Babylon Rising...As In The Days Of Noah

I love how I'm constantly amazed by our Lord and that there's never a time that I'm not in awe of Him and His ways! Get ready for four parts to this series instead of only three as my research has taken me places I never imagined existed.

I'll admit at the outset that part three will be an ambitious attempt to tie everything from the first two parts together so please pull up a chair, pour another cup of coffee, and let's try to reach a consensus together (or at least a better understanding) of what we can take from all of this.

In the first part of this series called "Babylon Rising" I wrote, "I didn't plan on the week going this way, but as I continue to iron out a few things in the Rapture series of articles I promised, I'll be putting out a fascinating piece over the next day or two instead that continues with this Babylon theme, but asks if perhaps we missed something (something that would undoubtedly confirm these are the prophesied end times) that was right under our noses for the past few years."

Leave it to our magnificent Lord to take me in a direction that on the surface appears COMPLETELY UNRELATED to my current Rapture discussion research only to show me in the end that it all connects and ultimately helps me "iron out" those things that were perplexing me. Incredible!

A couple of days ago, in the "Babylon Rising" piece we looked at how the rebirth of Babylon, Iraq is well underway, and thought about how that might connect with what we know about the last days. In fact, it was largely overlooked by the Western news media over the past few weeks, but there was an enormously significant story. The government of Iraq is moving forward with plans to protect the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Babylon, in preparation for building a modern city of Babylon. The project, originally started by the late Saddam Hussein, is aimed eventually at attracting scores of "cultural tourists" from all over the world to see the glories of Mesopotamia's most famous city. What's more, the Obama Administration is contributing $700,000 towards "The Future of Babylon Project," through the State Department's budget.

Then, in "Babylon Rising...Nothing New Under The Sun" we looked at some remarkable truths in the Book of Ecclesiastes and questioned if they were enough to support and confirm the so-called Theory of Dual Fulfillment, which is the explanation of the fact that many Old Testament prophecy passages often speak of both a near and a far fulfillment; prophecies used to describe historical judgments that have already been fulfilled in at least some sense, while at other times referring to divine judgments that will take place towards the end of the age.

Now, we'll answer the question we asked ourselves at the conclusion of that piece - - What does the Book of Ecclesiastes, dual fulfillment, and the "as in the days of Noah" prophecy tell us about our near (imminent) future? I think it tells us quite a bit actually.


"THOSE WHO FORGET THE PAST ARE DESTINED TO REPEAT IT..."


I believe this is the secular world's version of those famous verses from Ecclesiastes I wrote about in the last section. No matter, because God's truth and natural law still holds true.

Since our focus is locked in on the historical record of Babylon, Iraq let's quickly review what we know about that place to set the stage.

The "Land of Shinar" was a general geographic term for what is today Iraq, known in ancient times as Mesopotamia. There, two of the greatest of ancient empires - - Assyria and Babylon - - were centered. Shinar is mentioned very early in Bible history, obviously, with it being the location of the infamous Tower of Babel that was constructed after the Flood. The Land of Shinar was also the site of the kingdoms founded by Nimrod. After the Flood, humans soon got back to their arrogant, defiant-of-God ways.

The two most well-known historical events from this time and place are the Flood and the destruction of the Tower of Babel. I mention them because they are central to understanding the final pieces of this puzzle, or for considering the final analysis I'm going to make.

One of the most cataclysmic events in all of human history is the Great Flood at the time of Noah. Commonly known simply as "The Flood" or "The Deluge," it certainly was a very big adjustment in the history of humanity. Of course, the reason for the Flood was that humanity's behavior had become so hopelessly evil that God could no longer tolerate them (Genesis 6:5-7). Noah and his family were the exception. They were counted worthy to escape God's wrath.

Not long after the Flood, and about three centuries before the call of Abraham, humans were united in language. What did they do with their ability to work together? They set out to challenge God by presumptuously attempting to build a tower to Heaven! And, as God Himself stated, that would have been just the beginning to "their" rebellion.

Essentially, the whole earth had one language, and all the world’s population had migrated to the same location. The whole world then joined together to build a great city, and had aspirations of building a tower that reached the heavens. Not much detail is given in regards to what exactly their great sin was, but the Lord came down and confused their language, so that they no longer understood each other, and the people of the city of Babel were dispersed throughout the Earth. Though the text isn’t explicit in regards to their sin other than God saying “this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6), the greater theological implications of the story are many. Now, simply consider today's current and aggressive push by the world's political leaders and media for a New World Order. Globalization in all facets is being seriously discussed at all levels of government for the first time since the time of Babel. The prophesied one-world government of the Antichrist is at our doorstep. Interesting parallel especially when you realize that this has, in fact, all happened before. They inhabitants of Babel weren't counted worthy to escape God's wrath.


Let's recap. In ancient Old Testament times when Babylon was at its cultural and political height (or so those who dwelled their thought), things became so corrupt, so evil, that when the people refused to repent in response to God's warnings He sent the Flood as a great judgment on them, and in essence hit the reset button on His creation. Another thread to this event that should not be overlooked here is the fact that it is becoming more and more a part of accepted theology that He also did this to destroy the Nephilim (the offspring of the Fallen Angels and human women who were directly responsible for the outbreak of depravity and rebellion in the world) because they were, in turn, trying to corrupt the seed of man and as much of God's creation as possible. I've written about that quite extensively here in this forum. Noah and his family were the only ones who heeded God's warning, and so God provided a way for them to escape and survive His judgment upon the planet. After the Flood, you'd think that the world would've remembered what happened and learned their lesson - - not so fast! They conspired in all of the arrogance and pride to make themselves like God by joining together as one while also attempting to set up their worldly political throne in the heavens through the construction of the Tower of Babel. Bad idea. In trying to mimic God, they actually mocked Him, and He has no choice but to act once again.

That sets the stage for us. "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9) or "those who forget the past are destined to repeat it..." Is that us? Have we forgotten our ancient past? Are we poised to make the same foolish mistake? Yes, except this time our arrogance and pride will produce the most brutal ruler this world has ever seen. In that sense, many people are unwittingly signing their own death warrant.

Wait, didn't Jesus Christ Himself tell us that the last days on this planet would be "as in the days of Noah" and that this would be a major sign for those living during that time (Matthew 24:37-38)?


WHAT ELSE CAN WE LEARN ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT CLUE?


I believe that this important clue from Matthew (when coupled with what God tells us in Ecclesiastes as well as what He reveals to to through the application of dual fulfillment) is pointing to an almost imminent "flood-like" event of judgment upon this nation. All the signs from the past few weeks have been screaming at us that this is what's coming. Yes, I could be completely wrong. I pray that I am and that God delays a little while longer so that more people can still come to Him. But something about this latest study and series of articles is bothering me. I just can't quite sort it all out yet.

Like the black clouds in the sky, God is warning the people of the Earth especially the people of the United States. I once read that some think of the Civil War as America's punishment from God for their treatment of African slaves. Those same people fear the unfathomable retribution that awaits this nation for our acceptance of such things as abortion and homosexuality amongst many other grievous sins. Ever since Adam and Eve rebelled in the garden, God has punished rebellious men who refuse and reject His way of reconciliation. It is that sin which will produce the wrath of God upon the earth. It's hard to understand why most people can see the storms approaching and upon hearing the siren seek protection, but when it comes to the approaching judgments and wrath of God upon a sin-sick society, very few hear the warning sirens.

It's not that the people don't see the black clouds of destruction, they just don't seem to care. They see the clouds, but ignore the sirens. Jesus spoke of this spiritual condition as indifference. Noah faced the same thing prior to the flood of judgment. They were totally indifferent to God´s voice that was calling them to Godly sorrow and repentance. They rejected His mercy and grace (Luke 17:26-27).

Jesus discloses that the same spiritual conditions would permeate society up until His coming, that filled Noah´s generation. People were so busy in their daily affairs and cares of living; they didn't give heed to Noah´s warnings. Noah spent many years warning the people that unless they repent and turn from their sins, God would destroy them. Yet, like the world today, things went on "business as usual," even in the midst of chaos, violence, and perversion. Here was Noah, building an ark, trusting God, as the world slipped deeper into sin. The Bible is very clear that Noah was totally rejected, for only his immediate family was spared from the wrath of God. Like Noah, we face a world which is becoming more materialistic and self-centered. We see growing indifference to the things of God, even in the house of God. Jesus cautioned us about being caught up in the cares and pleasures of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. Please take heed, for He is warning those who call themselves Christians (Luke 21:34).

What are the reflections from the time of the Flood ("the days of Noah") on 2009? What did the Lord intend that we learn from the drama of Noah and the Ark for profitable application at this end of the age? Hosea 12:10 reads, "I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets." The question is whether any of us are truly watching and listening to what's being written and said in eschatological circles.

"Noah" means "Rest." Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. Outside of Noah's family, others in the land were depraved, and the land was filled with violence. Does that compare with our land today? God said He would make an end to all not of Noah's intense persuasion, and to the land as it had become. Noah was told that a flood would destroy all in the land, except that which would enter or be placed in the Ark and remain there. Thus far, it is not too difficult to understand that the Ark represented Jesus Christ as the Word of God.


Noah did not know when the flood would come, until 7 days previously. Then he did know! That was on the 10th day of the month. It was on the 17th day of the 2nd month that the flooding began. Being the 2nd month, it is indicated that this was to be a thorough separation (symbolism of 2) from the other people and their way of life. The Lord gave Noah the commandment to enter the Ark on the 10th day of the 2nd month and, 7 days later, the flooding began. Gen. 7:4-11. It poured rain throughout 40 days (40 is the number of testing). The waters prevailed from the 17th in the 2nd month to the 17th in the 7th month. The number of the true church is 7. There were 7 persons with Noah.

These 7s being followed by the 40 of testing most likely points to the 2nd month following the lunar month of Nisan, in the Spring of the year. Much later, the Lord also told Moses that the sacred year would begin with the month of Nisan, the month of the Passover (Exodus 12:2). God does not change the patterns in which He works (Malachai 3:6).

Nisan 10 in 2009 is just a couple of days before Passover begins. This year Nisan 10 will be over the weekend of April 4-5, 2009. I was surprised to learn that so many believers are now looking at this Spring season for our Rapture flight, and Nisan 10 is an important day to be watching. I'll spend much more time on this once I return to the Rapture series. I should mention that I find it VERY INTERESTING that during that same week President Barack Obama will be wrapping up his first European tour as President of the United States, and that according to recent reports he's now planning on making an historic visit and speech to the Middle East from Turkey.

Lastly, I pointed out in the previous two parts something significant that is often overlooked about the ancient city of Babylon. It's a reminder that I think we should pay much more attention to these last days especially now that Babylon is literally being rebuilt by the most powerful nations of the world in our time.

That reminder is that, ultimately, we should view Babylon as the ultimate "gate of heaven" or "gate of the god," which just happens to be the very meaning of the name "Babylon." Similarly, the name given to the historical Tower of Babel, "Etemenanki," meant "the house of the foundation of heaven and earth" (i.e. a "gate to heaven"). Let that sit with you for a few moments after recalling things examined under a microscope in "Transform Your Mind: The Sky Is Falling!" and "Full Disclosure Imminent?" from last week.

However, there's another important reminder that we might want to at least consider or keep in the back of our minds. If there is something to the whole "dual fulfillment" thing then we need to ask if the end times prophecies about the actual, literal city of Babylon can also apply to a spiritual, symbolic city very much like Babylon too (as in "Mystery, Babylon the Great").

Here's why. I'm sure you've heard at some time or another the thinking that maybe the United States and one of her great cities is some kind of Babylon (spiritually symbolic) if not the Babylon referred to in the Book of Revelation. Many who hold to this view have many reasons why they feel that way, and they almost always point to the fact that America is mentioned nowhere in the Bible as a major player during Daniel's 70th Week (the final 7 years).

Surely, there could be several reasons for this - - this country is decimated from within due to civil/political unrest (rendering it insignificant on the world stage); the Rapture takes place and millions of Americans are gone in an instant leaving this country a shell of its former self; the U.S. is absorbed by the Antichrist and his political governing body (in other words, the U.S. becomes part of the one-world government). Or, as I just suggested, America could actually be the "Mystery, Babylon the Great" herself and therefore is, in fact, mentioned.

Regardless of the reasons why this is the case, what I came across in my research was extremely enlightening if nothing else. It made me examine whether or not there was anything we could glean from it all. Maybe calling this an example of dual fulfillment is an inaccurate way of labeling it because I believe that the symbolic city of Babylon is just as real and important in these end times as is the real ancient city that's being rebuilt.

Join me for part four to further decipher the clues found in the Bible that all seem to be pointing to an imminent event of epic proportions!


RECOMMENDED READING:
Globalization And The Tower Of Babel
Babylon Rising
Babylon Rising...Nothing New Under The Sun
U.S. Marines Offer Babylon Apology
U.S. To Help Rebuild City Of Babylon In Iraq
The Future Of Babylon Project