The second angel states succinctly, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8). From early history the city of Babylon symbolized defiance of God, apostasy and rebellion. Lucifer was its invisible king. Throughout the Bible, Babylon represents the enemy of God’s people and the struggle between God’s city, Jerusalem, and Satan’s city, Babylon, illustrating the conflict between good and evil. In the last days, Babylon falls because she rejects the first angel’s message—the gospel of righteousness by faith in the Creator God who sanctified the seventh-day Sabbath (Ezekiel 20:12, 20). JTL22 9.1
The second angel’s message will have increasing relevance as Jesus’ coming draws near. “Babylon is fallen” will meet its complete fulfillment with the alliance of the various religious organizations to legislate observance of Sunday, the counterfeit Sabbath. JTL22 9.2
Says the angel, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). This “loud cry” message is the final call for God’s people to separate from every vestige of Babylon. Every individual will have to choose between being a follower of the Lamb or a follower of the beast. This last appeal by the remnant of God to “come out of Babylon” is the dramatic antitype of all the biblical commands to flee God’s judgment. JTL22 9.3