The Sixth Trumpet Judgment: The Demons of Death (Rev. 9:13–21)

The Sixth Trumpet Judgment: The Demons of Death (Rev. 9:13–21) I. The Demons are Discharged () A. The sixth trumpet introduces a new judgment (v. 13) a. Judgment begins from God’s altar 1. This heavenly altar is before God with the Son standing near the throne, having taken the scroll. (5:1-10; 8:1-3) 2. Though John said he heard a voice, this most likely is Jesus Christ or an angel that issues the command for angels (bound demons) to be released. 3. The sixth angel with the trumpet is the one that releases 4 angels, who have been incarcerated by the Euphrates River. B. This judgment also involves demonic forces. () a. Four major demons bound by the Euphrates River command this assault 1. This river figures prominently in the Old Testament and in Revelation (16:12-16). 2. The first great sins were all committed near this river. (Gen. 2:14, 4:8, 11:2) 3. These 4 Angels that are released are demons since holy angels are never bound. C. Their sovereignly controlled demonic mission is to destroy mankind. () a. Judgment Death Tolls: 3. 4th Seal Judgment = ¼ of the world’s population. 4. 6th Trumpet Judgment = 1/3 of the world’s remaining population. 5. Over half of the World’s Population (.058) will be killed. II. The Demons are Described (v. 16-17) A. They are many () B. They are murderous () a. Identity of this Army: 1) Physical Army – Some commentators believe this army is made up of human beings. 2) Demonic Army – Some commentators believe this army is made up of spiritual beings. 6. Five Reasons Why This is a Demonic Army: 1) The unleashing of this army is the 6th trumpet judgment. The 5th trumpet was a demonic invasion of the earth and the 5th and 6th trumpets go together since they are the first two of the three “Woes” (Rev. 8:13). 2) Four Fallen angels lead this army just like the previous demons did during the 5th trumpet judgment. Since the previous army was demons, these are most likely demons as well. 3) The power and destruction this army is capable of inflicting fits better with supernatural beings rather than instruments of modern warfare. 4) There are other biblical examples describing supernatural armies similar to what we find in this passage. 5) The demonic weapons consist of fire, brimstone, and smoke. These are always mentioned in the Bible as supernatural weapons of judgment. The book of Revelation associates them with hell four times (14:10-11; 19:20; 20:10; 21:8) III. The Demons are Destructive (v. 18-19) A. The means of destruction () B. The method of destruction () IV. The Depraved are Disobedient (v. 20-21) A. In the face of such extreme judgment, people will still not repent of their idolatry () B. They will not repent from their sinful acts () a. When a Society is Given Over to God’s Wrath: 1. An Increase of Sexual immorality (Rom. 1:24-25) 2. An Increase of Homosexual Immorality (Rom.1:26-27; Lev. 18:22, 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-11) 3. Lawless Mind (Rom. 1:28-32) Point to Ponder: God’s plans for the future will be accomplished, to include the salvation of sinners and judgment upon those who reject Jesus Christ. As we saw in today’s lesson, judgment produced fear but it did not produce repentance leading to salvation. Today is your moment to make your decision. Where you will be? What do you choose? John F. MacArthur Jr., Revelation 1–11, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 269. Ibid., 270. Ibid., 270. John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 953. Ray Stedman, “All Hell Breaks Loose,” Online. Accessed June 16, 2021. MacArthur, MNTC, 271. Mark Hitchcock, The End (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2012), 356. MacArthur, MNTC, 272. John F. MacArthur Jr., “Homosexuality and the Campaign for Immorality,” Online. Accessed April 20, 2021. Greg L. Bahnsen, Homosexuality: A Biblical View (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1978), 1,31. John F. MacArthur Jr., “Homosexuality and the Campaign for Immorality,” Online. Accessed April 20, 2021.