Last day events

I agree that Rev. 18 sounds like the economic fallout from a collapsed super-power, but I don't think we can connect it to what is happening to us right now.  It would mean a major shift in our current thinking about Babylon being "confusion" and the call to come out of her his a call to come back to the truth, and the Sabbath.  Here is the verse that stands out to me: Rev 18:20  "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her."  The holy ones are rejoicing that Babylon has fallen.  Why?  In Ch. 17 we find out that the woman, who also represents Babylon (vs 5),  has been persecuting and killing Gods people.  Rev 17:6  "And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly."  If the economic disaster caused by the fall of Babylon that we read about in Ch. 18 is about the US.   Then that would mean that the US has been persecuting and killing God's people.   This hasn't been happening.  Even with all the freedoms that we have seen fading lately, we still enjoy the freedom to follow Christ.   It seems to me that any empire that collapses, even 3000 years ago, is going to create economic shockwaves.  

Anyway.  This is not to say that the ultimate demise of the US won't be the economy.  I just don't see that in Revelation.  I think we should discuss this more.  What do you all think?

I have for many years believed that Revelation 18 is about America, if looked at it literally.  I do not believe it is about Rome.  If Rome went up in 1 hour would all the merchants of the earth weep and wail, because no one buys their goods???  America is the only place that at this present time this could be fulfilled as far as I can tell (Please seek God for your own understanding).  Read it again and look at the descriptions and the specific Items that are purchased from these merchants.  There are also Spiritual meanings to this chapter also. 

There is more understanding to be had in the Bible.  I think sometimes as Adventists we read what Amazing facts and the commentary say and look no further.  Those are good things to read, but Adventists believed that more understanding was to come. 

Let me give you one example.  In the mid 1800's people believed Jesus was coming.  They believed the Mark of the Beast was your thoughts (forehead) and your actions (right hand).  I totally agree with this.  Could it be that the mark could also be literal?  The mark has to do with not only allegiance, but also commerce.  “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” The technology is here for literal implantable chips.  Here are the links.  I am not even close to sure it will be what this company is doing, but we need to open our eyes and at least look.  I look at God's word, and say GOD YOU ARE AWESOME!!!  Could there be a better time than now to seek God’s face?

Just my 2 cents.

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Good point Adam, but I believe that Babylon itself is comprised of several different things(political, economical, spiritual, physical, etc....). I will try to give more input after I revisit Revelation 17 thoroughly.  It has been a while.  I would like to say how excited I am to see God's children interested in these things.  I think together we can all learn from each other.  God please send your Holy Spirit to be with us on this forum in Jesus name.