“Come out of her” refers to the call for believers to separate themselves from corrupt systems or entities, particularly in Revelation 18:4, where it admonishes the faithful to avoid participation in the sins and judgments associated with Babylon, symbolizing worldly corruption and immorality. This invitation emphasizes spiritual purity and the urgency to reject affiliations that oppose God’s will.
Scripture
6 “Flee from the midst of Babylon; let every one save his life! Be not cut off in her punishment, for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance, the repayment he is rendering her.”
7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, making all the earth drunken; the nations drank of her wine; therefore the nations went mad.
8 Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; wail for her! Take balm for her pain; perhaps she may be healed.
9 We would have healed Babylon, but she was not healed. Forsake her, and let us go each to his own country, for her judgment has reached up to heaven and has been lifted up even to the skies.
“Come Out of Her” Biblical Meaning
The phrase “Come out of her” found in Revelation 18:4 serves as a poignant call for believers to withdraw from the morally and spiritually corrupt entity symbolized by Babylon. This invitation underscores the need for spiritual discernment and purity amid a world rife with immorality and idolatry. Babylon represents not just a physical location, but a broader archetype of societal systems that oppose God’s righteousness. The context of this passage highlights impending judgment upon such systems, echoing the prophetic warnings found in texts like Isaiah 48:20 and Jeremiah 51:6 that urge the faithful to flee from wickedness and pursue holiness.
Moreover, this call to separation is not merely about physical distance but reflects a deeper spiritual and ethical disentanglement from influences that compromise one’s faith. The theme resonates with other biblical exhortations, such as 2 Corinthians 6:17, where believers are called to “come out from among them and be separate,” reinforcing the concept that true faith requires an active rejection of compromising values. By heeding the call to “come out,” believers are urged to cultivate a life aligned with divine principles, thereby affirming their identity as citizens of God’s kingdom rather than subjects of a fallen world. This separation speaks to the heart of discipleship, emphasizing a transformative relationship with God that necessitates a turning away from all that is contrary to His will.
The exhortation to “come out” emphasizes a fundamental principle within the biblical narrative—God’s desire for His people to maintain their distinctiveness in a world filled with conflicting ideologies and practices. This separation is often depicted through metaphors of holiness and purity, where followers are called to be not just physically removed but also spiritually detached from influences that lead to moral compromise. Throughout scripture, instances abound where the faithful are urged to set themselves apart, illustrating that this process is integral to cultivating a devoted and resilient faith.
In the context of spiritual warfare, “coming out” can also be understood as an act of resistance against the pervasive forces that seek to undermine one’s commitment to God. This theme recurs in various biblical narratives, where the faithful engage in a conscious and deliberate act of differentiation from societal norms that contradict divine commands. Such calls to separation echo through prophetic books, where the faithful are encouraged to reject idolatry and injustice in pursuit of God’s righteousness. Thus, the act of coming out embodies not only a physical retreat but an intentional commitment to live in accordance with God’s truths, highlighting the believer’s role as a light in a morally challenging world. It speaks to an active choice to uphold one’s spiritual identity, reinforcing the understanding that faith is both a personal and communal journey of sanctification and obedience to God’s will.
Spiritual Separation from Worldly Influences
The phrase “Come out of her” can be interpreted as a call for believers to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world. This broader meaning emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and purity in the face of societal pressures and moral decay. It encourages individuals to distance themselves from practices, ideologies, and environments that contradict their faith, thereby fostering a deeper relationship with God.
Emphasis on Holiness and Righteousness
Another interpretation of “Come out of her” highlights the call to holiness and righteousness. This perspective suggests that believers are urged to live lives that reflect the character of God, setting themselves apart from sin and unrighteousness. It serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves not only faith but also a commitment to ethical living and moral standards that align with divine teachings.
Warning Against Compromise and Apostasy
The phrase can also be seen as a warning against compromise and apostasy within the faith community. It serves as a cautionary message to remain vigilant against the allure of false teachings and practices that may lead believers away from the truth. This interpretation underscores the necessity of discernment and the importance of adhering to the core tenets of faith, urging individuals to reject any form of spiritual dilution that may arise from conforming to worldly norms.
How to Embrace a Life of Holiness and Faithfulness
Embracing a life of holiness and faithfulness is a beautiful journey that begins with a sincere desire to draw closer to God. It’s about cultivating a heart that seeks His presence daily, through prayer, scripture reading, and reflection. Start by setting aside intentional time each day to connect with Him—this could be through quiet moments of prayer, journaling your thoughts, or meditating on His Word. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you to grow in your faith. Remember, holiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and a willingness to turn away from sin and towards God’s grace. As you strive to live faithfully, let love and compassion guide your actions, reflecting Christ’s character in your interactions with others. Embrace the small, everyday choices that lead you closer to Him, and trust that He will transform your heart and life in ways you never imagined.
Bible References to “Come Out of Her”:
Jeremiah 51:45-48: 45 “Go out of the midst of her, my people! Let every one save his life from the fierce anger of the Lord!”
46 lest your heart grow faint, and you fear the report that will be heard in the land— a report will come one year, and after that in another year a report will come, and violence will be in the land, ruler against ruler.
47 Therefore, behold, the days are coming when I will punish the images of Babylon; her whole land shall be put to shame, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.
48 Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them, shall sing for joy over Babylon, for the destroyers shall come against them out of the north, declares the Lord.
Isaiah 48:20-21: 20 Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it out to the end of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!”
21 And they did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and the water gushed out.
Isaiah 52:11-12: 11 Depart, depart, go out from there;
touch no unclean thing;
go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves,
you who bear the vessels of the Lord.
12 For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Revelation 18:1-5: 1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.
2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;”
5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.
Revelation 18:20-24: 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!
21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more;
22 And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more,
23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-18: 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Zechariah 2:6-9: 6 Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the Lord. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, declares the Lord.
7 Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.
8 For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye:
9 “For behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder for those who served them. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.