This account in Luke portrays a key moment in Jesus’ ministry when He returns to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit, teaching in the synagogues and gaining fame in the region. Specifically, in this passage, Jesus enters the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown, and reads a passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The passage speaks of good news and God’s goodwill toward humanity. Preachers often use this passage to highlight the purpose and mission of Christ: to bring salvation, healing, and freedom. This has been the focus of preaching for the past two thousand years and remains central to the modern Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption for humanity.
Many preachers use this text to discuss the complete transformation Christ offers—not only spiritual but also physical, emotional, and social. By declaring that this scripture is fulfilled in their hearing, Jesus clearly identifies Himself as the promised Messiah, chosen by God to bring the good news of salvation. Preachers often emphasize this point to affirm Christ’s divinity and His role as the Savior who came to fulfill the prophecies. However, this was not the full prophecy from Isaiah.
In this study, we will examine the second part of Isaiah’s prophecy to understand its implications and how it will affect all the inhabitants of the earth in the future. After the verses Jesus read, we find the following text in the book of the prophet Isaiah 61:2-3: “… to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” This second part of the prophecy has not yet been fulfilled.
During the years when Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, He never mentioned “the day of vengeance of our God,” as that was not His mission at the time. This part of the prophecy remains pending—not because it was forgotten, but because it is yet to be announced before His second coming. While Isaiah’s prophecy may seem contradictory, mentioning both “the year of the Lord’s favor” and “the day of His vengeance,” it makes sense when understood as referring to two distinct moments, as we will see later in this study.
When Jesus Christ returns a second time, He will come to establish His millennial kingdom and take up His true church. He will also rule the nations with an iron scepter, destroy all the wicked on earth, execute justice, and create new heavens and a new earth, as declared by the prophet Isaiah 65:17: “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Isaiah confirms this prophecy in Isaiah 66:22: “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me, declares the Lord, so will your name and descendants endure.” The apostle Peter reaffirms the declaration of new heavens and a new earth in 2 Peter 3:13: “But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” Peter referenced Isaiah’s prophecy to affirm that the disciples believed in the new heavens and new earth spoken of in these prophecies.
Finally, the book of Revelation states in Revelation 21:1: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
Why does it speak of new heavens and a new earth? … Because everything we see will be destroyed.
When Jesus returns to earth, He will completely demolish the earth, destroying everything we see and value. The great works, buildings, and all that is a source of pride will be destroyed. God will create everything anew—because He can, He wills it, and it is necessary.
The Bible describes the destruction of the earth in various ways, primarily in prophetic and apocalyptic texts related to the final judgment and the renewal of all creation. In the New Testament, particularly in 2 Peter 3:10, it describes a future where the earth will be destroyed by fire: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
This passage indicates that the current heavens and earth will be disintegrated, not by water as in Noah’s flood, but by fire. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes both judgment and purification, suggesting that the destruction of the earth will not be a total end but a process of renewal, preceded by a period of tangible destruction similar to what occurred in Sodom and Gomorrah.
The “Day of the Lord” is a recurring concept in the Bible, referring to a time of judgment and destruction for the ungodly. In the Old Testament, it is described as a day of darkness and devastation. For example, in Zephaniah 1:14-15, we read: “The great day of the Lord is near—near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry. That day will be a day of wrath—a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness.”
This presents an image of global destruction, with chaos, judgment, and terror upon those who have rejected God. While the Bible speaks of the destruction of the earth, it also offers a vision of hope. Revelation 21:1-4 describes how, after that destruction, God will create “a new heaven and a new earth.” The old creation will be destroyed to make way for a new one, free of sin, evil, and death. This new creation will be the eternal home of the righteous, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more suffering or death.
In 2 Peter 3:5-7, the apostle Peter compares the future judgment to the flood in Noah’s days when the earth was destroyed by water. However, Peter clarifies that the future judgment will be by fire, marking a difference in the method of destruction while maintaining the pattern of judgment upon a corrupt humanity. The purpose of the earth’s destruction in the Bible is not merely punishment but the eradication of sin and evil at its root—the ungodly man—and the preparation for a new era of peace and justice under Jesus’ rule. This judgment will purify creation and pave the way for eternity with God.
The true children of God will endure persecution, just as all God’s servants have in the past.
Those who believe that God is only love will be greatly surprised, as the judgments will come when they least expect them, as the apostle Peter states in 1 Peter 4:17: “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
The judgment coming to the church is not the same as that coming to the world. The difference is that the church will suffer due to its ignorance, and many who outwardly appear to be Christians but are not will suffer alongside the ungodly. God’s judgments are coming upon all nations of the earth as a result of rejecting Jesus. In contrast, His church awaits a reward for its patience and faith. He comes to save us from eternal death and His wrath, as the apostle Peter states in 1 Peter 1:5.
This verse describes how believers, through faith, are shielded by God’s power until the time when salvation will be revealed in the last days: “Through faith you are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” This salvation was not to be revealed in the past but in the last days, meaning the time when Jesus Christ returns to earth.
Those who believe that God has called them to claim blessings and enjoy the privilege of being children of the great King will not be able to endure this time of trial for all humanity. Biblical history demonstrates that God’s true servants have been tested through many trials. Men like David, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Elijah are testimonies that they obtained a good report but also serve as examples of what a servant of God must endure.
The natural man cannot understand how God sent His only Son to suffer such a cruel death to save people as wicked as we are. Similarly, true servants were persecuted, mistreated, and many were killed for obeying His word, as described in Hebrews 11:32-40. The heroes of faith died in terrible ways, endured much suffering, and maintained their faith and hope in the promise of an eternal inheritance.
God’s servants in the past were perfected through various trials and sufferings, just as the Lord’s disciples were when they began to be persecuted after the first martyr of the church was stoned. According to the biblical account in Acts 7:54-60, Stephen was stoned by members of the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) and other Jews who were offended by his speech. Stephen had accused his listeners of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus.
Furthermore, the text mentions that Saul, who would later be known as the apostle Paul, was present, watching over the garments of those who stoned him, indicating that he approved of the execution at that time. This is specifically found in Acts 7:58: “They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
This systematic persecution by the Jewish people became the opportunity that the writer of the book of Hebrews mentions in chapter 11 to achieve the perfection that Jesus said was necessary. They anticipated that time of persecution to reach the stature of the perfect man, meaning being like Jesus in His sufferings. For this reason, disciples like Peter rejoiced in the Lord when they were persecuted and afflicted, as mentioned in Acts 5:27-29: “The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,’ he said. ‘Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.’ Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!'”
Although the guilt of having crucified Jesus entirely lay with the religious authorities, they were offended that the disciples blamed them. For this reason, they persecuted them and sought to silence them. However, despite attempts to intimidate Jesus’ disciples, they understood that this persecution was part of God’s process of perfecting His church. Acts 5:40-41 mentions that being flogged was not enough to intimidate them or make them stop preaching about Jesus. On the contrary, it was the opportunity they had been waiting for to demonstrate that they were like Christ.
“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
For nearly 300 years, Jesus’ apostles and disciples were persecuted, mistreated, and many were killed until, in the third century, Emperor Constantine the First decided to pardon the Christians and even allowed them to take part in his government. From that point on, the Lord’s church was lost in time, and a religion arose that, calling itself Christian, mixed idols of stone, wood, and plaster with the names of the apostles.
Before Jesus’ return to earth, God will provide Christians of the last days with a period in which we will be perfected. This time of anguish and suffering will be, for the true people of God, a glorious time, as God will manifest His power and glory in a more impressive way than in the time of the apostles. In no way will this time be for punishing His true people; on the contrary, it will be a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out greatly, manifesting miracles and wonders never seen before.
At the same time that God’s power will be greatly manifested, the power of darkness will also manifest to persecute God’s children, just as it happened two thousand years ago. The persecution of the true children of God will come from the same congregations that, while calling themselves Christian, are actually instruments of Satan. If you would like to understand how and why this persecution began, I invite you to listen to our study titled “The Persecution of Christians.”
I want to emphasize that those who will be persecuted are the true people of God—not all modern Christians, especially those who claim to be Christians but live according to the world, lead disordered lives, yet attend congregations filled with lasciviousness, worldliness, lies, vices, and love of money. Their leaders are nothing but charlatans, soothsayers, and children of the devil who preach tales of how they speak with angels and demons.
They tell lies about how they ascend to the third heaven and speak with God face to face, yet they never preach the true Gospel of the Kingdom, nor do they preach against sin, nor demonstrate the true character of a genuine Christian through their actions. They never cite John 15:20, which says: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
God’s Word says that the true children of God must suffer in the same way as God’s servants of old and the disciples of Jesus. During this short period of time—three and a half years—God will manifest Himself powerfully in His true people and guide them through His Holy Spirit, as mentioned in the book of Acts. He does not want us to be in darkness, meaning without knowledge of these events, during His glorious manifestation, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:
“… While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness… For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God does not want us to remain in the darkness of ignorance. We have not been appointed to suffer God’s wrath; on the contrary, we have received the knowledge to be prepared, filled with the Holy Spirit to receive power from on high to perform miracles and wonders. But if you do not know what is coming to the earth, especially to God’s people, you will suffer greatly because you were not prepared.
Before Jesus’ return, Elijah will come to proclaim the day of the Lord’s vengeance.
The return of Jesus will be preceded by a prophetic ministry, very different from what we hear today. For now, we hear the first part of the prophecy in Isaiah 61, but soon we will hear a different message. We will hear of the day of the Lord’s vengeance.
Today, a message of love, reconciliation, goodwill, mercy, and forgiveness of sins is preached. However, just before Jesus returns, God’s judgments will be announced. He does not want His people to perish in those great catastrophes. For this reason, He will send His prophets to warn that His judgments are coming to earth, just as He did in the past.
This prophetic ministry will have the purpose of pointing out the wickedness of the people of Israel and the church. They will come to announce God’s judgments and call for holiness and integrity, and to the unbeliever, they will proclaim that God’s judgments are near, calling them to repentance, just as John the Baptist did. Matthew 3:7-10 mentions how he rebuked the Pharisees for their unbelief:
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.’”
The book of Revelation, chapter 10, verse 11 says: “Then I was told, ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.’” This prophetic ministry will have a global reach, not just in Israel as many suppose, because God will manifest Himself powerfully through them, performing wonders never seen before throughout the world. “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12.
The prophecy in Isaiah that Jesus did not read is the part that will be preached in the end times, just before the return of our Lord. The day of the Lord’s vengeance will be proclaimed as a testimony to the nations, and then the end will come. This prophetic ministry, which will announce Christ’s return to earth, will be sent in the same way that John the Baptist was sent. For the Lord says: “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” Malachi 4:5. The book of Revelation 11:3-4 also confirms this: “And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are ‘the two olive trees’ and the two lampstands, and ‘they stand before the Lord of the earth.’”
The book of Zechariah, chapter 4, verses 11-14, also confirms the ministry of these two prophets: “Then I asked the angel, ‘What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?’ Again I asked him, ‘What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?’ He replied, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ ‘No, my lord,’ I said. So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’” Zechariah 4:11-14.
Many scholars consider that the two olive trees mentioned in Zechariah 4 were Zerubbabel, the political governor, and Joshua, the high priest. Both led the reconstruction of the temple after the exile in Babylon. To them, Zerubbabel and Joshua are the two anointed ones mentioned in Zechariah 4. However, neither Zerubbabel nor Joshua fulfilled the prophecy, as Revelation 11:3-4 states that these two witnesses will come just before the end times. These two prophets will come to warn not only God’s people but the entire world that God’s judgments are near.
If we combine the prophecy in Zechariah 4, Revelation 11, and Matthew 17, where it is mentioned that Elijah will come first, we can deduce that the two prophets and the return of Elijah share the same purpose. The Bible says Elijah will be sent first because he has a key role in the spiritual preparation of the people before the coming of the Lord. The primary purpose of sending Elijah before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” is to prepare the people for the coming judgment. Elijah will be sent to restore the relationship between the church and its God and to call for genuine repentance. His mission is to reconcile families and restore hearts, preventing them from perishing when the Lord comes in judgment.
Elijah confronted the people of Israel, who had strayed into idolatry, and called them to return to the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Kings 18. The main event is the confrontation on Mount Carmel between the prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal, intended to prove who is the true God. This chapter focuses on the people of Israel, who had fallen into idolatry under the reign of Ahab and the influence of Jezebel, who promoted the worship of Baal.
Elijah challenged the people to decide between following the Lord or Baal and organized a test: each group would prepare a sacrifice, but the fire had to come from heaven. The prophets of Baal failed to make their god respond, while the Lord sent fire to consume Elijah’s sacrifice, proving that He is the one true God. The people of Israel, witnessing this, fell prostrate and acknowledged the Lord as their God.
The account culminates with the execution of the prophets of Baal and the end of a long drought, symbolizing the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. Elijah confronted the falsehood of false gods, and in the same way, his return in the last days would have a similar purpose: to call God’s people to repent and turn back to their Creator before the final judgment.
It would be false to believe that the church does not worship other gods, because the reality is that many Christians worship a god called Mammon. This word appears in the Bible to refer to wealth or money personified as a lord or master competing with God for people’s loyalty.
Jesus mentions it in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13, warning that no one can serve two masters: one cannot serve both God and Mammon. Although it is not a literal god, Mammon symbolizes idolatry toward money and material possessions. Jesus uses this figure to teach that wealth often takes the place of God in many believers’ lives, diverting their hearts from spiritual priorities.
The prophecy in Malachi about Elijah’s return is seen as preparation for the coming of the Messiah, just as John the Baptist did months before Jesus’ arrival. The Jews in Christ’s time expected Elijah to return in physical form, something that evidently did not happen in their time. However, Jesus confirmed this expectation when He said that John the Baptist came in the “spirit and power of Elijah,” as stated in Luke 1:17. This means Elijah came, but the people of Israel did not recognize him, partially fulfilling the prophecy. Nonetheless, Jesus said Elijah will come again in the end times.
In the context of the end times, many believe that Elijah will be sent as one of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11 to prepare the world before Christ’s second coming. His mission will be to warn the world of the imminent judgment and exhort Israel to repentance.
Some Christian schools of thought interpret that the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3-12 could be Elijah and Moses returning physically in the last days. This belief is based on their unique roles in biblical history: Elijah as a representative of the prophets and Moses of the Law. Additionally, both performed miracles similar to those described in the passage in Revelation, such as stopping the rain or turning water into blood. The prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, which states that Elijah will be sent before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord,” also supports this idea.
On the other hand, some interpret that the two witnesses are not literally Moses and Elijah but symbolic figures representing the prophets and the Law or two groups of believers who will preach in the last days. It is also noted that Jesus affirmed that John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Matthew 11:14), leading many to believe that the prophecy about Elijah has already been fulfilled. However, Jesus Himself said in Matthew 17:11, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things,” indicating that Elijah’s ministry is not yet complete.
Regarding the scope of their message, some believe their mission will be primarily directed toward Israel, given that Revelation mentions Jerusalem as the scene of their preaching. However, others argue that, while the emphasis may be on Israel, their message will have a global impact, as Revelation addresses events of universal scope.
While the widespread belief is that Elijah and Moses will physically return to earth to preach to Israel, the Word of God does not refer to Elijah himself but to the “Spirit of Elijah.” As we know, Elisha succeeded Elijah with a double portion of his spirit (2 Kings 2:9) after God took Elijah up. Elisha possessed the same spirit as Elijah, meaning he acted and thought similarly.
Moreover, Elisha also had the power to perform miracles. For example, he parted the Jordan River by striking its waters with Elijah’s cloak (2 Kings 2:13-15), purified contaminated water, raised a child from the dead, and healed a general of leprosy. Not only did he possess the power, but he also had the mindset of Elijah. In fact, anyone could have said that Elisha was like Elijah because of their similarities in power and conduct.
Another “Elijah” was John the Baptist. Although he did not perform miracles, he resembled Elijah in many ways, and the clearest evidence that he was the Elijah who was to come is that Jesus confirmed it. It is undeniable that Elijah will come before Jesus’ second coming, just as it is true that John the Baptist was Elijah. Jesus Himself confirmed this in Matthew 11:13-15: “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
These verses make it evident that John the Baptist was the Elijah prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. However, his return is still pending, as Jesus also mentioned. To understand this, one must have a deep perception and sharp spiritual hearing, as the Lord was referring to the “Spirit” of Elijah. It will not be John the Baptist who returns, nor Elijah in person, but a group of men filled with the spirit and power of Elijah.
Does this surprise you?
The Word of God says that Elijah comes first to restore and prepare the way for the Lord, just as John the Baptist did two thousand years ago. The disciples, like us, were eager to understand the events surrounding Jesus’ return and the end of the age. On one occasion, Jesus took His closest disciples to a mountain where He was transfigured; during this moment, Elijah and Moses appeared in a vision, transformed.
“The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:10-13.
The disciples were confused because the teachers of the law, based on Malachi 4:5-6, taught that Elijah must return before the coming of the Messiah to restore all things. The disciples had just witnessed the transfiguration, where they saw Jesus in His glory alongside Moses and Elijah, which sparked their doubt about the fulfillment of this prophecy.
Jesus clarified to them that John the Baptist was the Elijah prophesied in Malachi 4:5. The disciples seemed to understand this part; however, Jesus also mentioned: “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him.” Matthew 17:11-12.
Why did He not simply say that Elijah had already come, but instead said that he must come first and restore all things? This suggests that Elijah’s ministry is not yet complete. Even though Elijah has been glorified, he is expected to return to earth, but not in physical form. John, like Jesus, dedicated himself to proclaiming repentance and baptizing with water, but in no way to restoring all things or preaching the day of the Lord’s vengeance.
Elijah will come to restore all things before the day of the Lord’s vengeance.
The word “restoration” refers to the process of returning something to its original, improved, or more complete state. In a general sense, it involves repairing, renewing, or recovering something that has been damaged, degraded, or lost. Thus, Jesus was referring to something Elijah must restore to its original state. John the Baptist’s mission was to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ and call the people to repentance, announcing the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God. He was sent to prepare the hearts of the people of Israel to receive the Messiah.
John’s primary task was to preach a message of repentance. He urged people to turn away from their sins and return to God, baptizing them in the Jordan River as a symbol of that repentance and purification. His message not only involved personal repentance but also spiritual transformation in preparation for the arrival of the Kingdom of God. Despite his impact and popularity, John always recognized that his mission was secondary to Christ’s. In John 3:30, he said: “He must become greater; I must become less.” His ministry aimed to point to Jesus as the Messiah, not to take the spotlight.
Now, the church, like the people of Israel two thousand years ago, sacrifices to God in a routine and hollow manner. But when the spirit of Elijah returns to earth, it will announce Jesus’ return in a powerful way, just as John the Baptist did. Then, a movement of the Holy Spirit will begin in an unprecedented way, reaching its full expression with the return of Jesus.
The return of the “spirit of Elijah” to earth has the purpose of preparing the way for the Lord and aligning the believer’s heart before His judgments come. The Gospel of the Kingdom must be restored to its original state. We must return to the time of the early Christians; the Gospel of God must be preached in the same way the disciples preached and practiced it.
Please, I urge you to read the Bible and observe how the apostles lived. Read the Scriptures so you can realize that the Gospel Jesus taught is very different from what is preached today—if, indeed, the Word of God is even preached in your congregation. Unfortunately, in many congregations, God’s Word is not heard. They may spend hours singing, shouting, crying, and telling fantastical fables, but not preaching the Word of God.
The true Gospel of the Kingdom has been altered, mixed, and reduced to its minimal expression. Today, many false teachers present all kinds of doctrines, deceiving believers into following different gospels, such as the infamous “prosperity gospel,” the “gospel of growing in grace,” or the doctrine of “once saved, always saved,” among others. These false gospels and their proponents will ultimately be destroyed.
The message brought by those anointed with the “Spirit of Elijah” is to teach true believers to recognize the truth. It is to rescue the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the many modern denominational currents. The one true Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the earth, just as it was in the past. The Spirit of Elijah will rest upon God’s servants to prepare His people for their encounter with the Lord, just as John the Baptist did. Luke 1:16-17 says: “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
God’s Judgments Will Come Through His Servants
God will raise up a new prophetic movement whose purpose is to announce Jesus’ return to earth and to execute His judgments. We must remember that judgments come from God, not from the Antichrist or Satan. Only God has the power to bring vengeance and judgment upon the nations. Therefore, it is God who will send a message of judgment to all countries of the world through His servants, the prophets, who will proclaim the “Day of the Lord’s Vengeance.” They will unleash as many plagues as they wish upon all the inhabitants of the earth, not just Israel.
“And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are ‘the two olive trees’ and the two lampstands, and ‘they stand before the Lord of the earth.’ If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.” Revelation 11:3-7.
The Lord’s two witnesses will prophesy for three and a half years. During that time, they will bring great tribulation upon all the inhabitants of the earth. Imagine the consequences of a global drought! It will be something so terrible that its impact cannot be measured in current terms, as nothing like it has occurred in recent times. The loss of crops, the death of livestock, and the drying up of rivers will be so catastrophic that nations will collapse.
This is something many cannot even imagine, let alone consider that the Lord’s church—His true church—will be responsible for executing God’s judgments before the return of Jesus.
When Christ returns, it will be His holy angels who will execute His wrath upon the ungodly and wicked. The vast majority believe that this terrible time will be carried out by the Antichrist, but they cannot imagine it being caused by God’s people. These prophets will appear invincible and endowed with supernatural powers, as they will fight against anyone who tries to harm them. They will not be stopped in their mission to announce the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord. Anyone who tries to harm them will die in the same manner they attempted against them. This situation is similar to what Elijah faced against the priests of Baal, where God sent fire from heaven, as we can read in 1 Kings 18:36-40.
These men of God will demonstrate supernatural power, bringing plagues upon all the inhabitants of the earth who do not have the seal of God, which is the Holy Spirit. The power of these prophets can only be compared to the miracles manifested by Moses and Elijah: water turned into blood, plagues of lice, frogs, flies, boils, and others that will occur in the end times. For three and a half years, this will not cease—the plagues, miracles, drought, the movement of the stars, darkness, and fire mixed with sulfur falling to the earth will be events brought by these prophets of God, not by the Antichrist.
However, when they finish their testimony, the false prophet and the beast will rise against them and kill them. People will rejoice at their death because these prophets will torment humanity. These figures will bring chaos wherever they go. Many people will believe their message and repent of their wicked ways; however, the majority will not. Instead, they will blaspheme against God, especially when the plague of hail mixed with fire falls upon the earth. Revelation 8:7 describes a future event where hail mixed with fire is part of the judgments of the end times:
“The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.” Revelation 8:7.
Many believe that these plagues and judgments of God are allegorical and do not have a real and tangible fulfillment. However, if they believe in the plagues that God sent through Moses in Egypt, this half-hearted faith is common today. Many theologians, particularly those of the Reformed tradition, lean toward a “spiritual” or allegorical interpretation. Christian denominations differ in how they interpret the Bible, whether literally, spiritually, or allegorically, depending on their theological approach.
However, the Bible offers clear principles on how to interpret Scripture, emphasizing the importance of doing so under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the correct approach. A key point is found in 2 Peter 1:20-21, where we are taught that “no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” This highlights that biblical interpretation should not be subjective or based on personal opinions or denominational trends, but rather dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth. In John 16:13, He affirmed that the Spirit of truth would speak and help us understand what we need. This principle reminds us that as we study the Scriptures, we must pray and rely on the Holy Spirit for clarity. Additionally, the Bible itself establishes that Scripture explains Scripture. In Isaiah 28:10, it is mentioned that we should approach the Scriptures methodically: “For it is: Do this, do that; a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.” This means that no passage should be interpreted in isolation; context and comparison with other texts are essential, especially for prophecies, which may be embedded in seemingly unrelated passages.
On the other hand, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the practical purpose of Scripture, stating that it is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This means that biblical interpretation should lead to a change in our daily lives, helping us live righteously and be prepared for every good work. Additionally, we are encouraged to examine the Word with humility and a willingness to learn, as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11. They received the teaching with enthusiasm but also verified daily in the Scriptures whether what they heard was true. This is a model for how we should approach Bible study: with an open yet critical and careful attitude.
Lastly, the Bible warns against the danger of twisting Scripture. In 2 Peter 3:16, it mentions that some distort difficult texts to their own destruction, especially Paul’s letters. This reminds us to handle the Word with respect and responsibility, avoiding interpretations that distort the original message. Interpreting Scripture requires humility, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The Bible must be studied in its context, considering how its parts interrelate, and always with the goal of spiritually building our lives and drawing closer to God through a coherent message. This approach protects us from error and helps us understand the divine purpose revealed in the Scriptures.
Remember that the book of Revelation is a revelation that God gave to Jesus Christ and sent to John through an angel. This revelation must be listened to carefully, as stated in Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Having said this, let us continue with some of the events that will take place in the end times.
One of the greatest plagues that will cause significant devastation on earth is the plague of enormous hailstones: “From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.” Revelation 16:21. This verse demonstrates the hardness of the human heart even in the midst of divine judgments. Instead of repenting, people react with blasphemy against God. It is a powerful image of how some will resist even during the most critical moments of God’s judgment.
God’s judgments on the unbelieving people will soon come through His prophets, as has always happened. There is nothing new or different about the way God acts. No matter what you may have learned in the past, Scripture confirms time and time again that God will do nothing without first revealing it to His servants, the prophets. This means that there are still true prophets of God on earth. “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7.
“Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them… For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language, and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth. But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them.” Revelation 11:7-11.
These prophets of God will follow the same steps as the Master. They will die when they have completed their mission, and their executioners will think they have triumphed. But the Father of Glory will raise them, and they will ascend to heaven to receive their marvelous reward.
For three and a half years, God’s prophets will torment the inhabitants of the earth. Despite this, they will not yield; on the contrary, they will rejoice when these men of God are killed because they caused great calamity. Conversely, the false prophet will rise as a champion of peace and justice, deceiving people into believing his diabolical and deceitful doctrines.
The Bible warns in several passages that false prophets will perform miraculous signs to deceive people. In Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22, Jesus declares that these false prophets will perform great signs and wonders, even with the ability to deceive, if possible, the elect. In Revelation 13:13-14, it is mentioned that the false prophet, allied with the beast, will perform astonishing miracles, such as bringing fire down from heaven, to persuade the inhabitants of the earth.
These passages emphasize the ability of false prophets to use supernatural signs as tools of deception, highlighting the importance of discernment through the Holy Spirit to avoid being led astray from the truth.
This confrontation of powers will lead true Christians to be persecuted by those who defend other gospels. They will claim that these prophets are enemies of humanity because they have brought great harm to the world, while portraying the Beast as the forerunner of the long-awaited world peace and economic prosperity. Both God’s prophets and their disciples will be persecuted, just as in the time of the apostles.
But this time, God will move quickly against His enemies, and all those who were not baptized by the Holy Spirit will suffer the consequences of their disobedience and unbelief: “They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.” Revelation 9:4-6.
We must remember that only two sides exist: with God or against Him. There are no middle grounds. Therefore, if you have not been sealed by the Holy Spirit, you will be sealed by the Beast. The seal of the Beast will not be a physical mark, as Satan does not force anyone to sin against God but deceives them into doing so. In this way, false Christians will persecute and kill many true Christians, convinced and persuaded that this is the right thing to do—just as Paul persecuted Christians, believing that by killing them, he was doing a service to God.
When Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will utterly destroy those who did not receive Him as Lord and Savior, and they will suffer the consequences of their disobedience: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war… The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
And on his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair: ‘Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.'” Revelation 19:11-19.
The great supper of God is not for drinking wine but for witnessing the destruction of the wicked on the earth. Now, one might ask: What will happen to us if we reach this point?
The book of the prophet Isaiah 26:20 gives us the answer: “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.” And God’s word is confirmed again in Zephaniah 2:3: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.”
Finally, both Paul and Peter clearly teach that the salvation offered by God through Jesus Christ will deliver us from divine wrath. In Romans 5:9, Paul says: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him.” Paul makes it clear that those who have been justified by Christ will not face divine judgment. This same thought is reinforced in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, where Paul declares: “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” Additionally, in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, he affirms: “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,” underscoring that believers are not destined to experience God’s wrath but to receive salvation when God’s wrath is poured out upon the nations, just as the Israelites were preserved during the calamities the Egyptians went through when they left Egypt. Even though the Israelites were in the midst of God’s wrath, they were miraculously protected, because God knows who is and who is not a true Christian. On the day of His wrath, “The Lord gives the command, and the great is his camp; mighty is the one who executes his word. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?” Joel 2:11.
In Micah 7:15, God promises to show us wonders similar to those He performed when bringing Israel out of Egypt: “As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders.” God will act with power to protect and care for His people, just as He did in the past. God will not take you out of the earth before these things happen; He will lead you through the wilderness and show you all His wonders so that you can praise and thank Him for His salvation in the midst of distress.
Peter also addresses this theme, highlighting God’s patience in 2 Peter 3:9, where he says: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” In 2 Peter 2:9, he adds: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment,” indicating that God protects the righteous and delivers them from the punishment reserved for the ungodly.
In summary, both Paul and Peter agree that salvation is a means of being delivered from God’s wrath, offering a sure hope for those who trust in Christ. The end times will be terrible days for those who do not have Christ as their Savior. For them, God’s wrath is reserved, and there is no way they can escape these judgments. Amos 9:2-4 says: “Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. Though they are in captivity before their enemies, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good.”
There is no way to escape the wrath of God, but there is a way to be saved from His wrath. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, and if you are already a Christian, repent of your evil ways and seek the Lord with all your heart, because “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36.
