REVELATION
LESSON 11
ARE WE LIVING IN THE END TIMES
Interpreting
the symbols in the book of Revelation in one reason why it’s considered one of
the most difficult books in the bible. John offers very few explanations for
what is recorded in chapter 9. The judgments may be more fearsome than once
thought.
Now let’s
read about the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments that correspond to the first
and second “trumpet woes”. We must keep in mind that John said the seven stars
in chapter one were symbols of angels.
Revelation 9:1-2
9 And the fifth angel sounded, and I
saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the
bottomless pit.
2 And he opened the bottomless pit;
and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and
the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
This is not a literal star. Not even a star that will fall. This probably
is the star that fell from heaven, Satan, because chapter two refers to this star
as “he”.
Isaiah 14:12 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of
the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the
nations!
He will be cast down, no doubt. The key to the bottomless pit is
normally held by Christ Jesus, and it is temporarily given to this other being
from heaven.
Whoever this being may be is still under Gods control and
authority. He, Satan will be given the key to the place called the bottomless
pit. The bottomless pit, or abyss is a place of torment where the worst of his
demonic spirits are held and from where they are today, under lock and key.
It is a sobering thought to realize that many of the demons of
hell are not free to hurt us in this present age. Satan is already doing a bang-up
job of destruction today without his entire demonic force to back him up.
Satan will descend and open the bottom-less pit. When he does a
thick black smoke will rush out, covering the earth in darkness. The sky will
be blackened and the sun will be dimmed. The open abyss will spew forth
pollutants like a gigantic furnace or volcano and make breathing difficult.
Revelation 9:3-5 3 And there came out of the
smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions
of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they
should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any
tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5 And to them it was given that they
should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their
torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
These locusts will come out of the same smoke from the
bottomless-pit. They will not be the kind of locust we know today. They will be
demon possessed locust and have horrible features. They will be like scorpions
and have stingers to stab and poison their victims.
These demonic locusts symbolize an invasion of demons called to
torture people who do not believe in God. The limitations placed on the demons
is that they could only torture people for five months. This shows that they
are under Gods authority.
More than likely these demonic locusts are evil spirits, ruled by Satan
who tempt people to sin. They are not created by Satan. God is the creator of
all things.
They are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion. God
limits them on what they can do. They can do nothing without Gods permission. Their
main purpose on earth is to prevent, distort or destroy the people’s
relationship with God.
They are corrupt and their appearance reflects the distortion of
their spirits. It is important to recognize their evil activity so we can stay
away from them. We must avoid any curiosity about or involvement with demonic
forces or with the occult.
As intelligent as these demon possessed locusts will most likely
be, they will for sure be under Gods authority, and only harm those who do not
have the seal of God o their foreheads. The 144,000 Jews of the twelve tribes
of Israel.
This evil empire of the world will have to obey, even though God
will be angry with the wickedness on earth he will demonstrate His mercy and
grace. Even though locust normally eat plants, God commands these locusts to
not harm the grass, plants or trees.
We may wonder why but we can only speculate how locusts would not
eat their most staple foods. Most likely the Earth is in such an ecological chaos
that any further damage by locust would destroy it altogether.
If the plants and trees and grass were gone, the earth could no
longer produce oxygen. If there is no oxygen Gods people would not survive.
Revelation 9:
6 6 And
in those days shall men seek death and shall not find it; and shall desire to
die, and death shall flee from them.
During these five months of the tribulation period people will
hurt from the sting of these scorpions so much until they will want to die. Their
nervous systems will become infected, parts of their bodies will swell and
hurt, and other parts will fail to function altogether.
Some will suffer seizures and convulsions, some will loose
consciousness many will take medicines that fail to provide relief. Because of
this torture many will try to commit suicide, but God will not let them find death
to end their suffering. They will be wise to accept Jesus.
These lessons are to inform you of what to expect if you are left
behind and miss what is called the rapture.
Time is running out. It is time to turn to Jesus. The things of Revelation
are going to happen whether you believe it or not. The choice is yours.
Until the next lesson,
Brother Andy
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