and Wrath of God, the US will have a much smaller population, so those burned out cities will not be needed, and may be avoided because of radioactive danger, but also chemicals.
There are some researchers and prophets who believe that the USA will cease to exist, but the evidence points only to the wicked, and there is also evidence that the survivors will continue, even if with fewer states (details given later).
On another level, it could refer to the destruction of evil that characterizes BTG; there will no longer be any of the greed, lust, and depravity that characterizes BTG. And capitalism as we know it will cease to exist after this destruction. There will never again be large multinational corporations and banks that exist only to make its stockholders and officers wealthy. There will never again be corporations that care more about making money than about the people who work there. Never again will there be corporations that are willing to destroy the environment to make as much money as they can, but they will take care to not pollute the environment, and not abuse their workers. Rev. 18 continues:
23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth.” (Rev.18:23-24)
Notice that it says, “Your merchants were the world’s great men.” Even though there were many rich and powerful merchants in Rome and Constantinople, the kings and generals were the world’s richest and most powerful men; but today the merchants are the richest and most powerful. There are corporations with larger budgets and net-worth’s’ than some nations, and often have more power.
(7) The Greatest Capitalist Nation
Atlantis was a rich and powerful city; Jerusalem was the greatest city during the rule of Solomon; Athens was the greatest Western city in its time; Carthage was the greatest city of its time; Rome was the greatest city of its time; and Constantinople was the greatest city of its time. Yet, none of those cities can compare to America of the last 125 years, thanks to international trade and global capitalism. Most of the prosperity in the world today comes from global trade, and most of that is done with the United States and Western Europe; China is a weak third (see note below). So, when America falls, the global economy will collapse. Given all the above information, the fall of Babylon the Great refers to the fall of both the United States and global capitalism.
FOOTNOTE: Critics will say that China now has a bigger GNP than the US, but 50% of its GNP is construction, which includes construction of 7 ghost cities. Not neighborhoods, whole cities that are unoccupied, complete with streets, high-rise office buildings, condos, and even an airport. It has been described as a giant ponzi scheme. The investors will be unable to sell their properties; the end result is expected to cause an economic collapse in China. But even if it were now bigger without all that construction, we are still far bigger per capita.
Also, 90 years ago China was a nation of rice paddies and rickshaws. The only reason they have a large GNP is because of American companies that invent products, then contract with companies in China to make those products, which the American companies then market worldwide. So, some of China’s GNP is engaged in what can best be described as contract labor and contract manufacturing for the USA, so that is much like being an employee of an American company. That is not the same as inventing and making and selling the product globally, yourself.
Therefore, without America, China would not have near the GNP that it does.
This is an excellent place to state another area in which America surpasses all other nations, which are all the important products which we invent. Here is a just a shortlist of some of the essential American inventions or discoveries: electricity, Morse Code, light bulb, record albums, mass production, rubber tires, movie camera, jazz, baseball, basketball, telephone, airplane, personal computer, smartphone, microwave oven, stock car racing, drag racing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and let’s not forget television, the internet, and MUCH more. And when we did not invent something, we took it and made it better and produced millions of them to be sold around the world, like the automobile, and the camera. All of these inventions have changed and shaped the modern world. Therefore, America is on top when it comes to inventing and producing world-changing products.
Think of the oil industry. We created the oil industry and even developed Saudi Arabia’s oil fields, but because the price was so low, we became dependent on Middle East oil. But when the price went up, we got busy and found more oil in the US, even though it is hard to get out, and became the world’s largest producer of oil once again in 2014. That is just another example of American ingenuity.
Therefore, America not only produces and sells and buys more goods than anyone in the world; we also invent most of the important products in the world. We are on top of the world, which is why it says in Rev. 18, “I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn” (v.7). This phrase also shows us the attitude of many Americans, that they will never be defeated, but will remain forever the most powerful nation in the world. Perhaps this is why Jeremiah describes end-time Babylon as “O arrogant one” (50:31).
When the destruction comes, it will be the end of the buildings and the factories and the trucks and the ships and the movie studios, and many people will all be destroyed. Global capitalism and the American culture, as we know it today, will be destroyed; first with nuclear bombs and later with asteroid impacts and earthquakes, and will never dominate the world again. Though this sounds grim for America, there will be many survivors, and most of them will be Christians.
America was once a Christian nation, but is now in danger of being taken over by the godless. If left alone, they will end up making it illegal to be a Christian in America. Sometimes it is necessary to take a knife and cut off an infected limb before the infection spreads and kills the whole body. In the case of America, the infection could spread throughout the entire world, as we shall see in other chapters. But God will cut out the evil, and save the good.
