(2) GOD'S PEOPLE TOLD TO FLEE (Revelation 18:4-5) Come forth, my people.--This is not the language of John, but the command of an angel of heaven. It is the same com-mand that was given Israel regarding literal Babylon. (Isa. 48 20; Jeremiah 50:8; Jeremiah 51:6.) The angel's command means that people should abandon all false doctrines taught by the mother of harlots, or any of her daughters. This is nothing less than a command to abandon sectarian teaching and practice. If any who have obeyed the gospel have wandered into human churches, they should come out at once. "My people" here probably do not mean Christians, but that noble, honest number that really want to obey God--hence, by anticipation, called God's people. (Com-pare Acts 18:10.) That means they could become God's people in fact by coming out. Two reasons are assigned for their coming out: to prevent partaking of her sins and to escape the punish-ment sure to come. Reached even unto heaven.--Her wickedness is known to God and he will not forget properly to reward her.