If God is in Control...(part six)

 ...why do people suffer?

Why Is it so Often the Poor, the Elderly, and Children Who Suffer the Most?

Is it fair for the innocent to suffer? No, it’s not fair. The point is that sin is not fair. God is fair, but sin is not fair. That is the nature of sin. When Adam sinned, he gave himself and the human race into the hands of a destroyer. God allows Satan to become active in working through nature to bring about destruction. And just like any bully, Satan targets the weak and the poor, the young and defenseless. God does not want this to happen. He did not want Adam and Eve to sin. But he allowed it, because that was the only way human beings could have the gift of freedom of choice.

For example, a son or daughter may rebel against good parents and go out into the world and live a life of sin. They may have children. They may even choose to abuse those children. This is not fair, yet it happens when people make wrong choices. A loving parent or grandparent would want to rescue the abused children. And God longs to do the same. This is why Jesus came to this earth. He came to live a perfect life and die a death that would bring the opportunity of salvation to all people. Although evil things may happen on this earth, Jesus has the ultimate rescue plan that He has put into action to save eternally everyone who accepts the reality of His love and pardon. Suffering is not forever. The perfect peace and joy of living with Christ forever is just around the corner.

What is the Wrath of God That Will Be Poured Out in the Last Days?

The Bible explains God’s wrath as allowing human beings to choose to separate themselves from God if they so desire. When the Bible speaks about God’s wrath, it does not mean that God is vindictive or retaliatory. God is love, and He wants everyone to be saved. But He allows men and women to go their own way if they insist on doing so. God says, “ My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13, NIV). Many people have rejected the joy of living with Jesus. They have chosen other lifeless things to fill their lives. Instead of living water, they have chosen to make their own wells that don’t even hold water or happiness. It is their choice and they have used their freedom of choice to reject the eternal life that God offers and, instead, try to find life and fulfillment in other worthless sources.

Sadly, God’s wrath is the inevitable consequence that comes to those who choose to separate themselves from Him. God does not want to give up any of His children to destruction. He says with so much yearning, “How shall I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? … My heart churns within Me; my sympathy is stirred” (Hosea 11:8, NKJV). The Lord longs with all His heart to see everyone eternally saved. “‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11, NKJV). God continually calls out to those who reject him to return, and it hurts His heart so much when they don’t. (Source: bibleinfo.com)

Revelation 14:14-15

14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Revelation 14:14–15 — Meaning and Context

Revelation 14:14–15 describes a climactic moment in the Book of Revelation, where God’s final judgment is about to be executed. The vision unfolds in the heavenly realm, with the glorified Son of Man (Jesus) seated on a cloud, symbolizing His divine authority and sovereignty Bible Hub.

14:14 — The angel sees the Son of Man with a golden crown and a sharp sickle in His hand. The sickle is a harvesting tool, representing the authority to separate the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age Bible Hub.

14:15 — Another angel comes from the temple (God’s dwelling place) and calls out to the Son of Man: “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is fully ripe” godsbless.ing+1. This is not a metaphorical suggestion but a divine command, marking the precise moment when God’s plan for humanity’s final judgment is set in motion.

Key Symbolism

• Sickle: Represents Christ’s judgment, as in Joel 3:13 and Matthew 13:30, separating the wheat (righteous) from the chaff (wicked) Bible Hub.

• Harvest of the earth: Signifies the culmination of God’s plan, where all people’s deeds—good and evil—will be judged godsbless.ing+1.

• Ripe: Indicates that sin and iniquity have reached their full measure, and God’s patience has ended Bible Hub.

• Cloud: Symbolizes divine glory and authority, showing Christ’s sovereign control over the judgment Bible Hub.

Theological Significance

This passage is part of a sequence of heavenly proclamations in Revelation 14, which include:

• An angel preaching the gospel (v. 6–7)

• A warning against Babylon (v. 8)

• A call to judgment against those who follow the beast (v. 9–11) StudyLight.org+1

The “reaping” in 14:15 is the final step in God’s victory over evil, sealing the fate of the righteous and the wicked. It is a moment of urgency and finality, showing that God’s timing is precise and that no one can delay His judgment Bible Hub.

In summary: Revelation 14:14–15 portrays the divine command for Christ to execute the final judgment, using the imagery of harvest to depict the separation of the righteous and the wicked at the end of the age. It is a solemn, authoritative moment in God’s plan, underscoring His sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day!

 

If God is in Control...(part five)

 Why does He Kill Sinners?

Does God send calamities to kill sinners? 

Some mistakenly think that God always sends calamities to punish sinners. This is not true. Jesus commented on acts of violence and natural calamities that happened in His day. The Bible says, "There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:1-5).

These things happened because, in a world of sin, there are calamities and atrocities that take place that would not happen in a perfect world. It does not mean that everyone who dies in such calamities is a sinner nor does it mean that God causes the calamity. Sadly, it is often the innocent that suffer the consequences of living in this world of sin. But God does not send these calamities. Satan is the one who sends them.

But Didn't God Destroy Wicked Cities Like Sodom and Gomorrah?

Yes. In past times, God has brought judgment upon the wicked as He did in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible says, “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7, NKJV). The destruction of these wicked cities was an example of the judgments that will come upon the whole world at the end of time as a result of sin. This is a warning for us today, but it does not necessarily mean that when an earthquake or a tornado or a tsunami strikes that God is pouring out His wrath in judgment upon cities like New York, New Orleans, or Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We live in a sinful world and disasters can strike at any time.

Some have suggested that natural disasters are perhaps the beginning of God’s final judgments upon the wicked. One should not rule out the possibility that sinners are receiving the consequences of their rebellion against God, but we cannot correlate particular disasters with divine retribution against specific sinners or sins. As humans we simply don’t have enough information to make that judgment. Only God can make that judgment. These horrible events may well be simply the result of living in a world that has fallen so far from God’s ideal. Even if these disasters might be considered early warnings of God’s final judgment, none should conclude that all those who die in them are eternally lost. Jesus said that in the final judgment it would be more tolerable for some of those destroyed in Sodom, than for those who reject His invitation to salvation in cities that were not destroyed (see Luke 10:12-15).

(Source: bibleinfo.com)

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Revelation 14:13 — Text and Meaning

The verse in the King James Version reads:
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Bible Gateway

Verse in Other Translations

• NIV: “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’” Bible Hub

• ESV: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” Bible Hub

• NLT: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!’” Bible Hub

Context in Revelation

This verse appears in Revelation 14:6–13, where John records a vision of three angels proclaiming God’s message. The third angel’s message is a call to repentance, followed by a declaration of God’s judgment. In this context, Revelation 14:13 is a divine affirmation of blessing for those who die in faith — especially the tribulation martyrs — contrasting them with the wicked who will face eternal torment (Revelation 14:11) BibleRef.com.

Meaning and Interpretation

• “Die in the Lord” — This phrase identifies believers who have died in union with Christ, marking them as new creations in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). It implies a life lived in faith and obedience to God BibleRef.com.

• “Rest from their labours” — This is a promise of eternal rest, both in the sense of relief from earthly toil and in the sense of entering into God’s rest (Matthew 11:28–29). It is a contrast to the unrest of the wicked BibleRef.com.

• “Their works do follow them” — This suggests that God will reward the faithful for their deeds, both in this life and in eternity. It affirms the value of a life lived in service to God BibleRef.com.

In summary: Revelation 14:13 is a prophetic declaration that those who die in Christ are blessed, will enjoy eternal rest, and will be rewarded for their faithful works. It is a message of hope and encouragement for believers, especially those facing persecution.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day!

Revelation 14:11-12

 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 14:10–11 depicts the eternal punishment awaiting those who worship the beast and receive its mark, emphasizing God’s full wrath and the unending torment of the rebellious.

Text Overview

Revelation 14:10–11 states that those who worship the beast and its image, or receive its mark, “will drink the wine of God’s fury, poured full strength into the cup of His wrath” and “will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb”. Their torment is eternal, with “no rest day or night”, and the smoke of their suffering rises forever (NIV, KJV) BibleGateway.com+1.

Symbolism and Meaning

• Wine of God’s Wrath: The imagery of wine, often associated with joy, is inverted here to symbolize the full intensity of divine judgment against sin and rebellion godsbless.ing.
• Burning Sulfur: Fire and sulfur represent eternal punishment and separation from God, highlighting the severity of rejecting divine authority BibleGateway.com+1.
• Presence of the Lamb and Angels: The torment occurs before Christ (the Lamb) and the holy angels, emphasizing that divine justice is both witnessed and executed in the heavenly realm Bible Study Tools.
• No Rest Day or Night: This phrase underscores the unceasing nature of judgment for those aligned with evil, contrasting with the rest and reward promised to the faithful BibleGateway.com+1.

Theological Context

• The passage is part of a larger vision in Revelation 14, which includes the 144,000 faithful on Mount Zion, the proclamations of three angels, and the symbolic harvest of the earth Bible Hub.
• It serves as a warning to remain steadfast in faith, illustrating the stark contrast between the eternal fate of the faithful and the rebellious godsbless.ing.
• Historically, Revelation was written during persecution of early Christians, and this imagery reinforced the urgency of loyalty to God over worldly powers, such as the Roman Empire and its emperor worship Bible Hub.

Practical Implications

Revelation 14:10–11 calls readers to consider the consequences of spiritual allegiance. Worshiping the beast or succumbing to worldly pressures leads to eternal separation from God, while faithfulness to Christ ensures ultimate victory and rest. The passage emphasizes the seriousness of moral and spiritual choices and the eternal significance of obedience to God godsbless.ing.

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Hello Friends.

I am just including our next verses in Revelations 14 for todays post. I am so sorry considering I have not posted content all weekend. However, I am not feeling well today. And I do ask your forgiveness for thqt. Lord willing, I will be at it again tomorrow. Thank you for your faithfulness to this  blog but even more so to God's Word as we apply it the best we can to our lives. I truly appreciate you all. Take care and have a blessed day!