Two things are said.....
1. For her sins have reached to heaven.
2. And God has remembered her iniquities.
These two things describe the earth in the very last part of the 7 year tribulation period. These two things are clear and understandable.
The earth will be covered with sin if you will during the tribulation period, ( except for those who come to faith and are saved ) but, for the most part sin, darkness and evil will cloud and envelope the earth. Reaching up to heaven, that is, stacking up as it were and going all the way to heaven so to speak. And remembered by God or in His mind.
Also, we are told about the way the judgement will take place.
1. Render to her just as she rendered to you.
2. And repay double according to her works.
3. In the cup she has mixed, mix double for her.
4. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously.
5. In the same measure give her torment and sorrow.
6. For she says in her heart, I sit as a queen and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.
7. Therefore her plagues will come in one day.
8. Death and mourning and famine.
9. And she will be utterly burned with fire.
10. For strong is the Lord God who judges her.
In reflection upon the above description, it's unmistakably clear that God will repay, and will repay double if you will.
This is something we see in the OT as well. God's long-suffering is very long, and very patient. But, if after a very long period of time, where people continue in their stubbornness and rebellious attitude towards the Lord, then this double payment principle comes into play.
Judgement will be rendered to the earth by and from God. Just as the earth ( the people of earth have done ) so, God will do back to them. Rendered and repaid in double. Judgement that is mixed double for her is how it's put.
Measure for measure. And, the fact of man's prideful rebellion against God is mentioned in Rev 18.
Man will be sure during this time that no trouble will come to them. This has been the pattern also in the OT with those who refused God's prophets and simply would not relent of their ways.
Finally, it's stated that the plaques will come suddenly, in "one day" Death, mourning and famine will come upon the earth
The reason for this is, "for strong is the Lord God who judges her"
God has the power to do this. And He will.
What terrible days are coming to the earth. Whatever trouble we see now, is nothing compared to what is coming.
The day we live in, is the day of salvation. Now is the time for people to be saved, and now is the time for believers in Jesus Christ to be available to God to be used by Him.
I pray that today, the Lord might use us in some way to communicate Jesus Christ to someone, or to some group of people.
May God open the doors for this to happen, and may it happen day by day.
Lord we know You want to minister to people, and we want to be vessels through whom You can minister. Make it so Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
