August 17, 2020
God is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Pastor Martin Saine begins Revelation 16 by taking us back to last week’s message about the Cities of Refuge found in the Old Testament, to clarify and compare them to our never change Savior. The same God who gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross, who pours out mercy and grace, love and forgiveness also will pour out judgement and wrath, as seen in Revelation 16.
Grace began in the Garden of Eden and It was through the incarnation of Jesus- God the Son, becoming our Kinsman redeemer, living a sinless life, sacrificing Himself on our behalf, suffering HIMSELF the penalty due man for sin, demonstrating faith that the Father would raise Him from the dead, and living forever as our High Priest, that all of the attributes of God were resolved so that God remained true to Himself and yet provided a way whereby we could be saved!
Who is our refuge?
Hebrews 6:17-20 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Who is our High Priest?
Hebrews 6:20 Where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
When did our High Priest die?
At Calvary.
What happened for those who seek refuge in Him after His death?
Rom 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
There is one technicality that is required for man to be set free:
Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
His death had to be declared manslaughter, not pre-meditated murder!
In Numbers 35 if someone kills another with intent to kill, with iron implements, stones, or beating, they were considered what we would consider first degree murders, and no refuge would be granted them; The avenger of blood was to strike them down.
But Jesus declared His death as manslaughter and asked the Father to forgive those who killed Him, even as they were doing it! This left the door open to ANY who would come to Him in repentance and faith to be safely hidden from the avenger of blood, in the permanent city of refuge, which is Jesus Christ, the High Priest.
At this point we see a glimpse of Rev 22:11. Decisions have been made, allegiances fully forged. Those who have decided for Christ no matter the cost have made their decision, and “those who dwell on the earth” STILL refuse to allow Jesus to rule over them and have therefore made their choice. The heavenly temple is closed as God’s wrath is kindled full force and the results are to follow.
Rev 16:1-7 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”
Rev 16:2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
Notice this judgment is reserved for those who have taken the mark and worshiped his image.
“Foul and loathsome sore” is the same Greek word used for the boils that afflicted the Egyptians in Exodus 9:9-11, and the boils Job experienced in Job 2:7, and the sores that plagued Lazarus the beggar in Luke 16:21. These are foul, open, oozing, painful sores that do not heal….
Remember, the whole world, every tribe, nation, and tongue, were warned in Chap 14:9-11 by an Angel flying through the heavens NOT TO TAKE THE MARK or worship the beast!!!
Rev 16:3 Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.
This is reminiscent of the first plague against Egypt in Exodus 7:20-25, and of the Second Trumpet judgment in Rev 8:8-9, but the previous judgments were partial, still giving men time to repent. This time, it’s a total global judgment!
The vast majority of life on planet Earth is contained in the seas. Imagine the entire sea system of the Earth turning to blood, and EVERY LIVING THING in the oceans dying!
Rev 16:4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. And now we come to the fresh water…..
Rev 16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things.
Rev 16:6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.”
Rev 16:7 And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
Raise a Hallelujah Music by Jake Stevens Jonathan David Helser Melissa Helser Molly Skaggs Copyright:© 2018 Bethel Music Publishing Used by Permission. CCLI License #283709 Streaming License #20185078