“He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” [1]
When does everything become beautiful? When does one consider eternity? When does a sinner want to learn of the work of God?
The answer is when a sinner comes under conviction of sin by hearing God’s Word spoken by the Spirit of God. God converts souls via His Word…
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” [2]
A sinner experiences conversion or rebirth as he or she realizes his or her need for God, and that God is giving him or her the opportunity to be saved by Him. God converts sinners…
“I [God] will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” [3]
While doing mission work and living in China, the Lord led me to read the Book of Revelation, and to write out its words on paper. As I did, I was especially surprised by the revelations contained in chapters 13 and 18.
Revelation 13 speaks of a beast rising out of the sea. The beast is a conglomeration of governmental authorities [represented by various man-eating animals] who blaspheme [speak against] God’s Name. All the world marvels at this beast and follows it. They exclaim, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” He makes war with the saints [the people who do not compromise with sin]. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The Lord says to His people, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” The ministry during the days of the beast consists of being patient and keeping our faith in Christ no matter what happens. [4]
Revelation 18 speaks of the judgment of Babylon which is a code name for the beast that defiled the world and led the world astray from God. Babylon is eulogized as a harlot who made the merchants of the earth rich. God warned His people not to share in Babylon’s sins lest they also share in her plaques. She projected herself as invincible, but in one day, she was gone. God judged her.
The kings of earth weep and lament over her. The merchants weep and mourn over her. She made merchandise out of everything including the bodies and souls of people. Shipmasters and sailors cry out, “What is like this great city?” as they watch her burn with fire. “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” “All who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!”
Those who stood against Babylon, and suffered because of her, are told by the Lord to, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” By her sorcery all the nations had been deceived. They had united against God and served Satan. “In her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” [5]
When tempted to discount God’s Word and His Spirit’s prompting, turn to God, and remember the following words: “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” [6] Satan’s reign of terror and of perversity has an expiration date. It will end, and end horribly. Only God’s Kingdom lasts forever, and it is a glorious kingdom full of light, truth, and love.
[1] Ecclesiastes 3:9
[2] Psalm 19:7-14
[3] Ezekiel 36:26
[4] Revelation 13:1-10
[5] Revelation 18:1-20
[6] Ecclesiastes 3:14
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