Tag: God’s wrath finished
“It is Done!”
Scripture reading for December 22: Revelation 16
“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been on earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” Revelation 16:17-21
John observed as the seven angels poured out their golden bowls of God’s wrath on the earth. As the seventh angel poured out his bowl on the air of earth, a loud voice from God’s throne announced, “It is done!” This announcement reminds us of Jesus’ last loud cry from the cross, as He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)(Matthew 27:50) This final bowl produced amazing judgments on the earth. There was a tremendous earthquake that leveled all mountains and submersed all islands. The great city, Jerusalem, was split into three parts and the cities of the nations fell. The world system of antichrist, Babylon the great, was made to drink the final cup of God’s wrath. John saw hailstones weighing about one hundred pounds falling on people of the earth. Instead of repentance, they cursed the God of Creation.
God desires that no man would be lost so He provided His Son to take His wrath against sin. He invites all mankind to receive this mercy and has sent His believing children to share the Gospel. John is allowed to witness the final wrath poured out on those refusing His Son. He sent three angels to invite and warn mankind one last time. But those on the earth refuse repentance and curse God for their hopeless plight. They have believed the lie and are damned.
Have you considered God’s just and true judgments outlined here for us to receive warning and escape? Have you considered your own appointment with death and judgment? What are you doing to help others escape these judgments?
Prayer: Father, thank You that “It is finished!” I receive the finished work of Jesus Christ as my gift of mercy and forgiveness. I don’t want justice, but need mercy. Help me to live by faith and share the Gospel of grace with a world in darkness. Amen.