Chapter
Verse

Revelation 18:4

ESV Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;
NIV 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;
NASB I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive any of her plagues;
CSB Then I heard another voice from heaven: Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or receive any of her plagues.
NLT Then I heard another voice calling from heaven, 'Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her.
KJV And I heard another voice 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.
NKJV And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

What does Revelation 18:4 mean?

Apparently, saved Jews and Gentiles will live and work in Babylon and other major cities. This would not be without difficulty, given restrictions imposed by the False Prophet (Revelation 13:16–17). The apostle John heard a voice from heaven summoning believers to exit Babylon. There was the danger of becoming part of the problem instead of part of the solution. If the believers stayed in Babylon, they might succumb to the temptation to partake of its cultural and religious life.

Genesis 13 relates the story of Lot separating himself from his uncle, Abraham, and settling near Sodom. He did this despite the city's reputation for immorality (Genesis 13:13). Eventually, Lot became so complacent that he moved into Sodom. Just before God destroyed the city, two angels urged Lot to evacuate. When he lingered, they physically dragged him and his family out of the city (Genesis 19:1–22). Obviously, he and his wife and two daughters had found Sodom somewhat attractive. Nevertheless, the attraction ended for Lot when the Lord turned the city, all its residents, and contents into heaps of ashes (Genesis 19:23–29).

God has never commanded His people to be a part of the evil world system. His command is to be apart from the evil world system. Living "in" a fallen world does not mean living "like" those who are unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:9–11). Second Corinthians 6:14 asks: "What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" Sharing the sins of the evil world system, or being in close contact with it, leads to the tragedy of sharing its judgment.
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