Remaining: Revelation Upon Us

About two nights ago, I had a revealing dream about bombs, chaos, and anarchy. In the dream, I appeared at a window, where on the other side, was a peaceful apartment complex with sunshine and simple green grass. The landscaper— who was also on the other side of the window—tells me he can’t let me nor my family in due to some mundane reasons, but other people were allowed in.

            At first, the dream was confusing. But as I thought about it I wondered, “Was that supposed to be heaven? And why couldn’t I get in?” Now as a Christian, I (for obvious reasons) quickly repented, and then sought to study more about the end times. This dream stood out to me, because not six months earlier, I had a similar dream, where I am trying to escape a dangerous situation (in this earlier dream, t was faceless monsters held back by a thin stretch material, like rubber) but having no where to go.

            Both of these dreams made me realize something. In the book of Revelation, the prophet John discusses people being subject to torment, while still on earth awaiting final judgement. In chapter 6 verses 15-16, the Word says, “And the kings of the earth…and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains….and from the wrath of the Lamb.” Chapter 8 verse 13 says, “Woe…to the inhabiters of the earth…!”(KJV). This was exactly what was portrayed in my dreams. I was left while destruction was all around. And so I thought to myself, “I don’t want to be one of the people remaining during the end times, because there’s only torment there.” Now before I go too far, there is a moment where God’s chosen people are also on earth during this time, but protected. In Chapter 9, verse 4, the Word says, “And it was commanded them [locusts] that they should not hurt the grass of the earth…but only those men which have not the seal of God…”. This alludes to the fact that there will still be saints and followers of Jesus left during the horrid end times where God finally addresses evil once and for all. Regardless, I didn’t want to take the chance, and so I repented and confessed Jesus once more!

            My reaction may seem like I was scared into repentance, but it’s the complete opposite. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the God of Abraham. And if I’m going to believe His Word, then I must believe that the torment will come upon those who didn’t choose Jesus. No one wants to be tortured, so logically yes I will pray to God and address my wrongs against Him and others to ensure that my soul is saved. But this devotional is a warning. There are going to be all sorts of terrors that come upon the earth, because of all the sin and injustice that has been happening since the beginning of time. Revelation 9:4-21 goes into detail about one of the torments, and how people who have heard of Jesus, and seen His miracles, will still reject Him even in those last days.

            In 1 Thessalonians, Paul, a missionary, eludes to that grand day when Jesus will return. For us Christian believers, he says, “We…shall be caught up together…to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” We have a hope that we look forward to…the hope of everlasting life with Jesus!

            God never intended for us to go to hell (1 Thessalonians 5:9), He intended for us to be with him and to enjoy the gardens, and animals, and each other, in a flourishing community. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and resurrection made a way for us to do that in a sinful and corrupted world. We are new in Jesus, and we are called to Him every day. But unfortunately, there will be people who refuse the testimony of Jesus, and will ignore the torments and warnings, and will be eventually lost forever. I still have trouble communicating that part of the Gospel, but it is true. Once people are made aware of Jesus and what He did for us, the choice is up to them. We all have a choice…and some will benefit, while others will perish.

            I’m usually hesitant about sharing Bible Study about the Revelation, because it feels as if I’m trying to scare someone into salvation. But Jesus never wants to scare us. But because He is perfect, there is perfect justice in Him. And evil should always be addressed, right? So in His perfect justice, we trust Jesus to get rid of all the wickedness in the world…and that unfortunately includes people who hear of Jesus, see His works, hear the testimonies, and still refuse Him.

            This is a warning devotional to those who don’t know Jesus, and to those who do! Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 that we should always be ready for Jesus’ return, which will come like a thief in the night! (Matthew 24:36-42).

            Be ready, and hope in Jesus’ return.

-Sherry Amor