Revelation 18:1-8 Judgment of the harlot

Revelation 18:1-3 In announcing the judgment of the harlot, the glorious angel summarizes the charges against her. The role of demons and unclean spirits (is there a difference?) is highlighted. The power centers of the beast - peoples, rulers, businessmen - have been corrupted by her sensuality, even as they encouraged and profited from it.

Revelation 18:4-8 This is a bit puzzling because it implies that even at this late stage in the unveiling of God's judgment, after the beast has hunted down and attempted to exterminate every believer, God still has some people living in the midst of the harlot. The most plausible interpretation of this seems to be that this is a plea to the reader. You, Reader of this book (the Revelation) who are God's, come out of the harlot right now. Do not participate in the passion of her illicit sexual intercourse!

          The angel states that the harlot's punishment will be twice the amount she has paid out.  The repayment for sensuality will be torment and mourning. Although this may refer to an eternal future in hell, there is a more immediate literal, physical punishment imminent: plagues, famine, and fire. The lifeview that one is royalty and will never mourn hardship or loss is not unique to the harlot.  It seems to be symptomatic of anyone who doesn't think God is serious. The fruit of this lifeview is self-centeredness, a lifestyle that lives for the gratification of the flesh or for power or wealth, without regard for other people or God.