In the book of Revelation, a voice cries out from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins and receive her plagues” (Rev 18:4). Or perhaps more powerfully, “Get out.” But what does this mean?
The preceding chapter reveals that she is a “great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (18:17). Her name is “Babylon the Great,” who was intoxicated with the blood of the saints and ensnared the world with her abominations (18:4–6). Babylon commonly referred to Rome (1 Pet 5:13), invoking memories of Israel’s dealings with that ancient empire that conquered and oppressed God’s people.
So, should we get out of Rome? Not literally, since this was written to Christians outside of Rome. Rather, it means “get out… lest you share in her sins and receive her plagues.” The Roman Empire’s political and cultural influence was immense and increasingly hostile to the people of God. Rome’s emperors began to demand worship as gods, sometimes under threat of death.
Revelation warns the churches against compromising their faith through solidarity with Rome and its idolatry. Not every believer faced life-or-death tests of faith, but nearly all had to deal with the social and financial consequences of rejecting Rome’s gods. Thus, if the Lord’s people do not “get out of Rome,” they risk being caught up in the punishments coming upon it (18:4).
While we do not live in Rome today, we exist in a time when the world’s depravity, sexual immorality, slander, deception, and false worship of humanity and wealth are at our fingertips. This new “Rome” has invaded our homes, families, and hearts, successfully enslaving us to the “beast” that demands our worship. Some of us may have sworn loyalty, not with our lips, but through our actions and in our hearts as we conform to the values and morality of the beast. Meanwhile, our commitment to Christ and His truth fades.
So, my brothers and sisters, “get out of Rome” while you still can. Before she seizes your heart and turns you away from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.