Pastor Chuck Smith Excerpts from The Book of Revelation Gehenna The Destination for Evil Spirits

Note: this is an excerpt from Revelation 9 in the full lesson Pastor Chuck Smith examines Revelation Chapter 9, speaking on the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments in particular. These are symbolic of the graver trials still to come upon the Earth. The fifth trumpet represents a star, actually an angel, falling from heaven with the key to the "bottomless pit" or abyss which houses those who were sinners. Pastor Smith recollects the narrative of the wealthy man and Lazarus to corroborate that post-death, the virtuous found solace in Abraham's bosom, while the sinners languished in torment. Jesus Christ liberated these souls and through His death, offered a permanent absolution of sins that no animal sacrifice could.Pastor Smith then transitions to the sixth trumpet, detailing the foretold release of four angels condemned to the Euphrates, who would bring about further disaster. These angels, he suggests, could be the ones reserved in Tartarus, mentioned by Peter. Their leader is Abaddon, the angel of the abyss and the metaphorical destroyer. Despite the great loss of life and the devastating judgments, humanity persists in sinning, worshipping demons and idols, and engaging in immoral activities. He urges his listeners to embrace God's forgiveness and warns against consistently disobeying and denying God.The sermon concludes with an ominous note - Jesus' return is close, and only those who have accepted Him will escape these tribulations. Pastor Smith powerfully urges everyone to make the mindful choice to accept Christ and His forgiveness before it's too late, reminding everyone of His impending return.