Part 6 of 6 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation 8' by Gijs van den Brink
It is striking that the first trumpet judgments in Revelation 8 are characterized by environmental disasters. If anything the second half of the 20e century and the beginning of the 21e century stands out, it is through environmental disasters. The German theologian Moltmann speaks of an ecological suicide of humanity. The judgments of God are not unworldly events. Judgments of God have to do with the consequences of human sin. In environmental disasters, the relationship between sin and judgment is very clear.
We should not try to point out through the corona crisis or natural disasters where we are on God's timeline toward the end times. Biblical prophecy is not a picture, but a painting. In the book of Revelation, it goes from "seals" to "trumpets" to "bowls," a succession of crises that will strike the world. God reveals to us that the world in its present form will come to an end through increasing crises.
The idea that this world will always continue to develop in an upward trajectory is a myth. The ubiquitous Western belief in progress is primarily based on a firm belief in modern science. That this science has its limits also becomes painfully clear in the current corona crisis. The book of Revelation shows us that the world is falling into an ever-increasing crisis. With more death and destruction and destruction.
At the same time, there is no book that more powerfully proclaims the preservation of the earth than the book of Revelation. The view given to us is the return of Christ (Rev. 19:11ff) followed by a kingdom of perfect salvation and peace on earth (Rev. 20:1ff) and then a new heaven and earth.
The book of Revelation gives a powerful testimony that the earth will not perish, but will be preserved and transformed into a new earth of peace and righteousness (Rev. 21-22).
Next time we will continue with a new series of blogs : part 1 of 7 of the theme 'Lessons from the Book of Job': Battle between God and Satan
Also see: Part 5 of 6 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation 8 ': One-third of all water poisoned
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 6 of 6 concise blog on the topic of "Lessons from Revelation 8" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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