Something I’ve often fought against in my writer’s mind in these commentaries is the matter of being too America-centric. That is, it’s always tempting to bring things involving the United States into articles. I’m most familiar with our nation and its influence on geopolitical and other areas of life upon the planet. So it’s perhaps a sense of familiarity that produces laziness in my research if my guard against such isn’t at full resolution.
However, in this particular piece, it is altogether appropriate to make America the focal point. The reason is that I continue to receive a number of emails from writers who look at developments in which the US is undeniably at the center of critical areas of nation-state interaction.
Of course, the emails I receive are inevitably steeped in and surrounded by questions with Bible prophecy at their center. And with the frenetic pace of developments lately, those messages are, almost as a unified theme, posing the question: Why is America so powerfully observable in geopolitical and geo-economics activity at this late hour of this Age of Grace (Church Age)?
Without exception, these mention the fact that the American president commands full attention in all he does, and now there is, with the death of Pope Francis, a newly elected pontiff—an American.
President Trump seemingly has the magic touch in leading all nations–even antagonist nations like China—to join in working to make the world economy one that will benefit all. This president also leads the way in seeking peace in the Middle East in dealing with Iran and Israel, between Russia and Ukraine, and between India and Pakistan–all areas that present the danger of igniting nuclear conflict.
Pope Leo XIV, who is already ballyhooed as “the American pope,” joins the movement in calling for peace and safety as he demonstratively aims to lead with great vigor from the Vatican, Christendom’s most powerful center from the world’s diplomatic perspective.
Many who watch things develop toward prophetic stage-setting and even fulfillment are speculating as to whether the powerful influence the US is currently exhibiting in the areas of geopolitics, geo-economics, and religion might indicate that America is destined to be the Babylon of Revelation 18.
One of the most-asked questions by those interested in end-times matters is: “Is America in Bible prophecy?” Or, “Why isn’t America, certainly considered the greatest nation to this point in history in terms of wealth and material achievement, not in Bible prophecy?”
The most common answer given by teachers and others who view prophecy from the premillennial, pre-Tribulation, futurist perspective is: “No. America is not found in Bible prophecy.” That has most frequently been my own answer to that basic question. The US isn’t found within the pages of God’s prophetic Word.
I can’t answer for others who deal with biblical eschatology (the study of end things). I can only say that my own meaning within my answer is that the US isn’t mentioned by name anywhere in prophecy.
Whether this most materially blessed nation in history, despite the absence of its name, is or is not somewhere in prophecy is another matter. Regarding that, my thinking has trended in more recent times toward “perhaps.”
Babylon, the city second only to Jerusalem as far as the number of times it’s mentioned in the Bible, is, of course, at the center of most controversy in the question of whether America is implied in Scripture. Is the United States Babylon the Great?
Despite the adamant answers to this query by some of my colleagues and friends on both sides of the America/Babylon matter, I must say they cannot—nor can I—know for certain. Only history playing out can provide the answer. We don’t know the future in detail when speculating upon such peripheral prophetic issues. Such is reserved exclusively for the God of Heaven.
Time’s unfolding, however, always draws things to come into focus so that prophetic detail can be more clearly discerned. It seems to me that recent times have provided ever-increasing magnification, showing America’s possible inclusion within these “end-of-days” prophecies, as the secular world terms them.
I’m not declaring that I think America is Babylon the Great. Like this commentary’s title implies, however, our nation, in many ways, looks more and more like a mirror reflection of that prophesied entity. The speculation therefore is allowable, in my view.
If God’s Word is true—and it is in every respect—there must be a city, nation, and commercial influence of tremendous magnitude during the time of what John was told to call the Apocalypse: the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.”
We must then, if trying to understand whether the present generation is near the time of Christ’s revelation, or Second Coming, ask whether a city-state commercial system as described in Revelation 18 exists.
As a matter of fact, there is indeed such an entity. It is the only one on the scene right now. Far beyond that fact, the one presently on the scene is unlike any other that’s ever existed.
The United States of America is, in terms of human achievement and attainment of every conceivable development of material convenience, the absolute apex of all nations of all of history! This isn’t being boastful of my nation. It’s simply fact that even the most ardent America-hater can’t truthfully deny.
At the same time, as we’ve seen over these closing days of the age, America is the exporter of evil even the likes of Sodom couldn’t claim.
Here are God’s Words, through John while the apostle and prophet was exiled on Patmos. Is there any possibility that these words might fit America the Great?
Let’s look here at the mysterious entity God called “Babylon the Great.” Its total destruction assuredly describes how it will be the apex nation/city/commercial and religious system of human history.
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
For in one hour so great riches is come to naught. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate (Revelation 18:9–10, 15–19).
It’s a frightful and exceedingly sad speculation, to be sure. But we are commanded by our Lord to “watch” (Mark 13:37). Therefore, we must do so in accordance with Christ’s other command:
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)
Terry James Prophecy Line 
Excellent
The Bible is clear that Babylon the Great is a city, not a nation. That doesn’t mean it isn’t an American nation though. In my opinion, the cities which best fit the description of that ‘great city’ are New York City, and Rome.
Considering the lateness of the hour, I do not believe it is Saudi Arabia’s Noem, or the original Babylon in Iraq. Plus those cities do not have the ports or stature required to fit the descriptions in Rev. 18. And I absolutely trust the Bible so I’m not willing to shoe-horn a nation, or a city, into the description, rather than accepting the description to define the city. Which city it is will become crystal clear, at the time God has determined, and I have no intention of being here to witness its fall.
As for the role the USA plays, I am reminded there are terrible things John saw that he was commanded not to write down.
From Got Questions:
“The seven thunders appear in Rev 10:1-7 In his apocalyptic vision, the apostle John saw a mighty angel striding the sea and the land with a scroll in his hand. The angel gave a shout like the roar of a lion, and then the voices of the seven thunders spoke. Just as John was about to write down what they said, a voice from heaven told him to “seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down” (Revelation 10:4).
The incident of the seven thunderous voices occurs in the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. The seven thunders are not just the usual noise of thunder but are thunder-like voices communicating a message. The Greek word translated “thunder” means “to roar.” Thunder is often a mark of judgment in Scripture as in 1 Samuel 2:10, 2 Samuel 22:14, and several more places in Revelation (8:5, 11:19, 16:18), so these seven powerful voices are crying out for God’s judgment upon the sinful earth. The thunder represents the voice of God. Psalm 18:13 says, “The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.”
Further evidence of the seven thunders being the voice of God is in Revelation 4:5: “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” Again the voice of God is depicted as thunderous rumblings that display the power, majesty and glory of our mighty Lord. In this verse, John saw a preview of the divine wrath to be poured out on the earth as described in full in Revelation chapters 6—19.
Just as John was about to write the words of the seven thunders, a voice from heaven commands him to seal up what was revealed by them. The same throne that issues forth lightning and peals of thunder issues a command to keep secret what the voices have revealed. The reason for the sealing is not given, but it could be that the judgment was simply too terrifying to be recorded. The content of the message is never revealed in Scripture, so we can’t speculate on it. The seven thunders are the only words in Revelation that are sealed.”
So, I am speculating that this may well have something to do with the absolute destruction of the USA, and perhaps other nations. Since God wouldn’t allow this revelation to be recorded, we can’t know. But whatever it is, we can be sure it is very, very BAD.
Again, IMHO God doesn’t want us stockpiling beanie-weanies in an underground bunker. This is probably another, of many reasons, He didn’t want John to write what he saw. Having food, guns, water and emergency medical supplies for short term emergencies is plain common sense, but preparing for ‘Doomsday’ like the ‘elites’ have been doing, is foolish and will be ineffective against our Holy God. Humanity should be preparing for the day they meet the Lord face to face. God has made it plain that His salvation plan is the only protection there is, and the only one needed. But fallen man wants to do it his way, or any way, as long as it doesn’t involve surrendering to our Creator, and worshipping the Author and Finisher of Our Faith.
Maranatha!
In my experience when Jesus said for us not to store up “treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt” the same hold true for Doomsday provisions. I did have emergency stores, not a lot but enough to hold my family for a few weeks, perhaps a month or so. They were supposedly in unpenetrable bins. The mouse actually ate through those bins and the food contained in them was corrupted. We can not actually secure supplies for the Doomsday. God wants us to trust in Him and His Grace and His Mercies. He will provide what we need and He has proved that over and over.
Great Article Terry. I agree with you that there is not enough information to definitively identify the United States as Babylon. I know of some Christians that identify New York City as Babylon and I can see where they might get that idea. Scripture states that the Woman rides the Beast until such a time as the Beast devours the harlot religious system.
And lo and behold, we have an American Pope. Ever notice that since the early 1900’s the character of the Popewas chosen in order to work with the United States in mind, except when they thought that another country was strongerand in this case they fell into line with Nazi Germany with Pope Pius XII.
So now we can see that choosing an American Pope Leo was intentional by Rome. The Woman rides the Beast….or she is trying to very much right now. And Melania Trump is Catholic as is Vice President Vance and with Paula Whiteas the head of the White House Faith Office.
Just for discussion, the United States has always ballyhooed itself as the great melting pot of humanity. Truly formed out of the Sea.
We shall see. And I think we are going to find out sooner rather than later.
Enjoy your Memorial day Brother and God Bless. Mark
Mark, great comments.
The understatement of the age is that God doesn’t think like we do, and His ways are not our ways. My personal example is that I had zero hope Trump could regain his rightful office. I just couldn’t see it. But God (always) has a bigger, more astonishing plan….daily it seems.
It is not a coincidence that people placed in some of the highest positions in the USA are part of the RCC. God is moving the prophetic chess pieces into position and it is fascinating to watch; His intent is unfolding.
I’m ready to go home, past ready. But He keeps us here, He is unworried and sovereignly providing for us, until His plans meet the eternal calendar He designed, and is following.
Praying every day for the sound of the trumpet! Amen
I agree with what you say. God chose Donald J. Trump for this time. I pray for God’s hand to be upon him and that he will complete the mission the Lord has fitted for.
I also believe that God’s hand was protecting him in Butler, PA. That event sent chills down my spine. It was so amazing and I have had to smile when I hear some of the explanations for his narrow escape. It was to have been a head shot just like the one that killed John F. Kennedy. I saw so many similarities to that day in 1963. God marked Trump with that piercing of his right ear.
I also pray that Trump sees this as an experience similar to the one Paul had on the Damascus Road. He does give God the credit for his escape. When he was first elected and the ministers gathered to pray over him, I could see he did not know how to respond to that and it seemed to make him uneasy. Now I watch him when people pray for him and I sense he knows how important it is.
God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways and I thank Him for that!! I am so happy to leave it all up to our Lord God.
My perspective on Terry’s very good article is this: America, the United States is now and has been the center of the geo-political world since roughly WWII. I personally believe the reason America isn’t mentioned in Bible prophecy specifically, absent we’re the Young Lions Of Tarshish (Great Britain), is because our specific role from the Pilgrim day’s migration to these shores is, and always has been to be a Great Commissioner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Leading right up to our times when Israel became a nation again. Another reason we aren’t mentioned in Bible prophecy as I’ve stated before on this forum is I believe a significant part of America’s populace will be Raptured leaving a huge gap in leadership, military support, and therefore be of little to no prominence in what’s left of a geo-political world embracing the Tribulation period.
I’ve pondered Babylon many times and considered America as a whole, and New York in particular as this sumptuous, wealthy, gaudy, hedonistic monopoly it has over the rest of the world. People’s personal ambitions has made this so, meaning the seductive lure of power, wealth and fame has drawn people there, and to America’s shores in general. Many strive to make it here so they can say if they made it here, they can make it anywhere, as the Sinatra song goes.
I’ll be the first to admit America, and New York in particular, may be destroyed, but I think if it happens at all, it’s in the Tribulation, and not before. Remember, many on this forum, including Ed Wood, have stated how does it make sense there’s very much destruction (there will be some) prior to the Great Tribulation (2nd half-1260 days) given what were told in the Bible. Specifically, the allowing of a 3rd Temple (it’s not happening before the Tribulation), the preaching by the 144k Jewish male virgins of the Gospel of Jesus, the 2 Witnesses killed in Jerusalem streets where the world watches by Internet-Televison(presumably), and then miraculously they are healed. How in the world do these, and many other prophecy related events happen if there’s sudden and complete destruction on a widespread scale, which Babylon in my estimation certainly qualifies as such to occur? Makes NO sense!
I agree with most of what you’ve said, nevertheless, the Bible makes clear that approx 1/2 of the world’s population will be dead from wars, violence, pestilence, famine and wild beasts; all occurring in the first half of the 7-year-tribulation.
That we can’t yet understand how that transpires and the world is able to carry on in some manner doesn’t mean we can claim it won’t be so. It can be so, and it will be so, because God said it. It is useless to pretend to know anything other than what God has said, even when it seems unlikely or confusing.
No one, for over 1800 years, knew how Israel could possibly be restored as a nation, before 1948, when it was reborn in 1 day, exactly as Isaiah foretold. There are too many examples in scripture to list here, as the Bible is literally filled with miracles that are impossible, according to man’s vantage point.
Hopefully we won’t be here to see it most of what happens (I don’t believe we will) but if God foretells anything, there is no reasonable debate against it…whatever ‘it’ may be.
Hello Terry,
I have also been considering the US as Babylon in Revelation18.
However, along with the references of the economic prowess, I most recently had been focusing on verse 23.
Specifically “for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived”
I’m sure you are aware ‘sorceries’ is translated from the Greek ‘pharmakia’, where we get our word pharmaceutical.
Yes, the whole world was deceived during the Civic scam. Now our country is told more infectious threats require more forced vaccinations. Participate or be isolated.
I am 74, with my own heart issues. This is all speculation by souls who should spend more time sharing the Good News of salvation, as we believe we won’t even be here to watch Anti Christ choose his Babylon.
Thank you for all you do.
In Christ
Mark Krupp
The Bible says, ‘mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots’. America just came in 16th century & would wind up in the gog Magog war post the rapture. Of certain there would be nuclear exchange between the US and Russia. This would completely Decimate the US & simultaneously considerably reduce the superpower status of Russia & even Islam. This would give perfect opportunity for Europe to come back to the picture soon after the rapture. In the 1st half of the tribulation Rome introduces & rides the beast system. The Antichrist comes to power through this system. In the 2nd half of the tribulation, to make himself significant& Rome insignificant, be wipes out Rome & Roman Catholism worldwide. The pope & papacy which is mystery Babylon, will cease to exist. The Antichrist will enter the newly build Jewish temple& proclaim himself as God. So, America is already gone in the Gog Magog War. So, here is the sequence of events:- Rapture – gap – Gog Magog War/US & Russia’s destruction – Gap – Antichrist signs 7 year peace covenant – Rome Rides the beast – beast destroys rome – Beast sets up one world government – Russia/Iran/china challenge him – China destroys 1/3rd of mankind i.e. entire Europe is wiped out by nuclear fire – China/India/Asia go to Armageddon to fight & capture the beast – Jesus Christ 2nd Coming/Destruction of all armies at Armageddon/Beast & False Prophet captured & cast into the lake of fire – Lord Jesus Christ sets up the millenium kingdom – Jesus Christ is Lord & King forever and ever and ever..
Why do we assume America isn’t in Bible prophecy? What if Rome didn’t fall? Gibbon wasn’t the best friend of Christianity. What if the ten toes develop over time and not just in the final 7 years? What if there is a connection between the beasts of Daniel and Revelation? What if this union solves the mind with wisdom in Revelation 17:9? I have no doubt America is in Bible. And I think I can prove it.