Globalist Seduction: Babylon, the Antichrist, and “Big Pharma” (Revelation 18)

Globalist Seduction: Babylon, the Antichrist, and “Big Pharma” (Revelation 18) 

Scripture reading – Revelation 1 



Seven bowls of God’s wrath were poured out on the tribulation world (Revelation 16-17). Yet, Babylon seemed to prevail, even as the people and nations of the world were reeling under the consequences of God’s wrath. The flesh of men was afflicted with ulcers (Revelation 16:2), and the seas and fresh waters turned to blood (Revelation 16:3-7). The sun’s shift scorched men under its rays (Revelation 16:8-9), even as the earth was plunged into terrifying darkness (Revelation 16:10-11). The Euphrates River dried up, as God made a path for the armies of the world to gather at Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

When the seventh bowl of God’s wrath was poured out, His voice was heard and declared, “It is done” (Revelation 16:17). The earth was then shaken by an earthquake greater than any before it, and the city of Jerusalem “was divided into three parts” (Revelation 16:19), Islands fell into the sea, as the mountains were removed (Revelation 16:20).

God’s judgment against Babylon began in Revelation 17, and continued through Revelation 18. As you read today’s Scripture reading (Revelation 18), remember Babylon was prophetically more than a great city. In the Book of Revelation, Babylon was a symbol of the power, authority, and government of the antichrist (identified as “the beast” in these latter chapters of Revelation).



The apostle John wrote, “I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Revelation 18:1). Remembering the earth was in the throes of darkness from the fifth bowl (Revelation 16:10-11), the angel’s appearance illuminated the sky “with his glory” (Revelation 18:1). The same angel cried with a loud voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen” (Revelation 18:2).

Reasons for Babylon’s Demise (Revelation 18:2-3)

Like ancient Babylon, which was weighed in the balances of God’s justice and was “found wanting” (Daniel 5:27), the Babylon of Revelation was condemned (Revelation 18:2-3). It had become a place for demonic spirits (18:2b), and every foul and unclean spirit (Revelation 18:2c). Like vultures circling a rotting carcass, demonic spirits, like “every unclean and hateful bird,” waited for Babylon’s fall (Revelation 18:2d).

Tragically, I find the sins of Revelation 18:3 indicative of the sins and wickedness of our current western nations: the United States being most prominent. Babylon was condemned for her sexual debauchery, and lust for wealth and riches (Revelation 18:3). The world ruled by the antichrist will lead nations down a path of sexual perversity, and spiritual idolatry (Revelation 18:3a). The kingdom of the antichrist will seduce the nations of the world with its wealth, riches, and pleasures (Revelation 18:3b).

A Call for Separation and Judgment (18:4-7)



The voice of the angel (Revelation 18:1) was suddenly interrupted when the Lord voiced from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, That ye be not partakers of her sins, And that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). The call for believers to separate from the world and its wickedness is found throughout the Scriptures. Although separation from the world is a Scriptural mandate, many 21st century believers and churches have failed to separate from the Babylon of our day. Surely, the command, “come out of her, my people,” should resonate in the heart of every believer who loves the Lord (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

Like the tower of ancient Babel (Genesis 11), the sins of Babylon were described as having piled up so high they “reached unto heaven” (Revelation 18:5a). An angel called on God to punish Babylon, saying, “Reward her even as she rewarded you, And double unto her double according to her works: In the cup which she hath filled fill to her double” (Revelation 18:6). In essence, not only remember Babylon’s wickedness, but punish her doubly for the sins she has committed. The same angel described Babylon’s sins: Proud (for she had “glorified herself”), Sensual (“lived deliciously”), and Presumptuous (for the city boasted “I sit a queen, And am no widow, and shall see no sorrow” (Revelation 18:7).

Closing thoughts (Revelation 18:8-24) – I conclude with a few observations. The nations of the earth were staggered by the wrath of God, but were especially shocked at the sudden demise and destruction of Babylon (Revelation 18:8). The wealthy and powerful men of the earth were shocked and dismayed by the fall of the antichrist and his empire (18:9-10). So much of the world economy was dependent on trade with Babylon, and the sudden failure of that nation sent economic shock waves across the world (Revelation 18:11-14). The wealthy and powerful were terrified, and wailed, “Alas, alas, that great city…For in one hour so great riches is come to nought” (Revelation 18:16b-17a). Shipping and commerce were destroyed, as men who sailed the seas, cried, “For in one hour is she made desolate” (Revelation 18:17-19).

The destruction of Babylon (representing the seat of the antichrist’s power and authority), gave cause for rejoicing in heaven (Revelation 18:20). A “mighty angel” described the effect of Babylon’s annihilation: The sound of musical instruments fell silent  (Revelation 18:22a), and the work of craftsmen and those preparing bread ceased (18:22b). Light was extinguished, along with the joys of the groom and the bride (Revelation 18:23a).

Finally, given the world’s recent experience with “Covid-19” and vaccines, verse 23 should resonate with believers. We read, “For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived” (Revelation 18:23b). The root word for sorceries in the Greek language is “pharmakeia,” from which we get our English word “pharmacy or pharmaceuticals.” In the tribulation, “all nations” will be deceived by “pharmakeia” (In the United States, the revenue of the pharmaceutical industry in 2021 was $576.9 billion).

When people ask, “what is wrong with our world?” You can answer, “We are on the threshold of the Tribulation!”

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