Revelation (Written)

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, Revelation 17:1

With the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath complete, the first verse of Chapter 17 now begins two chapters concerning the destruction of Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots. The fall of Babylon has already been mentioned twice already. The first time was in chapter 14 when the three angels made their proclamations. The second time was in the preceding chapter at the time of the great earthquake.

The big question regarding these references to Babylon for scholars of Revelation – almost as big as what the number of the beast signifies – is, “Who is this great harlot.” There are several views, and the debate is both heated and often bitter. One view is that it is a worldwide system of all the false religions on earth. Some who hold to this view include politics as a part of the system – a political/religious system that is in opposition to God.

A second view is that this is a religious system centered specifically in Rome. A subview of this is that it is the Roman Catholic Church, both in past history and leading up to and through the tribulation period. A third view is that the location is actually Babylon in Iraq which has been rebuilt and from which spiritual leadership is exercised. And a fourth suggestion is that it is a system centered in Jerusalem rather than Rome or physical Babylon.

Of course, there are many other views – it is America, it is the EU, it is this or that… It is hard to be dogmatic about much of what is presented, but each verse will be analyzed, and the most probable location and concept will be identified as we progress.

For now, it should be noted that it is one of the seven angels with the seven bowls who speaks to John. As this opening verse says, “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me.”

Which of the seven angels this is remains unstated. Therefore, the angel’s identity in regard to the pouring out of the seven bowls is irrelevant to the narrative. In other words, it could be the sixth saying to John, “Here comes the seventh bowl. Watch what happens to Babylon with this!” Or, it could be the seventh, saying, “Watch what I will now do to Babylon!” This is intentionally left out, and so the speculation that many devolve into over the identity of the angel is pointless. What matters is what this angel presents to John. He says, “Come.”

The Greek word is deuro. It does not necessarily signify motion, although it could. Jesus used it when calling forth Lazarus from the tomb. But Paul uses it in the sense of “the present time” when he said in Romans 1:13, “but was hindered until now.” Being an adverb, the thought now might be, “Presently, I will show…”

With this call, the angel then says, “I will show you.” It indicates that everything to be presented is a description of what will occur during the bowl judgment. What is seen then explains more fully what was said in Chapter 16 with the words, “And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.”

This is the same in idea as that of the sixth day of Genesis 1 being explained more fully in Genesis 2. The Bible introduces a subject, and then details are later filled in. The book of Ruth is an insert into the time of the Judges, which is the book that precedes Ruth. John saw the bowl poured out, and now he will see that presented in a more detailed manner. The angel next says it is “the judgment.”

In other words, what follows is a careful explanation of the wrath of God being poured out upon the object of what the contents of the bowl are directed to, which is the judgment “of the great harlot.”

The symbolism here is taken from elsewhere in Scripture. A city is identified by its conduct. In this case, the conduct of the city is that of harlotry. This was stated of Jerusalem –

“How the faithful city has become a harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now murderers.” Isaiah 1:21

As a city is a representation of its people, the same thought is extended to the people of the city directly at times –

“Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.” 2 Chronicles 21:11

Such terminology is not limited to Jerusalem, but is used to refer to Samaria as well in Ezekiel 23. It is further used when referring to Tyre in Isaiah 23. The idea is that of spiritual harlotry against the Lord. Of this harlot in Revelation 17, the angel identifies her as one “who sits on many waters.”

This is an Old Testament reference to Babylon –

“O you who dwell by many waters,
Abundant in treasures,
Your end has come,
The measure of your covetousness.” Jeremiah 51:13

However, what was presented of Babylon was only a physical location anticipating a spiritual Babylon. Ancient Babylon was by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and was surrounded by the various lakes and wetlands adjoined to them. This reference to “many waters” now in Revelation is explicitly defined in verse 17:15 –

“Then he said to me, ‘The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.’”

What ancient Babylon was in a physical sense was only a type of what the Babylon of Revelation is in a spiritual sense.

With this description now provided, it should be noted and compared with the introduction of another female figure coming later in Revelation –

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters.’” Revelation 17:1

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’” Revelation 21:9

By noting the different introductions of these two, one can see that they are being set in opposition to one another. The theme is being developed for the reader to show the contrast between the two.

Life application: Throughout the Bible, a harlot is used to refer to religion that is defiled, or outright false religion. There is One Maker, and He deserves pure and undefiled religion. When worship of Him is mixed with falsities, or when it is rejected entirely, that worshiper, congregation, or people group is in a state of prostitution, and the mode of worship is considered harlotry.

The Lord expects His people to honor Him. Being called as His people, and then allowing false religion into their lives, brought great trouble and destruction upon the people of Israel. The seven letters to the seven churches show that those who identify with Him are not immune to this. Our worship of the Lord is to be pure and untainted. We follow a great God and a glorious Savior. We follow JESUS!

Lord God, You have shown us what pure and undefiled religion consists of. You have sent Your Son to cleanse us from our past religious failures and to lead us into true worship. And You have given us Your Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and lead us into all righteousness. Help us to properly worship You and never mix error into our fellowship with You. Amen.

Monday, 17 May 2021

And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great. Revelation 16:21

The previous verses referred to the great earthquake and its associated terrors. This final verse of Chapter 16 continues with that theme, saying, “And great hail from heaven fell upon men.” Hail was one of the plagues of Egypt as is described in Exodus 9:22-32. That account was hail that was mingled with fire that was “so very heavy that there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation” (Exodus 9:24).

In this account, it is not so much the volume as in Egypt, but it is rather the weight of the hail. As John says, “each hailstone about the weight of a talent.” A talent is approximately 75 pounds. Because of this, the effect will be devastating.

If this is to be taken literally, one possibility to explain such great hail is that the great earthquake mentioned in the preceding verses will cause such great atmospheric changes that massive hailstones will result. Or it could be that along with the earthquake, other events occurred which caused great amounts of debris to be cast into the air, and which then falls back to earth as if hailstones.

A third possibility is that a major meteor hits the earth which would cause:

1) a change in the earth’s rotation
2) a massive earthquake
3) breakaway meteorite chunks flying everywhere (hail)
4) Lots of debris once it hits

Whatever the cause of them, in the Bible they are considered their own form of judgment. This is seen elsewhere besides the exodus account, such as –

“The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard,
And show the descent of His arm,
With the indignation of His anger
And the flame of a devouring fire,
With scattering, tempest, and hailstones.” Isaiah 30:30

Hail as judgment is also seen in the Psalms, other passages in Isaiah, in Ezekiel, and in Haggai –

“I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the Lord.” Haggai 2:17

An event of hailstones falling on Israel’s enemies during battle is seen in Joshua 10:11 as well. The terror of hail is that there is no way to know where or when it will land. Like being in an artillery barrage, there is no certainty of life from moment to moment. Because of such terror, John says, “Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail.”

It is the same reaction as that of the pouring out of the fourth bowl. Instead of appealing to God, the people will blaspheme Him. The minds of the people will be so twisted and corrupt that they curse the Creator, as if it could have any effect on Him. The hail was prophesied in advance, showing that even if it is a result of the earthquake or some other natural event, it was known to – and allowed by – God to occur. And yet they still blaspheme Him “since that plague was exceedingly great.”

The judgment of hail is great because the sin of the people is great. The judgment is just and right. It is not unlike that which will occur during the battle of Gog and Magog as is recorded in Ezekiel 38 –

“And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. ²³ Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 38:22, 23

Life application: These occurrences have come about ,and will come about, because of the sins of the people and a rejection of God.

This is the state of depravity in the human heart. We ignore God, claim He doesn’t exist, and we fight against Him. But when tragedy strikes, we blame Him and curse His name. Our words and actions toward God are usually contradictory. Instead of acknowledging His sovereign greatness, we exalt ourselves above Him by judging His actions.

But humanity is a part of creation, and God has every right to dispense with His creatures in whatever way He deems is appropriate. The amazing thing isn’t that God doesn’t keep us from harm. The amazing thing is that He lets us live at all. We have sinned, we have failed to recognize His glory, we find other avenues to pursue from day to day without having Him as our greatest joy.

Despite these things, He took the initiative in order to reconcile us to Himself. He accomplished the work, He sent His Son, and He allowed us to crucify Him. All that is needed to bring us back to Himself was accomplished by Him. And all He asks for is that we will just believe. Let us turn to Him through this marvelous message of reconciliation. Let us praise Him forevermore for the giving of His Son, JESUS.

It is hard to imagine how unclear our thoughts are toward You, O God. We try to hide from You and we speak ill of You – as if You couldn’t hear. We even curse You when we receive Your stern hand of discipline and correction. Were it not for Jesus, we certainly would be utterly swept away. Thank You for Jesus! Thank You for peace and hope through Him. Amen.

Sunday, 16 May 2021

Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. Revelation 16:20

The previous verses referred to the mightiest earthquake that ever occurred since men were on earth, and that the great city (Jerusalem or Babylon) was divided in three parts. Further, the cities of the nations fell, and Babylon was remembered before God as being ripe for judgment. It is possible that what is referred to is symbolic. However, it is (as previously noted) more likely to be taken literally.

It must be remembered that at the time of the flood of Noah, a real event in human history, there would have been immense cataclysms and upheavals of the land. And yet, what was stated in those previous two verses is said to be greater than even that. The importance of this will be analyzed now in this verse. In it, John begins with, “Then every island fled away.” The thought here has already been seen in verse 6:14 –

“Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.”

Various suggestions were proposed as to whether what was said there was literal, symbolic, and so on. The same may be applied to this verse, or it could be that one is symbolic, and one is literal. These events are future and what occurs will be understood at that time to be the fulfillment of the event.

If the events now are literal, it does not mean that there will be no more islands after the event. It probably means that the islands are actually rocked on their very foundations and probably inundated with giant waves that would accompany such an earthquake. The islands of the world would appear to be swimming in the movement of the oceans, seas, and lakes.

John next says, “and the mountains were not found.” Mountains arise through geologic movement, and mountains will be leveled by them as well. These things are, of course, assuming that the events are to be taken literally. Rereading the commentary on verse 6:14 will explain both possibilities as a reminder.

However, as this is at the end of the tribulation period, the direct question is more relevant than before, “Is this literal or symbolic?” Based on the fact that it occurs in conjunction with “a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth,” it probably should be taken as literal. The entire topography of the earth will be changed.

What would be the importance of this then? It is because the earth was in a different state before the flood than after it. People lived longer, meat was not given to them for food yet, and so on. These things were surely because of the physical makeup of the earth at that time. What is likely is that the size of the earth and the timing of the earth’s rotation will also be affected by this earthquake.

The Bible is consistently based on a 360-day year, regardless of how our calendars line up with events. This 360-day year is known as the “prophetic calendar” and was more than probably the way the world’s rotation was originally designed. It is likely that at the time of the flood, this was changed, but the Bible continues to use this pattern for its dating – even through the book of Revelation. Recent earthquakes have moderately affected the earth’s rotation (by milliseconds), but this one will be so large, it may return things to what was originally intended.

Of course, this is all speculation, but the restoration of that which has been lost is a major theme of the Bible and so this may be true with the planet’s timing as well. Along with this is the prospect of mountains being leveled and islands being removed. This is hard to imagine, but so was flying to the moon just a few short decades ago. Just because we can’t mentally grasp what is depicted doesn’t mean that it can’t happen.

There will certainly be an entirely different ecosystem on the earth when this occurs. The changes will be so pronounced that Isaiah says –

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
⁷ The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
⁸ The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,
And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.
⁹ They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9

Further, the age of man will again be able to attain hundreds of years –

“No more shall an infant from there live but a few days,
Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days;
For the child shall die one hundred years old,
But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.
²¹ They shall build houses and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
²² They shall not build and another inhabit;
They shall not plant and another eat;
For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people,
And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”

Certainly, big changes are coming in the time ahead. What will bring about these changes so that what was lost will be restored during the millennium? It appears that just as a great set of cataclysmic events took place before the flood and brought the world out of the original design, it may be that another set of cataclysmic events will bring it back into a harmonious design that will positively affect the very nature of life on earth.

Life application: Whatever is coming in the future, it will be glorious. A time of great peace on earth will occur, and the people of the world will receive the wonder and marvel that is prophesied for that time to come. However, before that occurs, there will be such great destruction on the planet that the vast majority of humanity will be annihilated.

Because these things are certain, it is important that people wake up to the truth of God in Christ now. Without Him, there is only anticipated death and separation from God. But through faith in Him, there is life and restoration. Let us put our hope and confidence in God’s provision today. Let us set our hearts, minds, and affections on God’s Messiah, our Lord JESUS!

Lord, we look forward to the time when the world shall be full of the knowledge of who You are and the great deeds You have accomplished. Until then, let us work diligently to bring many to a saving knowledge of You, so that they too can share in the wondrous day ahead when You rule and reign on Your glorious throne. Amen.

Saturday, 15 May 2021

Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Revelation 16:19

The previous verse referred to a great earthquake, one greater than has occurred in all of human history. The result of this is stated now, saying, “Now the great city was divided into three parts.” In the coming clause, it will speak of “great Babylon.” For this reason, many scholars conclude that this is the city being referred to in this clause as well. Further, the next two chapters will deal with Babylon. However, this is not completely certain.

It could be that this is first a reference to Jerusalem, and only after that is the fall of Babylon described. Jerusalem is called “the great city” in verse 11:8, and so it could be a reference to the cataclysm that is coming as described by Zechariah –

“Then the Lord will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.
⁴ And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.
⁵ Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,
For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.
Yes, you shall flee
As you fled from the earthquake
In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.
Thus the Lord my God will come,
And all the saints with You.” Zechariah 14:3-5

For the entire Mount of Olives, which is in the location of Jerusalem, to split in two would indicate a massive earthquake. Further, the same earthquake could also divide Jerusalem elsewhere, thus causing it to divide into three sections. Therefore, this could be speaking of Jerusalem.

However, it could also be referring to Babylon in advance of naming it. Babylon is called “the great city” in verses 14:8, 17:18, 18:18, 18:19, and 18:21. Therefore, this is a likely candidate as well. Either way, Babylon will see its entire destruction, something not necessarily implied in this clause now. John next says, “and the cities of the nations fell.”

It is another clue that the first clause is speaking of Jerusalem. The cities of the nations are distinguished from Jerusalem in this clause, and then they will be distinguished from Babylon in the next clause. Or it could be referring to the headship of Babylon. Just as Babylon fell, so will the cities that were under the authority of Babylon. This would then make the earthquake symbolic rather than literal, something not likely from the description of the earthquake.

Either way, whether literal or symbolic, and whether Jerusalem or Babylon, the events are future and so it is better to consider both options, knowing that the events will be known as fulfilled when they occur. With this in mind, John next says, “And great Babylon was remembered before God.”

This seems to put “the great city” in opposition to Jerusalem. Otherwise, it would not appear necessary to say the same thing again. However, it could be a literary device where the second thought names and further describes the first thought, placing the two in apposition. Either way, the final clause of the verse is directed to Babylon, regardless as to which city the first clause was referring to. God will remember great Babylon in order “to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.”

The cup has already been used as a descriptor of judgment and punishment in Revelation. In Chapter 14, it said –

“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9, 10

Those who worship the beast and his image, and who receive his mark, will drink of the cup of God’s wrath. Likewise, great Babylon will also drink of such a cup. For her, a complete end will come. When God is done with Babylon, it shall never rise again.

Life application: As the events of Revelation are future, and because symbols are used to represent other things at times, it’s hard to be dogmatic about whom “great Babylon” is.

There are various thoughts that have been pondered over the years. One is that it is actually Babylon of the past, and which is resurrected in modern times. It was destroyed long ago, and today it will be rebuilt into a center of power. This idea has especially developed in recent history when Saddam Hussein began rebuilding it during his time. The area has been the focus of much change in recent years. It could be that because of Islamic growth on the world stage, it will again be a center for rebellion of the world against the true God.

Another option is that this is speaking of Jerusalem. Revelation is highly focused on the Jewish people as they are readied for the return of the Messiah. In Zechariah 13:9, we read the purpose of the affliction of the trials coming upon Israel –

“I will bring the one–third through the fire,
Will refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested.
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them.
I will say, ‘This is My people’;
And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

As noted in the main commentary, in the next chapter of Zechariah, the Mount of Olives is said to split in two when the Lord returns. This would certainly be caused by a cataclysmic event. Therefore, Jerusalem is a possibility. However, what seems most likely is that “Babylon” is a code word for Rome.

The description of Babylon will continue through the next two chapters, and there we will see terminology which certainly seems to point to Rome. Further, Daniel 9 shows that the antichrist will be a Roman. As an additional justification for this being Rome, we can look to the words of Peter in his first epistle –

“She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.” 1 Peter 5:13

Peter, writing from Rome, identifies that city as “Babylon.” He was writing to the “pilgrims of the dispersion,” meaning Jewish people. The placement of the book of Peter within the Bible and the addressees in his epistle certainly point to a prophetic note that “Babylon” of the future is centered in Rome. Also, the descriptions to come seem to point to the workings of Rome throughout the church age, specifically in its treatment of the saints of God.

Wherever it ultimately proves to be, God will “remember” her. This doesn’t mean He ever forgot the deeds of this city, but that He is calling it to account for its harlotry and idolatry; it will now be judged, receiving its cup of judgment.

It is important to remember that Christ also took the cup of God’s wrath upon Himself. It was delivered to the Lord on the night of His crucifixion –

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’” Luke 22:41, 42

The wrath that each person rightly deserves was given to the Lord to drink, and He willingly accepted it. God’s wrath for our sins was poured out on Him during the torture before the cross and during His actual death upon the cross. Because our sin was judged in Him, it can never be judged again. We are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.

However, for those who have not accepted His offer of peace, there is only one choice left – to face God’s wrath apart from Christ Jesus. The cup which will be poured out on the world will be without mercy, and it will be exhaustive in its purging of evil from the world. Be wise and call out to God now. Receive the pardon that Christ purchased for you through the giving of Himself. Call today on JESUS.

Lord Jesus, You took the punishment that we rightly deserve upon Yourself. All of the Father’s wrath for the sins we have committed were judged in You. We accept the payment rendered and the pardon which is offered. We give to You our allegiance, our hearts, our souls, and our love. May You alone be praised for the restored relationship between God and each one of us! Thank You, Lord! Amen.

Friday, 14 May 2021

And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Revelation 16:18

As a note concerning manuscripts, the order of the three events is different depending on which manuscript is used –

And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; (NASB)
And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; (NKJV)

Whichever is correct, the idea remains the same in both regardless of the order. With that understood, John begins with, “And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings.”

Following the pattern of previous instances (Revelation 4:5 & 11:19), these accompany the spoken words of the previous voice which said, “It is done.” There is a difference, however, in that mentioning these events in Revelation 4 and 11 formed the close of the judgments. In this case, mentioning them serves to introduce the result of the last bowl judgment. That result begins with “and there was a great earthquake.”

This is a form of judgment all by itself, especially as it is noted within the prophecy. Earthquakes are a part of the normal events of the earth and cannot always be considered as some form of judgment. But this one, being prophesied in advance, and being connected with other events in the narrative, is to be taken as a direct judgment. Of this earthquake, John says it is “such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.”

This earthquake is not to be spiritualized into something like “turmoil within the church,” or some other such analysis. Rather, the description of it, and the effects resulting from it, are spoken of as literal events. It is a cataclysm that will shake the entire earth. The effects of it will be seen in the next verses.

Life application: In Revelation 6:12, during the opening of the 6th seal, there was an earthquake. Again, in Revelation 8:5, after the opening of the 7th seal and prior to the sounding of the 7 trumpets, there were “noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.” Next in Revelation 11:13 during the 2nd woe and prior to the sounding of the 7th trumpet, “a tenth of the city fell [and] in the earthquake seven thousand people were killed.” This was at the time of the resurrection of the two witnesses. Then a little later, after the sounding of the 7th trumpet (which would precede the 7 bowl judgments), it said –

“Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19

The time of tribulation will be a time of great upheaval on the earth and there will be much destruction from these events. However, the magnitude of the earthquake described in verse 16:18 will be far more immense.

News flash: For those who believe Revelation is concerning events that were fulfilled in the past, these cataclysms have never occurred before, and in particular this great earthquake cannot be identified as a fulfilled event. Therefore, again as has been pointed out many times, the book of Revelation is speaking about future events, most especially surrounding the unrepentant of the world and Israel, not the church.

Verses such as this one cannot be “spiritualized” without destroying the entire context of what is being relayed. The world is (future) coming under God’s judgment and when these events occur, they will be without precedent in their size and scope.

The very shape of the earth and its rotational speed and axis will likely be affected in an enormous way from the earthquake which is predicted in this verse. If this is so, it may explain other events that will come about during the millennium concerning the nature of the world, the longer lifespan of people at that time, and so on.

However, before that time of marvel and beauty arrives, the world must go through terrible times. The tribulation is not a time any sane person would voluntarily want to enter. And so, if the warning of the book of Revelation is understood, the reader should opt to avoid that time by calling out today for God’s provision in the giving of His Son. God will keep those who come to Him out of this time to come. So, call on Him today. Call out to JESUS!

Lord, we know that Your judgments are just and that in righteousness they are executed. Thank You that we have the complete assurance that nothing is done in an arbitrary manner, but Your judgments are a result of our own failures in Your presence. And so, thank You for the mercy You have provided through the giving of Your Son. Because of this, we stand and praise You forever. Amen.