The Beginning of the End pt. 3

The Great Day of His Wrath

Since we entered the last phase of Revelation, things which shall be, we have seen the scene shift many times from earth to heaven. Chapter 4, John is transported from earth to heaven, chapters 4-5 he is in heaven, in chapter 6 our attention is drawn again to earth in verses 1-6, but in verses 7-11 our focus once again is on those tribulation saints in heaven. It is in these verses that the saints ask the question: Revelation 6:10

Revelation 6:10 KJV 1900

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

That is a good question is it not? Maybe you have had a crisis in your life that has brought a similar question to your lips. Have you ever asked God “why?”? Well, you’re not alone!

Church I want to point out before we get into our message today that God does not answer their question. See God is not obligated to answer our questions. We ask “why” because we do not understand what is going on. God understands what He is doing, so He doesn’t have to answer us.

There is something interesting in the closing verses of this chapter though. Even though God doesn’t answer their question, He certainly takes notice of their trial!

In chapter 6 we go from earth back to heaven, and we end going from heaven back to earth! I must point out that as these seals progress the intensity of the judgment increases along with them. My friends, what God is about to do with the sixth seal is remarkable.

The sixth seal reveals the “Great day of His wrath” upon the earth

What will that day be like?

When the sixth seal is broken there will be:

A Change in the earth v. 12

An earthquake - a world shattering earthquake - August 9, 2020 Sparta 106 miles away, still felt the tremor!

Possible the result of volcanic eruptions

Possibly the result of an impact from an asteroid or large meteor - whatever it is it will be felt world-wide.

Mountains and islands will move v. 14

Again, this gives evidence to seismic activity from volcanoes and earthquakes

But there is more:

If there is a shifting of the tectonic plates, then this would explain the draining of the Euphrates river which will be supernaturally drained

It would also explain land routes being opened to expedite the invasion of Israel

A Change in the Heavens v. 12-13

The sun will be blackened and moon will appear as blood v. 12

Interesting, both of these phenomena could be the result of seismic activity, specifically the eruption of volcanoes.

It is we documented that volcanic ash can cause the sun to be blotted out

It has also been reported historically that volcanic ash in the atmosphere can cause the moon to have a reddish appearance

Notice I said volcanic eruptions could be the cause of these events, could.

It is equally likely that the events and goings on in the cosmos are the result supernatural activity

Whatever, however, this will be a global event and EVERYONE will bear witness.

Stars will fall from heaven v. 13 -

I understand that a star cannot fall from the sky.

If a star fell to the earth it would incinerate the earth

John is using figurative language.

My brother and I went camping once during a meteor shower

As we laid on the ground looking up at the sky we saw the shower begin

Neither of us said, “Look a those meteors!”

No, we said, look at those “shooting stars”

I believe that when this seal is broken there will be devastating meteor impacts all across the globe!

The heavens will roll back like a scroll v. 14

This further describes the point John is making in verse 13...

There will be tremendous atmospheric upheaval in this day!

This will lead to verse 15-17...

Man will acknowledge God v. 15-17

Those present on the earth in these early days of the tribulation will acknowledge they are under divine judgment

But they will not repent

They will flee to the mountains, they will hide, but they will not be able escape

They will realize that they cannot hide from God and that they cannot stand against Him

Sadly, instead of turning to Him, they turn further away.

Their focus will be on the people of God and persecution will follow like never before.

There is no escape, there is not hiding. When the first seal is broken, the tribulation will begin.

Conclusion:

Listen to me, if the rapture took place today, if Jesus was to receive the seven sealed book from His Father tomorrow and open the first seal, this awful period would begin.

My friend I want you to know that if you are not saved, if the rapture was to happen today, when this period begins you find yourself saying, “…the great day of His wrath is come; who shall be able to stand?”

That is a rhetorical question. No one will be able to stand against God in that day.

“Pastor, I don’t know about this tribulation stuff. Here’s what I’ll do, when the rapture happens then I’ll repent and get saved.”

First off, don’t be so arrogant. You have no idea if you will even live long enough to see this happen! Second, if you don’t trust Jesus as your Savior now, you will not be able to then!

What is your answer? Let’s pray…As our musicians make their way forward, I want to ask simply, if you died today, where would you spend eternity? Do you know for sure that you would be in heaven. You say, “Pastor, I know I’m saved and I have Bible reasons to prove it!” Would you raise your hand?

Just now you couldn’t raise your hand because you’re just not sure that you’re saved. Let’s do something different today. If right now you are not for certain that you are saved, if you would like to speak with me after the service, would you raise your hand, I’ll be happy to arrange that meeting with you.