Post by Redeemed on Dec 31, 2022 15:06:38 GMT -8
Regardless of what some people think, hell is not a state of mind, a myth, or a mild curse word. According to the Bible, it’s a literal place filled with horrors, a great pit of fire and smoke, populated by terrifying creatures that inflict pain and suffering. The Tribulation is only a preview of coming destruction.
In Revelation 9, the “star” or supernatural being that falls to earth is Satan. As part of His judgment on a sinful world, God allows Satan to open the doors to the “Abyss” and unleash extraordinary demonic power to wreak havoc on the earth (9:2).
The Abyss is mentioned in several other places in Scripture. In Luke 8, when Jesus encountered demons in a man, the demons begged Him not to send them to the Abyss (Luke 8:31). In Jude 6, we learn that the angels confined in the Abyss are “bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” These angels (now called demons) participated in a rebellion against God and have been assigned to the Abyss until they will be judged and cast into the “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41).
When Satan opens the Abyss, the sky is darkened by the smoke that pours forth from it. We know that the “locusts” that come down from the smoke are not real locusts because they do not harm the vegetation (Revelation 9:4), they have a king (9:11), and God promised never to release locusts in judgment again (Exodus 10:14). Rather, “locusts” is a metaphor for a gigantic swarm of demons spreading over the earth. These locusts immediately set out to attack those who are not “sealed” or set apart by God.
What will be the result of thousands of demons set loose throughout the earth during the Tribulation? It will be a horrific experience for those who are left to endure it. The torment these demons inflict will be both painful and protracted—like the sting of a scorpion—yet it will not lead to death (Revelation 9:5). Many people on earth at that time will long for death as an escape from the excruciating pain but they will be unable to die.
If this seems unfair or unjust for a loving God to allow, remember that, in the words of the hymn by Fanny Crosby, “The vilest offender who truly believes / That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.”
Those who seek His mercy find it.
Those who reject it and reject Him—those who have delighted in their wickedness, those who have flaunted their sin, those who have tormented and victimized others without shame or remorse—well, they’ve been warned. And they have made their choice.
Those who are in the Lord’s will have His name on their foreheads and will be protected from the demonic attack (Rev. 22:4). They will continue to experience His peace, His provision, and His protection. He will be their refuge, their shelter in the time of storm (Psalm 61:4).
When CHRIST Appears by Dr. David Jeremiah
In Revelation 9, the “star” or supernatural being that falls to earth is Satan. As part of His judgment on a sinful world, God allows Satan to open the doors to the “Abyss” and unleash extraordinary demonic power to wreak havoc on the earth (9:2).
The Abyss is mentioned in several other places in Scripture. In Luke 8, when Jesus encountered demons in a man, the demons begged Him not to send them to the Abyss (Luke 8:31). In Jude 6, we learn that the angels confined in the Abyss are “bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” These angels (now called demons) participated in a rebellion against God and have been assigned to the Abyss until they will be judged and cast into the “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41).
When Satan opens the Abyss, the sky is darkened by the smoke that pours forth from it. We know that the “locusts” that come down from the smoke are not real locusts because they do not harm the vegetation (Revelation 9:4), they have a king (9:11), and God promised never to release locusts in judgment again (Exodus 10:14). Rather, “locusts” is a metaphor for a gigantic swarm of demons spreading over the earth. These locusts immediately set out to attack those who are not “sealed” or set apart by God.
What will be the result of thousands of demons set loose throughout the earth during the Tribulation? It will be a horrific experience for those who are left to endure it. The torment these demons inflict will be both painful and protracted—like the sting of a scorpion—yet it will not lead to death (Revelation 9:5). Many people on earth at that time will long for death as an escape from the excruciating pain but they will be unable to die.
If this seems unfair or unjust for a loving God to allow, remember that, in the words of the hymn by Fanny Crosby, “The vilest offender who truly believes / That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.”
Those who seek His mercy find it.
Those who reject it and reject Him—those who have delighted in their wickedness, those who have flaunted their sin, those who have tormented and victimized others without shame or remorse—well, they’ve been warned. And they have made their choice.
Those who are in the Lord’s will have His name on their foreheads and will be protected from the demonic attack (Rev. 22:4). They will continue to experience His peace, His provision, and His protection. He will be their refuge, their shelter in the time of storm (Psalm 61:4).
When CHRIST Appears by Dr. David Jeremiah