7th Meeting - Revelation 7,8 &9 - Chapter 9

Chapter 9 opens with the 5th angel sounding his trumpet, and I saw a star falling from the sky to the earth. Who is this star? Some people believe that this is Satan when God threw him out of Heaven. Others believe that this is an angel of God sent to earth to open the shaft of the abyss.
What is the abyss, and where is it. This has been subject of debate for a long time. If you refer to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the abyss is the separation between the good and bad parts of Sheol. The abyss is mentioned several places in the Bible, and only the very wicked were sent there. The angels that went with Satan at the time of his fall are said to be chained there.
Where is the opening of this abyss located? If you look at Revelation Chapter 2:13 I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. This is part of the Letter to the Seven Church's, to the Church of Pergamum in particular. This city was known in the ancient world as a place to find all kinds of debauchery. The Church at Pergamum is a pile of rocks now, if you read the letter concerning it you will understand that the Church was given a job to do and they did not get it done. We also are given jobs by Christ to do, will we be like this Church, or will we do His will? That is the question. This is the most important question, when Jesus comes back will He find you doing His business, or will he find you sleeping? Only you can answer that question. Look at the people that are receiving these punishments, who are they? These are the ones that still have not made a decision to repent and follow God. Repent means to turn from your sin and not to commit it again. God knows your heart and will reward you accordingly. Revelation chapter 9:17 tells us what the world is going to look like at the time of the end. Sin will be what is right and truth will look like a lie. This is only for a period and will not last. It is this situation when Sin is stronger than truth that will bring the Lord Jesus back.