Page 88 - The Road from Babylon to Zion

Chapter 10 - Zion’s Gates

The chapters of this book have examined many of the ambushes, traps, and snares
along the road as one journeys from Babylon to Zion. Not all such hazards can be
addressed in one book, and this writer has spoken only of those things that he has
personally encountered. I pray that many might be helped along their own journey
by the words recorded here, and that they might overcome all and reach their goal.

The first chapter of this book spoke of Babylon, and attempted to give some
definition to it. It seems fitting that the last chapter should speak of Zion. Zion is the
goal set before the saint, but what is Zion? We have mentioned some things that are
characteristic of Zion throughout the book, and we have contrasted it with Babylon.

In chapter one it was mentioned that, at its heart, Babylon represents a spiritual
principle, and we must conclude the same for Zion. If Babylon represents mankind
attempting to ascend to God by their own labor, sweat, and efforts, then Zion in
contrast must be a people who are at rest, resting in the finished work of Yahshua.
If Babylon is typified by men and women living according to the leading of their flesh
and soul, then Zion is typified by those who walk by the Spirit. If Babylon is unbelief
and sin, then Zion is faith and obedience.

The pathway to Zion is the way of the cross, and those who are citizens of Zion are
being conformed to the image of Christ as they submit to the purging, refining, and
purification of Yahweh.

In the Old Testament, Zion was identified as one of the hills, the highest hill, in
Jerusalem. It was the hill that David’s throne sat upon. Yet Zion and Jerusalem were
not part of Israel when David became King. This man with the heart after God had
to take it by force. David saw Jerusalem and Zion as beautiful and he wanted them
for his capital, his home, his dwelling place.

II Samuel 5:6-8
And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the
inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, "You shall not
come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you," thinking,
"David cannot come in here." Nevertheless David took the stronghold
of Zion (that is, the City of David). Now David said on that day,
"Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites
(the lame and the blind, who are hated by David's soul), he shall be
chief and captain." Therefore they say, "The blind and the lame shall not
come into the house."