In Revelation 16, we see the outpouring of the 7 bowls judgment on the people still living through this period. We note specifically that only the first bowl judgement distinguishes between those who have taken the mark of the beast and worshipped its image, as compared to others. These judgments will all come in rapid succession and will probably take place during the last months of the 7 years of tribulations. We also noticed that for the first time, like the dragon, the beast and false prophet before them, the people of the world starts actively cursing and blaspheming God for all they are going through; "Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory. Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish, and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.
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Revelation 16:9-11 NLT. These final judgments are God's last merciful act to people of the world to choose Christ. Lastly, in the midst of this amazing revelation, Jesus pauses to give John a message. The message is not for those going through the judgments, no, the message is for us reading the book of Revelations today who can still avoid partaking of these coming judgments; "“Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”
Revelation 16:15 NLT. Jesus' second coming will be so spectacular that no one living through that time will be able to miss it; "Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!
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Revelation 1:7 NLT. Jesus is therefore not talking about that second coming. Actually, there are 2 second comings of Jesus we see in the scriptures, the first is silent and unexpectedly like a thief which is what he is referring to here. “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
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Matthew 24:37-44 NLT. The day of rapture. The question is, will you be ready?
