Bethel and Babylon: A study in contrasts

Comments On 2nd Quarter Lessons 2004: #6

Babylon is a familiar word in Christian circles. It is a name with negative connotations. To be called a Babylonian is not a compliment, it is something to be concerned about. What is Babylon? There are many answers to this question. Some would say an empire. Some would mention certain denominations. Others would say confusion. The origin of this name seems to come from the building of Tower of Babel. It comes from the Babylonian word bab ili, which according to our quarterly means “gate of god(s).” referring to the place of access to the divine realm. Compare Genesis 11, where people built the Tower of Babel (Babylon) so that by their own power they could rise to the divine level of immunity from any accountability to God. It is an attempt to overthrow God and His government. It is an attempt to reach God by our own self-righteous efforts.

In prophetic history Babylon is continually used to designate those who oppose God. Babylon has its own system of worship and beliefs. The goal is to replace God. Through out history they have repeated the same tactics to enforce their system and to deceive their followers. For example, you will recall the Golden statue fashioned after the statue in the dream. This golden statue represented various spiritual assertions. First of all, is that the Kingdom of Babylon and its King Nebuchadnezzar could join politics with religion, the church and the state. This went against God’s command. This was one of Saul’s sin’s, for which the Lord rebuked him through Samuel. It is still a problem today. Second is the idea that the Kingdom of Babylon and its King Nebuchadnezzar would be infallible. It would be perfect and immortal. (Where have we heard that before?) The third assertion is that those who hold the power can force anyone to worship as they fit. If there is anyone who refuses to worship, this power has the authority to take their lives. This is why Daniel’s three friends were thrown in the fire and Daniel was thrown in the Lion’s den. Most martyrs have refused to worship anything or anyone outside of God. Babylon, like it’s father Satan, is proud, arrogant, and rebellious. The writer of Proverbs says of the proud,

Pro 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

There is no such thing as healthy or good pride. Whoever says that, is either deceived or needs to read their dictionary. The proud says, “I have no need of God. I am self-reliant. In fact, I can be God, myself.” The writer of Proverbs adds:

Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

So what will the Lord do to the proud?

Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud.

In contrast, we have Bethel. Bethel means "House of God." Which according to Jacob, is "the gate of heaven". The ladder that Jacob sees in his dream originates from heaven toward earth. God comes to man as Immanuel. This is the Gospel. The only true system of belief and worship. God, because of love sent “His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Also, in Romans 5:8,
But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Other versions say that while we were yet His enemies, Christ died for us. God loves us and wants us to love Him back. He wants sincere, pure, agape love worship. It is God’s attempt to save us. We merely respond by faith, believing that His grace saves us. God supplies and enables our salvation. We accept and follow Him. Like its father Jesus, Bethel is humble, truthful and totally dependent on God. To be humble does not mean to be doormat. Humility means that you submit your importance, value or agenda to that of others. In this case you submit your importance, value or agenda to God and those whom He wants you to serve.

God through Isaiah appeals to us. Which of the gates do you chose? Which system will you follow? Babylon’s or Bethel’s?

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