This chapter speaks to the global judgment upon the earth that will take place during the Great Tribulation, which immediately precedes the return of Christ (Matthew 24:29-30).
Verses 1,3
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There will be lots of death and large portions of the earth will be emptied. At least one-third of all mankind will die (Revelation 9:15-21).
Verse 2
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Every class of people will suffer, so do not trust in class or status to save you. Only Jesus saves from wrath.
Verses 5-6
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The earth currently suffers under man's disobedience to God, and it will suffer most during the end. Our sin is to blame for the corruption of the earth (Romans 8:20-22).
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There will also be great burning. Droves of people will be consumed in fire during the end.
Verses 7-11
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There will be no joy for any unbeliever during the end, and it will be hard for believers to have joy.
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Learn to be patient and joyful now, and you will have more joy during this time of the end.
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Verses 14-16
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Even though there will be little joy in the earth, believers will still be able to rejoice in the judgment of God, as He brings His justice upon the wicked. Of all people, we who are believers will be able to take some comfort in God.
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Remember this! Even today, find reasons to be thankful and praise God always.
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Verses 17-20
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But for unbelievers, there will be no escaping God's judgment.
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The earth will be so troubled by the weight of man's sin that the earth will split open, and likely caused by a great earthquake—an earthquake greater than the world has ever seen (Revelation 16:18).
Verses 21-22
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Both human and angelic beings will suffer God's judgment during this time.
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At the end of a period what seems to be one-thousand years, souls in the “prison” of hell will be delivered up for a final punishment called the second death (Revelation 20:7-15).