Noah probably built his Ark there and Abraham left his home to follow God. When the Israelites were taken captive, they were taken to Babylon. The Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, were built by Nebuchadnezzar there. We know that Babylon is the present day Iraq.

In the Bible Babylon also symbolizes captivity, confusion, rebellion, bondage, uncleanness, immorality, false religion, and worldliness. In the “end times”, Babylon the Great will kill many of God’s saints. (See Revelation 17 and 18.) God will destroy the great city in one day. But before He does, He sends one last warning, “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins and receive not her plagues’” (Revelation 18:4-8).

Isaiah prophesied of deliverance for the captive exiles of Israel. “Go, now, leave your bonds and slavery. Put Babylon behind you with everything it represents, for it is unclean to you. You are the Lord’s holy people. Purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11 NLT).

Are you living in Babylon, the land of darkness, bondage, uncleanness, and hopelessness? God calls you to leave Babylon. You don’t belong there. Jesus Christ didn’t die on the cross just to make us happy but holy. The center of God’s will for His children is holiness. Sadly, holiness to many has a negative connotation. It is perceived as “old-fashioned”. But there can be no power or peace in your life without personal holiness.

What is holiness? The biblical root word is “set apart”. There are two sides to the currency of holiness. We are set apart “from” and we set apart “to”. We become consecrated saints, sanctified, holy, and we are to pursue godliness.

Why must we leave Babylon and all it represents? God calls us to. Peter the Great said, “I have conquered an empire, but I have not been able to conquer myself.” God’s Word declares that, “Without holiness no man shall see God” (Hebrew 12:14). God’s mercy motivates us to. (See Romans 12:1-2.)

How can we be empowered to leave Babylon? Consider six steps found in Isaiah 52:

First – A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REDEEMER will empower you. You need a deliverer. “But I will reveal my name to my people and they will know its power” (verse 6). His name is Jesus. Job declared, “I know my Redeemer lives.” He is the crucified, resurrected, living Christ. Paul reveals, “At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:6-11). Do you know Him personally? Come to know His name. (See Revelation 3:20.)

Second – POSESS and PROCLAIM the Good News. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns” (Isaiah 52:7). Our God reigns! That’s good news. He brings salvation, deliverance, and peace. No sin or bondage can ever hope to overpower our mighty deliverer. Believe it and proclaim it. (See Revelation 12:10-11.) Be a messenger of peace. (Hebrews 12:14.)

Third – PERSIST IN PRAYER. “The watchmen shout and sing for joy” (Isaiah 52:8). Watchmen at the city gates were vital in ancient times. America is at war. Homeland Security is vital for our survival. Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.” We need to constantly watch and be vigilant. Use the arsenal of prayer. (See Ephesians 6 and Psalm 149.)

Fourth – PURIFY YOURSELF. “Go now . . . put Babylon behind you, with everything it represents, it is unclean to you . . . Purify yourselves” (Isaiah 52:11). God is calling you to leave what Babylon represents. All uncleanness and unchristlikeness. (See Colossians 1:20-23; 3:12-16 and Ephesians 4:17-32.) You will reap what you sow whether it is holiness or unholiness.

Fifth – You have the PROMISE of God’s POWER, PRESENCE, AND PROTECTION. “You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. God the Lord will go ahead of you and the God of Israel will protect you from behind” (Isaiah 52:12). Put your trust in God’s power to do what you cannot do. Believe His Word.

Sixth – PUT PERSONAL FAITH IN THE MAN ON THE MOUNT. “See my servant will prosper, he will be highly exalted. Many were amazed when they saw him – beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person. . And because what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins” (Isaiah 52:14 – 53:11). You’ll be amazed when you really see what Jesus Christ has done for you on Mt Calvary. Leave Babylon and walk in life and liberty. Personal holiness will be a joy.

“For as many as received Him gave He power to become children of God, even as many as believed on His name” (John 1:12).