God calls His people to separation ......Rev 18:4-5

This is the second voice that John hears in Rev 18, the first being an angel, this one may be the voice of God Himself. Because, the voice says, "Come out of her, my people" etc.

Those who come to faith during the tribulation period, are like we are today, we are "His People"
We belong to Him. He has purchased us, we are not our own, we are His.

The call to those who belong to God during the tribulation is the same as it is today to God's people.
Come out. Very simple.

It's a call to separation.

God has always done this, right from the start, and will do it right till the end.

We are near the end at this time. So, not much longer and we will be with Christ.

Even if Jesus does not rapture the church during our lifetime, we are still nearer then when we first believed. And, our life is still just a vapor etc.

But, God's call during the tribulation to separate will be more distinguished, or more significant, or more highlighted, or more intense, etc, etc. Why?

Because there will be more evil around.

The anti christ will be in full swing and sway at this point. Being worshipped by multitudes.

So, the the Lord calls His people to come out, "lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."

Those are the two reasons for the call. To avoid sharing in earth's sins, and to avoid the consequences which  are the plagues she will receive.

God then describes the sins of earth's people at this time. "For her sin's have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities"

So, again there are two things said here. Sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her inquiries. Sins are stacked up as it were. Or their voice is heard in heaven. Or they make an impression in heaven. They insult heaven. They assault heaven, etc, etc.

And, while the sin's of God's people are both forgiven, and not remembered, these iniquities are remembered by God. And, they will be punished as this chapter reveals. That's what the chapter is really all about.

In fact, God's payment for sin, is going to be along the line of "just as she has rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her"
More about God's payment in a moment.

But, this "just as" aspect, or in light of, or sewing and reaping, or pay back for what's been done, there is also this, "pay double " method. This is seen frequently in the old testament. Usually as the point where the long-suffering of God is now over, and the time for judgment has come. This pay double principle is seen.

That's what's going to happen in Recv 18.

Interesting to see the difference. God's mercy, and long-suffering, are so abundant now, but, His wrath will be so abundant during the tribulation period.

I thank God that I am saved, and pray that others will come to Christ now.

In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia