"Nor Did They Repent"

“…nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:21 ESV)

Is it possible to look at the news and not see this passage? Every single day, murder after murder, and all facets of tragedies. Yes, it is possible, but not yet. John’s vision in Revelation is one of hope, but we must pass through much until that time. When we talk of end times, we may get called many things, a zealot, a "doomsdayer," or my favorite, a “holy roller,” whatever that is.

Charismatics, the emerging church, and false teachers often downplay these aspects, presenting a positive message about how great they are and how God has a great plan for them, provided they give money to the church. Messages of truth are not designed to put fear in anyone. They are not intended to be threatening. They are designed to make one aware of the second coming of the Lord.

The sins of our society are visible, even boasted about. This occurs because God has turned this world over to its sin, debased minds controlled by the prince of the power of the air, Satan. In this, we should have no fear; however, we should be concerned about our relationship with God.

When we recognize the depth of our sin, we should not look down, but up. David wrote, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5). Yet in the very next verse, David proclaims, “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” David wrote this Psalm after Nathan convicted him of the murder of Uriah and adultery with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. In His forbearance, God looked over these sins, knowing Christ would pay for them.

The shed blood of the Lamb has paid for your sins. In the midst, suspended between an evil world and the throne of God, Jesus paid for your sins, and mine. So, while those of the world refuse to come to Christ, repent of their murder, idolatry, mysticism, and adultery, we must do just that, repent. In such, God will teach us of the wisdom in the secret heart, the devoted heart of a disciple.

Imagine Christ, sinless, transcendently pure, knowing that although He had not sinned, He would bear the sins of the world. All because of love. Can you wrap your head around that? There is a Christian tale of Reprobus, a giant who served many kings. A hermit told Reprobus to serve others by carrying them across a swift river. A child asked Reprobus to carry him across the river, which he did. Though the child was small, Reprobus felt a crushing weight as he ferried the child across the river. On the other side, the child revealed to Reprobus that he was the Christ, and the crushing weight felt by the giant was the weight of the world the Christ child carried. It is a legend that this giant converted and became St. Christoper, which, as I understand it, means Christ-bearer.[1]

Now, this is an old Christian tale, but the illustration is accurate. Isaiah 53:4-6 reveals this quite clearly, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Not only did creation come through Christ (John 1), but he carried the sins of the whole world alone.

If you know Christ as your Savior, you know not to fear the world for you are no longer a part of it. Despite the depravity surrounding us, rejoice, for Christ is sinless and cannot lie. He is coming again, a promise we eagerly anticipate. Whether in the air (1Thessalonians 4:17) or before His throne, we will all stand before Him to be judged. I pray you will hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

If Christ is not your Savior, but you are seeking information on salvation through grace by faith in Christ, please contact us here at In Messiah. We would be delighted to help you start your journey of faith.

Grace and Peace.

[1] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/471986,