IN THE END…
IN THE END…
The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. —Revelation 17:8
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. —Revelation 9:1-2
They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer). —Revelation 9:11
Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. —Revelation 11:7
And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. —Revelation 20:1-3
This world system is headed toward an end. Jesus said that He would be with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The end of this age will be marked by great wickedness, demonic worship, a world economy that is centralized… Those whose names are not written down in the “book of life” (have never called on Jesus for salvation and do not want to live for God) will follow the world’s lead in these areas. This system will actively persecute and kill those who follow Jesus. Yes, this is the time we are moving toward whether it is in our generation or another.
We know the end of the story. After Satan is bound for 1000 years and there will be great prosperity in many ways on earth. After the 1000 years he will be released only to be defeated and all who side with him. Satan and all who follow Him will be judged (Revelation 20:15). Then eternal righteousness, peace and joy will be ushered in. Oh, what a day that will be!
So fellow follower of Jesus do not be discouraged over what is happening in our world. These things must come to pass. But take courage “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith” (I John 5:1-4). Remember what Jesus said— “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So take heart, be courageous and not fearful! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Dear Father I thank You for letting us know how all this ends. May I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus whatever may come by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.