Because of what lies in store for Babylon the Great, God lovingly warns: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4) Notice the word “if,” mentioned twice. Yes, God’s warning is aimed at people who are disturbed by hurtful teachings and who want God’s favor—people like Gaffar and Hediye, mentioned earlier.
Kwa sababu ya mambo yatakayompata Babiloni Mkubwa, Mungu anaonya hivi kwa upendo: “Tokeni kwake, watu wangu, ikiwa hamtaki kushiriki pamoja naye dhambi zake, na ikiwa hamtaki kupokea sehemu ya mapigo yake.” (Ufunuo 18:4) Ona kwamba neno “ikiwa,” limerudiwa mara mbili. Naam, onyo ambalo Mungu anatoa limeelekezwa kwa watu ambao wanasumbuliwa na mafundisho yenye kudhuru na wanaotafuta kibali cha Mungu—watu kama vile Gaffar na Hediye, waliotajwa mapema.