The last few chapters of Revelation have shown us both the wickedness and ultimate destruction of Babylon, that deceiver of nations. In so doing, a choice is pressed upon us. It is a choice between masters. Will we follow the beast or the Lamb? Will we seek our home in Babylon, the great prostitute, or in the Bride of the Lamb? The contrast between the two cities, one a harlot and the other a pure Bride, comes into clearer focus in chapter 19. Babylon, which is likened unto a city, is also a prostitute. The church, also called the New Jerusalem, is likened unto a bride. Babylon and the Bride face radically different destinies.

As the smoke of Babylon’s destruction goes up forever, the vast multitude of the redeemed lift up a mighty shout of Hallelujah! This praise for the destruction of the wicked is neither cruel nor self-indulgent but focused on the vindication of God’s glory as the inauguration of his righteous kingdom has now finally come. It is a shout of praise that God’s kingdom has come and his will has been done on earth as it is heaven (19:6-20:15).

The blessed invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb is now sent out far and wide. Jesus is returning for his bride, his church, the redeemed from every nation. And on that day what the Apostle Paul anticipated will come about: “…so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27).