Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Revelation 18
“Fallen, Fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living” (Revelation 18:2-3)
The end to all godlessness and worldly sensual ways is judgement from God. The end of our worldly cultures that chase after prosperity, lust, malice, covetousness and all idols apart from God will be ultimate condemnation from God.
Today, what the world offers may seem like a great city full of opportunity, luxury and enjoyment. And we taste this goodness from our phones and the media that we consume. To us, worldly films, Instagram posts, Tiktok, or YouTube videos seem to be light-heartedly entertaining. However, the sexual immorality, malice, wealth-orientated luxury, and worldly practices they promote are filthy before the Lord. They belong to Babylon, the prostitute who commits adultery with God’s people who are meant to be set apart to be Christ’s holy bride.
As Christians, we ought to pursue holiness in our everyday thoughts and actions. 1 Peter 1:14-16 says, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy”.
To be holy means to be set apart for God. We have been set apart because of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. We were given new lives and new hearts in Christ so that we would be made holy to serve God and worship Him. We were called out of the darkness and into the light, out of sin and into obedience to God’s truth. Why then do we still enjoy and indulge in the pleasures of worldly filth?
In reality, it is easier said than done. Our sinful flesh still drags our weak bodies back into the lusts we now hate. As Paul says, “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very things I hate” (Romans 7:14-15).
Yet, our hope is set in Christ, who has breathed new life into our hearts. We have been set free from the dominion of sin because of what Christ has done. No longer does sin have control over us. By Christ’s power, we are able to obey God. And so, we must make it our effort to gaze heavenward towards the infinite glories of holiness. No longer can we be conformed to the patterns of this world. Instead, we must “put off our old self, which belongs to [our] former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of [our minds] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Though it is hard, let us make every effort to trust in Him and pursue holiness. “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
Lord, forgive me for my love of the world. Please help me put off my sins because You are holy. You love what is righteous and pure, and all that You love is good. Although I am a Christian, my life is filled with filth. Please clean me, God, and remember me in the blood of Christ, which has already cleansed me. Do not leave or forsake Your people, especially in these times. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.