Topical Bible: Reaping: The Judgments of God on the Antichristian World

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of reaping, particularly in the context of divine judgment, is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing the inevitable consequences of human actions and the ultimate justice of God. In the eschatological framework, reaping often refers to the judgments that God will execute upon the antichristian world, culminating in the end times.

Biblical Foundation

The imagery of reaping is vividly portrayed in the Book of Revelation, where it is associated with the final judgment. Revelation 14:14-16 states: "Then I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, 'Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest; for the crop of the earth is ripe.' So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested."

This passage depicts Christ, the Son of Man, executing judgment upon the earth. The "sharp sickle" symbolizes the swiftness and decisiveness of divine judgment, while the "ripe" crop indicates that the time for judgment has fully come, as the wickedness of the antichristian world has reached its zenith.

The Antichristian World

The antichristian world refers to the collective opposition to God and His purposes, characterized by rebellion, idolatry, and moral corruption. Throughout Scripture, this world system is depicted as being under the influence of the "spirit of the antichrist" (1 John 4:3), which denies the truth of Christ and leads people away from God.

In the end times, this opposition will culminate in the rise of the Antichrist, a figure who embodies ultimate rebellion against God. Revelation 13 describes the beast, empowered by Satan, who deceives the inhabitants of the earth and demands worship. The antichristian world, under the sway of the beast, will face the full measure of God's wrath.

Judgment and Justice

The reaping of the antichristian world is an expression of God's perfect justice. Galatians 6:7 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." This principle of sowing and reaping underscores the moral order established by God, where actions have consequences.

In the context of the end times, the reaping signifies the culmination of God's patience and the execution of His righteous judgment. Revelation 16 details the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath upon the earth, targeting those who have aligned themselves with the Antichrist and rejected God's truth.

The Harvest of the Righteous and the Wicked

The reaping also involves a separation between the righteous and the wicked. In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains that at the end of the age, the angels will gather the weeds (representing the wicked) to be burned, while the wheat (representing the righteous) will be gathered into the barn (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). This separation highlights the ultimate vindication of God's people and the establishment of His kingdom.

The Call to Repentance

The impending judgment serves as a call to repentance and faith in Christ. Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The warnings of judgment are coupled with invitations to turn from sin and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

In summary, the reaping of the antichristian world is a profound biblical theme that underscores the certainty of God's judgment, the justice of His ways, and the hope of redemption for those who turn to Him in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 14:14-16
And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and on the cloud one sat like to the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... ensuing discourse"now with God, reaping the fruit ... hammers of ten terrible judgments,
immediately succeeding one another, yet continued hardened against God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

The Mystery
... wound, was healed, and all the world followed, wondering ... And "he opened his mouth
against God," &c. ... should we represent to ourselves an antichristian beast, of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... more incapable of receiving instruction, or reaping advantage, by ... by the mighty power
of God; such a ... Hand to set forth their several Judgments concerning the ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm