Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 04:13 (Dec 2000)
Article: Babylon The Great City, The Harlot An Expository Study
Author: Ronald M. Johnson

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CTJ 4:13 (December 2000) p. 345

Babylon The Great City, The Harlot An Expository Study

Ronald M. Johnson

President, Tyndale Seminary (West)
Senior Pastor, Indian Trail Community Church Spokane, WA

Introduction

Utilizing a consistent, literal hermeneutic (the grammatical-historical method of interpretation) in doing the work of biblical interpretation has always been the flagship of Dispensational Theology. Consistency in utilizing a literal hermeneutic, or the lack thereof, is the determining factor that distinguishes Dispensational Theology from Covenant Theology. Dispensationalists readily acknowledge that symbolism, similes, metaphors and other figures of speech are common in the Scriptures, especially in apocalyptic literature. A consistent, literal hermeneutic requires that symbolism, metaphors, similes and other figures of speech be understood as such, and thus, be taken literally as figures of speech. The Scriptures should consistently be understood literally, according to the common usage and meaning of the word(s) unless there is clear and compelling evidence that a word, text or passage is to be understood as symbolic, simile or other figure of speech. To do otherwise is to use allegory as a hermeneutical device thus, employing a dual hermeneutic as is the longstanding tradition of Covenant exegetes. The question to be asked and answered here is this: “Who or What is Babylon the Harlot in Revelation 17–18?” In addressing this question, I have chosen to utilize two primary sources, rather than quote a panoply of commentators. The two primary sources are: (1) first and

CTJ 4:13 (December 2000) p. 346

foremost, Scripture; (2) Robert L. Thomas’ two volume commentary on Revelation, published by Moody.1 In my judgment, Thomas’ commentary on Revelation is by far, one of the most excellent works available today. This approach emphasizes the expository focus of this paper rather than collating a myriad of viewpoints postulated by various commentators.

Some Bible teachers understand “Babylon The Great City,” described in Revelation 17–18, to be only symbolic of a godless religious/commercial system and not a literal, geographic city. Yet others understand “Babylon The Great City” to be understood literally, a geographic city that will infect the world with false gods, counterfeit worship, wickedness and commercial greed. Consequently, eschatological Babylon will be restored to a greater prominence than her former, becoming a world center of power, false religion and worship, sin, wickedness and materialism, meeting her final and ultimate de...

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