Definition: And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Revelation 18:4. It’s a pretty serious message about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s telling us to resist temptation and avoid participating in something evil. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “Revelation 18:4” : This is a prophecy from the Book of Revelation – a book about future events. It’s essentially a message about what's going to happen after a period of great trouble. “And I heard another voice from heaven…” : This suggests that God is speaking directly to us, and we need to listen to his guidance. “…saying, Come out of her…” : This is the core of the verse. "Her" refers to a powerful and evil force – likely representing something like Satan or evil influence. “Come out” means to leave or escape this influence. “My people…” : This refers to all of humanity – all believers in Jesus Christ. “…that ye be not partakers of her sins…” : This means that we shouldn't participate in the behaviors, practices, or activities that are sinful and harmful. It’s about avoiding things like greed, selfishness, pride, hatred, and other negative traits. “and that ye receive not of her plagues.” : This is a warning about the consequences of continuing to be influenced by this evil. “Plagues” here likely refers to suffering, hardship, destruction, or punishment – something unpleasant and potentially devastating. In essence, the verse is saying: "Don't fall for this temptation. Don't be drawn into this destructive path. Resist the forces of evil that are trying to harm you and your community." What does it mean in a broader sense? This passage speaks to the ongoing battle between good and evil, and the importance of staying steadfastly committed to God’s truth and righteousness. It's a call to vigilance – to be aware of potential dangers and to actively resist them. Important Note: This is a complex passage with symbolic language. It doesn't mean we can know exactly what “her” is, but it tells us to be wary of things that threaten our spiritual well-being. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about the symbolism behind it? Give you some examples of temptations we might face?