What confusion! It seems that the entire planet is being shaken by violence, turmoil, and uncertainty. What used to be widely recognized as a code of principles of right and wrong—enunciated so clearly in the Ten Commandments engraved on stone by the finger of God—seem to be uprooted by the masses. Even secular cultures that had not traditionally adhered to the Ten Commandments per se still used to at least have some sense of decency and respect for law and order. But at this point in history, the prevailing lawlessness is more than disturbing.

Where did it all start? We know that the transgression of God’s law in the garden of Eden was the first problem and it escalated from there, rapidly heading toward its culmination.

This issue of The Reformation Herald outlines the concept of “Babylon”—confusion—as brought out in Bible history. As we approach the close of time, the message, “Babylon is fallen” needs to be understood by thinking people who don’t want to be stuck in the miry quagmire of confusion.

The Bible brings forth the gracious appeal, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 1:18–20).

The Sovereign of the universe is both merciful and fair. The Majesty of the whole universe invites us to reason together with Him, confessing our gross immersion and backsliding in the temporal things of this world—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Those things will not endure to eternity, but the truth of God is what stands forever.

As we press together with fellow believers in the redemption of Christ, we are drawn into a precious unity. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

This good and precious unity is based on walking in the light as Jesus is in the light, not in following a mob to do evil, regardless of whether they are worldly-minded heathen or claim to have a lofty profession of religion. We are warned: “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread” (Isaiah 8:12, 13).

To follow in the blood-stained path of the Son of God requires a marked separation from evil. The command is clear: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Exodus 23:2). “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).

Let us therefore flee to the refuge of the revealed will of our heavenly Father as found in Scripture. There is no other safety.