False Doctrine from Demonic Locusts

Rev. Caleb Adams, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, OR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 9:1-21. When the fifth trumpet sounds, the devil is given the key to the bottomless pit, from which he releases locusts who have power like scorpions. They harm those who are not Christians, and their torment is worse than the torment of death. Their dreadful power represents the deadly force in all false doctrine. As this first woe passes, the sixth angel sounds his trumpet. Four angels at the river Euphrates are released at the appointed time to kill a third of mankind. This demonic army also brings deadly false doctrine. However, the rest of mankind does not repent of their idolatry or their sinful works. Comfort is found in this text for Christians in the fact that none of this is outside of the control of the risen Christ. He directs all things and protects His people from the devil and his works. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted, and assured of final victory through Jesus Christ.