Revelation 9:21

Furthermore, they did not repent of their murder, sorcery, sexual immorality, and theft.

Study Bible

Furthermore, they did not repent
This phrase highlights the persistent hardness of heart among those who experience the judgments described in Revelation. The call to repentance is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's desire for humanity to turn from sin and seek forgiveness (2 Peter 3:9). The refusal to repent despite witnessing divine judgments echoes the stubbornness of Pharaoh in Exodus, who repeatedly hardened his heart against God’s signs and wonders.

of their murder
Murder, the unlawful taking of life, is condemned throughout Scripture, beginning with the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). In the context of Revelation, this may refer to both literal acts of violence and the spiritual murder of hatred (1 John 3:15). The prevalence of murder in the end times reflects a society that has rejected God's law and embraced chaos and lawlessness.

sorcery
The term "sorcery" is translated from the Greek word "pharmakeia," which can refer to the use of drugs, potions, or magical arts. In the ancient world, sorcery was often associated with idolatry and the manipulation of spiritual forces. The Bible consistently condemns such practices (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), as they represent a reliance on powers other than God. This highlights the spiritual deception prevalent in the end times.

sexual immorality
Sexual immorality encompasses a range of behaviors outside the boundaries of biblical sexual ethics, which are rooted in the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). The prevalence of such immorality in Revelation reflects a society that has abandoned God's design for human relationships, paralleling the moral decline seen in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30).

and theft
Theft, the act of taking what does not belong to oneself, violates the commandment "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). In the context of Revelation, theft may symbolize not only physical stealing but also the broader injustice and exploitation characterizing the end times. This reflects a world where materialism and greed have supplanted righteousness and justice.

Each of these sins represents a rejection of God's commandments and a refusal to acknowledge His authority. The persistence in these behaviors despite divine warnings underscores the depth of human rebellion and the need for divine intervention to restore righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Unrepentant People
This verse refers to those who, despite the plagues and judgments described earlier in Revelation, refuse to repent of their sins. They represent a hardened humanity resistant to God's call for repentance.

2. The Plagues
The context of this verse is the series of judgments unleashed upon the earth, specifically the sixth trumpet judgment, which is part of the larger account of God's wrath being poured out in the end times.

3. John the Apostle
The author of Revelation, who received these visions while exiled on the island of Patmos. He serves as the recorder of these divine revelations.

4. The Four Sins
The specific sins mentioned—murder, sorcery, sexual immorality, and theft—are indicative of the moral decay and rebellion against God prevalent in the end times.

5. The Trumpet Judgments
A series of catastrophic events described in Revelation, intended to bring about repentance and demonstrate God's sovereignty and justice.

Teaching Points

The Call to Repentance
Despite severe judgments, the refusal to repent highlights the importance of a heart willing to turn back to God. Believers are called to examine their own lives and repent of any sin.

The Reality of Sin
The specific sins mentioned are not just ancient issues but are prevalent today. Christians must be vigilant against these temptations and seek holiness.

God's Patience and Justice
God's judgments are both a demonstration of His justice and an opportunity for repentance. His patience should not be mistaken for tolerance of sin.

The Urgency of the Gospel
The unrepentant nature of humanity underscores the urgency of sharing the Gospel. Believers are called to be witnesses in a world resistant to God's truth.

Spiritual Warfare
The mention of sorcery points to the reality of spiritual warfare. Christians must be aware of and combat spiritual deception with the truth of God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the refusal to repent in Revelation 9:21 reveal about the human heart, and how can we guard against a similar attitude in our own lives?

2. How do the sins listed in Revelation 9:21 manifest in today's society, and what steps can we take to address them within our communities?

3. In what ways do the trumpet judgments in Revelation parallel the plagues in Egypt, and what can we learn from these events about God's character?

4. How does understanding the reality of spiritual warfare, as hinted at by the mention of sorcery, change the way we approach our daily walk with Christ?

5. Considering the urgency of the Gospel message, how can we effectively share the hope of repentance and salvation with those who are resistant to God's truth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7-11
The plagues of Egypt serve as a parallel to the judgments in Revelation, both intended to lead people to repentance and acknowledge God's power.

Romans 1:18-32
This passage describes humanity's descent into sin and God's wrath against unrighteousness, similar to the unrepentant nature of people in Revelation 9:21.

Galatians 5:19-21
Lists the works of the flesh, including some of the same sins mentioned in Revelation 9:21, highlighting the ongoing struggle against sin.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
Describes the moral decline in the last days, echoing the unrepentant attitudes seen in Revelation.