October 8, 2022

Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Revelation 9:1-2

Mentioned once again is the fallen star from heaven, also known as the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). This is the same star that poisoned the waters, the gospel message, in the third trumpet. Known as Abaddon and Apollyon, meaning Destruction and Destroyer (v.11), he can do only as much damage as God allows. Remember that the trumpets of Revelation 8, 9, and 11:15 depict divine judgements against apostasy and godlessness.  

The bottomless pit, also known as the abyss, refers to the earth in a chaotic state as the abode and prison house of Satan and one-third of the angels who followed him (see Luke 8:31; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-9). Because of the rejection of the Savior, our world has been on a continuing course toward chaos and away from the beautiful order that Yahweh had created. When our adversary is allowed the key to the bottomless pit, he and his demons are given an additional measure of freedom to do their destructive work.

The last three woes are frightening, but true followers of Christ need not be fearful. Instead, we must focus on the return of Jesus and prepare others that they may avoid the deadly minefield of deceptions laid out, one after another, by our enemy. False teachings, when compared to truth, actually serve to heighten the contrast. Satan is subtle and crafty, but a firm handle on Biblical truth renders his devices more readily recognizable. Our continued sanctification will only sharpen our alertness and discernment to deceptions from the bottomless pit. The word of God comes for this purpose, according to Jesus:

“…to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18