The Final Tribulation is Reminiscent of a Fiery Flood
Intro: Well morning friends and visitors. My name is Matt Johnson and today we continue our study of Revelation – thinking about Jesus’ return and the end of the world…
PRAYER: Well how do you envisage the end of the world? (PAUSE) Perhaps destruction by ASTEROID? Maybe NUCLEAR WAR. Perhaps it’s just CLIMATE CHANGE. Boring. But maybe its a SUPER MALEVOLENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. It seems – there is no end to Hollywood’s imagination of what might happen? The more cataclysmic, the more exciting. Well today we are beginning to think about what the Bible calls THE GREAT TRIBULATION. The great tribulation appears to be a period of unparalleled catastrophe that precedes the end of the world.
Now I think the great tribulation begins in Revelation 8. But this is also where understanding Revelation gets a lot more tricky. THE FIRST BIG QUESTION is what is the relationship between A) the 7 seals, B) the 7 trumpets and the 7 bowls of Gods wrath in the middle parts of this book.
Let me show you the two main interpretations. (Slide 1). The first method of interpreting these events in Revelation is called the RECAPITULATION THEORY. This argues that the 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 bowls all record the SAME EVENTS in the great tribulation, but from slightly different perspectives. Each group of seven records the entire tribulation. So Recapitulation theorists say 1) the seals, 2) trumpets and 3) bowls are parallel records of the great tribulation – but from different perspectives. Recapitulation theorists finish with Jesus defeating evil in the battle of Armageddon….
(ENTER) The second method of interpretation is called CHRONOLOGICAL PROGRESSION. This argues that everything in Revelation is to be understood chronologically. SO the 7 seals lead into the 7 trumpets lead into the 7 bowls in a series of successive events that together make up the great tribulation.
The chonological progression method also finishes with Jesus triumphing over evil in the battle of Armageddon. Now my own reading of Revelation is kind of a combination of both. I think there are elements of recapitulation, but with real progression through the great tribulation. So I want to give you my OVERVIEW of this section and I know you’re all thinking “keep it simple, Matt”. My response; “C’mon! It’s Revelation for crying out loud. When any of you can make this stuff simple, I’ll step down and you can preach. Deal? Deal! (Slide 3)
Revelation 1-7 is normal history. It all happens before the great tribulation begins. John writes to seven churches. Jesus receives His commission from God to open the sealed scroll. Even the seven seals which begin with Gods normal judgments of famine, plague, sword and wild animals are happening in normal history leading right up to the beginning of the great tribulation. But before the great tribulation begins we hear that Jesus seals certain people for salvation. All the elect Jews and a great multitude of Gentiles are sealed for salvation.
So in Revelation 8-11 the GREAT TRIBULATION begins with TRUMPETS. If taken literally the great tribulation is seven years of unparalleled suffering). But between the 4th and 5th trumpets – a great WOE is pronounced. Something significant seems to happen around the mid-point of the seven trumpets. In chapter 10 we hear there’s no more delay. In chapter 11 – TWO WITNESSES prophesy for 1260 days. This seems to be THE FIRST HALF of the seven years. Then the 7th trumpet sounds and the first movement in the great tribulation is finished…
Early in Revelation 12-15 – we hear about another 1260 days (but this now seems to be focussed on the second half of the seven years). Satan starts waging war on Gods people, we get the mark of the beast etc etc… Revelation 14 then focuses on the 144,000 Jews and Revelation 15 focuses on the great multitude of Gentiles – both of whom are now in heaven. ARE THEY MARTYRS? (PAUSE) Well this ends the second movement in the great tribulation.
The third movement begins with the seven bowls of God wrath which we are told now avenge the blood of Gods people. Again in between the 4th & 5th bowls we’re told A) Armageddon is about to begin and B) Jesus says he is about to come like a thief. (Now why would Jesus say he is about to come like a thief in Revelation 16:15 – if the rapture has already happened). Some try to say the rapture and Jesus coming like a thief are two different events. THE PROBLEM IS Jesus coming like a thief is linked to the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4-5 and it is linked to the two people being in the field, one taken and the other left in Matthew 24. In both places the thief analogy is used. So again I think the church is NOT raptured until some time after the bowls judgments. This third section finishes with A) the Harlot and B) beast being punished. C)We’re told the the bride is now ready and D) Jesus returns.
So we are now moving into this central part of Revelation which seems to be the great tribulation. Graphically it might look something like this. (Slide 4). Again, you can see THE THREE TITLES of Jesus across the top from Revelation 1:5. Section 1 – Jesus is the faithful witness to the churches and we are called to be faithful witnesses too. Section 2 – Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Section 3 – Jesus is the Ruler of the Kings of the earth. Now on the left – (you’ll see) THE SEVEN SEALS bring us up to and just into the great tribulation. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS, THE ANTICHRIST STORY and THE SEVEN BOWLS all happen in the great tribulation with both elements of recapitulation and chronological progression. THE SEVEN BOWLS (which are called the “LAST PLAGUES”) then lead into the end of the world and the return of Jesus…
Point 1: The Great Tribulation begins with Sombre Silence (in heaven)
Show: Rev.8:1-2 (READ)
Explain: As you can see there is SILENCE in heaven for about half an hour. Again, if you read biblical commentaries you’ll hear all sorts of crazy suggestions as to why. But before we go down the path of pure speculation, let us remember Scripture interprets Scripture.
In a number of prophetic passages – SILENCE precedes Gods judgment. Let me show you. (Slide 5 – Hab.2:20). Now in Habakkuk 2 God is bringing accusations against Israel for their crimes. The people have no reasonable excuse. So God is like silence in the court – I’m about to hand down my verdict. We see something similar in Zephaniah 1. (Slide 6; Zeph.1:7-8). Again the context is judgment. Silence precedes Gods judgment. Also in Amos 8 (Slide 7; Amos 8:2-3). Again we’re told the time for judgment is now ripe. Now I could also refer to Zech 2 and Isa.47 which also speak of silence before judgment
There is SOMBRE SILENCE before the judge hands down his verdict. There is SOMBRE SILENCE before Gods people and angels go into a significant war. There is perhaps also SOMBRE SILENCE from Gods prophets – Gods call to repent has NOT been heeded…
Apply: FRIENDS, A) it is Jesus’ completion of Isaiah 49 (in Revelation 7) and B) this sombre silence (In Revelation 8) that makes me think the great tribulation is beginning NOW. This is NOT a common position. Most scholars and pastors think the great tribulation begins in Revelation 6 with the 7 seals and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. But as I showed you from THE SONG OF MOSES in Deuteronomy 32 – the four horsemen of famine, plague, sword and wild animals are simply Gods NORMAL judgments against sin in NORMAL world history. But in Revelation 8 – we are rapidly moving out of NORMAL into PARANORMAL. The GREAT TRIBULATION is beginning…
Point 2: The Great Tribulation begins as a Response to our Prayers
Show: Rev.8:3-5 (READ)
Explain: Well again – allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture we know Gods ALTAR OF INCENSE was about prayer. In the Jewish tabernacle the altar of incense was directly outside the Holy of Holies and the prayers of Gods mixed with the incense were meant to rise as a fragrant offering pleasing to God. So, the first thing we see in this picture is that the great tribulation seems to begin as a response to the prayers of Gods people. THE ANGEL is given MUCH incense to offer with the prayers to make them especially fragrant. But what might the church on earth be praying that makes God decide – enough is enough?
Well last time we saw the prayers of Gods people in Revelation 6 – they were crying; “How long O Lord until you come to judge the nations and to avenge our blood?” These CHRISTIAN MARTYRS or FAITHFUL WITNESSES were told to wait a little longer. But the overall thrust of Revelation is that in contexts of persecution the church should be praying; “Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus Come.” (Rev.22:20). So in response to such a prayer (with much fragrant incense) – God gives the nod. It is now time for the end. So the angel goes to the altar of incense GATHERS UP FIRE – and throws it on the earth. As the FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS sound we see these fiery coals fall upon the earth.
Now we ALSO know this is the beginning of the end – because we have the exact same picture in Ezekiel 9-10. In Ezekiel 9 and Revelation 7 – God delays His final judgment until he puts a protective seal on his people. Then straight after this in Ezekiel 10 and Revelation 8 a man or angel takes FIERY COALS from under Gods throne and throws them on Jerusalem and throws them on the earth. God is no longer giving people warnings OR calling for repentance. In both Ezekiel and Revelation Gods judgment is now falling from heaven in the form of fiery coals. But is Gods judgment really fiery coals?
In Ezekiel 10; Israel learns that God’s fiery coals actually represent a great army coming from Babylon to punish Israel. But where might God get an army to punish the entire world?
As Christians we know the Bible says that the final judgment will be with FIRE, instead of WATER. So we naturally lean towards a literal interpretation – perhaps nuclear war or mass bushfires because of global warming. But fire also represents the absence of God – ie hell is a lake of fire. Now in Ezekiel (which I’ve shown you seems to parallel Revelation) God has been warning the Israelites that if they continue in APOSTASY – God will leave them and forsake them. This is what God says in Ezekiel 5. (Slide 10; Ezek.5:11). Now this raises a huge theological question. Can God forsake His chosen people?
I mean (even as Christians) we often quote Deuteronomy 31 – where God says to His people “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Deut.31:6, 8). But does this promise of God automatically apply to every biological Jew? Or does it ONLY apply to true people of faith? Of course, it is the latter. In the days of Ezekiel God gave a certificate of divorce to Israel because they became like an adulterous harlot. Now again, in the New Testament, the book of Hebrews applies the same promise to the Christian church. God says “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Heb.13:5). But does this promise of God AUTOMATICALLY APPLY to everyone in Australian who ticks the box Christian (at census time)? Of course NOT! As Christians we know that Gods promises only apply to genuine Christians who have faith in Jesus, repent of their sin and endeavour to obey the Bible.
So if you are NOT yet a Christian please listen. (GOSPEL) The only way to be saved is to believe that Jesus died for your sin. We have all sinned against God and deserve His punishment. But when Jesus died on the cross he took – all Gods punishment for sin upon himself, so that you can be spared. Jesus loved you so much he died in your place for your sins…
Now the Bible says that if you BELIEVE Jesus died for your sins and you LOVE Jesus for saving you – you will repent of your sins and turn away from what is wrong. Then, God will pardon you and He will never leave you or forsake you. He will take you to heaven. BUT if you are not a Christian OR your just a luke-warm Christian (who goes through the motions at Christmas and Easter) Gods promises do not apply to you. To such people God can and will issue a divorce certificate.
So in Ezekiel – Ezekiel literally watches Gods glory walk out the door. Let me show you (Slide 11; Ezek.9:3) Gods now heading for the front door. He’s leaving. Now this is what Ezekiel sees in chapter 10. (Enter; Ezek.10:18). Elvis has just left the building. I mean God has just left the building. And as the coals start to fall upon Jerusalem in Ezekiel 11 – this is what Ezekiel sees (Slide 12; Ezek.11:23) As God departs Jerusalem the city He loves He stops one last time on the Mount of Olives to look back with sadness. But God can’t and wont tolerate apostasy…
At the spiritual level a similar thing seems to be happening in Revelation. We see fire. But what’s happening is Gods glory, goodness and common grace is beginning to leave the world because of idolatry, apostasy and bloodshed. And with the absence of God everything is beginning to quake and fall apart.
Point 3: The Great Tribulation sees Fire coming Down and Fire coming Up
Show: Rev.8:5-8 (Slide 14-15)
Explain: Well as fire is hurled from the altar in heaven, we see fiery objects falling upon the earth. At the first trumpet there is fiery hail. The second trumpet – a giant fiery asteroid seems to fall into the sea. The third trumpet – a great blazing star falls on the rivers. Now this star has a name – Wormwood. Interestingly, a somewhat incompetent DEMON is named Wormwood in CS Lewis’ famous Christian book “The Screwtape Letters”. Why did CS Lewis name a demon after this fallen star? Well the fourth trumpet is sounded and we hear a third of the sun, the moon and the stars – go dark. But, its now darker than you can imagine…
Many pastors and scholars teach that these are literal and physical astronomical events. METEORS and perhaps ASTEROIDS are hitting the earth. A third of the sun, moon and stars are literally going dark. Now this is entirely possible and no doubt it would be cataclysmic. If you want to believe this is all literal that is fine. But remember SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE and in biblical prophecy God often reveals things that are happening in the invisible spiritual realm. That is – God describes things that are invisible in ways that our SMALL BRAINS can comprehend some of THE ENORMITY of what we can’t actually see with our eyes. YOU SEE this looks like stars falling from the sky. But look with me at the fifth trumpet…
Show: (Slide 15; Rev.9:1). What the?! How on earth can a fallen star operate a key to the Abyss? Why would a fallen star want to open the Abyss? What perhaps – is another word for a fallen star? Well thankfully, Revelation 12 – explains what we are seeing in Revelation 9. (Slide 16-17; Rev.12:3-4, 9). What we are seeing in Revelation 8 is actually dirty angels falling from the sky – because they have been kicked out of heaven. Now you may like to accuse me of ALLEGORISING the plain meaning of this biblical text. But please note – I am not allegorising – I am simply allowing Revelation 12 to explain Revelation 9 – which also speaks of stars (think angels) being hurled to the earth.
Now we know from other Scripture that angels are spoken of as both stars and fiery stones. In Isaiah 14, speaking to Satan God says; “O how you have fallen from heaven, O Morning Star, son of the dawn.” (Isa.14:12). This is the origin of the name Lucifer – or morning star. Again in Ezekiel 28 (God says to Satan); “You were anointed as a guardian cherub. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.” So, God talks about angels as FIERY STONES (Ezek.28:14, 16) and Satan is spoken of as a star. Then, if I let Scripture interpret Scripture in Revelation – the falling stars seem to align in Revelation with fallen angels being cast to the earth.
But what of the sun, moon and stars turning dark with the fourth trumpet. Well again, lets allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. In Revelation 12 – it says (Slide 18 – Rev.12:1, 17). This picture kind of harks back to Josephs dream in Genesis 37 – where the sun, moon and stars bow down to him. But what we are seeing here is a woman who is THE TRUE LIGHT OF THE WORLD? She is clothed with these lesser lights because they are kind of bowing down to her as Gods true light to the world. She is the city on a hill that can’t be hidden. Originally this woman was Israel. But in Jesus this woman is now all believers both Jew and Gentile who hold to Gods commandments and remain faithful witnesses to Jesus. This woman is the true light of the world. But sadly, I believe the sun, moon and stars darkening is a picture that God’s light is beginning to fade in the church
Apply: What we are witnessing as one third of the sun, moon and stars go black is perhaps the beginning of the great apostasy. As the angels sound the 7 trumpets and the great tribulation begins – almost immediately we hear that one third of the light is gone. Just like that (click fingers) – the smallest bit of affliction, tribulation and hardship – and a third of the bride’s glory disappears. Now I’ll admit that more may be happening in the seven trumpets
But remember if this interpretation is correct and the stars falling to earth really do represent fallen angels being cast out of heaven – we are going to see none of this with our natural eyes. We are ONLY going to see with the eyes of faith – perhaps a sudden and dramatic increase in new age spirituality, the occult, idolatry, sexual immorality, division in the church and lawlessness in the world. The main consequences will be spiritual, not physical. If a third of the sun, moon and stars going dark – is as I suggest (the bride of Christ losing her glory and place of honour in this world) we are simply going to see a diminishing in the size of churches. So called Christians suddenly giving up their faith. In other words what we will see with OUR NATURAL EYES will largely appear normal. At first the frog in the pot of boiling water may simply sense that someone seems to have suddenly turned up the bubbles in the spa in a little bit. Nothing to worry about?
Apply: But for those with spiritual discernment – Revelation 8 – tells us that something like Noah’s flood is beginning. When God destroyed the world the first time with water – water fell from the sky and water came up from the Abyss. In Revelation 8-9 we see the same thing beginning to take place – but with spiritual fire. Demonic fire is beginning to fall from the sky and next week demonic fire will begin come up from the Abyss. As we know Psalm 104 and Hebrews 1 – speak of Gods angels as servants who are flames of fire. I think that as we enter the great tribulation NATURAL CALAMITIES will take place because as Ezekiel saw – Gods glory and goodness and common grace are withdrawing from the tabernacle. So natural calamities will take place as the world begins to quake and tremble under the absence of God. But the real problems in the great tribulation are not physical, or natural, but spiritual. Having rejected the true worship of God and choosing to worship demons in new age spirituality, eastern idolatry and secularism – God begins to give us the very demons we have chosen. But sadly, as all this begins to take place – we may hear little more than elevator music. Nor sense anything more than the bubbles in our hotpot spa rising to the surface a bit a more quickly. Mmmm its getting a little bit hot…