If, and I emphasize “if,” the Lord’s return is near, we are about to enter a time tribulation. The Bible says at the end of the age, no economy on Earth will prosper. Only food (not gold) will retain its value. People will spend a whole day’s wages just for enough to feed themselves (Rev. 6:6). Those who trust in the things of this world for their security will find they have nothing.
The Book of Revelation calls them “Earth Dwellers” (3:10). Earth Dwellers will be judged. The word “dwellers” refers to where one’s heart is—not just one’s physical location. In contrast to believers who are aliens and sojourners upon the earth (1 Pet. 2:11) and whose hope is heavenward (Heb. 11:13-16), these that dwell upon the earth are trusting in man and their environment.
Like much New Testament terminology, “earth dwellers” is also found in the Old Testament, occurring almost 50 times. And every use of “earth dwellers” in the Old Testament appears in a context of judgment, just as it does in the book of Revelation.
I do not know whether or not the times ahead of us are the beginning of the end. But I do know this: we are at a time in history when everyone who says his home, citizenship, and focus is heavenward is about to be tested. As we see the world’s economy falter, it is now— more than ever—a time to “set your mind (and affections) on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
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