Like the fourth trumpet, the heavens are again affected,
especially the sun. In the fourth trumpet one-third of the
sun, moon, and stars are affected diminishing their light by
one-third. The earth will have been living under these
conditions all these months between these judgments as a
constant appeal to men to repent. Now, by contrast, only the
sun is affected and its condition is here reversed. Rather
than being diminished it is now increased in its intensity
Whether this is caused by the earth and sun moving closer
together or simply that God increases the heat of the sun we
do not know. The point is, God will increase the intensity
of the sun’s heat and light rays to such a degree that it
will scorch and burn the skin of men. Some scientists claim
we are not experiencing global warming while others maintain
the earth is cooling off.
Evidently, believers will somehow be protected from this.
“And men were scorched with fierce heat and they blasphemed
the name of God.” This again demonstrates two things: (a)
men clearly recognize the source of the plagues, but (b)
they will have become so hardened in their souls they refuse
to repent. They will have reached the point of no return.
This was clear when they took the mark of the beast.
This hardening of the heart poses a warning for all of us.
Anyone who becomes negative toward the Lord, grows
indifferent to His Word, and ignores the convicting ministry
of the Holy Spirit, can begin to harden his heart and become
more and more callused (Hebrews 3:7f; Ephesians 4:17-19).
One way we can see such a condition developing in our lives
is, by the way we murmur and complain or look for “pity
parties” among our friends. This is a sure indication that
the heart has become somewhat hardened (Hebrews 3:7-19; 1
Corinthians. 10:5-10).
